Shojin-ryori is Buddhist cuisine made only from vegetables and plant-based ingredients such as tofu. It was initially created as a meal for Buddhist priests as part of the Buddhist precepts. In Zen, all activities related to food are regarded as part of a priest’s ascetic practice. Through food preparation, cooking, consumption and cleaning up after the meal, priests seek to train their minds. Shojin ryori is not simply about vegetarian food but part of their greater faith. Whether enjoyed at a restaurant or an authentic temple setting, trying shojin-ryori is a not-to-be missed Japan experience.