From trendy cafes to sophisticated dining spots, Tokyo is showing just how delicious and diverse vegan food can be.
Some of the city's most popular vegan restaurants are living proof, setting the bar high and offering mouthwatering menus that even meat lovers might find hard to resist.
You can now dig into plant-based twists on Japanese favorites like ramen, tempura, unagi, karaage, curries, and onigiri.
Whether you're a long-time vegan or just curious about the hype, vegan food in Tokyo is sure to impress with its variety and vibrancy.
This Tokyo vegan guide is your go-to for the hottest tours and spots. So, get ready to explore and enjoy—the variety of vegan food in Tokyo is here to dazzle!
Ready to Fill Your Tummy? 🍴
Don’t forget to get these travel essentials before you go hunting for vegan food in Tokyo 🍚
➡️ Visiting Tokyo’s top food spots? The JR Pass is a must - JR trains, buses and bullet trains all in one pass 🚆
➡️ Get unlimited eSIM data in Japan to document all your foodie adventures 📱
➡️ Hit the ground running and start looking for food by jumping on a Narita Airport bus to the city 🚌
➡️ Too much luggage to carry around the city? Book a luggage delivery service and eat with your hands free 🧳
More Foodie Fun
Top Experiences for Vegan Food in Tokyo - A Culinary Guide
Vegan Food Tour in Tokyo
Traditional Japanese cuisine usually brings to mind a parade of meaty dishes, but a vegan food tour could totally flip your perspective on what vegan food in Tokyo, Japan can be.
The vegan tour starts on a sweet note with a scrumptious Japanese pastry. Now, you might assume that Japanese desserts are naturally vegan, many are sneakily packed with cream, eggs, and other dairy surprises.
But not on this tour! Here, you'll get to indulge in authentic vegan pastries that are typically served during tea ceremonies alongside matcha.
And that's just the appetizer! Next, you’ll feast on a killer vegan bento box while soaking in views of intricate wagashi sweets—Japan’s artful confections.
As you cruise through the stylish streets of Ginza, keep your eyes peeled for those elusive vegan snacks. They’re a rare find and a treat you won’t want to miss.
The tour also includes a pit stop at one of Tokyo’s hidden gems—a spot where you can relish some seriously tasty vegan ramen.
It’s beloved by locals and travellers alike, and for good reason: it’s slurp-worthy delicious! This vegan food in Japan is a flavour adventure that’ll leave your taste buds dancing and your culinary horizons infinitely expanded.
Japanese Cooking Class for Vegans in Tokyo
Have you ever been munching on a vegan food in Tokyo and thought, “I wish I could make this at home”? Well, why not turn that thought into reality with a vegan cooking class in Tokyo!
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, this cooking class for vegans is the perfect way to dive into the world of vegan Japanese cuisine.
In just three hours, you can master some simple, delicious, and super-healthy Japanese recipes, and the best part—all instructions are in English!
Held in Musashikoyama, home to Japan’s longest shopping arcade, this class offers a peek into the local Japanese lifestyle—far from the usual tourist spots.
Kids are welcome too, so your little ones can learn a Japanese cooking trick or two. You’ll get to cook authentic Japanese dishes using unique local ingredients.
And the best part? You get to taste the amazing dishes you create right there in the class. So, grab your apron and get ready to cook, taste, and enjoy the vegan way!
Vegan / Vegatarian Ramen Tour
Vegans in Tokyo were limited to basic dishes like onigiri, but the vegan dining scene in the city has evolved considerably. But one option has remained off-limits – ramen.
For the longest time, Vegan ramen in Tokyo was just a dream, but it seems like the food gods have been listening.
Now, a few ramen spots are finally serving up some fantastic vegan options, making every noodle-starved vegan's wish come true!
Generally, udon noodles and soba noodles are vegan, while the majority of ramen noodles are not.
However, by securing a spot in this ramen tour, you get to indulge in not just one, but four different mini bowls of amazing ramen, each bursting with flavour
The tour takes place at a Shibuya ramen shop specialising in Hokkaido ramen. Hokkaido is famously known as Japan's "Ramen Kingdom, and the "Ramen Capital"and for good reason.
You’ll get to relish the bold and nutty depths of miso ramen from Sapporo City, get a whiff of the broiled and smoky shoyu ramen from Asahikawa City, and savour the light and creamy shio ramen from Hakodate City.
Each bowl offers a different slice of Hokkaido’s ramen scene, letting you taste the diversity and richness of these noodle dishes.
Alongside savouring these delicious dishes, you'll also learn about Hokkaido's legendary status in the ramen world and its rich history in the ramen scene.
So, if you’re ready to experience some of the best vegan ramen Tokyo has to offer, this tour is your opportunity to eat, learn, and enjoy!
