Gyoshintei - Nikko

I had scouted out Gyoshintei on my trip to Nikko as I only eat shojin ryori when I travel; at first, I had a little difficulty finding it in Google Maps, but as... read more I had scouted out Gyoshintei on my trip to Nikko as I only eat shojin ryori when I travel; at first, I had a little difficulty finding it in Google Maps, but as I walked through maple-lined paths dripping with rain, I felt like I’d stumbled into a magical oasis. The building is set in a clearing in the woods, with small bonsai trees out front. Inside, it is a traditional Japanese restaurant with tatami (but chairs, so don’t worry about sitting on the floor). I was the only guest at that time of day; I had the shojin bento box only offered at lunch. It included tempura, Koyadofu, gomadofu and veggies served different ways. Dessert was a squash yokan. Absolutely delicious and beautiful meal and interior, I was not rushed at all and enjoyed looking out over the beautiful garden.

Traditional and beautiful. not so easy to find because it is located within a small and beautiful neighbourhood that is not very full of signs. very traditional... read more Traditional and beautiful. not so easy to find because it is located within a small and beautiful neighbourhood that is not very full of signs. very traditional. they were friendly enough to read my vegan card and let me know the meal course in the menu that worked for me. (shiojin ryojri 12 meal). yes. it's expensive, but totally worth it because it's one time in a lifetime Japanese experience that they don't have anywhere else.

We went there after we visited the tempel and this place not disappointed! it was a bit complicated to find, but we came there at the end (we circled around the... read more We went there after we visited the tempel and this place not disappointed! it was a bit complicated to find, but we came there at the end (we circled around the neighboring houses). the lady led us to a table where we sat in full on the garden and the bonsais. we were the only customers. I chose the vegan shijin ryori. my friend took the equivalent with some fish dishes. it was perhaps one of the quietest meal I've experienced. I had feared that I had still starved at the end, but I was very satisfied there. yuba is apparently a specificity of the region and was served on various wise. we also go several refills of two different tees that were both excellent. Do not miss this when they are in nikko. is important that they accept card payments. the dame was also very soothing and announced the most important ingredients of each teller and told me that no fish every time they put a plate in front of me.

Nice n cool experience, but for me and my friend this was not for us. I may literally imagine any vegan meal, but this felt like going through an oral, last thi... read more Nice n cool experience, but for me and my friend this was not for us. I may literally imagine any vegan meal, but this felt like going through an oral, last thing they want when hungry. Although I suspect is a delicate and experience in a beautiful environment, they treat it like a game!

Definitely an experience, worth doing as there are not many opportunities to experience traditional japanese cuisine as a vegan vegetarian in Japan. We arrived... read more Definitely an experience, worth doing as there are not many opportunities to experience traditional japanese cuisine as a vegan vegetarian in Japan. We arrived at lunchtime without a reservation and chose the 12 course menu which was certainly enough for lunch. My husband had the fish option and i had the vegan option. Personally, whilst I enjoyed the experience, I found the food a little bland. Interesting, but the flavours were delicate, as is usual with buddhist style food. Also lots of tofu in different ways, often cold. Even for the fish menu which my husband wasn’t so excited about. I’m glad I went, but given it was fairly expensive and the food a little bland I probably wouldn’t go again. If you get off the bus from the station at the parking lot to the west south west of where the restaurant is marked on googlemaps you just need to follow the path to the north east around the back of a big tall attractive grand grey stone building. I put the japanese name (can be found on tripadvisor) in googlemaps.