Izusen - Daijiin Shop

Unclaimed

A wonderful setting in which to eat shojin ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). The restaurant is in the middle of the huge Daitoku-ji Temple complex and could itself be mistaken for a temple. The food is absolutely exquisite - so many explosions of tastes and delicate flavours, all based on fresh and seasonal food. The presentation was amazing - so beautiful and colourful. The dishes were unique and an experience to eat. I loved the tempura (whole) plum, the shiso sorbet, the plum and bean somen and the baked aubergine in miso and Japanese ginger. Everything was delicious. One thing I would like to happen next time i visit is for the dishes not to come so fast. All-in-all - this is a true Kyoto culinary experience,

One of the best vegetarian cuisine I ever had. There are several courses of this Japanese vegetarian cuisine. Each cooked and taste differently. The taste of the food is very distinct, stimulating the palate. In shorts, very tasty. One must eat slowly to enjoy the taste of the food. The price is a bit higher but the basic course is still affordable. The waitress is very polite, good hospitality.

Getting there, I agree add an extra 20 minutes to find your way through maze like complex, see map photo. Unbelievably good food, I chose the mid range set menu, so many textures and flavours, 7 courses, but also many tiny extra plates as well. So full, but worth it. Seating on tatami mats.

Highly recommend for unique vegetarian dishes. Lots of tasty food which they serve one after the other. Go on an empty stomach. Beautiful zen settings in the midst of the temples. But difficult to find as it’s hidden and you need to navigate through small paths

One of the best dining experiences I've had in Japan. Food is amazing as the cooking brings out natural flavors of the ingredients. When I visited, it was not crowded so I could enjoy the meal peacefully. They have several branches in the city so look for the address in their website. For the Daijiin branch, search the main entrance to the temple and find Daijiin on the map or ask some nearby staff, the Google map shows the wrong way so don't rely on it. Staff were friendly and hospitable, they all tried to explain the dish in English to me. The temple complex is a nice area to stroll around and appreciate the serenity as this place is away from major tourist attractions.