Izusen Daijiin (Kyoto): Teppatsu Shojin Lunch in the Daitokuji Temple Grounds

Inside the great Zen complex of Daitokuji, Izusen has served teppatsu ryori — shojin cuisine presented in nested vermillion alms bowls — since 1963, from a company founded in 1871. The official site states the food uses no meat or seafood, only grains, beans, and vegetables. We label it Vegetarian-Friendly rather than Vegan for one specific reason explained below.

What We Verified

• “No meat or seafood; grains, beans and vegetables only” — stated on the company’s own philosophy page. Checked July 9, 2026.
• Why not Vegan? The statement covers ingredients but never names the dashi specifically, and we could not find a primary source confirming the stock is katsuobushi-free. Some “no fish” kitchens in Japan still use bonito stock. Until the shop confirms it (075-491-6665), our rules cap the label here.
• Open practically every day — 11:00–16:00, closed only Dec 28–31; courses ¥3,800 / ¥4,800 / ¥6,200; groups of 6+ must reserve.
• The bowls themselves are the experience — the nested teppatsu set descends from monks’ begging bowls.

What We Could Not Confirm

• Whether the dashi contains katsuobushi (the deciding question — ask before ordering).
• Egg/dairy presence in any dish (not stated).
• Mirin / cooking sake.
• Reservation policy for individuals (unstated; walk-in appears normal).

What to Order

The Ayame set (¥3,800) — the classic tiered teppatsu experience; Botan (¥6,200) for the full spread. Combine with a slow morning in Daitokuji’s gardens.

Useful Phrases

出汁は昆布と椎茸のみですか?
Dashi wa konbu to shīitake nomi desu ka? — “Is the stock made only from kelp and shiitake?”

みりん・料理酒・お酒は使っていますか?
Mirin, ryōrishu, osake wa tsukatte imasu ka? — “Do you use mirin, cooking sake, or alcohol?”

ハラール(またはヴィーガン)対応のコースはありますか?
Harāru (mata wa vīgan) taiō no kōsu wa arimasu ka? — “Do you have a halal (or vegan) course?”

Restaurant Information

Map

The Teppatsu Format

The specific style of shojin cooking served at Izusen is called teppatsu ryori — meals presented in tiered vermilion alms bowls, one nested inside the other, that descend from the begging bowls of wandering monks. The nested bowls are the point of the visit, aesthetically. You lift each one to reveal the course underneath, and by the end of the meal the bowls are arrayed across the table in a decreasing spiral. It’s a form that has been served at this Daitokuji subtemple since 1963, from a company that dates to 1871, and it is one of the more visually distinctive lunch experiences available in Kyoto. That we couldn’t confirm the dashi is katsuobushi-free is a genuine and honest limitation, and vegans should verify by phone before booking — but the specific experience of the teppatsu bowls themselves is worth the visit for its own sake even to non-strict eaters.

Please double-check before you visit. Restaurant menus and policies can change without notice. This listing was verified on the date shown above using the sources described in How We Verify. If your requirements are strict, please confirm directly with the restaurant — and if you spot something outdated, let us know. Full disclaimer here.