Located a 5-10 minute walk east from the Karamon gate of Higashi Honganji Temple along Karasuma Street is Shoseien Garden. I visited this place with a friend who invited me to enjoy a vegetarian meal plan with dim sum (from Senses). As tourist spots become less crowded these days, it was nice to receive such a kind invitation. The meal included a variety of dishes such as tempura (sweet potato, lotus root, shiitake), sesame tofu, assorted simmered vegetables, vinegared dish, treasure bean curd, chestnut-flavored wheat gluten, soup, and more. It was a rare opportunity to enjoy vegetarian cuisine, and I had a great time looking at the explained photos while enjoying the meal. Walking through the garden, listening to the sound of a small waterfall, and hearing the melody of the koto added to the experience. Considering all these elements, the price for this experience seemed quite reasonable.

I visited Sasaki Sake Brewery for their brewery opening event and enjoyed a beautiful bento box that was served there. The bento box was colorful and had a variety of dishes that paired well with the sake we were drinking in the afternoon. Each dish had a different flavor that complemented the sake perfectly. It was a delightful time, with everyone enjoying the food and sake together. The food served at such events really enhances the taste of the sake and adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience. It was a very thoughtful bento box that we all enjoyed.

During this fairly unplanned trip to Kyoto, the only activity we booked in advance was the "Shinofue Performance and Lunch Plan (Enjoy the sound of Shinofue at the former residence of the Mitsui family - includes Shojin cuisine and matcha)" limited to 8 people. After visiting Shimogamo Shrine, we had a bento box lunch at the former Mitsui family residence, followed by a refined flute performance. The bento box included various delicacies such as simmered dishes, sesame tofu, white miso, rolled omelette, sesame-dressed greens, miso-marinated grilled eggplant, fried dish, bamboo leaf rice cake, pickles, and more. Each dish had an elegant flavor, and we enjoyed a pleasant time while admiring the beautiful garden. I was also considering trying the Shojin cuisine at Higashi Honganji Temple later, but it seems similar to Izusen, so I decided to save it for next time. The Shinofue performer was dressed in a costume reminiscent of the Hina dolls' Gosan-no-kiri ensemble, playing a flute that sounded like Gagaku music. The elegant tone of the flute made the atmosphere instantly change, creating a wonderful experience.

I had breakfast at the hotel prepared by Izumi-sen. Izumi-sen's staff served the dishes properly. There are plenty of options for breakfast and everything is delicious. It gives you energy in the morning.

I decided to order catering from "Sensen" to have a meal together on Children's Day. I was a little hesitant at first, but I chose "Sensen". If you order in advance, they can deliver freshly made food to anywhere. They really seem to be able to deliver anywhere. I requested delivery at 6:00 pm on the day, and it arrived a little earlier. It was quite a task to set up the dishes, tableware, trays, etc. I arranged for them to come pick up the dishes and tableware the next day. We ordered the recommended spring set for 6 people (3780 yen) and a separate portion for toddlers, which was a small amount for a reasonable price of 1000 yen. They prepared and brought us a set with a meal, dishes, soup, condiments, hot dishes, and cold dishes. The sashimi, soup, and tempura were all delicious. It's great to be able to enjoy such cuisine at home. Although I have seen Sensen's bento boxes at Isetan, this catering service was quite a good deal in terms of price.

I made a reservation order at the department store and purchased the "Shojin Osechi" one-tiered box. The cuisine from Suisen, which operates within the premises of the Rinzai Zen sect Daitoku-ji Temple, is genuine Shojin cuisine. Following the teachings of Buddha, it is made meticulously using only grains, beans, and vegetables, without any meat or seafood. Despite being Shojin cuisine, it looks very elegant and has a satisfying taste. Overall, the seasoning is slightly sweet, which pairs well with Japanese sake. Enjoying the natural flavors of the ingredients while sipping on Japanese sake. It's the best way to start the new year in 2017, relaxing at home. With a glass of sake in hand, nibbling on Osechi, I am in a good mood.

I went to Haratani-en for cherry blossom viewing and had a flower viewing bento there. The flower viewing bento cost 3,300 yen (tax included) and it was said to be from this restaurant's catering service. Even though it was a bento, the dishes were not warm, but each dish was elegant and delicious. The miso soup that came with it was my favorite flavor and I was very satisfied. I enjoyed it in a relaxed lunch mood. Thank you very much! (o^^o)

Recently, I have had the opportunity to enjoy working on web projects while having a bento box. In this setting, I had the chance to enjoy this bento box after a long time. The bento box here may not be flashy, but the meticulous work, beautiful presentation, and elegant packaging are impressive. The taste is characterized by a careful seasoning that does not compromise the excellence of the ingredients, typical of Kyoto cuisine. The portion size is also satisfying. In these times, it is difficult to visit restaurants, so I at least enjoyed this bento box. Thank you for the meal.

I ordered a bento box from Izumi Sen for delivery after they withdrew from JR Kyoto Isetan underground. I called in the morning around 9 am and they kindly accepted my order for a 2000 yen (tax included) bento box on the same day. They delivered it to me at 12 pm, which was very helpful. The bento box was beautiful and looked delicious. There were many different types to choose from, and I enjoyed every bite without leaving anything behind. The mixed rice was also delicious with a subtle flavor. It was a slightly luxurious lunch bento box. It was delicious.

