Saikyoji Temple x Yasai-go to Host First 'Shojin Children's Cafeteria' on Children's Day
Yasai-go, an organization dedicated to solving child vegetable deficiency, will hold its first 'Shojin Children's Cafeteria' at the historic Saikyoji Temple in Otsu, Shiga, on May 5, 2026. Free plant-based meals and cultural experiences will be provided.
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General Incorporated Association Yasai-go (Representative Director: Mari Yamada), which works to address the social issue of insufficient vegetable intake among children, will host the first 'Shojin Children's Cafeteria at Saikyoji' on May 5, 2026 (Children's Day), with the cooperation of Saikyoji, the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei Sect (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture). In the precincts boasting 1,500 years of history, vegetable-centered meals utilizing the wisdom of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (Shojin ryori) will be delivered to children free of charge.
### Why a Children's Cafeteria at a Temple?
Vegetable intake among Japanese children continues to remain significantly below recommended levels. Yasai-go addresses this through its mobile cafeteria 'Yasai-go,' striving to ignite children's love for vegetables. Saikyoji Temple, the collaborator for this event, is a prestigious ancient temple known for its legend of being founded by Prince Shotoku and restored by Akechi Mitsuhide in the Muromachi period. The project was born from the resonance between the temple's culture of deeply facing daily food through the spirit of 'Fudan Nembutsu' and Yasai-go's mission to bring the power of vegetables to children. During this season, the temple holds a colorful windmill festival, providing a bright and energetic atmosphere for the cafeteria.
### Modernizing Shojin Wisdom
Shojin cuisine avoids meat, fish, and the 'Gokun' (five pungent vegetables like garlic and leeks). Its wisdom of creating rich flavors using only vegetables, beans, and grains is backed by a philosophy of gratitude. Based on this, Yasai-go has developed a kids' lunch that children can enjoy with a smile.
* **Shojin Kids' Lunch (For children): Free for junior high students and younger.**
Includes soy meat karaage, french fries, and soy meat hamburger steaks with colorful seasonal vegetables. It creates a surprise of 'Is this all vegetables?' through familiar flavors.
* **Neo Shojin Buddha Bowl (For adults): 2,500 JPY per serving (Reservation only).**
A nutritionally perfect bowl featuring grains, vegetables, and beans. Enjoy the seasonal spring vegetables in this modern Shojin style.
### Family Meditation & Sutra Copying (Free participation)
With the help of the chief priest, Zen meditation and sutra copying sessions will be held. These are independent programs open for free participation.
**Event Overview:**
* **Name:** Shojin Children's Cafeteria at Saikyoji
* **Date:** May 5, 2026 (Tue/Holiday), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
* **Venue:** Saikyoji Temple (5-13-1 Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga)
* **Access:** 10 mins by bus from JR Hieizan Sakamoto Station. Free parking (100 cars).
* **Fees:** Kids' meal: Free (first 30). Adults: 2,500 JPY (Reservation only). Experience: Free (Admission fee to temple required separately: 500 JPY for adults, kids free).
* **Organizer:** Yasai-go / **Cooperation:** Saikyoji Temple
### Why a Children's Cafeteria at a Temple?
Vegetable intake among Japanese children continues to remain significantly below recommended levels. Yasai-go addresses this through its mobile cafeteria 'Yasai-go,' striving to ignite children's love for vegetables. Saikyoji Temple, the collaborator for this event, is a prestigious ancient temple known for its legend of being founded by Prince Shotoku and restored by Akechi Mitsuhide in the Muromachi period. The project was born from the resonance between the temple's culture of deeply facing daily food through the spirit of 'Fudan Nembutsu' and Yasai-go's mission to bring the power of vegetables to children. During this season, the temple holds a colorful windmill festival, providing a bright and energetic atmosphere for the cafeteria.
### Modernizing Shojin Wisdom
Shojin cuisine avoids meat, fish, and the 'Gokun' (five pungent vegetables like garlic and leeks). Its wisdom of creating rich flavors using only vegetables, beans, and grains is backed by a philosophy of gratitude. Based on this, Yasai-go has developed a kids' lunch that children can enjoy with a smile.
* **Shojin Kids' Lunch (For children): Free for junior high students and younger.**
Includes soy meat karaage, french fries, and soy meat hamburger steaks with colorful seasonal vegetables. It creates a surprise of 'Is this all vegetables?' through familiar flavors.
* **Neo Shojin Buddha Bowl (For adults): 2,500 JPY per serving (Reservation only).**
A nutritionally perfect bowl featuring grains, vegetables, and beans. Enjoy the seasonal spring vegetables in this modern Shojin style.
### Family Meditation & Sutra Copying (Free participation)
With the help of the chief priest, Zen meditation and sutra copying sessions will be held. These are independent programs open for free participation.
**Event Overview:**
* **Name:** Shojin Children's Cafeteria at Saikyoji
* **Date:** May 5, 2026 (Tue/Holiday), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
* **Venue:** Saikyoji Temple (5-13-1 Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga)
* **Access:** 10 mins by bus from JR Hieizan Sakamoto Station. Free parking (100 cars).
* **Fees:** Kids' meal: Free (first 30). Adults: 2,500 JPY (Reservation only). Experience: Free (Admission fee to temple required separately: 500 JPY for adults, kids free).
* **Organizer:** Yasai-go / **Cooperation:** Saikyoji Temple