Tokyo, Japan, has seen an explosion of high-quality vegan restaurants in recent years, according to Nikkei Asia. For vegetarians, Tokyo is becoming an ideal destination. While traditional Japanese cuisine often focuses on fish, meat and eggs, vegan options are now more diverse, no longer limited to salads, white rice and cold tofu.
Although veganism is still relatively new in Japan, where a diet based mainly on rice, fish and meat has existed for centuries, change is happening quickly. In major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it is no longer unusual for many people to become familiar with the concept of “vegan.”
In Yamagata, a rural town in Japan’s northern Tohoku region, Starbucks began serving plant-based milk in 2020, and the event has attracted considerable attention in local news. In Tokyo, the rise in international tourism and growing concern about climate change have fueled a surge in vegan cuisine. Plant-based versions of classic dishes like ramen have appeared on the menus of major chain restaurants, replacing pork with soy and tuna broth with vegetable broth. Cafe menus are also expanding with new drinks, including matcha. The passion for veganism is now more familiar and popular than ever.
Affordable and Delicious Vegetarian Food at Izakaya Masaka in Shibuya
Izakaya Masaka, located in the heart of Shibuya, stands out with its mission of providing vegan karaage fried chicken to vegetarians who love Japanese cuisine. The soy protein-based karaage fried chicken here is not only crispy but also sweet and rich, indistinguishable from meat dishes.
The restaurant offers a variety of sauces, with the spicy yuzu mayonnaise being the most popular. Founded by Nobihiro Toriba in 2019 after he became a vegetarian in 2018, Izakaya Masaka offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere, with metal stools in the middle of Shibuya’s bustling shopping district.
All dishes, including vegan karaage, gyoza and spicy mapo tofu, are served with rice, pickles and soup, and cost no more than 1,200 yen ($7.60). It’s an ideal choice for diners who want to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a comfortable environment without worrying about the price.
Explore Local Tastes in Tokyo: Komaki Shokudo and Vegan Bistro Jangara
Tucked under the train tracks at bustling Akihabara Station, Komaki Shokudo brings a unique local flavor to Tokyo with its plant-based shojin ryori menu. The cuisine, traditionally the choice of mountain monks, is made primarily of tofu, homegrown vegetables, miso, and grains, creating a fresh, rich flavor and texture. Set meals at Komaki Shokudo offer a variety of small dishes, including seasonal pickles, soups, fried tofu, and grilled vegetables, ranging from 1,980 yen ($12.50) to 3,850 yen ($24.50).
If you’re looking for something more familiar, the restaurant also serves vegan fried “chicken,” burgers, and curry, all served on traditional ceramic plates.
Meanwhile, vegan ramen is becoming increasingly popular in Tokyo, especially at Vegan Bistro Jangara. Opened during the pandemic in 2021 and only gaining prominence when Japan reopened its borders in late 2022, Jangara offers a diverse ramen menu with soy meat chashu and vegetable dashi broth, offering a rich dining experience for vegans.
Explore the Variety of Food Options at Vegan Bistro Jangara
If you’re looking for something light and unique, keiran noodles at Vegan Bistro Jangara are a must-try. The traditional Kyoto egg soup is given a vegan twist, using fried tofu skin (yuba) instead of eggs, combined with a light, oil-free broth and gluten-free noodles, offering a healthy alternative that’s still packed with ramen flavor.
In addition to keiran noodles, Jangara also serves a wide range of dishes such as vegetarian curry, burgers, poutine, and vegetarian “chicken”. Desserts are equally attractive with soy milk pudding and mousse cake.
Vegan Bistro Jangara has quickly become a favorite of both tourists and locals over the past year, thanks to its diverse menu and great flavors.
Culinary Culture at Cafe Chairo and Sushi Gonpachi
Cafe Chairo, whose name means “Brown Cafe”, is an ideal stop to relax between bustling shopping hours. The shop features an extensive vegan menu, including traditional Japanese desserts such as soft dango rice cakes and oshiruko red bean soup with mochi. In particular, plant-based drinks such as cashew milk, burnt caramel latte, and homemade fruit soda are also worth trying. The shop’s chewy matcha cinnamon rolls are also popular.
James Brown from Boston, USA, moved to Tokyo and opened Cafe Chairo after running a Japanese teahouse in his hometown. Originally established in Kichijoji and moving to Shibuya in 2021, Cafe Chairo was created by Mr. Brown to promote a safe and inclusive dining culture, reflected in the interior design inspired by an ancient Japanese garden with greenery, Zen stones, and kimono-clad waiters.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious vegan dining experience, Sushi Gonpachi is the perfect choice. The upscale sushi bar launched its “Vegan’s Paradise” menu in February this year, offering artisanal vegan dishes, accompanied by pickles, salads, and sauces, for 6,050 yen per person. Dishes are prepared right in front of you in an omakase style, where you have complete trust in the chef’s choices.
Cafe Chairo and Sushi Gonpachi are not only great places to enjoy great food, but also ideal choices for remote workers, solo diners or weekend coffee dates.
