Kanga-an
For vegetarian and vegan guests, I recommend enjoying traditional "Shojin Ryori" at tranquil Kanga-an.
Shojin Ryori, originally designed for Buddhist believers who completely avoided meat, does not include any animal meat-based products.
The beautiful gardens and culturally rich rooms of Kanga-an offer a serene dining experience which can be enjoyed by all guests, not just those following a vegetarian diet.
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In the early Edo period, this land was the residence of Prince Kajii-Jyoushouin, the younger brother of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. To protect the royal city, the deity Chintaku Reifujin was brought over from the Kifune Shrine in 1671 and the sixth Chief Priest of Obakusan Manpukuji Temple, Zen Master Senga, founded Kanga-an.
Emperor Go-Mizunoo himself named the temple "Kanga-an" and his calligraphy is displayed as the temple’s imperial title.
The writings of the Emperor, who enjoyed composing waka poetry and admiring the garden during the spring and autumn seasons, still remain there as well.
Kanga-an, a Zen temple of the Obaku school (also known as Zuishizan) is located about a 5-minute walk east from Exit 1 of Kuramaguchi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway.
Visiting Kanga-an at night is especially enchanting as the temple is illuminated by lights, enhancing the tranquility and solemn atmosphere.
Passing through the main gate and walking a bit further, guests are greeted by a pathway leading to the main hall which seamlessly integrates with the scenic garden.
One of the most main features of this temple is that it offers “Fucha Ryori”, a form of Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian/vegan cuisine) by advance reservation.
Fucha Ryori, introduced to Japan by the Obaku school in the early Edo period, means “tea for many people.” This cuisine aims to provide meals to a large number of people.
At Kanga-an, Fucha Ryori uses five colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and black) which symbolize the universe and incorporates fresh seasonal vegetables. This high-protein, low-calorie cuisine is both healthy and visually stunning, presented artfully by the priest.
The dining areas of Kanga-an are all private rooms, each offering a view of the garden.
You can enjoy your amazing meal while healing both body and mind in this serene space surrounded by nature.
We ordered the temple’s recommended “Kurozen” meal.
From the start of the appetizers to the ending dessert, the beautifully arranged dishes were almost like the miniature version of the garden itself.
Each bite featured delicate seasoning which enhanced the natural flavors of the ingredients.
When served in small individual dishes, the meal takes on a different charm, allowing each element to be appreciated even more.
Tempura made from seasonal vegetables and edible flowers.
With many different cooking methods used throughout the meal, every dish provided a diverse and engaging dining experience, ensuring that you remained captivated throughout the entire meal.
Dessert was a simple yet luxurious dish featuring seasonal fruits and this completed a course which emphasized natural flavors from start to finish.
After the meal, you are guided by the priest to an exclusive bar which is not open to the public and is only available by reservation for regular guests. It’s quite surprising and unexpected to find a bar within a Buddhist temple!
Guests can also enjoy this exclusive bar experience after their meal if their reservation is made through us at My Concierge Japan.
You can relax and enjoy the garden view through the large windows behind the bar while having light conversation with the priest in English.
While Kanga-an’s Shojin Ryori is certainly recommended for vegetarians and vegans, it is also an excellent choice for anyone who might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the abundance of mainstream cuisine during their travels in Japan.
Kanga-an provides a relaxing experience for both the body and mind.
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