{"id":26626,"date":"2020-05-26T23:40:20","date_gmt":"2020-05-26T22:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=26626"},"modified":"2020-05-29T08:38:11","modified_gmt":"2020-05-29T07:38:11","slug":"shojin-ryori-cuisine-of-spiritual-progression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/26\/shojin-ryori-cuisine-of-spiritual-progression\/","title":{"rendered":"Shojin-ryori: Cuisine of spiritual progression"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I know it sounds bizarre, but some of my first impressions of Japan are of vegetables.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a scene in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hiyao<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Miyazaki\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">animated\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">classic\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My Neighbor Totoro<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in which<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0two little girls<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, having\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">recently moved out to the country<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0explor<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> a neighbouring granny\u2019s garden in the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">early\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">summertime. They c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hill<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0fresh-picked tomatoes and cucumbers in a running stream, then crunch into them with an enthusiasm that seemed incredibly foreign, almost alien \u2013 elementary school children snarfing down vegetables without the benefit of ranch dressing, salt and pepper,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">anything<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Years later in Kyoto, I saw a thigh-sized daikon radish, white and without <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">blemish<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, offered to the gods during the Festival of the ages, with equal reverence.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In a June as<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0verdant\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">as Miyazaki\u2019s,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the garden sheltered by the rambling, tile-roofed country house of my Tottori homestay<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0glittered<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with sleek purple eggplants, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hid\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">downy edamame and okra,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">swayed with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">great elephant-eared taro. My hosts prepared a simple dish of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that same<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0daikon radish (a food\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0tasted only a few times<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0before<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and hated),\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">impaled with dried chilli pepper and <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">grated\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to a rosy mush<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Two ingredients<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0only<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, grown within thirty feet, alive on the tongue. When I moved to a little island in the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seto<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Inland Sea to teach English<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">neighbours welcomed me with <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">little pyramids of cucumbers and bags of dirt-dusted onions. They made me feel secure, sheltered. Home.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26634\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26634\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26634\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"One of many courses at Shiba Tofuya Ukai\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic7-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26634\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of many courses at Shiba Tofuya Ukai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cuisine, from high to low, is one of Japan\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cultural treasures<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Ask anyone\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">who\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0visited before<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0especially<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ask a Japanese person<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 and you\u2019ll find that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">what they\u2019re most looking forward to on their next trip<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0has nothing to do with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vermilion <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">temples<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">geisha<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or Mt Fuji.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0going there<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eat.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And they will have a\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">list<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A Japanese friend of mine announced her upcoming trip to Japan with a list of 13 specific foods \u2013 and not a word about travelling, dates, or Japan. Everyone knew exactly what she meant.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you arrive, though,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">food<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can also be a source of anxiety: what does this restaurant serve\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2014 and are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0we sure\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0even a restaurant? Do they\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">actually want<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0me to eat raw eggs\/<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pregnant fish<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\/<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">raw\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">horse\/cow intestine?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Things can be even more fraught when dietary restrictions come into play; as a vegetarian, I\u2019m used to squinting at the back of packages and trying to remember if\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">particular\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kanji\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">character\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">combo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">means \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seaweed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d or \u201cs<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ea urchin<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Japan has\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">endless<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0options<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for any diet or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">palate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but it\u2019s a matter of finding them (and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, for me,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of picking ham flecks out of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">my<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0potato\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">salad and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0trying to explain that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0personally<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> do not consider fish cake to be a vegetable). <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sometimes,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the alleys of mysterious\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">restaurants and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the aisles of unfamiliar groceries become wearisome, and you just want some<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0good<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0home cooking \u2013\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">want\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to feel\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">unhurried<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and connected, and welcome.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26631\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26631\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26631\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Moon lunch course at Shigetsu \" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic5-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26631\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Moon lunch course at Shigetsu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This desire to connect and belong through food has been\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">characteristic of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan since long before the first Western visitors set foot on its shores.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Buddhism arrived in Japan during the first century\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A.D. and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0flowed together with native Shintoism<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, with relative ease<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Just a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oth philosophies<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0recognized and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0respected all life<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the lean<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0plant-heavy cuisines of the Japanese isles blended well with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0various Chinese strains of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0monastic vegetarianism. By the Kamakura Era (1185-1333), the new\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hybridized\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Buddhism<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0had spread throughout Japan, carrying with it the evolving roots of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0cuisine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The term<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, written as<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u7cbe\u9032\u6599<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u7406<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">translates\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">literally<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as \u201cdevotion cuisine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the cuisine of spiritual progression.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Food\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0better for you as a person<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0food that<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">makes<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0you a better person. Today it remains popular and is available throughout the country, at Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurants and humble family-run temples alike. Wherever\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0found,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">organizing principles are the same<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to connect to the seasons<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to the people and places that produced the ingredients<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to the chefs<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to your fellow diners.