A part of the splendid Tenryu-ji Temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Shigetsu is all about authentic Japanese (Zen) Buddhist fare; which essentially means that everything served here is vegetarian and it is therefore a paradise for hardcore vegans. With beautiful views of the temple’s garden, replete with its ponds and shrubs, you can enjoy delicious vegetable and tofu preparations along with numerous cups of green tea. These are presented in the most delicate manner that only the Japanese can perfect. The restaurant offers three set menus to choose from that include several side dishes along with the usual rice, soup and fruits. With traditional tatami room seating, a reservation is imperative for getting into Shigetsu.

While your meal won’t really come cheap (you will have to pay anything between 3000 to 7000 Yen), the experience of dining like a Buddhist monk is quite enriching. Moreover, the generous portions will keep you full the entire day. Given the fresh ingredients that go into the dishes served here, everything you eat is healthy and detoxifying. The servers are polite and ambience of this temple-style restaurant is incredibly tranquil. The Arashiyama forest with its mysterious bamboo groves is just a short walk away and it helps in amplifying the charm of this restaurant.