Kiyomizudera Temple (Shimane)

Kiyomizudera Temple is beloved as a temple for cleansing of evil spirits, and its precincts are enveloped in an air of majesty. The Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at the traditional inns lining the road to the temple is also famous. This cuisine emerged from the ban on eating meat or fish due to the Buddhist idea of "Ahimsa" (the principle of non-killing); this cuisine is particular for preserving the principle while adding modern practice to the traditional cooking style. Such practice is presented in a way contrasting to the rival Kaiseki ryori (elaborate Japanese multi-course dishes).