Oh, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. Widely acknowledged as a food haven, people flock to Japan to indulge in their fresh sushi, sashimi, ramen, kare raisu (rice with curry) and more! It might not be as well-known for vegetarian options but they are in fact, options in the country.
We will let you in on a few tips so you can still eat to your fill while in Japan. Also, if you have no knowledge of the Japanese language at all, read on as we introduce you to some useful Japanese phrases that will aid you during your search for vegan options. Without further ado, check out our comprehensive survival guide for vegetarians in Japan!
Tips For Vegetarians In Japan
1. Plan and research ahead
While shopping for hotels online, see if you can find some vegetarian or vegan (or vegetarian/vegan-friendly) restaurants around the neighborhood to decide if it’s a convenient place for you to settle your meals. To help you save precious time, you can head over to HappyCow’s website, key in the city you’re heading to, press enter and be wowed by the list of options they have.
Best of all, some have reviews left by other customers so you can see and decide if it’s worth going to. Those who are hitting the streets of Japan without Wi-Fi can download their mobile app to save information for offline use.
2. Keep yourself connected
While some travelers are used to being disconnected while out and about during a trip, we recommend staying connected to the Internet, just in case you need to do last-minute research due to a change of original plans. You can invest in a local SIM card. Read our guide on buying a prepaid SIM card in Japan for tourists. Alternatively, you can consider renting a pocket WiFi instead.
The benefits are many, which includes being able to share the cost among friends or family members since the device usually allows connection up to a few persons. Take 30% off your rental fee with NINJA WiFi.
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3. Acquire vegetarian-friendly accomodations
Some hotels have vegetarian options specially made available for their guests so if you have the time to go back and forth through email, reach out and ask before booking. Other than hotels, try searching for ryokans. They are Japanese-style inns offering travelers an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle. Elements include tatami floors, futon beds, local-style baths, and cuisine.
There are different kinds of ryokan in terms of size, cost, and style. Some family-run establishments may serve a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes, should they be informed in advance. Do plan ahead.
4. Print a vegetarian card
Pictures speak a thousand words, don’t they? Prepare a printed paper card with your dietary restrictions printed in Japanese to show the locals. This saves the trouble of explaining your requirements each time you walk into a restaurant.
5. Join a local vegetarian cooking class (from USD 674.0)
If you find yourself including Shinagawa City as part of your Japan travel plan to connect the dots, you should book a private Japanese cooking class at a local home. It will take approximately three hours and you can try making classic Japanese dishes adapted to your diet.
This activity is family-friendly as well so kids are welcome to participate! Some of the sample menus include tofu dressing creamy salad, chopped salad with flavorful vegetable dressing, vegan miso soup, and sushi. If you have any special dietary requirements or food menu requests, do give a heads up at the point of booking.
Japanese Cooking Class for Vegans
Duration: 3 hours
6. Go on a vegetarian food tour (from USD 91.0)
We’re really glad to have found this food tour for all our vegetarian friends. The official guides have created this tour especially to help vegan travelers to indulge in great local foods after observing how vegetarians and have had trouble finding the right food in Japan.
The tour includes a visit to an old, folk house cafe, which provides an organic farm food plate filled with freshest, organic vegetables that can be found during the season. You will also get your taste buds awakened with vegan ramen, traditional tea, as well as Japanese sweets at a teahouse. The tour will end with a stroll in the Shimokitazawa district, a hip cultural quarter with a lingering old-Tokyo vibe.
Vegan & Organic Food Tour in Tokyo
Meeting point: In front of West Exit of Shimokita-zawa station
Price: 88 USD per person
byFood experiences
1) Vegan Ginza Tour
Explore the prestigious streets of Ginza in Tokyo on this enlightening vegan food tour, a haven for anyone keen on plant-based Japanese delicacies. Journey through Ginza’s rich culture as you savor the best vegan versions of traditional Japanese dishes, ranging from exquisite wagashi sweets accompanied by matcha green tea to a delectable vegan ramen finale. Under the guidance of a proficient English or French-speaking guide, uncover hidden gems and taste the true essence of Japanese cuisine, also known as ‘washoku’, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2) Sweet Vegan Asakusa Dessert Tour
Stroll through the timeless streets of Asakusa, soaking in its unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, while indulging in its vegan sweet treasures. Dive deep into Japan’s rich dessert tradition with a guided journey through iconic spots, including the serene Sensoji Temple. Relish delectable wagashi, the artful desserts reflecting the ever-changing Japanese seasons, crafted with exquisite ingredients such as azuki (red bean paste) and rice flour. Whether it’s the cherry-blossomed sakura mochi in spring or sweet potato confections in autumn, every bite is an ode to nature’s rhythm.
