Shigetsu Zen vegetarian cuisine menu overview

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.

starters and specials

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.

mains

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:

Tsuki (Moon): A complete meal featuring rice, soup, and six delicate side dishes that showcase seasonal vegetables and traditional flavors.
Yuki (Snow): A slightly lighter set with rice, soup, and five side dishes, perfect for those seeking a balanced yet satisfying meal.
Hana (Flower): 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.

desserts and drinks

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.

unique dining experience

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.

4.5

Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８

075-882-9725

Closed - Opens 11:00 AM

Monday

11:00–14:00

Tuesday

11:00–14:00

Wednesday

11:00–14:00

Thursday

Closed