After 3 years, I went back to Kansai to visit my hometown with my husband and mother. It had been 3 years since I last saw my mother. We planned to explore Arashiyama, so I thought it would be a good idea to make a lunch reservation in advance. However, when I searched at the last minute, there were hardly any available options on popular restaurant reservation sites. I gave up on using Tabelog and decided to search various gourmet websites. That's when I came across this restaurant on Ikyu, and I immediately decided to book a table. Since we had an early dinner reservation at the hotel, I made a lunch reservation for 11 o'clock. Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of our visit to Tenryu-ji Temple. We arrived at the main gate about 10 minutes early, bought tickets to the garden (500 yen per person), hurriedly walked through the garden, and arrived at Shigetsu just in time for our reservation. The garden can be enjoyed leisurely after the meal! The most basic course, Yuki Ichiju Sansai (3,300 yen), was what we had reserved. There were also Tsuki (5,500 yen) and Hana (8,000 yen) courses available, but these required reservations in advance. If you have a large group, there are private rooms available, but the seating is mainly in a row. The spacing between tables is sufficient. It's nice to have a quiet environment where you can focus on the food. I was a bit embarrassed that I didn't quite understand the meaning of the five views of meals written on the chopstick wrapper, but to summarize, it means gratitude, reflection, quiet, good medicine, and effort. I felt like I haven't accumulated enough virtues. You can also order drinks. My husband ordered sake, my mother ordered some juice, and I just stuck with the tea provided. The meal was brought out beautifully. It consisted of rice, simmered dish, sesame tofu, assorted vegetables, pickles, and dessert. Each dish was delicious. My husband, who was experiencing this for the first time, was expecting more dishes resembling meat, but he enjoyed the experience. The bill was settled on-site, and we were able to use PayPay, which was convenient. Including drinks, the total bill for three people was 10,650 yen. After the meal, we strolled through the garden, which was quite spacious. Although the flowers were not in full bloom, the azaleas and magnolia trees were still beautiful. It was a bit sad that the rain didn't stop, and the unpaved paths made it difficult for our shoes.

I made a reservation in advance and visited. I was planning to do some food hopping in Arashiyama, so I chose the most affordable menu. Everyone sitting across from me was foreigners. The grilled eggplant dish was delicious and piping hot, but I was too full to continue with my food hopping plan.

I made a morning reservation and had a vegetarian lunch. I was able to make a reservation on the same day, but when I arrived, it was full, so I recommend making a reservation. The beautiful tatami room was spacious and comfortable! The dishes were all vegetable-based but had a rich and flavorful taste, with dishes like sesame tofu and grilled eggplant being delicious. It was May, but the weather was so hot, and the green leaves were truly beautiful.

We used this restaurant for lunch on our way to Tenryu-ji from Saifuku-ji. We started looking for a lunch place 10 days before our visit, but since it was a Saturday, our first, second, and third choices were fully booked, so we ended up at this fourth place. We didn't have high expectations, but it turned out to be perfect for our temple visit. The restaurant is located inside the Tenryu-ji garden, with tables set up in a large hall that made us feel like we were about to do calligraphy. We visited with four people and sat side by side, so it may not be suitable for those who want to enjoy their meal slowly while chatting with friends. There were quite a few foreign visitors as well. We ordered the most affordable course of Shojin cuisine for 3,300 yen including tax. We were worried it might not be enough, but the portion was generous and we left feeling satisfied. The simple flavors were delicious, and we felt like we got more than what we paid for. In the end, we were very happy with our experience. Thank you for the meal.

Visited for lunch on a Sunday. The restaurant is located within the garden of Tenryuji Temple, so there is an additional entrance fee. We made a reservation and were seated in a spacious hall. Everyone else there was foreign. If you inform the staff, they can provide lower chairs. The food arrived in about 15 minutes after we sat down. The dishes were all satisfying and delicious, not what you would expect from shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). The prices may feel a bit high, but considering you can eat within a World Heritage site, it seems reasonable.

