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Kyoto

Shigetsu is highly regarded for its authentic shojin ryori, offering a serene dining experience within the historic Tenryu-ji Temple grounds. Guests appreciate the seasonal variety and presentation of dishes, as well as the tranquil garden setting.

Shigetsu: un'esperienza culinaria autentica nel cuore di Kyoto

Situato nel magico contesto del Tempio Tenryu-ji, Shigetsu offre un'esperienza di ristorazione unica, immersa nella tradizione giapponese e nella serenità dei giardini storici di Kyoto. Questo ristorante è il luogo ideale per chi desidera gustare la vera cucina shojin ryori, un'arte culinaria vegetariana che rispetta le antiche pratiche buddiste.

Asia

Japan

Nel cuore di Kyoto, il Tempio Tenryuji Shigetsu si distingue come un'oasi di serenità e raffinatezza, offrendo un'esperienza culinaria autentica e coinvolgente. Questo ristorante, situato in un contesto storico e spirituale, invita i visitatori a immergersi in un'atmosfera che unisce tradizione e innovazione gastronomica.

Serene locale operated in a Buddhist temple offering vegetarian fixed-price meals.

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Fantastic vegan meal with no pungent veg (onion and garlic). Simple, exceptionally well cooked and presented food. Either come early, 11am, or book a day in advance. You have to pay to enter the garden of the temple before you can get into the restaurant. Of note were: Sesame tofu and perfectly cooked eggplant. Well worth the 3800 yen and well run. Even with lots of people there they control the numbers and give everyone space to enjoy the meal. I came specifically to this area of Kyoto for this experience.

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This was one my favorite meals on my trip, so memorable! They seated us after walking up with no reservation. The food felt so comforting yet elegant and was very filling. It felt like it was cooked with love! Go if you have the chance!

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places/ChIJxWDbqAGqAWARVFKptreTKe8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidm9McjV3RRAB

Perfect dining experience. Easily the best vegetarian meal I’ve ever had. Beautiful location and everyone was so nice and welcoming. Highly recommend a visit.

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places/ChIJxWDbqAGqAWARVFKptreTKe8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyc3ZlZEt3EAE

Amazing experience of shojin ryori, vegetarian monk meal. People sit on the floor along the walls (but some seniors who could not were accomodated) facing the middle and enjoy a multiple course vegetarian dishes. I had mostly no idea what I was eating and 80% was very delicious. My absolute favorite was eggplant covered with sweet miso. If you are a foody - don't miss this.
Wear nice socks, you'll take the shoes off.

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After completing a cycling tour of Arashiyama, two friends and I decided to find food. We stumbled upon this charming temple restaurant after walking around in circles. As we hadn't booked, there was only a set menu available for 3,800 yen.

We sat on Tatami mats and enjoyed each of the different flavours. Green tea was provided also.

The atmosphere was serene and relaxing. If you buy a ticket for the garden, you can enter the restaurant too.

Ristorante Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu a Kyoto: Esperienza Culinaria Autentica

Shigetsu, established in 1993, is a Zen vegetarian restaurant located within the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. It offers traditional shojin ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, using seasonal plant-based ingredients. The restaurant has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand designation by the Michelin Guide.

Tenryu-ji temple history and legacy in kyoto japan.

Nestled in the picturesque Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Tenryu-ji Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage and exquisite Japanese aesthetics. Founded in 1339 by the influential Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, this historic Zen Buddhist temple is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for its breathtaking gardens and cultural impact.

The temple was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history when Zen Buddhism was flourishing. Construction was swiftly completed by 1345, establishing Tenryu-ji as a major religious and cultural center. The temple’s first chief priest, the revered Zen master Muso Soseki, was not only a spiritual leader but also a visionary garden designer.

Muso Soseki designed the temple’s iconic Sogenchi Garden, a strolling pond garden that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Japanese landscaping. This garden has been admired for centuries for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and spiritual symbolism, offering visitors a tranquil escape into serene surroundings.

Throughout its long history, Tenryu-ji has faced numerous challenges, including devastating fires that necessitated multiple reconstructions. Despite these setbacks, the temple has been carefully restored each time, preserving its historical and architectural integrity. Its resilience underscores the deep cultural importance it holds within Japan and beyond.

In 1994, Tenryu-ji Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its status as a treasure of global cultural heritage. This recognition highlights not only the temple’s architectural and natural beauty but also its role in the development of Zen Buddhism and Japanese garden design.

 - Tenryu-ji Temple founded by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji.

 - Completion of the temple’s construction, establishing its prominence.

 - Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring its cultural significance.

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Reservations

Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu offers a serene dining experience within a Buddhist temple, specializing in vegetarian fixed-price meals that reflect the artistry of Japanese cuisine and the beauty of its surroundings.

Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu

Experience traditional Zen vegetarian cuisine at Shigetsu, located within the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple. Our menu features seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, plant-based ingredients, harmonizing with Buddhist ideals.

Yuki (Snow)

Tsuki (Moon)

Hana (Flower)

Shigetsu Zen Vegetarian Cuisine Menu

Nestled within the tranquil grounds of Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, Shigetsu offers an extraordinary dining experience centered on traditional Zen vegetarian cuisine. This serene setting complements a menu deeply rooted in Japanese temple food culture, featuring carefully crafted seasonal dishes that highlight subtle flavors without the use of pungent vegetables like onions or garlic. Each meal is a harmonious journey, thoughtfully prepared to nourish both body and spirit.

While the Shigetsu menu is primarily composed of set courses rather than à la carte starters, guests often mention the standout sesame tofu as a favorite opening dish. This delicately textured tofu exemplifies the Zen cooking philosophy, offering simplicity and elegance in every bite. Another highlight that guests cherish is the perfectly cooked eggplant glazed with sweet miso, which balances savory and sweet notes beautifully and is frequently praised as a must-try.

