An independent guide to vegan Japan

Discover vegan Japan, made easy
for everyone

Where to eat vegan in Japan, Japanese vegan recipes, restaurants, events and ideas for vegan living in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.

JPTokyo · Kyoto · OsakaUpdated one listing at a time
Nippon Vegan GuideA Japanese table with miso aubergine, onigiri, tofu and vegetables
01Your vegan guide to Japan
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Vegan Japan guide

Vegan food in Japan: find your way through restaurants, recipes and everyday life.

Nippon Vegan Guide brings together practical information for eating vegan in Japan, planning a trip to Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, and living vegan in Japan with more confidence. Start with the directory, continue with recipes and use the journal to explore culture, classes and real experiences.

Before you go

Save these three things before you go.

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01

A useful phrase

‘Dashi wa katsuo desu ka?’ Ask whether the stock contains bonito before ordering.

02

One neighbourhood

Choose a station and two backup options: unhurried walking is part of the journey.

03

A simple plan

The directory distinguishes fully vegan listings, vegetarian options and ingredients to check.

New section

Learn Japanese, one card at a time.

A light path from hiragana and katakana to kanji, listening and the words you will actually meet while travelling.

Explore the resources
Real Japanese Memory Game screen with hiragana, katakana and kanji modes

A pocket glossary

You do not need every answer. Just the right questions.

A pocket glossary to read menus, spot hidden ingredients and explore with confidence.

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語彙01 — 04
だし dashi

Cooking stock. It can be plant-based, but often combines kombu with bonito.

key questionkatsuo?

Quick answers

Questions to ask before boarding.

Is Japan easy to explore as a vegan?

Especially in major cities, planning key meals helps. Learn a couple of questions about stock and distinguish vegetarian from fully vegan options.

What is shojin ryori?

Buddhist temple cuisine centred on plants, seasons, balance and respect for ingredients. Menus and seasonings still need checking.

Where can I find vegan cooking classes?

The Events & classes section lists workshops in different cities and external links. Before booking, check the language, menu, allergens and cancellation terms.