Kyoto is the birthplace of many culinary traditions and among these is Shojin ryori, a style that originated in Zen Buddhist teachings. Serving dishes on vermilion-lacquered wooden trays became the official service protocol of Tenryuji, a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Shigetsu’s offerings are characterised by generous helpings of seasonal vegetables; Goma-dofu is the house’s standard dish. Take a postprandial stroll in nearby World Heritage Site, Sogenchiteien Garden.