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The mystically significant fives of Buddhism abound: each meal should include five\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">colours<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">green, yellow, red, black, and white<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">), five\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flavours<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">umami<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">),\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">five preparations (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">raw\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">usually\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vinegared<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fried<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, boiled, roasted, and steamed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">), but should exclude the five passion-inflaming foods that induce anger and lust (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">this rogues\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gallery\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">varies by the temple, but <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">usually forbids<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0onion<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\/<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">garlic relatives<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26638\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26638\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26638\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Miso-broiled eggplant (nasu dengaku) with kinome leaf and summer melon, at Shigetsu Kyoto \" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic1-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26638\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miso-broiled eggplant (nasu dengaku) with kinome leaf and summer melon, at Shigetsu Kyoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">st<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0important, though, are the mental attitudes that accompany preparing and eating temple cuisine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: not just what you eat, but how<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">concept<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a triad<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0rather than a quintet<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, recommending the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">virtues of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">d<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">aishin<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">maintaining a calm<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and open mind),\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">r<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oushin<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">treasuring each ingredient\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">as an individual:\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">as a parent treasures each child<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kishin<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gratitude for the moment, food, and company<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It requires that its chefs<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0waste nothing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reshap<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing sc<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">raps into soups, dumplings, and sauces and aim<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0make each element taste like its highest self by seasoning gently,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0highlight<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">atural flavors<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0without<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0extraneous ingredients<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26643\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26643\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26643\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\" Ladies dining at Shigetsu\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic4-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26643\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ladies dining at Shigetsu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the diner,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">this\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">attitude\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doesn\u2019t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0manifest in a bunch of stuffy rules<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a million\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">different\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">forks. You can avoid serious\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">faux pa<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by 1) taking your shoes off where you\u2019re told to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0after\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ensuring in advance that your socks are fit to be seen, and 2) not plunging your chopsticks upright into your rice like sticks of incense (the latter is associated with funeral ceremonies and is very bad luck; on the other hand, I\u2019ve never in my life seen anyone spontaneously do it).<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0eat each humble carrot\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(or whatever you\u2019re served)\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">completely and with respect, considering the sun that nurtured it, the farmer that planted and protected it, and the moment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in time<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0has brought it before you<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, sliced into\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the shape of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a cherry blossom purely for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an instant of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">enjoyment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0before you dig in<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26637\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26637\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26637\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A block of ice welcomes summer visitors to Shiba Tofuya Ukai with a localized cool breeze \" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic8-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26637\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A block of ice welcomes summer visitors to Shiba Tofuya Ukai with a localized cool breeze<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OK,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sure, you might be thinking<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2026nice idea, but\u2026<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">well<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2026<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is it<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">actually<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">y<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0good<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Especially with that \u201cclean your plate\u201d philosophy, and particularly if\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u2019ve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0thrown down a few hundred dollars per person for a high-end experience,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019d say\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a little bit of concern is understandable! To me (and those\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019ve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0dragged along), though, the answer is an only-slightly-qualified \u201cyes.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As with the little girls in\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My Neighbor Totoro\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">munching away on naked tomatoes, the vegetables\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u2019ll<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0be served were loved. Even if you\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0much care for something at home, you might\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">enjoy\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it here. Your\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">slice of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0hand-reared<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0summer melon<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shizuoka<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Prefecture<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0at the foot of Mt Fuji<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(famous for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">melons<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, as every square inch of Japan is famous for some specific food product) is about as far from a watery grocery store <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Honeydew<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> as possible<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You might even meet something new that you adore; my favourite <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">goma<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dofu<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, creamy, panna-cotta-textured <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pudding<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with a mild sweetness set off by soy sauce and freshly grated wasabi, was introduced to me at\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ry<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">o<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-ji<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Kyoto<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u2019ll<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> try wild mountain vegetables you\u2019ve never heard of, that have no common name in English, and fruits you didn\u2019t know existed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Plus<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u2019ll find that<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0lot of sweet-salty, umami-rich dishes (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">smoky\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tofu broiled with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sticky sesame<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0miso,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">snappy\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gingered\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pickles<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, crispy-sweet tempura lotus root) that taste suspiciously like they might have wandered over from a hip American gastropub.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">M<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ost\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0restaurants\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">also\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">serve beer and sake\u2026just saying.