Zen Vegetarian Lunch in a Zen Temple

October 7th 2021.
Before going for a train ride and a rickshaw ride, (see video), we had a zen vegetarian lunch in Shigetsu, a house/restaurant within the garden of Tenryu-ji temple in Arashiyama. We were surprised to get a private room, and a big one just for the two of us. Service was simple and kind and the lunch was delicious. Quiet and Zen was the atmosphere. We truly enjoyed the moment and the food. Small chairs are available instead of sitting on the floor.

November 19th 2021.
We went again for lunch, it was as good as the first time. the food was similar, of course all vegetarian, but with some new ingredients according to the season. We enjoyed it again very much and this time, the whole restaurant was fully booked, they had arranged many rooms to accommodate all people. As we booked for a more expensive lunch we had a room next to a small garden, with only 4 tables compared to the normal lunch room where more people eat together (ca. 40 - see photo). Towards the end of our lunch, a couple came in to eat their lunch, they had traveled to France few years back and they were so happy to share their experience with us when they learned that I was born in France.