With its famous sushi, ramen, and Wagyu beef, Japan is widely considered one of the world’s great culinary destinations. But what about those who don’t eat meat, even fish? Is it still possible to enjoy a gastronomical journey through the Land of the Rising Sun?
We recently sent two of our experts – Travel Consultant Nibha Vivek Krishnan and Senior Flight Operations Executive Gokul Chakrapani – to find out for themselves, and they returned with plenty of exciting options to help you get the most out of a vegan visit to Japan!
1. Vegan eats at your hotel
The restaurants of upscale hotels almost always offer vegan options, usually two or three dishes, and at breakfast the selection is usually even better. Breakfast buffets at most 4- to 5-star hotels include fruit, vegetables, salads, bread, cereals, and plant-based milk. With options like these, vegan travelers to Japan will be able to start their days off right.
“We were particularly impressed by the quality and selection of the breakfast buffet at the boutique hotel Dhawa Yura Kyoto and the recently opened Patina Osaka. We had a choice of Japanese and Western cuisine, including hot and cold dishes. For vegans, there were pickled fruits, seaweed, cooked vegetables, and tofu. And, of course, fresh fruit, cereals, and plant-based drinks.”
– Nibha Vivek Krishnan, Travel Consultant
2. Vegan Culinary Adventures
Many activities in Japan are organised around food or have a strong food component. Fortunately for vegans, there are plenty of ways to exploring the country and enjoy authentic experiences without going hungry. Some of our favourites include:
- A ramen tour through Tokyo, complete with vegan-safe broth
- A sumo show followed by a vegan version of the traditional “sumo stew”
- A nighttime street eats journey through Osaka
“Every [Osaka] restaurant offered at least one vegan option, consisting primarily of fried vegetables. A particular highlight, however, was our visit to a popular tempura restaurant, which offered at least four vegan tempura dishes, including onions, yams, and mixed vegetables.”
– Gokul Chakrapani, Senior Flight Operations Executive
3. Ryokans and traditional Kaiseki Ryori cuisine
Hakone (near Tokyo) is famous for its hot springs, known as onsen. And for a truly authentic experience, you can stay overnight in a traditional Japanese inn, known as a ryokan. There, a typical breakfast includes miso soup, rice, grilled fish, and small side dishes, while their gourmet dinners – called kaiseki ryori – consist of several artfully presented, seasonal dishes. However, for vegans, a little planning will ensure that eating here is as stress-free as your onsen visit.
“We had mentioned my dietary preferences when making our reservation, and the ryokan actually prepared vegan dishes for me. There was tempura, boiled vegetables, and black bean soup with noodles. Along with rice with some vegan dips, and, of course, salads.”
– Gokul Chakrapani, Senior Flight Operations Executive
4. Japan’s Buddhist cuisine
Shojin Ryori is the Japanese version of traditional Buddhist cuisine. What does that mean? Simply that the dishes are prepared without meat or fish. Instead, they use seasonal vegetables along with dried and fermented soy products. You can enjoy them during a visit to a temple or at special Shojin Ryori restaurants.
“In Tokyo, we recommend Sougo for its modern interpretation of traditional Buddhist cuisine. If you follow a strict vegan diet, we’ll inform the restaurant in advance.”
– Nibha Vivek Krishnan, Travel Consultant
5. Mochi & more
For vegans with a sweet tooth, Japan has you covered. When it comes to desserts, you’ll find traditional snacks like mochi, dango, and yokan…all made from plant-based ingredients like sticky rice, rice flour, or ground red beans. And – great news – the popular taiyaki waffles are also available in vegan versions.
“On our trip through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, I tried some delicious vegan desserts. My favorite was mochi, paired with a cup of matcha tea.”
– Gokul Chakrapani, Senior Flight Operations Executive
6. HappyCow: Your Culinary Companion
And finally, a practical tip to make every meal of your journey a stress-free delight. With the HappyCow app (Android | iOS), you can find restaurants, cafes, and more in your area that specialise in meat-free dishes. Simply use the “Vegan” or “Vegan Options” filter function and enjoy!
Vegan Travel in Japan: Deliciously Easy
If there’s one thing that Nibha and Gokul learned, it’s that Japan offers authentic taste experiences for vegans. And with proper planning, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the country’s rich heritage. Interested in experiencing it for yourself? Our travel experts will be happy to put together a customised culinary journey just for you.
Expert Pick: Our 6 Favourite Cultural Experiences in Japan
Exploring Japan – Land of the Rising Sun
Hokkaido – Japan’s Nature Island
Written by: The Hayes & Jarvis Team
Posted in: Gourmet getaways
Japan inspiration
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