Learning Shojin Ryori in Kyoto: My Zen Vegetarian Cooking Class Experience

Learning Shojin Ryori in Kyoto: A Zen Vegetarian Cooking Class Experience

When people think of Japanese food, sushi or ramen usually comes to mind. But one of the oldest and most meaningful traditions of Japanese cuisine is Shojin Ryori, the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that began in Zen temples. Instead of simply eating it at a restaurant, I had the chance to join a Shojin Ryori cooking class at Myoshin-ji’s Tōrin-in Temple in Kyoto. It was not only a cooking lesson but also a cultural experience that gave me a deeper understanding of Zen and Japanese food traditions.

How to Join

The Shojin Ryori cooking class at Myoshin-ji Tōrin-in Temple offers a rare opportunity to experience Zen vegetarian cooking inside a functioning temple. However, please note that participation requires some Japanese ability, as all reservations and instructions are handled in Japanese.

• 🏯 Location: 59 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto (inside Myoshin-ji Temple)
• 📞 Phone: +81-75-463-1334 (reservations must be made in Japanese)
• 📅 Schedule: Every Tuesday and Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• 📅 Closed: No classes during the first and last weeks of each month, in January, or on temple event days
• 📝 How to Apply: First, make a temporary reservation by phone. Then, you will be asked to confirm your spot by sending a reply-paid postcard (往復はがき) — a uniquely Japanese way of registering for events.

You can eat vegetarian food without learning.
You can also stay overnight.

Syojin lunch at Zen temple (Special vegetarian lunch)
(Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 2,500 yen (tax included)
Syojin: 4,000-6,000 yen
Stay 1 night and 2 meals 6,600 yen (tax included)
One night with breakfast 5,500 yen (tax included)
Shojin cooking class 3,600 yen (tax included)Shojin cooking class
3 people or more for Syojin lunch (reservation required by 2 days before)

〒616-8035
京都市右京区花園妙心寺町59
Tel:075-463-1334

You can cook and eat in the cooking classes.
The teacher is a priest.
It’s very fun and delicious.