While planning my trip to Japan in 2019, I was told it would be very hard to find vegan options, but where there’s a will, there’s a way…

After reading a few things online and asking friends where they found vegan restaurants during their trips, I noticed how a lot of the recommendations were commercial options. I wanted to experience everything in Japan authentically…not just have a veggie burger.

Once I arrived in Japan, I spoke to locals, searched the areas I was exploring and I found gems in Tokyo and Kyoto. I’m happy to share it with you…tell your friends…and tell your friends to tell their friends…

SUSHI or MAKI ROLLS
The first thing I tried was sushi. Many places will offer “vegetarian” sushi or maki rolls with avocado, cucumber, yam, shiitake mushroom and other veggies. You just have to check that they do not use any fish sauce and ask how it is prepared. It was a casual innovative experience to order via touch pad and sit at bar style seating where the sushi is served via conveyor belt. There is also a little tap of hot water for green tea.
I’m certain there are other options with a more formal vibe and of better quality, just ask around and you will find it!

KIBOKO [Shinjuku]
Located in busy Shinjuku, Kiboko is a dimly lit eatery found on the 4th floor of a building. They pride themselves on offering the true taste of vegetables from organic farmers and honouring Japan’s agriculture. The woman who runs the place is lovely and she was inspired to make food better for working women after her own experiences of being a working woman and eating processed food on the go. Menu items may have changed since I visited, but no matter what you have, you can eat in peace knowing it’s vegan and made with local ingredients. For dinner I enjoyed the dumplings and a mouth watering skillet with grilled mushrooms, potatoes and bread on the side.

THE FARM CAFE [Asakusa, Taito City]
Casually discovered this casual spot for lunch walking along the water in Asakusa, Taito City (nearby the Senso-Ji Temple). I loved how everything felt handmade from the vibe of the place to the menu to their food. In addition to being completely plant-based this spot is also gluten free and chooses to be free of additives in their food. I chose their lunch plate served with rice so I could try a few dishes: curry, avocado with mushroom oil paste and tempura. It was light, simple and fresh!

Chabuton Tonkotsu Ramen in Shimokitazawa [since closed] was a tiny spot with counter seating only. They served meat and seafood dishes, but also catered to vegans. It was one of those spots where you purchase your food on a little vending style machine that gives you a ticket with your food order then you pass the ticket to the chefs and they prepare your food.
Unfortunately this place has permanently closed, but I’m sharing the photos anyways because the gyoza were the best I’ve ever had and the vegan ramen was a highlight of my food experience.
Ask around when you’re there and see if anyone knows a place similar to it!

AIN SOPH [Kyoto]
After a long day of walking and exploring Kyoto I found this place on my map in Kyoto’s city centre, Kawaramachi, along a narrow side street. Arriving at it felt peaceful and away from the bright lights and masses of people on the streets. They are completely vegan and avoid using “pungent roots” while staying true to their roots. They had a mix of Asian influence. I chose the Green Curry (which is actually a stewed green Indian dish) and it was delicious. For dessert, the matcha cake was a work of art. This item doesn’t seem available anymore, but make room for dessert anyways…it’s worth it!

KAMEHAMEHA [Kyoto]
Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki & Teppan-yaki
Walking through the corridor style streets to find this place was like arriving at a hidden secret.
The last thing I had to try before departing Japan was Okonomiyaki, which is a savoury pancake with toppings cooked on a tepan. Traditionally it is made with eggs so I was curious how they would prepare it for vegans. I opted to sit along the counter to watch the chef as he created it. A batter is poured to cook the pancake. Fresh cabbage is added on top and then flipped to cook it. Noodles are cooked separately laced with a rich sauce and garnished with grilled mushrooms, onions and veggies. Served hot.
The perfect ending to the adventures in Japan.