Shojin ryori is a traditional Japanese cuisine deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings, designed to honor non-violence and spiritual discipline.

Completely plant-based, it avoids animal products and even limits pungent ingredients like garlic. In Koyasan (sometimes referred to as Mount Koya), the preparation of shojin ryori follows centuries-old methods handed down by Kōbō-Daishi, founder of the Esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism.

This cuisine focuses on a harmonious balance of the "five tastes" (sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, savory), "five colors" (white, yellow, red, blue, black), and "five methods" (raw, cooked, roasted, fried, steamed), creating a deeply satisfying dining experience.

If you're eager to savor this unique culinary tradition, here are three exceptional restaurants on or near Koyasan that you must try.

Chuoshokudo Sanbo is a restaurant that follows Kōbō-Daishi's teachings of living life to the fullest while honoring the lives of others. The restaurant is also involved in preparing furumai ryōri served at Kongobu Shrine.

Furumai ryōri refers to the reception food offered after a Buddhist ceremony or event, symbolizing gratitude for all that has been received. At Chuoshokudo Sanbo, you can enjoy this traditional Buddhist cuisine, rooted in the practice of appreciation, passed down through generations.

The soup stock used in this meal was made over a period of 12 to 14 hours using kombu, soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, and dried gourd shavings. Any ingredients left after the making of the soup stock are fully utilized in the other cooked dishes as well, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

A key ingredient in Koyasan's Buddhist cuisine is awabu, a type of wheat gluten mixed with chestnuts. Chefs often use this versatile ingredient in various colors and shapes to enhance the presentation of their dishes, whether cooked or fried.

One delectable dish that features awabu is the "Awabu Dengaku," which consists of springy awabu that's been fried in rice oil and served with a flavorful miso blend. While you may be tempted to request more of this delicious dish, it's worth noting that Buddhist cuisine emphasizes the practice of consuming only enough food to sustain oneself until the next day. So, savor the portion served to you and allow it to satisfy your taste buds.

This particular dish incorporates natural ingredients with a harmonious blend of five colors, providing excellent nutritional balance. Chuoshokudo Sanbo is renowned for its Buddhist cuisine, featuring a flavorful soup base prepared by simmering seaweed or vegetables for an extended period. This rich and delicious soup has satisfied many diners and is sure to satiate your hunger as well.

At Miyama, Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine) is prepared with seasonal vegetables and served in vessels called ōryōki, which are designed to hold precisely the right amount of food for an individual. These lightweight and easy-to-use vessels are traditionally used by Zen Buddhist monks as personal utensils.

Ōryōki vessels are typically painted black, but vermillion versions are reserved for ceremonial purposes. While ceremonial food served in ōryōki must adhere to strict preparation methods, food prepared for restaurants or home use can be cooked in any preferred style, as the vessels' functionality remains unchanged.

The restaurant encourages customers to minimize food waste by offering plain pickles or sweet sesame tofu instead of Japanese-style nukazuke pickles or wasabi tofu. This is especially helpful for international visitors who may not be accustomed to Japanese flavors. However, this service is subject to availability, and if you ask nicely when placing your order, the staff may be able to accommodate your request.

If cooked rice is not to your liking, you may request rice flour bread instead. To do so, you must make a reservation at least two days in advance of your visit.

If you're concerned that the portions in the Buddhist cuisine may not be filling enough for you, there's no need to worry. You can supplement your meal with a "Tempura Soba Set Meal," which includes crispy and satisfying shrimp tempura. The soba can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preference that day, such as the weather or your current health condition.

The "Shojin Hanazukushi" meal is a beloved item on the menu, which is served in a flower basket, and includes both classic Shojin ryori dishes and innovative twists like shiitake mushrooms shaped like mackerel, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, and Kōya vegetarian meatloaf.

As for dessert, you'll be treated to "Kōya Mu," an original rice flour confection that's made with a carefully kneaded dough consisting of fresh cream from plant sources and Kōya tofu powder. The pure, round, white daifuku (sticky rice dumpling) will calm your spirit with every bite.

If you're seeking something more elaborate than Buddhist cuisine, consider the "Kumano Beef Sukiyaki Set Meal," available only during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. It's an excellent opportunity to savor both Buddhist cuisine and sukiyaki hotpot with Kumano beef, a prized product of Wakayama Prefecture. The set meal includes "Kōya Mu" for dessert.

To enjoy either of these meals, a reservation is required at least two days in advance. If you make a reservation on the day of your visit, some ingredients may be substituted. International visitors who reserve more than two days in advance will receive an English card providing detailed information about the cuisine, making the experience even more special.

This Western-style Buddhist curry produced by Kōya Sightseeing Association is medium-spicy and gluten-free. The a la carte menu of the restaurant is packed with interesting food like this, so even if you come without a reservation, you'll still be able to try out all kinds of cuisine. The shop can seat 400 and welcomes large groups as long as a reservation is made in advance.

On the first floor of the building is Koya Souvenir TEMPU, a shop where you can buy a selection of ingredients being used in the restaurant's cuisine as souvenirs.

While some may believe that Buddhist cuisine tastes the same regardless of where it's served, there is actually a wide range of flavors depending on the establishment. Many assume that Shojin ryori from Koyasan can only be enjoyed at a temple or hotel in the area, but as we have shown through our recommended shops, it is also available at regular restaurants.

Sampling our suggestions, as well as any other establishments that pique your interest, is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the Shojin ryori experience!

English translation by: Huimin Pan

*This article is originally from February 2020; prices and contents were updated in October 2024. Refer to official websites for the most recent information.