Brewery Town Walk & Buddhist Temple Cooking in Kinomoto

Embark on a journey of enlightenment that will connect you to a rural community, teach you lifelong cooking skills, and contribute to your daily step count! Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Shiga prefecture, Kinomoto is a town that offers a peaceful retreat from the chaos of city life. Kinomoto is bursting with history, a strong sense of community, and a culinary culture that's been passed down amongst the townspeople. One of its most captivating attractions is Myorakuji Temple–a national heritage site and spiritual gathering place for the local community. Your adventure will begin at JR Maibara station (accessible via Shinkansen and only 20 minutes from Kyoto), where you'll embark on a scenic train ride towards JR Kinomoto station. Upon arrival, you’ll walk toward Myorakuji Temple, where the cooking will begin. Here, you'll participate in an Otoki cooking workshop, guided by the wife of Myorakuji Temple's head priest. You’ll gain hands-on experience and learn about the intrinsic link between food and Buddhist practices. Otoki is based on Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), however offers a more flexible approach to align with modern living. This cooking style uses healthy, nourishing ingredients and although it uses chicken, it can accommodate various dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, etc.) with advanced notice. The flavors of Otoki cooking are simple yet appetizing, with each dish carefully prepared with love and mindfulness. After indulging in the local cuisine, set off on a walking tour through the town's charming streets. Stop by sake breweries–some of which are among the oldest operating in Japan–and a traditional soy sauce brewery. If you join this experience outside of the winter season, you may even get to peek behind the curtain at some of the brewery stops! Wrap up this well-rounded experience with a visit to a local Buddhist temple and town shops operated by community members.