The history of food in Kyoto is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage, dating back to the imperial court's cuisine known as "Kyo-ryori." As Kinkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple formally known as Rokuon-ji, the local cuisine has also been influenced by Buddhist dietary principles. Many dishes are based on the "shojin ryori" vegetarian cooking of Buddhist monks. Kyoto’s geography and climate have allowed for a variety of vegetables to be grown, leading to a wide variety of vegetarian dishes typical of the area.