Vegan and heading to Japan?
Here are my favourite places
I’m not a foodie, but I like eating. And Japan had some of the most amazing food I had ever tried. Delicate tastes and thoughtful presentation. I had the time of my life!
*please note, some of these places my have sauces that contain fish sauce. Please confirm with the restaurant if you are concerned about that.
Shinjuku
Paricolle Kabukicho -
Vegan/vegetarian options are marked. The sign does say Apari Colle. You go down to B1 and you will see the door on your left. It's marked Women only, but everyone is welcome. Delicious veggie curry and vegetable sticks.
plant more ルミネ新宿店
Vegan lunch options and apparently most of the cakes are vegan. Cafe located in Shinjuku Lumine 1, 6F. Try the tiramisu. They have oat milk.
A beautiful little spot that serves a 5 course meal. You may need to reserve, but we were incredibly lucky to just walk in. The owner speaks English and said “We only serve vegan food is that okay?”
Around 4000/5000 yen for the set menu each. Only 7 seats. A wonderful, warm experience.
One of my favourite places. All cakes and drinks are vegan. The Tiramisu is delicious.
More Than Bakery
Amazing! Go on a Sunday for Sunday vegan, but reviews do say they have lots of vegan options on other days. Good to stock up before catching a train.
Shibuya
Look for the lift and follow the signs up.
Ramen and gyoza. Delicious!
Can get busy, so get there before the lunch time.
Masaka (Izakaya)
Amazing! Go early there is a line. Write your name on the list and sit to the side to wait. Lunch time finishes at 3pm. Lvl B1 of the building. Find the lift and go down. Karaage and dumplings are amazing!
Setagaya City
Lots of yummy options. We wanted to sit down and eat, but the staff explained to us that you had to order soup or you couldn’t sit down.Only a few seats inside and outside. Perfect snacks to get to take away for later.
Nagoya
蕎麦とワインと イベリスside (Soba, wine and Iberis side)
The best place we went in Nagoya. Not fully vegan, just ask the chef if he will make some vegan options for you. He speaks a bit of English, but used an ipad to communicate with us. He is really friendly and funny. I think they only took cash. Light tempura, yummy soba and an interesting crepe/omelette thing with a fake egg on top! My partner was particularly impressed by the soba dipping sauce. Full of mushroom and basil flavours that he enjoyed.
Osaka
OKO takoyaki vegan vegetarian glutenfree
Another of my favourite places. Up a small staircase into a very small room. Not great for large groups. There can also be a long line, so go early!
But yummy, squishy balls of flavour! Cheap alcohol as well. I think like $2! Plenty of non alcoholic options. You make all the drinks yourself.
They are the sister shop to OKO - Fun Okonomiyaki Bar which is around the corner. We didn't get to go as the line was very long. It's very busy. But again, cheap drinks!
Kyoto
Yubasen
Really fresh and soft Yuba in different styles. Each bite is a treat to your mouth. We braved the crowded streets and came here twice! It’s in the Gion area with many temples nearby. Also many people. But it's really nice to wander around.