During the autumn foliage season in Kyoto, around November 20th, it was difficult to make a lunch reservation. I ended up making a reservation for December at "Sieve Tsuki" after about a 10-day delay. Normally, I don't make lunch reservations when traveling because it's hard to predict how much time sightseeing will take. However, "Sieve Tsuki" is a vegetarian restaurant located inside the World Heritage Site "Tenryu-ji Temple". I decided to make a reservation in advance because it seemed easier to coordinate with the sightseeing time at Tenryu-ji Temple. On the day of the visit, I toured the famous Japanese garden at Tenryu-ji Temple before heading to the restaurant. Upon arrival, I gave my name at the reception and was escorted to a hall where the meal was already set out on trays. The guests lined up in a single row to eat, which was a unique experience as it felt like having a meal in a temple with trays instead of tables. However, it was a bit challenging to eat in this manner. They also offered chairs for those with mobility issues. Inside the room, I could hear Chinese, English, and French being spoken. It seemed like there were more foreign visitors than locals. It would be a good experience for foreign tourists. Surprisingly, despite being in a temple, I was able to order alcohol. Perhaps due to the high number of foreign visitors, they even had wine available. The system for serving drinks was interesting - the servers would call out the guest's name loudly at the entrance, and the guest would raise their hand in response. The server would then bring the drink to the guest's tray. While it may be an efficient method, it felt a bit uncomfortable to have my name called out loudly in front of strangers in this age of privacy concerns. Finally, the food was served. I had pre-ordered the "Yuki" (one soup and five dishes) for 3,300 yen. The meal was served on a red tray with red dishes. There was no menu, so I couldn't discern the details, but it included sesame tofu, simmered gluten and yuba, burdock cooked in soy sauce, taro with sweet sauce, pickles, soup, and fruits (grapes and ripe persimmon). It was more delicious than I had expected, with well-balanced flavors. The sesame tofu was smooth and rich, while the taro with sweet sauce was satisfying and didn't pale in comparison to meat dishes. The dessert, ripe persimmon, was made from astringent persimmons, and the jelly-like flesh was very sweet. As a persimmon lover, I enjoyed it as well. Despite the high number of customers during the autumn foliage season in December, the service was not as smooth as in a regular restaurant, but I accepted it as part of the temple's facilities. I was actually surprised by the satisfying meal content. In the past, I have had vegetarian meals, but as a meat lover, I always felt unsatisfied. Honestly, I didn't have high expectations this time either. I was more interested in the experience of having a meal at a World Heritage Site or trying vegetarian cuisine in Kyoto. The meal was not as light as I had expected from vegetarian cuisine. It was a learning experience.

I was worried if I would be satisfied with honest, diligent cooking, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it and felt very satisfied with a full stomach. It was the first time I had such delicious sesame tofu. The shrimp yam manju also had a good volume and was fluffy, making me very satisfied. The rich persimmon was also delicious. It was a great deal to be able to see the autumn leaves in the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple.

Located within the grounds of Tenryuji Temple, a famous spot for autumn leaves in Arashiyama, this vegetarian restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I made a reservation for the Snow Course (one soup and five dishes) for 3,300 yen online, and as someone who usually loves ramen and yakiniku, I was amazed at how satisfied I felt with the vegetarian cuisine. The yuba, sesame tofu, and wheat gluten soup were particularly delicious. The tatami room was spacious, with guests sitting on cushions on the floor, but for those who are not comfortable sitting Japanese-style, they also provided chairs. Many foreign visitors seemed to prefer using the chairs. If you're visiting Tenryuji Temple, I highly recommend trying this vegetarian restaurant. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

I visited this restaurant during my trip to Kyoto. The restaurant is located within the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama. I had the Snow Course (one soup, five dishes) of Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Despite being Shojin Ryori, the flavors were rich and delicious. It was a healthy slow food option.

I had heard of shojin cuisine before, as I had visited Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, but this time I had the opportunity to include it in my travel plans for Golden Week. I made a reservation just in case, as the seating area seemed quite spacious. In the past, it was not possible to reserve a meal time while sightseeing, but now it is possible. The one soup and eight dishes meal was surprisingly delicious. The sesame miso soup, seasonal vegetables, and miso-glazed eggplant were all tasty. The sesame seeds in the soup added a unique texture, and the milky flavor of the soup was delightful. The dishes were well-seasoned and easy to eat, and the portion size was satisfying. It was a simple yet fulfilling and healthy meal. You can make reservations through the official reservation form, various restaurant reservation websites, or even through popular reservation services. Please note that there is an additional entrance fee of 500 yen for the garden viewing area.

The tatami room was reserved for us. I had imagined eating Zen vegetarian cuisine in a temple, sitting on a cold floor in seiza position. However, the room was warm like a traditional inn, with lacquered dishes filled with seasonal ingredients arranged beautifully. For only 3000 yen, I was surprised by the generous serving size. The meal included yuba, tofu hot pot, mixed rice, egg soup, and other healthy dishes that showcased the natural flavors of the ingredients. I enjoyed the meal with a view of the garden, fully immersing in the Kyoto atmosphere and feeling like a noble. I would love to visit again.

Arashiyama, Kyoto. In spring, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the colorful foliage. At this place, nestled in the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple, you can savor the finest Shojin cuisine. "Shigetsu" offers a high-quality dining experience amidst historic structures and vibrant nature. I chose the most affordable lunch course, which was still very satisfying. The dishes are all plant-based and may be a bit light for those who prefer strong flavors, but the delicate taste is exquisite. I believe young people should also try such cuisine to appreciate the subtle yet memorable flavors.

