5 Vegan Restaurants in Japan

While vegans have a hard time finding food that matches their diet anywhere they travel, Japan presents especially unique challenges. Almost everything is made with dashi (fish broth) and even tofu dishes often come sprinkled with bonito flakes.

Japan does have plenty of restaurants that cater to vegans though—or at least have one vegan menu option—you just need to know where to find them. Look no further.

Don’t fret Vegans, GaijinPot Travel understands you. We know you want to eat more than plain salad, french fries, and edamame.

Here are five vegan restaurants in Japan.

5. Rainbow Raw Food

Beyond offering standard vegetarian and vegan options, this trendy cafe has hopped on the raw, organic trend. Hemp protein smoothies, avocado and carrot sushi rolls, and raw “bread” made with dehydrated sunflower seeds and nuts are on the menu.

The friendly staff at this bright cafe understand that vacationing doesn’t have to mean eating unhealthy. Taste the rainbow delivered right to your hotel if you’re feeling lazy—the cafe is on UberEats too!

•  3-17-14-8F　Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 150-0011 - Map
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday

4. Itadakizen

Hallelujah, vegan sushi. Serving traditional Japanese cuisine reimagined with plant-based ingredients, Itadakizen has all the classics. Sushi, ramen, croquettes, and house-made ginger ale? Yes, please.

Their vegan sushi dinner course can be a bit expensive ranging from ¥4000 and up, but your wallet will forgive you once you set your eyes on the beautifully-presented spread. The Kyoto location is as traditional as you’d expect from the former capital city, while the Sapporo shop is nestled in the picturesque Maruyama Park.

• 602-8344 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Nibancho, 199-1 - Map
• Hours: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday

3. Kissa Saeki

This charming cafe in southern Hiroshima has options for both vegans and meat-eaters, making it a good choice for groups with one or two vegan friends in their party. The star on Kissa Saeki’s menu is their vegan katsu sandwich.

This Japanese favorite is usually made with thick deep-fried pork cutlets, but at Kissa Saeki, you honestly won’t be able to tell the difference. If there’s room left in your stomach, try their heavenly raw chocolate tart or any of their wide range of vegan desserts.

• Address: 1-4-25 Kamiyacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0031 - Map
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 9 a.m. Saturday; Closed on Sunday

2. Nagi Shokudo

Vegan fried chicken anyone? Nagi Shokudo in Tokyo’s Daikanyama neighborhood has it.

This cozy, homely cafe serves ¥1000 lunch plates with brown rice, lots of veggies, and most importantly Japanese-style “fried chicken” that’s made of tofu. The restaurant is strewn with magazines and books in both Japanese and English, giving it a super chill vibe.

• 15-10 Uguisudanicho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0032 - Map
• Hours: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. only

1. Afuri

Coming to Japan and not being able to eat ramen would just be tragic, so thank the Japanese gods for Afuri. This popular ramen chain’s tasty bowl of noodles topped with bright veggies is truly a work of art.

Seasonal toppings can range from grilled kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) to pickled radish slices, on top of noodles made with ground lotus root. You’ll find Afuri in several places including Hokkaido,  Saitama, Yokohama, and Tokyo. They have regular ramen too, so bring all your friends.

• 220-0005 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minamisaiwai, 1 Chome−5−1, Yokohama JOYNUS B1F - Map
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Wondering what else to eat on your trip to Japan? Check out our food and drink section for more ideas.