Shojin Ryori Food Experiences(12)
Kyoto Cooking Class: Vegan Sushi With a Professional Chef
Learn how to make vegan sushi with a professional English-speaking sushi chef in Kyoto! Make eight types of sushi using two types of rice (germinated & white), cultivate lifelong cooking skills, & then enjoy your handmade sushi lunch.
Wakayama: Fire Prayer & Lunch in a 1,200-Year-Old Temple
Delve into Buddhist history and cuisine in this private experience in the ancient Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama. Taste authentic vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) and experience a goma fire prayer ritual performed by monks.
Vegan & Halal Cooking in Osaka: Make a Ichiju Sansai Meal
Healthy, balanced, and delicious Japanese cuisine made halal, vegan and vegetarian-friendly — delve into the essence of traditional cooking with the ichiju sansai meal structure in this welcoming Osaka cooking class in Namba.
Vegan and Shojin Style Cooking Workshop
Learn about the basics of traditional Buddhist Shojin cuisine and cook various vegetarian dishes! Experience includes a specialist-guided Shojin cuisine cooking session, mini-lectures and a goma dofu demonstration - all in English!
Mt. Takao Hiking Tour & Vegan Zen Food (Shojin Ryori)
On this tour of scenic Mt. Takao, hike through nature and visit centuries-old Yakuo-in temple, where you’ll discover the history of this heritage site and enjoy a traditional Zen Buddhist lunch that is both vegan and vegetarian.
Brewery Town Walk & Buddhist Temple Cooking in Kinomoto
Experience the road less traveled in Kinomoto Brewery Town! Engage with the local community, participate in a cooking workshop at Myorakuji Buddhist Temple, and walk the town's breweries and shops.
Healthy Japanese Home Cooking Class in Tokyo (Setagaya)
Enjoy a healthy, sugar-free Japanese meal in this home cooking class in central Tokyo that can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal-friendly options. Make rolled omelet, onigiri rice balls, soup, mochi, and more!
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka: Zen Temple Meditation & Shojin Ryori
Experience Zen in this one-day experience at Okuyama Houkouji, a centuries-old temple in the mountains of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. Find peace through zazen meditation, partake in monk activities and enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist lunch (shojin ryori).
Vegan Shojin Ryori Buddhist Meal Cooking Class in Shizuoka
Savor the fresh flavors of local vegetables as you make a vegan shojin ryori meal in this private home cooking class in Shizuoka. Make classic dishes like vegetable tempura and goma dofu as you discover the traditions of Buddhist cooking.
Temple Walk and Buddhist Cuisine Experience in Shimane
At a designated national Cultural Property, explore the grounds of a temple in Shimane. Then, at a restaurant specializing in Shojin Ryori, the vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, experience a sumptuous feast of vegetables, grains, seaweed, rice, and tofu.
Temple Stay at Kakurinbo: Shojin Ryori and Matsuri
Traditional Buddhist and craft experiences in the heart of Yamanashi prefecture. Walk in the footsteps of monks as you tour Minobusan's temple and town, stay overnight, and enjoy vegetarian shojin ryori cusine.
Stay at 100-Year-Old House in Yamanashi with Shojin Ryori
Experience a slower pace of life at the peaceful 100-year-old house near the historical Kakurinbo Temple. Enjoy vegetarian shojin ryori and a special matsuri presentation.
Recent Reviews from GuestsDiscover the Essence of Shojin Ryori
Shojin Ryori is an exquisite form of Japanese cuisine that embodies mindfulness and tradition. Originating from Buddhist temples, it features a vegetarian diet designed to promote balance, health, and spiritual simplicity. In Japan, enjoying Shojin Ryori is not only about tasting the food but also about connecting with a centuries-old philosophy. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover the harmony of seasonal ingredients crafted into beautiful and nutritious meals. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to Japanese cuisine, Shojin Ryori offers a unique food experience that enchants the senses and nurtures the soul.
Experience the Unique Flavors and Rituals
In a typical Shojin Ryori meal, you'll encounter a variety of small dishes, each meticulously prepared to capture the essence of its ingredients. The focus is on using fresh, seasonal produce to create flavors that are pure and vibrant. Key ingredients often include tofu, sesame seeds, and seasonal vegetables such as daikon radish, burdock, and spinach. Each dish is crafted to maintain its integrity, often served simply with broth or lightly seasoned. The preparation aligns with the Buddhist principle of balancing flavor without overwhelming the senses. During your experience, you'll also learn about the rituals associated with this cuisine, such as the importance of presentation and the zen-like calm that comes from appreciating each bite.
Participate in a Culinary Tradition
Engaging with Shojin Ryori doesn't stop at eating; it invites you to understand its roots and practices. Many food experiences offer you the chance to cook Shojin Ryori yourself, guided by experienced chefs who share their knowledge of this ancient practice. It's an opportunity to delve into the art of chopping, steaming, and simmering with an emphasis on creating meals that respect the inherent qualities of each ingredient. You might also participate in tea ceremonies, offering a complete immersion into the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of Japanese culinary arts. This hands-on experience not only enhances your appreciation of Shojin Ryori but also endows you with skills and stories to share long after your culinary adventure ends.
Find More from Japan