3) Vegan / Vegetarian Ramen Tour in Tokyo
Dive deep into Tokyo’s vegetarian ramen scene on this curated tour guided by local expert Frank. In the bustling Shibuya, you will get to savor the rich heritage of Hokkaido’s ramen with two mini bowls ranging from classic miso to light shio salt broth. The journey doesn’t stop at tradition; venture into modernity with two fusion ramen bowls that challenge the palate.
As you navigate the city’s aromatic alleyways, uncover the rich tapestry of stories behind Japan’s beloved noodle soup. Catering to both vegan and non-vegan enthusiasts, this tour offers a delightful, immersive taste of Tokyo’s diverse ramen culture in just a few slurps!
Vegan Ginza Tour
Duration: 3hours
Sweet Vegan Asakusa Dessert Tour
Duration: 1.5hours
Vegan / Vegetarian Ramen Tour in Tokyo
Duration: 2hours
Useful Japanese Phrases To Know
As with most countries you travel to, learning the local language will help you greatly to get around. In this case, learning key phrases pertaining to food will be helpful in getting your dietary restrictions past the language barrier. If you’re too busy to pick up the language, then having a translator, such as Google Translate, can also help you overcome such issues.
Also, do note that there is no actual word for “vegetarian” in Japanese. To counter this issue, you can learn how to explain the restrictions carefully through negatives like “no fish, no meat, only vegetables”, just to name a few.
These phrases will aid a vegetarian greatly in communicating your preferences. You can start by introducing yourself as a vegetarian and check if their menu items include ingredients that are non-vegan. Memorize them by heart or take a screenshot of this for quick reference just in case your mind goes blank upon meeting locals.
• Watashi wa bejitarian/bigan desu - I am vegetarian/vegan
• Niku - meat
• Sakana - fish
• Shiifuudo - seafood
• Tamago - egg
• Cheezu - cheese
• Gyuunyu - milk
• Kuriimu - cream
• Katsuobushi - bonito flakes
• _____ haiteimasueka? - Is there ___ in it?
• _____ tabemasen/taberaremasen - I don’t/can’t eat ___
• _____-nashi, kudasai - Without ___, please
• Yasai dake, kudasai - Vegetables only, please.
Vegetarian Dishes In Japan
7. Ramen
Do a quick search and you will find a couple of vegan ramen recipes out there. Of course while on the go and chasing destinations, it’s going to be hard to cook a meal for yourself. Now, you don’t have to worry about a single thing since we’ve sourced a few eateries for you. They are mainly situated in Tokyo.
T's TanTan
You can find T’s Tantan along Keiyo Street near Tokyo Station. T’s restaurant opened in 2009 and has been serving dandan noodles without meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Even their cakes are made without using any eggs or dairy products.
T's TanTan
Address: Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 改札内）KeiyoStreet内 1階 JR Tokyo Station
Website: T’s TanTan
Opening hours: 7am - 10.30pm (daily)
Chabuton
Chabuton Tonkotsu Ramen is situated close to Shimo-Kitazawa Station in Setagaya City, Tokyo. Opened from 11am to 11pm daily, this restaurant serves non-vegetarian options as well. Vegetarians would be thrilled to find their vegetable ramen at 790 JPY (7 USD).
Chabuton
Address: 2 Chome-10-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Chabuton
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
Kyushu Jangara Ramen
The nearest train station is Harajuku. They serve three types of vegan ramen, namely, kumamoto-ramen, shoyu-ramen, and shio-ramen. We found kumamoto-ramen an interesting creation as it uses burnt garlic oil to substitute the taste of tonkotsu (pig bone).
Kyushu Jangara Ramen
Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−13−21 １Ｆ
Website: Kyushu Jangara Ramen
Opening hours: 10:45am - 11pm (daily)
Afuri
Located not too far away is Afuri (柚子鹽拉麵 AFURI) and it has rainbow vegan ramen made from 100% vegetable-based broth and freshly picked vegetables. The noodles are made from wheat blended with lotus root and there is no egg added to it.
Afuri
Address: Japan, 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sendagaya, 3 Chome−63−1 グランデフォレスタ原宿 1F
Website: Afuri
Opening hours: 10am - 11:30pm (daily)
8. Sushi
Some of the common vegetarian options you might want to look out for are kappa-maki (seaweed rolls with cucumber), takuan-maki (pickled daikon radish roll), umeboshi (pickled plum) and natto (fermented soybean).
Sushi Sansui
Located across Nisshin station in the city of Nisshin, this eatery serves both meat and a variety of vegetarian options. We took a peek at their menu and saw interesting combinations made from asparagus, broccoli, tomato, and mushrooms. We’re sure you will appreciate this special menu.
Sushi Sansui
Address: Kita-ku, Nisshinchō, 2 Chome−788, Saitama, Japan, 331-0823
Website: Sushi Sansui
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Sun: 11am - 2:30pm & 4pm - 9:20pm (closed on Thu)
Itamae Sushi
Itamae Sushi has a couple of outlets across Tokyo and Kofu city. You will find vegan flavors like young green onion, seasoned gourd, and avocado & veggie roll.
