Vegetarian Shojin Ryori Restaurants(5)
Shojin Ryori Daigo
Holding two Michelin stars for a 15-year streak, the traditional vegetarian cuisine at this Tokyo restaurant was called "the best shojin ryori in the world" by The World's 50 Best Restaurants.

Kakusho
Why settle for less when you can relish vegetarian kaiseki cuisine at the oldest ryotei in the whole of Gifu Prefecture?

Sougo
Enjoy shojin ryori, a cuisine inspired by Buddhist monks and their reverence for the sanctity of life. Ancient vegetarian cuisine with a modern twist, Sougo lets guests experience a culinary tradition that is hundreds of years old.
Yudonosan Sanrojo
At Mt. Yudono, one of the three holy Dewasanzan mountains, taste authentic shojin ryori, the traditional Buddhist cuisine of Yamabushi mountain monks.
Daishinbo
Here at Mt. Haguro you can enjoy shojin ryori, the traditional Buddhist monk cooking of the Yamabushi mountain ascetics.





Explore the Art of Shojin Ryori
Shojin Ryori, a traditional form of Buddhist cuisine, offers a unique and immersive dining experience that beautifully embodies the principles of harmony, balance, and respect for all living beings. This plant-based culinary tradition, rooted in Japanese Zen Buddhism, emphasizes simplicity and mindfulness in food preparation and consumption. Vegetarians, as well as food enthusiasts interested in clean eating, will appreciate the delicate and thoughtful compositions of flavors that define Shojin Ryori dishes. Commonly made without garlic, onions, or other pungent ingredients to maintain a gentle flavor and purity, these meals bring fresh, local, and seasonal produce to the fore.
A Haven for Vegetarians
For vegetarians, finding restaurants that cater specifically to their diet can sometimes be a challenge, but Japan offers a sanctuary in the form of Shojin Ryori. Unlike other vegan or vegetarian options, Shojin Ryori is inherently vegetarian as it was developed by Buddhist monks who observed a strict plant-based diet. This exquisite form of cooking utilizes no animal products, aligning perfectly with vegetarian diets, and delivers a cultural culinary journey. From hand-crafted tofu to seasonal vegetable tempura, each dish is presented with aesthetics and ingredients that nourish both the body and spirit without sacrificing flavor. Fortunately, this dedicated embrace of vegetarian cuisine allows you to savor traditional Japanese meals guilt-free and with full consent of your palate.
The Unique Dining Experience
Eating at a Shojin Ryori restaurant is not just a meal; it's an experience that engages all the senses. Traditionally served in temples, these meals usually consist of multiple courses that highlight different textures, flavors, and colors. You can expect an array of delightful dishes like goma dofu (sesame tofu), nasu no dengaku (miso-glazed eggplant), and Kabocha no Nimono (simmered pumpkin). Many of these restaurants are located in serene settings that reflect the tranquility and spirituality from which this cuisine originated, providing an ideal setting for contemplative and mindful dining. When you choose to dine at a Shojin Ryori establishment, you're not only enjoying a delicious meal but also partaking in a centuries-old tradition that respects and nurtures life in all its forms.