Vegan Store
This vegan shop and cafe in the heart of Tokyo is the thing of our #dairyfree dreams.
Stressing over where to find decent vegan-friendly food in Tokyo? We know how that goes. Fortunately, the Vegan Store in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood has what you’re looking for. Yes, it’s literally called “Vegan Store.” No, it’s not a very imaginative name, but at least it cuts right to the chase, right?
Photo by: Heidi Sarol Chocolate will never lead you astray.
The shop carries a wide range of vegan goodies like cookies, muffins, chocolate bars, and even veggie meat. The vegan-friendly ice cream available is a nice treat to cool down during those sweltering Tokyo summers.
Aside from that, the shop houses a cafe on the second floor where you can try classic Japanese dishes like curry and tempura minus the animal byproducts.
Vegan lunch in Tokyo
An easy walk from Nakamise Shopping Street, Vegan Store definitely poses to be a strong lunch option. We have to warn you, though—the small space can only accommodate about 20 people and they run out of food fast.
Photo by: Heidi Sarol We’re stoked for the vegan soft serve ice cream (or soft cream as it’s called in Japan)!
This is a pretty small batch operation. Make sure you get there before peak lunch hours or you’ll be left waiting until another batch of rice finishes cooking (like we were).
If you don’t feel like dining in, the cafe offers a great selection of take-home bento boxes readily available.
Photo by: Heidi Sarol Folks living in Tokyo know how hard it is to find this stuff!
There’s a currency exchange on the first floor for tourists too. As for the language barrier, they do have foreign staff on hand to explain their menu, so don’t sweat it!
One of the unexpected, but totally enjoyable, things about Vegan Store is the nice walk on the way there. The route will take you to a quieter, much more “local” part of Asakusa. The quaint streets are a pleasant contrast from the hustle and bustle of Asakusa’s touristy shopping corridors.
Photo by: Heidi Sarol Finally, Tokyo is expanding its vegan options.
The store blends right in along the row of traditional looking shops. On a clear day, Tokyo Skytree is clearly visible from right in front of the store—the perfect photo op. Have your (vegan) cake and eat it, too.
Traveling Japan elsewhere than Tokyo? Stop eating boring plain salad and check out these Vegan Restaurants in Japan instead.
Topics: food and drink, tokyo, vegan in Japan