Itamae Sushi
Address: Across Tokyo and Kofu city
Website: Itamae Sushi
Opening hours: -
9. Shojin Ryori
Shojin ryori is the traditional dining style of Buddhist monks in Japan. Since it contains no meat, fish or other animal products, it’s safe for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy.
Jion Shoja
They are located in a corner of a quiet suburban area and a 15-minute walk from Higashi Okayama Station will take you to their vegetable banquet filled with 12-items made from seasonal vegetables. Prices start from 1,860 JPY (17 USD).
Jion Shoja
Address: 26-5 Yoneda, Naka-ku, Okayama
Website: Jion Shoja
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 3pm (last order 2pm); Dinner: 5pm - 9pm (last order 7pm) (closed on Mon)
Kyoto Cuisine Hanagokoro (Hanagokoro)
Hanagokoro is a walk away from Hanazono Station in Kyoto. The average price for a set meal starts from 2,000 JPY (18 USD).
Kyoto Cuisine Hanagokoro
Address: 1-5 Hanazonokitsuji Kitamachi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8034, Japan
Website: Kyoto Cuisine Hanagokoro
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
10. Tempura
Tempura originally consists of seafood and vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried. Your traveling season will affect what you find in the restaurant. These are some names to look out for: renkon (lotus), kabocha (pumpkin), satsumaimo (sweet potato), sansai (wild mountain greens) and more.
Bon
Bon is parked in the middle, between Iriya Sta. and Minowa Station in Taito City. They specialize in fucha ryori, an extension of shojin ryori in which we’ve introduced earlier. Their courses differ in terms of price and food items, consisting of tempura.
Bon
Address: 1 Chome-2-11 Ryusen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0012, Japan
Website: Bon
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 1:30pm; 5:30pm - 7pm, Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Tsunahachi
This is the place to go to for all things tempura. Founded in 1923, they have a number of outlets in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. They do not have the vegetarian set explicitly stated on their online menu so this is where the basic Japanese phrases or your printed vegetarian card will come in handy.
Tsunahachi
Address: 3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 (main shop)
Website: Tsunahachi
Opening hours: -
11. Soba/Udon Noodles
Soba (buckwheat) or udon (wheat) are widely found in Japan. They come with a range of toppings and the ones without toppings are usually accompanied by fish-based broth. To avoid that, look for zaru soba, which is essentially cold noodles that do not come with broth. Alternatively, see if the restaurant can take special requests for vegetarians, or has vegetarian broth.
Mimikou
You can ask for a separate English vegetarian menu for vegetarian udon not combined with fish stock. We heard that their curry udon series is not to be missed. Give it a try when you’re in Kyoto!
Mimikou
Address: 528-6 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Website: Mimikou
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sun: 11:30am - 8pm; Tue: 11:30am - 3:30pm
Soranoiro
Opened in Kojimachi in the year of 2011, they created veggie soba after witnessing ladies lining up in front of juice stands and felt a demand which they could fulfill. They have a range of dishes also available for non-vegetarians.
Soranoiro
Address: Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅一番街地下ラーメンストリート
Website: Soranoiro
Opening hours: 8:30am - 10:30pm (daily)
12. Onigiri
For times when you just want to chill at the hotel after a long day of sightseeing, you can purchase some onigiri (rice balls ) as a convenient snack. Readily off the shelves at many convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan, you can get them at an affordable price starting from 100 JPY (1 USD).
Some vegetarian options include shio-musubi (salted plain rice ball), ume onigiri (pickled plum), konbu onigiri (sweetened kelp), yakimusubi onigiri (rice grilled in soy sauce without seaweed wrapping) and sekihan onigiri (red bean).
Other cuisines
Indian and Italian cuisines are great vegan options in Japan if you’re craving for international food during your holiday trip.
Vege herb saga
You can find them in Taito City. They offer North and South Indian-style vegetarian food like curry, biryani, naan (flatbread) and more. You can also request for a takeaway.
Vege herb saga
Address: Japan, 〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 5 Chome−22−1 東鈴ビル B1
Website: Vege herb saga
Opening hours: 11am - 3pm, 5:15pm - 11pm (daily)
GENTLE Italian & Sushi Bar
This restaurant at Shibuya City opened its doors in 2019. You will be greeted by a lovely ambiance right from the moment you step in. Give their vegan hamburger steak, vegan burger or spaghetti with green vegetables a try and let us know what you think?
GENTLE Italian & Sushi Bar
Address: 5 Chome-47-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Website: GENTLE Italian & Sushi Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm to 11pm (closed on Sun)
More vegan options than you think
Perhaps when you were frantically searching for vegan food, you almost gave up the idea of travelling to Japan. We hope you’re a little more encouraged now than before. Vegetarian food around Japan is readily available and searching for them is not as difficult as it seems. Share this article with your vegan friends and let’s spread the good word so that everyone gets to enjoy their trip to the fullest!
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