Shojin Ryori 精進料理
A type of vegetarian cooking that was introduced in Japan together with Buddhism. Foods derived from soybeans, including Tofu, and vegetable oil including sesame, walnut, and rapeseed. Because of the number of temples that exist in Kyoto, we’re lucky to be able to find good Shojin Ryori restaurants.
Tenryu-ji Shigetsu 天龍寺しげつ $$
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MneYK2dVLPVeRBRm7
URL: https://www.tenryuji.com/shigetsu/
TEL: 075-882-9725
Close: Thursday
Reservation: https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260403/26000923/?cid=google_yoyaku
Located in Tenryuji temple in Arashiyama. You’ve got to pay the entrance fee of the temple but it worth eating there. Good quality Shojin Ryori. At first, it looks like there is not enough volume of food, but you will be full when you finish all the dishes.
Izusen Daijiinten 泉仙大慈院店 $$
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HhrdJpw8vLwNjmWEA
URL: https://kyoto-izusen.com/html2/restrant_daijiin.html
TEL: 075-491-6665
Open every day
Reservation: https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260503/26001216/?cid=google_yoyaku
The restaurant is located in the Daitokuji temple. Their Shojin Ryori is called “Teppatsu”, and it is served in a round bowl which is used to receive food for monks.
Kodaiji Ikkyuan 高台寺一休庵 $$
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/K7bWjfw7TxhdxFfP7
TEL: 075-561-1901
Close: Tuesday
Reservation: TEL
Shojin ryori restaurant near Kodaiji temple.
Chishakuin Saryo Kikyo 智積院茶寮桔梗
Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5fVx5j6k8tL8umzc6
URL: https://saryo-kikyo.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=map&utm_campaign=meo
TEL: 075-551-8108
Open every day
Reservation: TEL
Located in the Chishakuin temple, next to the National Museum. It is a big temple with a beautiful garden and as it is not a tourist place, it’s less crowded. The Shojin Gozen for yen 2,850 is good value.
Tofu (豆腐) / FU (麩)
Tofu: Also known as bean curd, is a food made by coagulating soy milk. Kyoto produces good tofu because there are so many temples (tofu is a very important source of protein for monks).
Fu: Wheat gluten, a traditional ingredient used in soups, stews, and other dishes.
Tosuiro Gion 豆水楼祇園 $$
Location on Google Maps: Gion https://maps.app.goo.gl/axt2G65BzkgqbKD3A
URL: https://tousuiro.com/en-home
TEL: 075-561-0035
Open every day
Reservation: https://tousuiro.com/en-home
A very good Tofu restaurant. The Tofu Kaiseki course is recommended. A vegetarian menu is also available.
Tosuiro Kiyamachi 豆水楼木屋町 $$
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CfvmHmaWJqyVruX38
URL: https://tousuiro.com/en-home
TEL: 075-251-1600
Open every day
Reservation: https://tousuiro.com/en-home
The Tosuiro Kiyamachi restaurant is located by the Kamo River. If you can go there between May and September, request a “Kawayuka deck” (seating by the river).
Okutan Kiyomizu 奥丹清水 $$
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sxyp3isyJpt2YPGYA
URL: http://www.tofuokutan.info/menu.html
TEL: 075-525-2051
Close: Thursday
Reservation: TEL
A traditional Tofu restaurant founded in 1635. Near the Kiyomizu temple, in an old machiya with a beautiful garden. High-quality Tofu. Be aware that they close at 16:00.
Nanzenji Jyunsei 南禅寺順正 $$
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zqbE23J6KtpJEBMQ7
URL: http://www.to-fu.co.jp/en/
TEL: 075-761-2311
Close: Wednesday
Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/shops/nanzenji-junsei/reserve/login_required?utm_source=google
They are located near the Nanzenji temple. Their main building is registered as a national tangible cultural property with an impressive 4,000 m2 garden.
Hanbeyfu 半兵衛麩 $$
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qcwtjYY7EPeLZ4tK7
URL: https://www.hanbey.co.jp/
TEL: 075-525-0008
Close: Wednesday
Reservation: TEL https://www.hanbey.co.jp/news/detail.html?id=516
Founded in the year 1689, this restaurant specializes in “Fu”. In their shop, you can buy Nama fu (fresh fu), Yaki-fu (dried and baked fu), and other products. They also have a “Bento Bako” (lunch boxes) museum and it’s worth visiting after eating.
Vegetarian and Vegan
AIN SOPH アインソフ $
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f55qt7oKDktFknvD8
URL: https://en.ain-soph.jp/journey-kyoto
TEL: 050-3623-0334
Open every day
Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/ain-soph-journey-kyoto/reserve?utm_source=google
A popular vegan restaurant near the Nishiki Market.
Mumokuteki Café 無目的カフェ $
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dtWGhPPXna2HFC3p9
URL: https://mumokuteki.com/cafe
TEL: 050-3164-9733
Close: Wednesday
Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/mumokuteki-cafe-kyoto/reserve
Located near the Nishiki Market. Lots of Vegan menus are available. They have a kids’ menu, and it is a baby and kids-friendly restaurant.
Zirael Vetan Restaurnt ジラエルビーガンレストラン $
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H15YJBgXRK39Lx837
URL: https://ziraelinc.wixsite.com/zirael-restaurant
TEL: ??
Open every day
A vegan restaurant in Gion, located near the Yasaka shrine.
The Kind Café カインドカフェ $
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ApJijVshZWgPYiHA
URL: https://www.instagram.com/the_kind_cafe/
TEL: x
Close: Saturday, Sunday
An organic shop that sells the products by weight and started a café with a “Vegan” menu for breakfast.
Café Vegan Terrace カフェビーガンテラス $
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S4g523Qrcv1QtPYZ8
URL: x
TEL: 075-746-2188
Open every day
A good quality vegetarian restaurant located south of Gion, with a modern setting. They have gluten free vegan ramen.
