Shojin Ryori in Koyasan at Hanabishi Restaurant

Whenever people hear about Buddhism, they think of the big fat bald man meditating in the mountains. What most don’t know is that there is a strict diet Buddhist monks follow. Despite the obese image, they maintain their compassion for life through their vegetarian diet.

But beyond blindly adhering to religious doctrine, they do this to improve their mental and spiritual strength. In Wakayama, you can find these Buddhist monk’s meals, or Shojin Ryori, beyond the temple. Hanabishi Restaurant has what you need.

Shojin Ryori in Koyasan at Hanabishi Restaurant

Located directly next to the tourist office, Hanabishi provides the temple experience many search for but are hard-pressed to find. While there are many family-run restaurants in Koya-san, they don’t provide the satisfactory, clean meals of the Buddhists monks like Hanabishi. You feel the dedication to self-preservation in the design immediately as you enter the restaurant.

Shojin Ryori in Koyasan at Hanabishi Restaurant

The space and minimalism of the table settings, the cutlery and the lighting bring you into a relaxed state. Think of a temple setting combined with the familiarity of your home. This subtle feeling trickles down in to the food. You won’t feel stiff in the stuffy atmosphere temples are usually known for. But rather as if you are settling down in a slightly more elegant version of your family’s home. A perfect combination of the two.

Shojin Ryori in Koyasan at Hanabishi Restaurant

Shojin Ryori follows the four seasons. During each season, wild mountain plants and other vegetables only available during that time are used. They combine this philosophy with the spirit of “the Five Methods, the Five Flavors, and the Five Colors.” Important overall in traditional Japanese cooking, and especially in Shojin Ryori, this specific way to cook encourages the one eating to use all five senses to enjoy the food.

Shojin Ryori in Koyasan at Hanabishi Restaurant

So, what are each of these five things? Let’s break it down.

The Five Ways:
Raw
Simmer
Roast or grill
Fry
Steam

The Five Flavors:
Saltiness
Sourness
Sweetness
Bitterness
Umami (savoriness)

The Five Colors:
Red
Blue
Black
Yellow
White

Shojin Ryori in Koyasan at Hanabishi Restaurant

By preparing meals according to this philosophy, the Japanese have won the world over with their sensational cuisine. Beyond the taste, chefs and cooks alike prepare the meal with utmost dedication and understanding of how humans process reality. It’s no wonder my Japanese friends rejected my unsightly (but tasty) meals.
And equally, it’s no wonder our meal at Hanabishi rocked us like no other. We had Yo-ryu-zen, complete with konnyaku, clear soup, green pepper, eggplant, and sour plum with vegetable tempura, and, of course, white rice.

Whether it is out of pure interest in vegetarianism or a dedication to living Buddhism in your own life, we highly recommend Hanabishi. Visit here for the delicate atmosphere and the refreshing food, but also to taste a side of Japan most know but never actually experience. The pure sincerity and dedication inherent in Japanese hospitality or “omotenashi” is flowing out of this restaurant. If you are in Wakayama and are looking for a peaceful meal with Buddhist-inspired design and philosophy, Hanabishi is your place.

Hanabishi Koya-san Cooking

4.0

65 Reviews

Wakayama Pref. Itogunkouyachou Kouyasan 769

0736562236

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