Vegan and Gluten-Free Food Walking Tour in Tokyo
Navigating dietary restrictions in Japan can be tricky, especially when you're dealing with both vegan and gluten-free needs. Luckily, this walking tour makes it easy and enjoyable.
If you're eager to try some delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food, or just want to dive into Tokyo's eclectic food scene, this tour is a fantastic pick. You'll get to feast on amazing dishes while walking off the calories—a total win-win!
This walking tour begins at a restaurant packed with vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. You can choose from a variety of dishes, from noodles to teishoku (Japanese lunch meal sets), or opt for lighter fare like small appetizers.
As you enjoy everything from bistro dishes and side dishes to snacks and drinks, all vegan and gluten-free, you'll explore Tokyo's unique local neighbourhoods.
Stroll through charming alleys, past boutique shops and cosy cafes, and immerse yourself in the culture and hidden gems of Tokyo along with incredible vegan food in Tokyo.
This tour is a full-on cultural experience, showing you the depths of Tokyo's diverse lifestyle.
Modern Vegan Night Foodie Tour in Tokyo
Shibuya isn't just Tokyo's hotspot for culture and fashion; it's also a playground for some seriously delicious vegan food in Tokyo.
By going on this food tour, you'll get to try everything from vegan sushi to awesome vegan food in Tokyo using the latest Japanese food tech. And yes, there'll be Japanese sake to round off the experience.
Shibuya can feel like a maze with all its highs and lows—from towering buildings to underground department stores—and you can explore it all, hitting up some top-notch spots. Your local guide knows Shibuya inside out and will lead the way, sharing insights you won't find anywhere else.
This tour is welcoming to all, including vegans, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free, so there are no concerns about dietary restrictions. But it's not all about the food. This tour is also a deep dive into Shibuya's rich culture, leaving you with a taste for more than just the incredible eats.
Get ready for a night that’s as much about soaking up the vibe as it is about feasting on fabulous food.
Vegan-friendly Food Tour in Shibuya
When you think of Japanese cuisine, sushi and ramen probably come to mind first. But there’s a whole sweet side to it that’s perfect for vegans! This vegan-friendly food tour is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you’re vegan. Dive into everything from creamy vegan parfaits to super fluffy pancakes and more, all without a worry.
You'll be walking through the energetic streets of Shibuya, where you’ll not only taste these awesome desserts but also learn how to spot and order vegan food in Tokyo like a pro.
The tour hits all the cool spots, including Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Yokocho, and the famous Hachikō Memorial Statue, not to mention trendy areas like Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho and the bustling MEGA Don Quijote and Miyashita Park.
You’ll discover how diverse and inventive Tokyo’s vegan sweets can be, from artisanal confections to mainstream delights. So, if you're ready to explore the sweeter side of vegan living in one of the world's most dynamic districts, this tour is just what you've been looking for!
Wrapping Up Tokyo's Vegan Scene
While these tours give you a great snapshot of Tokyo's vegan food scene, there's so much more to taste and discover on your own.
Tokyo's culinary landscape is constantly evolving, blending sustainability with age-old traditions to create something truly unique. It's not just about filling up on good food—it's about experiencing how innovative and diverse this city can be.
As you explore deeper, be on the lookout for hidden gems around every corner. The best vegan spots might just be those little out-of-the-way places you stumble upon.
And now that you've got a taste of what’s out there, diving into Tokyo's vibrant streets and eclectic neighbourhoods is definitely the way to go.
To really immerse yourself in what Tokyo has to offer and discover other unique tours that explore the city’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, checking out the curated tours available through Pelago is a great starting point.
There's a whole world of rich cultural and gastronomic heritage waiting for you, so let the city itself be your guide and start exploring!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can you be vegan in Tokyo?
Yes, you can definitely be vegan in Tokyo. The city is becoming increasingly vegan-friendly with a growing number of restaurants catering specifically to vegan diets.
Is Japan a good place for vegans?
Japan is gradually becoming a good place for vegans, especially in urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. While traditional Japanese cuisine relies heavily on fish and seafood, the increasing awareness and popularity of veganism are leading to more restaurants and stores offering vegan options.
Is it easy to get vegan food in Japan?
It's getting easier to find vegan food in Japan, especially in larger cities which have more vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, it might still be a challenge as veganism isn't as widespread. Convenience stores and supermarkets are also starting to stock more vegan-friendly products.
Is vegan sushi a thing in Japan?
Yes, vegan sushi is definitely a thing in Japan. Although sushi traditionally includes fish, there are many vegan options available that use ingredients like avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, and fermented soybeans (natto). More sushi restaurants are beginning to offer creative vegan options as well.
Can you get vegan ramen in Japan?
Yes, you can get vegan ramen in Japan. Though ramen is typically made with meat-based broth, an increasing number of ramen shops are offering vegan broths and toppings. This trend is particularly noticeable in Tokyo and other major cities, where the demand for vegan options is higher.