Japan · Travel

How to Experience Shojin Ryori in Japan

October 2, 2026

A shojin ryori dinner tray at a temple lodging in Nagano

You can try shojin ryori at temple dining halls, shukubo and specialty restaurants. Kyoto and Koyasan are well known.

  • Reservations are often required
  • Check etiquette in advance
  • Tell them about allergies and dietary needs when booking
The approach path and stone lantern among cedar trees at Eihei-ji temple
The grounds of Eihei-ji, a main temple of the Soto school of Zen in Fukui Prefecture. Photo: 雷太 / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Cover image: A vegetarian dinner served at a Japanese temple in Nagano. Photo: Chris 73 (ファイルページに作者名の明記なし。アップロード者のライセンス表示に基づく) / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

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