Shigetsu (Tenryu-ji shojin ryori)

Before you go

Shigetsu is a shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) restaurant operated directly by Tenryu-ji, set within the temple's World Heritage gardens. Shojin ryori uses no animal products at all — seasonal vegetables, wild mountain plants, herbs and seaweed. Three courses: Tsuki ¥6,500 (soup + six dishes), Yuki ¥3,800 (soup + five dishes), Hana ¥9,000 (soup + seven dishes); a ¥500 garden admission fee applies separately. No service charge; seats up to 250 guests.

Shojin ryori was brought from China together with Zen teachings in the Kamakura period. The official page describes cooking and eating themselves as a form of Zen practice, in harmony with nature and Buddhist ideals.

• Shojin ryori restaurant run directly by World Heritage Tenryu-ji
• Listed in Michelin Guide Kyoto-Osaka 2026 as Bib Gourmand and Green Star
• Three courses from ¥3,800 to ¥9,000; up to 250 seats for groups
• Dine surrounded by the temple's famous landscape garden

Getting there

68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8385 — inside Tenryu-ji temple. The official page does not state station walking times.

Booking

Reservations required: Tsuki and Hana need booking at least 3 days ahead (2+ guests); Yuki at least 2 days ahead. Book via the reservation form on the official page or call 075-882-9725 (9:00 AM–5:00 PM).

Crowds

Lunch only, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM; closed Thursdays. A popular restaurant with limited seatings — book early and have backup time options.

Good for

Vegetarians/vegans, anyone wanting to dine inside a temple garden, Michelin guide followers.

How it differs

For vegetarian food in Arashiyama, Shigetsu is the temple-run, Michelin-recognized option — pricier and reservation-only compared with casual soba or tofu shops nearby. Best treated as the main event of a lunch plan rather than a walk-in stop.

Sources Shigetsu official page (hours, courses, reservations) · Shigetsu official English page · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: address search API (government)