Japanese Buddhist Cuisine Shojin Ryori Experience

Overview

In this immersive experience, John Daub visits the historic Ryōzenji Temple in Oita Prefecture, a site with over 1,300 years of history. He meets Wasada-san, an 88-year-old resident who has lived at the temple his entire life, to explore shōjin ryōri (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). The video documents a traditional meal served in the temple house, highlighting the artistry and natural flavors of meat-free dishes that have been refined over centuries.

Beyond the meal, John participates in a tea ceremony prepared by tea master Kitagawa-san, learning about high-quality organic green tea grown in Oita. The experience culminates in a session of zazen (Zen meditation), where John learns proper posture and breathing techniques used historically by samurai to clear the mind. The video offers a rare look into temple life, combining culinary exploration with spiritual practice against a backdrop of stunning autumn foliage.

Highlights

• 00:06:00 John introduces Ryōzenji Temple and the concept of Shojin Ryori.
• 01:55:00 Meet Wasada-san, an 88-year-old temple resident who met the Pope.
• 03:57:00 The Shojin Ryori meal box is opened and revealed.
• 05:00:00 John describes the tofu dish made to look like grilled eel (unagi).
• 14:46:00 Tasting konnyaku sashimi flavored with yomogi (mugwort).
• 24:11:00 Kitagawa-san prepares high-quality organic green tea.
• 32:00:00 John attempts zazen (Zen meditation) for the first time.
• 40:51:00 Discussion on meditation practices for foreigners and stress relief.
• 47:00:00 Final views of Oita City and autumn colors from the temple mountain.

Timeline / Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Ryōzenji Temple and Shojin Ryori.
• 01:33:00 Meeting Wasada-san and Kitagawa-san.
• 03:57:00 Unboxing and explaining the Shojin Ryori meal.
• 08:39:00 Tasting the hojicha rice and tofu unagi.
• 14:46:00 Trying konnyaku sashimi and vegetables.
• 23:10:00 Transition to tea ceremony.
• 24:11:00 Serving and tasting organic Oita green tea.
• 32:00:00 Preparation for Zazen meditation.
• 38:00:00 Meditation session and hand positioning.
• 43:00:00 Discussion on meditation chairs and temple history.
• 47:00:00 Closing views and sign-off.

Japan Travel Tips

• Access: Ryōzenji Temple is located on a mountain in Oita Prefecture. Public transport is limited; renting a car is recommended to reach the site.
• Dining: Shojin Ryori is strictly vegetarian (no meat or fish). It is typically served within temple grounds and may require advance reservation.
• Meditation: Zazen sessions may be available for visitors. Chairs are often provided for those who cannot sit on tatami (straw mats) in the traditional cross-legged style.
• Season: Autumn (November/December) offers stunning foliage views from the temple grounds.
• Etiquette: Say itadakimasu before eating and gochisousama deshita after finishing. Remove shoes when entering temple buildings.

Japanese Language & Culture Notes

• Shōjin Ryori (精進料理): Buddhist vegetarian cuisine developed in temples. It avoids meat and fish, focusing on vegetables, tofu, and grains.
• Zazen (座禅): Zen meditation practice. Historically used by samurai to clear the mind before battle. Involves specific hand positions and breathing.
• Otera (お寺): Japanese word for Buddhist temple.
• Tatami (畳): Traditional straw mat flooring. Sitting directly on it can be difficult for some; stools are often available.
• Neba Neba (ねばねば): Onomatopoeia for sticky textures, often used to describe foods like okra or yamaimo.

Food & Drink Guide

• Shōjin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine): The main meal. Completely vegetarian, artistically presented. 03:57:00
• Hojicha Rice: Rice cooked in roasted green tea for flavor, topped with plum seasoning. 04:39:00
• Tofu Unagi: Tofu prepared to look and taste like grilled eel, using seaweed and sauce. 05:00:00
• Konnyaku Sashimi: Konjac jelly sliced thin like sashimi, flavored with mugwort (yomogi). 14:46:00
• Ocha (Tea): High-quality organic green tea from Oita, steeped for only 30 seconds. 24:11:00
• Yokan: Sweet jellied confection made from red beans (azuki). 23:10:00

People

• John Daub: Host. Curious and enthusiastic about experiencing temple life and cuisine.
• Wasada-san: 88-year-old temple resident. Born at the temple, meets visitors, and practices meditation daily.
• Kyoko: Guest joining John for the meal.
• Kitagawa-san: Tea master who prepares the green tea ceremony.

Key Takeaways

• Shojin Ryori proves vegetarian food can be visually stunning and deeply flavorful without meat.
• Zen meditation is accessible to beginners and can be done on chairs if needed.
• Temple water and local organic ingredients contribute significantly to the quality of the food and tea.
• Historical practices like meditation were used by samurai to manage stress and focus.

Notable Quotes

• 00:06:00 "Greetings from a Buddhist temple. This is a pretty cool experience."
• 01:55:00 "I'm 88 years old... Yes. I was born here."
• 08:39:00 "Just because it's vegetarian doesn't mean you can't make it look beautiful."
• 10:04:00 "Why isn't this more mainstream? It's too good."
• 38:00:00 "When you meditate, you're kind of returning back to zero. Going back to your center."

Related Topics

• Buddhist Temple Stays (Shukubo)
• Vegetarian Travel in Japan
• Zen Meditation Practices
• Oita Prefecture Tourism
• Japanese Tea Culture

Search Tags

#only-in-japan-go #oita #shojin-ryori #buddhist-temple #vegetarian #zen-meditation #japanese-tea #temple-stay #ryōzenji #john-daub #travel-japan #foodie #zazen #ocha #tofu