Create shojin ryori, the vegan-vegetarian cuisine eaten for more than 700 years by Zen Buddhist monks. Use fresh mountain ingredients fit for the season, and discover all the intricate meanings behind each dish.
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Zen Vegetarian Cooking
The Highlight
・Learn the ancient cooking practices of Zen Buddhist monks ・Make delicious vegetarian food representative of the season ・Practice under the guidance of a licensed instructor ・Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice (vegan, kosher, halal, etc.)
The Experience
Zen Vegetarian Cooking Starting Time : 11:00- (120min.)/ 17:00- (120min.) Meeting Location: Orizurutei (B208) in the Kikai Shinko Kaikan Honkan building (2 minutes north of Tokyo Tower)
What is "Shojin Ryori" ? Shojin-ryori is an ancient cuisine that has been eaten by Zen Buddhist monks in Japan since the 13th century. Due to Buddhism's restrictions on meat-eating, it is fully vegetarian and avoids any strong flavors like garlic or onion. Instead, there is an emphasis on drawing out the five food flavors (salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami) naturally. Each meal should also visually represent five colors (red, yellow, green, black, and white) and use five preparation methods (raw, stewed, boiled, roasted, and steamed). This concept is known as the "Rule of Five" and is connected to Buddhist ideas on spiritual balance.
As a traditional Japanese cuisine, shojin ryori changes to fit the seasons and different ingredients are used to represent the different times of year. For this reason, shojin ryori can differ greatly depending on when eaten, but common ingredients include: tofu and other soy-bean based foodstuff, konnyaku jelly, dashi stock, miso and soy sauce. With its strong emphasis on nature, fresh mountain vegetables make up a large portion of the meal.
At the kitchen venue in Shiba Park, you can experience making Shojin cuisine.
This experience is guided by one or more instructors for each small group, so you can rest assured about hygiene.
Menu example
・Sesame tofu
・Komatsuna mixed with seaweed
・Vegetarian teriyaki
・Vegetable tempura
・Mixed grain rice
・Soup
・ Tofu shiratama dumpling, etc.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
・The minimum number of participants is 2. ※The same charge applies to travelers over the age of six.
・Be sure to follow the guide's instructions during the program.
・We are not responsible for any accidents caused by not following the instructions of the guide.
・The time required is an approximate time. Please note that this may change depending on the number of customers and the implementation status.
・If you need special consideration due to religious reasons, physical or other conditions (disease, allergy, etc.), children, age, etc., be sure to fill in the remarks on the reservation form at the time of application. please. Please note that arrangements cannot be guaranteed for programs purchased without prior inquiry.
Language Support The services are primarily given in English. Other languages such as French and Spanish are also accessible for 20,000 Yen. If you want to request this excursion in French or Spanish, please fill out your request and add this item when you make the reservation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 15 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 3 ~ 14 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel on 2 day(s) before departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 0 ~ 1 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)