The heart of Shigetsu's menu lies in its elegant fixed-price sets, each thoughtfully composed to offer a diverse range of seasonal flavors and textures. The three main courses are named after natural elements, reflecting the Zen appreciation for nature:

A complete meal featuring rice, soup, and six delicate side dishes that showcase seasonal vegetables and traditional flavors.

A slightly lighter set with rice, soup, and five side dishes, perfect for those seeking a balanced yet satisfying meal.

The most elaborate course with rice, soup, and seven side dishes, delivering a rich variety of flavors and textures that celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients.

Completing the meal, Shigetsu serves refined desserts that complement the Zen culinary philosophy—light, subtly sweet, and elegantly presented. While specific dessert offerings may vary with the seasons, guests often enjoy traditional Japanese sweets that provide a gentle finish to their dining experience. Accompanying the meal, visitors can savor freshly brewed green tea, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere and harmonizing with the vegetal flavors of the cuisine. The restaurant also offers beer to those wishing for a refreshing beverage.

Shigetsu's fixed-price Zen vegetarian meals

 are not only a feast for the palate but also a spiritual journey. The serene temple setting invites diners to slow down and savor each course with mindfulness, surrounded by the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture and garden views. Seating on tatami mats encourages a connection to the space and culture, making each meal here an unforgettable cultural immersion in Kyoto's rich heritage.

Scopri il fascino del Tempio Tenryuji Shigetsu a Kyoto: un'oasi di pace, storia e cultura giapponese. Vivi un'esperienza unica tra tranquillità e spiritualità. Prenota ora!

Ristorante Tenryuji a Kyoto, esperienze culinarie tradizionali

Kyoto City

A set meal featuring rice, soup, and five seasonal side dishes, offering a taste of traditional shojin ryori.

Zen Vegetarian Cuisine

A set meal featuring rice, soup, and six seasonal side dishes, providing a more elaborate shojin ryori experience.

A set meal featuring rice, soup, and seven seasonal side dishes, offering an extensive shojin ryori experience.

Scopri l'esperienza culinaria zen al Tempio Tenryuji Shigetsu a Kyoto

Un'oasi di tranquillità e sapori autentici nella storica Kyoto, il Tempio Tenryuji Shigetsu offre un'esperienza gastronomica unica che incarna la filosofia zen in ogni piatto.

Cucina vegetale Zen: un viaggio attraverso i sapori stagionali

Il menu del ristorante si distingue per le sue proposte di cucina vegetariana Zen, un'arte culinaria che unisce semplicità e raffinatezza, rispettando le stagioni e l'equilibrio naturale.

Il ristorante offre tre opzioni di menu che permettono di esplorare la tradizione shojin ryori, un'autentica cucina buddista vegetariana, in diverse varianti di ricchezza e complessità. Ogni pasto include riso, zuppa e una selezione di side dishes stagionali, offrendo un'armoniosa esperienza di sapori e benessere.

Menu base a 3800 JPY: riso, zuppa e cinque contorni stagionali.

Menu intermedio a 6500 JPY: riso, zuppa e sei contorni stagionali, per un'esperienza più ricca.

Menu completo a 9000 JPY: riso, zuppa e sette contorni stagionali, per un'esperienza gastronomica completa.

Nestled in the historic ambiance of the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu offers an enchanting dining experience steeped in tradition. This serene locale, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, specializes in shojin ryori, a meticulous form of vegetarian cuisine traditionally served by Buddhist monks. The restaurant's emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients creates a culinary journey that is both memorable and visually stunning.

Serene dining environment within a UNESCO World Heritage site

Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Garden admission fee required in addition to meal cost

Limited operating hours (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

Reservations required for certain set meals

Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu is perfect for those seeking an authentic culinary experience, particularly vegetarians and food enthusiasts. Whether you are a visitor to Kyoto or a local resident, this peaceful sanctuary is ideal for a special occasion, a reflective meal, or simply to enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese cuisine in a serene atmosphere.

Before heading to Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu, guests should be aware that a garden admission fee is required before entering the restaurant. Additionally, securing a reservation is highly recommended, especially if you wish to enjoy a full meal experience. The restaurant operates within a limited timeframe from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and it is important to plan your visit accordingly.

In conclusion, Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu is more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural experience that celebrates the art of vegetarian dining in a tranquil temple setting. With its commitment to authenticity and quality, this dining destination is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore the flavors of Kyoto's culinary heritage.

Shojin ryori is a traditional vegetarian cuisine served in Buddhist temples, emphasizing seasonal and local ingredients.

Yes, making a reservation is recommended, particularly for the set meals, to ensure you have a spot.

Dress comfortably, and remember to wear nice socks as you'll be removing your shoes before entering.

While the environment is serene, it may not be suited for young children as it primarily serves a formal dining experience.

Kyoto Prefecture

Experience traditional shojin ryori at Shigetsu, within Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage site, offering seasonal vegetarian dishes in a serene garden setting. Book now!

Kyoto Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu - Authentic Zen Vegetarian Cuisine

Discover Kyoto's Shigetsu, a Buddhist temple restaurant serving exquisite vegetarian meals with seasonal ingredients, perfect for cultural and culinary explorers.

Kyoto Shigetsu Temple Restaurant - Unique Vegan & Zen Dining

Enjoy a tranquil vegetarian dining experience at Shigetsu, located within Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto, featuring seasonal, plant-based dishes and scenic gardens.

MUKU

Ryotei Rangetsu