Shojin-ryori is the name of a Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that came to Japan from China with Zen Buddhism in the twelfth century.
The Shojin-ryori cuisine on offer at Tenryuji temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is served by monks, and is supposed to satisfy not only the palate, but also the soul. The food is famed for harmonising six basic flavours; bitter, sour, sweet, salty, mild, and spicy.
Meals are served facing a picturesque garden with stunning scenery and an impressive temple complex.
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Find out more about Tenryu-ji.
Ben Beechey @ben.beechey
I moved to Japan in late 2007 and lived in the beautiful mountainous setting of Nagano-ken for two very fun years. Although the scenery in Nagano was stunning and the snowboarding conditions second to none, I decided to try life in the fast lane and moved to Tokyo in 2009. I have been in Tokyo si...