Shojin-ryori

A traditional vegetarian, gourmet food is called shojin-ryori in Japanese. It is skillfully cooked without any use of meat, fish, onions, or garlic. The delicate dishes are tempura, aghe, Koya-tofu, Goma-tofu, Miso soup, sweet-and-sour seaweeds in vinegar, wild potatoes, and many others. The most delicious one among them is called Goma-tofu cooked with sesame seeds and starch. Goma-tofu is considered the staple of shojin-ryori yet is also enjoyed by Japanese who do not follow vegetarian diets. Over 1,100 years, the old method of cooking preparation (recipe) has been secretly transmitted from monk to monk, chef to chef.

Enjoy an authentic shojin-ryori Japanese cooking with a temple lodging stay arranged by Japan Deluxe Tours during your vacation. You can also request a shojin-ryori meal during your tour with our affordable range of custom add-on options!