At Tenryu-ji Temple, I had a vegetarian meal. I usually take a bus from the city, but this time I walked 1.7km from Itami Airport to Hankyu Arashiyama Station. The walk was quite charming, and there are still plenty of autumn leaves due to the high temperature. Inside the temple, the heating was too high, so I only wore a T-shirt because it was hot. The food, of course, had no meat, but it was delicious. I even had seconds of rice and finished it all. If the food is this good, I think I can go without meat for a while. (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)

Attracted by the JR Tokai commercial, I headed to Kyoto for the autumn leaves. I decided to join a local tour to enjoy Shojin cuisine while admiring the gardens. The tour simply involved making a reservation and going to Shigetsu to eat. I was guided to a large hall and enjoyed the "Yuki" course, a one soup and five side dishes meal, for 3,300 yen. Despite not containing meat or fish, the meal was quite filling. Since it is prepared by the Shojin cuisine department of Tenryu-ji Temple, it was definitely a great choice.

Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant on August 8, 2021. Lunch prices range from 4,000 to 8,500 yen, quite expensive for a Bib Gourmand restaurant. The cuisine is Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and the restaurant is directly managed by a temple. Let me tell you, the food is amazingly delicious! Seriously, everything is so tasty! They seem to use no commercially available broth, not even for meat, fish, or eggs. Shojin Ryori requires a lot of effort, so the prices are considered reasonable. I heard that although it is run by the temple, the cooking is done by professional chefs, not monks. Hats off to the chefs. Highly recommend trying the Shojin Ryori at the World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple. I had the "Yuki" course (one soup and five side dishes) for 3,300 yen (tax included). Thank you for the meal.

My first experience with macrobiotic cuisine. It's a type of healthy meal. Whether it's a date, family gathering, or meeting someone for the first time, you can enjoy it. The dishes were beautifully presented and overall on the sweeter side. It was very delicious, thank you.

I heard that you can have shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Shigetsu restaurant in Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, so I went there. The restaurant is located within the temple grounds, and there is an entrance fee to enter the temple, even for dining guests. I wished they offered free admission with a meal purchase. The food was a bit pricey, but I thought it was worth it. After enjoying the meal, I took a leisurely stroll through the beautiful garden. The view of blooming lotus flowers was stunning. The dining experience was in a spacious tatami room, and the food was carefully prepared following Buddhist dietary restrictions. The dishes were nutritious and visually appealing, served in colorful tableware. The portion was generous, and I left feeling satisfied. Dessert was also included. On the way back, I explored the garden before heading home. Despite the high price, I thought it was a nice treat once in a while.

I visited during the beautiful autumn leaves season. It seems that you can get a seat even on the day, but if it's a busy tourist season, it's recommended to make a reservation via email in advance. There is an additional entrance fee for the garden, but the garden is very impressive and worth exploring, so I recommend taking a stroll before or after your meal. Even the basic 3000 yen meal is very satisfying and filling, despite being a vegetarian cuisine without meat or fish. The main dish seems to be the hot and large eggplant dish, which was very satisfying. They also offer a variety of drinks, including soft drinks, Tanba wines, and beer, making it feel luxurious to enjoy in a historic temple setting. The joy of enjoying delicious food in a quiet setting while admiring the beautiful garden and feeling the season is an experience that is hard to replace, making it a top-notch Kyoto experience. I highly recommend visiting when in Arashiyama. Thank you for the meal. *On a side note, I also thought it was great that they accept PayPay payments, which is very modern.

My wife made a reservation for our trip to Kyoto. However, it seems that it was not necessary as we could have gone without one. When we arrived, we noticed that most of the guests were inbound tourists, probably due to it being the end of the year. The food was a surprise, as it was traditional Japanese cuisine similar to what my grandmother used to make, rather than the imitation dishes I had expected. It turns out that the imitation dishes are actually palace cuisine from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc. The meal was a bit pricey for Japanese food without any meat, but it was simple and delicious. It's worth visiting at least once for the experience and atmosphere. Just keep in mind that there is a 500 yen admission fee to visit Tenryuji Temple before going to the restaurant.

In a setting that might not make sense, it was lunch during a business trip (lol). Visited a renowned temple in Kyoto, Tenryu-ji, where there is a famous vegetarian restaurant called "Shigetsu". We had the ¥3300 course. The room had a spacious rectangular tatami floor with low tables lined up against the walls or sliding doors, each with a red felt cushion. The dishes kept coming one after another, making the table look more and more colorful. Let's dig in! When you think of vegetarian cuisine, you might imagine having to accept only light flavors, but that was not the case here. The flavors varied, but each dish had a distinct taste. It was truly delicious! The fried eggplant topped with sweet miso was especially a big hit. It felt like you could eat endless amounts of white rice. The misconception of light and bland flavors was shattered, and we enjoyed the definite deliciousness and left with full stomachs. Thank you for the feast!