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26646\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26646\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26646\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese gardens and koi at Shiba Tofuya Ukai\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic6a-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26646\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Japanese gardens and koi at Shiba Tofuya Ukai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you can see above, i<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n the spirit of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kishin<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">staying in the moment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019ve never gotten any particularly attractive pictures while treating myself to a meal of this sort<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but I like to think this means I was doing something right. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u2019d <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">like to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">try\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for yourself<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0when you visit Japan, I can personally recommend\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lunch at\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the well-known but excellent\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shigetsu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, located\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">within<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the World Heritage gardens of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Teryu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-ji Temple<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in Kyoto\u2019s leafy riverside suburb of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Arashiyama<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Near the famous bamboo forest\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">surrounded by\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">moss gardens\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">more and less well-known, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">calm oasis from the tourist frenzy of modern Kyoto<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose your poetically-named <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">S<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">now, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">M<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oon, or <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">F<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lower course, and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0you\u2019ll be seated<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in a cool tatami room to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">enjoy a selection of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seasonal\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Zen specialties; my <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">smallest-sized\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">summer\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snow course (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">containing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> enough food for an army of ascetic monks) included cooling cucumbers, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">meaty<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">yuba<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tofu skin with tart, lime-like\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sudachi<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0citrus, and delicate baby green beans, completely unadorned and exquisitely fresh.<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">In Tokyo, I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0also adore<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Shibuya\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tofuya<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ukai<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which serves a vegetable-forward <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kaiseki <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cuisine with strong\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">roots; their set courses can be vegetarian or vegan upon request, and there\u2019s nothing quite watching the koi swim to and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fro<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in a pond reflecting Tokyo Tower\u2019s orange\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">spire\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to cultivate an appreciative frame of mind \u2013 and that\u2019s before the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fresh corn tempura and <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">iced <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tomato\/okra salad <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">even arrive<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re lucky your Japanese journey m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ight even\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">include a temple stay <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">memorable <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dinner as evening\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mists\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fall on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sacred mountaintop\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">like<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Koya<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-san or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Haguro<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-san or a hill overlooking Nagano city<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and the encircling green arms of the Japanese Alps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_26640\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26640\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-26640\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Goma dofu at Shigetsu\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pic2-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-26640\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Goma dofu at Shigetsu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the time being,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">while\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">we\u2019re<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0all limited to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rather\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">indoorish<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">travel daydreams\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and our favorite farm-to-table restaurants are hibernating,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s nice to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">consider<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the ideals of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0cuisine are accessible anywhere<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. A<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s spring produce makes a welcome appearance even on somewhat-denuded shelves<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s worth\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tak<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing a moment of t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ime to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0consider your rosy spring radishes: the warm California soil,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the sun on spicy greens, the human hands that picked and cleaned and ferried and stocked, the plate and salt and the people who gather around the table with you \u2013 or who you wish were able to. Maybe you can plan to steam the greens and dress them with sesame, in order to waste nothing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Perhaps turn off the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">television<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, put down the book<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or phone<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">look out the window\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or at least\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">give a friendly glance to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">your least death-prone succulent<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. No special investment of time or money is required to experience this very particular but accessible Japanese\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mindset<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and the real thing will be waiting with great patience, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gratitude<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and joy, for you to arrive and exp<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">erience<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shojin-ryori<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for yourself.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0A green tomato swells on the vine, even now, dreaming of ripening summers to come.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Simple Shojin-ryori Recipe to try at home: Radish Greens with Sesame (Goma Ae)<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">20 min; serves 4 as a side dish<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ingredients:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Radish greens, 2 bunches, or any kind or amount of green vegetables you have on hand; broccoli and spinach are nice as well<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4 Tbsp raw sesame seeds (black or white)<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1-2 Tbsp soy sauce\/tamari, or to taste<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1 Tbsp sugar<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1\/2 tsp mirin or sake, if you have it on hand<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Salt<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Directions:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lightly blanch greens for 30-45 seconds in boiling, lightly salted water; plunge immediately into ice bath. Toast sesame seeds in small skillet over medium heat until deep golden and toasty-smelling. Grind to a paste in mortar and pestle, small food processor, or coffee grinder; paste should release some oils and start to become homogeneous, but not become evenly creamy like peanut butter (chunks are fine). Whisk sesame paste with soy sauce, sugar, mirin\/sake if using, and perhaps a pinch of salt or dash o<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shichimi togarashi<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seasoning<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, depending how salty your soy sauce\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0taste for balance. Drain and squeeze greens to remove all water. While squeezing, compress greens together into one thick tube then cut into even lengths; place a roughly cylindrical pile of greens on four pretty dishes to make individual servings, top with a quarter of your sesame dressing, decorate with a fresh half radish, and serve.<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26626\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! I know it sounds bizarre, but some of my first impressions of Japan are of vegetables.\u00a0\u00a0 There\u2019s\u00a0a scene in\u00a0Hiyao\u00a0Miyazaki\u2019s\u00a0animated\u00a0classic\u00a0My Neighbor Totoro\u00a0in which\u00a0two little girls, having\u00a0recently moved out to the country,\u00a0explore a neighbouring granny\u2019s garden in the\u00a0early\u00a0summertime. They chill\u00a0fresh-picked tomatoes and cucumbers in a running stream, then crunch [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2366,2367],"tags":[1520,2395,2541,3113,3212,3730,4527],"class_list":["post-26626","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-japanese-food-and-drink","category-japanese-culture-and-history","tag-food","tag-japanese-recipes","tag-vegetarian","tag-vegetarian-food","tag-buddhism-in-japan","tag-vegetarian-food-in-japan","tag-shojin-ryori"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26626"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26626\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27164,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26626\/revisions\/27164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}