Today, I participated in the Gion Festival parade. After the parade, I had a bento box. It was delicious with a light and gentle flavor, perfect for refreshing my tired body. I especially enjoyed the rolled omelette and the simmered tofu, as they are my favorite dishes.

Next to Yoshoku Matsumoto in the vicinity, I reserved and purchased a pork teriyaki bento (500 yen) and a spicy chicken bento (600 yen) from the previous flyer. I ate it for lunch at the Imperial Palace, and overall, the seasoning was strong, the rice was tasty (although cold), and there was plenty of broth, making it a good match for alcohol. It felt somewhat like a ready-made meal due to its low price. The pork was not teriyaki, but rather thinly sliced pork coated in sauce, resembling paper-thin cutlet, which was nostalgic. The flavors were more on the bold side, with side dishes like simmered egg appealing to younger tastes. The spicy chicken bento had spicy fried chicken, nuggets, and meatballs (seemingly frozen), accompanied by plenty of pickles and simmered dishes, resembling the flavors of a bento box rather than a restaurant meal. The combination of this affordability and flavor makes it a good deal, suitable for outdoor excursions as well.

Father's Day meal as a gift. Not very impressive. The fugu sushi was hard and difficult to eat.

I bought it at Kyoto Station. It looked delicious (^○^). Each piece is carefully made and delicious. It's nice that it's still delicious even when it's cold. Especially delicious were the fresh yuba and sesame tofu, grilled fish, and sweet fried plum or apricot. It's colorful and enjoyable both visually and taste-wise. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

This year, I was invited by a friend's mom to visit the Daikakuji Temple at the Old Saga Imperial Palace, where the once-in-60-years Boju Kaihou Hoyo ceremony was being held. It was a special year marking the 1200th anniversary of the Enshrinement of the Hannya Shingyo and the Saga Goryu Sohryu Ikebana, both with connections to the imperial family. In between my work, my friend's mom waited for me at the gate and we enjoyed a bento lunch by the Oosawa Pond at Daikakuji. The bento she prepared was called Uji, and it was a delight to taste. Due to the impact of Typhoon 21, the boat seating was canceled, but the garden lunch with a view of the pond was still lovely. The bento from Izumi Sen was filled with delicious treats and made with love. It was a perfect meal to enjoy while soaking in the timeless atmosphere of the place. The Boju Kaihou Hoyo ceremony at Daikakuji is open for visitation until November 30th. The temple is crowded due to this once-in-60-years event, but the experience of witnessing the ceremony and the ancient scriptures is truly special. The tradition dates back to the Heian period when Emperor Saga prayed for the country's prosperity during a time of famine and disease. It was a humbling experience, especially considering the natural disasters that occurred this year. Visiting this temple, which is often featured in period dramas, felt like a blend of familiarity and novelty. The fact that I could visit in this significant year, the last of the Heisei era, made me reflect on the coincidence or perhaps the inevitability of the experience. Despite its remote location, the temple is worth a visit for those interested in history and culture.

This is a catering specialty store established during the Genroku period. Therefore, they offer either on-site cooking for events or delivery services. They can deliver bento boxes starting from one order within Kyoto city. They also offer services in the Kinki region, Toyama, and Shizuoka, with specific minimum payment and travel fees. (For more details, please visit their website) They have seating available at Daishoin, Murasakino, and Sagano, as well as bento box sales at Rokkijo and Kyoto Station Isetan. However, the cooking for catering seems to be centralized at their main store. Today, I was invited by a couple to enjoy a meal at a venue near the Philosopher's Path called Wawuan, which is a reception hall for Kyocera. We enjoyed dishes such as grilled mackerel, kombu rolls, duck roast, shinjo, carrots, simmered sweet potatoes, konjac, fried scallops, fish cake, rolled omelette, and chirashi sushi (topped with shrimp and squid), as well as osuimono (yuzu and seaweed). The portions were not large, but each dish was elegantly and carefully prepared. Enjoying such a beautifully arranged bento box on a fall day in Kyoto is truly a delight. I particularly enjoyed the chirashi sushi. The fragrance of yuzu in the osuimono was delightful, and having a warm soup served with the bento box really enhances the dining experience. As Mr. Kashiwai also mentioned, "In Kyoto's food culture, there is something called 'shidashi.' ... From light bento boxes to full-course meals and hot pot dishes, they can be delivered to your home or prepared on-site. ... Even though the times have changed and 'takeout' has become mainstream, the essence of 'shidashi' remains the same. Buying a bento box or sushi to take home is a fine feast. Whether you eat at home, admire flowers in the field, listen to the birds sing, or relax by the water, it is all good. There are many renowned shops in Kyoto that offer such food and many suitable places to enjoy it." It seems they do not offer hot pot dishes, but they have options like vegetarian cuisine and dim sum (simplified kaiseki). Thank you for the delicious meal. Reference: Kashiwai Hisashi, "Kyoto's Blissful Dish," JTB Publishing, 2009, p. 108, "Savoring the Essence of Kyoto through 'Shidashi'"

We had a delicious Buddhist vegetarian meal served in a traditional iron pot.