Shojin ryori is the Japanese Zen Buddhist style of vegetarian cooking. Join an expert in this culinary art who has written many cookbooks on the topic as you learn for yourself the secrets of shojin. Make nine traditional dishes using the three-fives principle of cooking: five colors, five flavors, and five cooking methods. Fry, grill, boil, steam or serve raw some seasonal vegetables and tofu in the Zen way. Watch a documentary video that explains all the details of the cuisine from the manners to the philosophy through showcasing three actual Zen temples.

After lunch join a Zen-style tea ceremony with a tea master and make your own green tea. Finish the day with a presentation about the seasoning and ingredients of shojin ryori from a well-known editor in the field. Take home a vast knowledge of recipes to make for yourself at home.