A new seasonal dining experience is set to begin within the grounds of Chishaku-in, a venerable Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama area. Starting June 16, 2026, Chishaku-in Saryo Kikyo will offer a "wa-modern" shojin afternoon tea, crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients. The menu is strictly limited to 10 servings per day and requires advance reservations.
Chishaku-in is home to nationally designated scenic gardens and National Treasure screen paintings from the Momoyama period. Within the refined atmosphere of the Chishaku-in Kaikan hall on the temple grounds, this afternoon tea blends the spirit of traditional shojin cuisine — which excludes all animal-derived ingredients — with the modern afternoon tea format.
The Concept
The menu draws from growing interest in health-conscious dining and diverse food cultures such as veganism. The experience is designed as a retreat: a moment to step away from daily life within the serene, welcoming sacred space of a temple, with a focus on restoring body and mind.
A New Form Blending Traditional Shojin Culture with Modern Sensibility
The philosophy of shojin cuisine is expressed through elegant presentation elements such as a handcrafted wicker basket and lacquered bento box, with a playful contemporary touch suited to today's visitors.
An All-Five-Senses Experience, Unique to Chishaku-in
The vibrant fresh greenery of early summer at Chishaku-in is reflected throughout the experience. The flavors mirror the lush beauty of the garden, offering a quietly fulfilling sense of calm.
Three Signature Menu Items
All items are crafted exclusively from plant-based ingredients, achieving remarkable depth and a delicate finish with no animal products.
Shojin Matcha Tiramisu
Made without any dairy products, this dessert is carefully prepared using select soy milk and other plant-based ingredients. It captures the brilliant greenery of Chishaku-in in edible form — a signature sweet that showcases the chef's aesthetic sensibility.
Shojin Temari Sushi
Fresh summer vegetables are generously used and shaped into delicate temari (thread-ball) style pieces. The refreshing textures and vivid colors evoke the cool, refined flavors of Kyoto in early summer.
Homemade An and Gyuhi Wrapping
Guests wrap elegantly sweet homemade an (red bean paste) and smooth plant-based butter into a soft gyuhi (pounded rice cake) themselves. Options such as fruit daifuku or an-butter allow for a personalized finishing touch, letting guests enjoy the taste of something made fresh at the table.
The Venue
Chishaku-in is a historic temple that carries forward the brilliant Momoyama-period culture, including National Treasure screen paintings by Hasegawa Tohaku. Saryo Kikyo is quietly nestled within the Chishaku-in Kaikan on the temple grounds. The interior blends the dignified atmosphere inherited from the temple's long history with a refined Japanese modern aesthetic. The salon also serves full shojin cuisine meals, Kyoto kaiseki courses, and seasonal confections.
Details
Sales Period: From Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (seasonal, limited period)
Price: ¥4,980 (tax included)
Service Time: From 3:00 PM (90-minute session)
Availability: 10 servings per day, advance reservation required
Location: Chishaku-in Saryo Kikyo (within Chishaku-in Kaikan), 964 Higashikawara-cho, Higashioji-dori Shichijo Sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (food last order 7:30 PM / drinks last order 7:30 PM)
Access: 10-minute walk from Keihan Main Line Shichijo Station / 3-minute walk from city bus stop "Higashiyama Shichijo"
Official Website: https://saryo-kikyo.com/
