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• Delicious food, in Sogen Garden , Tenryu-ji temple

Location: inside the Sogen Garden of the Tenryyu temple complex in Arashiyama. Admission fee : 500 Yen. The cashier at the garden entrance can point out the restaurant location on the visitor's map. The restaurant entrance has a split curtain (noren ) and if the front desk is not staffed, guests should open the sliding front door, and press the buzzer at the cashier's window to call the receptionist . Menu and atmosphere : Lunch only, with three choices of vegan set meals, starting at 3000 Yen per person. Delicate flavors of grilled miso-topped eggplant , sesame tofu , miso soup, yams,potato , mushrooms, spinach, yuba, pickled daikon, tea. The restaurant windows overlook a koi pond with views of the garden. Since this is a popular temple for tourists, large groups may show up for lunch , so arrive early. no reservations needed. The serving is functional and no nonsense . For a shojin ryori meal at a similar price but with incredible presentation and ambiance, try Nikko restaurant Gyoshintei instead. Servers were friendly, spoke some English, and offered low chairs /tables for customers who had trouble with tatami seating. Wine and other drinks are available .