While Takayama City is renowned for its exquisite Hida wagyu beef, nestled within the lush forests of the Japanese Alps, it is also home to a celebrated shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) restaurant.
Shojin ryori is a distinctive Japanese culinary tradition rooted in Buddhism. This vegetarian cuisine uses traditional Japanese cooking methods that emphasize the natural flavors and umami of the ingredients. Shojin ryori highlights the five different tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami—while also focusing on the textures of individual components for a truly engaging dining experience.
Traditionally, shojin ryori refers to the vegetarian meals served in Buddhist temples, primarily enjoyed by monks. While this might suggest a simple meal, shojin ryori at restaurants is actually a multi-course experience that delights both your taste buds and satisfies your appetite. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, shojin ryori offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience for all diners.
If you’re visiting Japan, be sure to add ‘Kakusho’ to your list of must-try restaurants.
Founded at the end of the Edo period (1818-1829), ‘Kakusho’ is a shojin ryori restaurant and is the oldest operating restaurant in Gifu Prefecture. They offer both lunch and dinner options, but we highly recommend their kaiseki dinner, which has been served since the restaurant’s inception.
You might wonder, “Isn’t ‘Shojin Ryori’ something monks eat at temples?”. It is, but Kakusho offers shojin ryori with a unique twist. Each dish features locally grown vegetables from the Hida-Takayama area, blending centuries-old traditions. Their cooking combines preserved foods like walnuts and dried ferns with highland vegetables, creating a distinct flavor profile.
Note: Bookings are required. As the restaurant only has a Japanese website, make your booking via the MACHIYA LOCALS platform. As the platform will confirm table availability on your behalf, and arrange for your kaiseki dinner course, you’ll be able to easily confirm your reservation before your arrival in Takayama!
In addition to the restaurant’s rich history and the chance to taste authentic Japanese culinary tradition, the restaurant building itself is another reason why you should book a dinner at this culinary destination.
The traditional wooden architecture that houses Kakusho is a former residence of Enzan Toran, a physician who was associated with the local Takayama government office. Both the building and Japanese garden have been designated as cultural properties by Hida Takayama City, featuring a main hall, tea rooms, and detached rooms scattered throughout the garden. Enjoy meticulously prepared dishes while relaxing in the restaurant’s historic ambiance.
Fun Fact: Kakusho first started off as a catering service, providing cuisine for important occasions such as weddings, memorial services, and events for esteemed clients including local government officials and wealthy merchants.
If you want more recommendations for a unique dining experience in Takayama, click here or the link below for Takayama restaurants recommended by locals. You can make your dinner reservation in advance to ensure that you have a great spot for dinner during your visit to the city:
Book your restaurant reservations in Japan via MACHIYA LOCALS
Kakusho restaurant is conveniently located near Takayama’s historic attractions and transportation hub. From JR Takayama Station, customers can reach the restaurant by:
The restaurant offers a dedicated parking area with space for 6 vehicles. Additionally, for those interested in exploring Takayama’s famous old town district, Kakusho is just a 5-minute walk away, making it an ideal dining destination for tourists and locals alike.
| Shojin Ryori ‘Kakusho’ | |
|---|---|
| Book A Table | Kakusho Reservation |
| Address | 2 Chome−98 Babamachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0838 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8u8QHHCNzcvtnGX7 |
There are various accommodation styles available in Takayama, all conveniently located near Takayama Old Town. You can choose to stay in a boutique hotel, a machiya hotel that combines traditional Japanese elements with modern design, or book a private holiday house rental (vacation rental).
Consider reserving a private traditional Japanese house during your visit to Takayama, Japan, instead of opting for typical hotels!
MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN offers private holiday homes, known as machiya, which are uniquely designed to provide an immersive local experience while ensuring modern comforts. Perfect for couples, families, and groups, these rentals allow you to enjoy both the charm of traditional architecture and the convenience of modern amenities.
