Plant-based favorites for your trip to Japan
Are you traveling in Japan and looking for vegan-friendly Japanese food options?
One of my client family recently asked me:
“Hi Miyoko! I’m vegan. What Japanese food can I eat?”
Japan is full of amazing food, but it’s true that many traditional dishes use fish-based dashi (soup stock).
But don’t worry — there are still many delicious plant-based options to enjoy!
⚠️ Important Note:
Many Japanese dishes use fish-based dashi (like bonito flakes). Ask if it’s made with kombu (kelp) or shiitake mushroom instead.
Let me share 10 vegan-friendly Japanese foods you can try!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Contents
Vegan Ramen
Craving ramen but avoiding animal products?
Some ramen shops like Kyushu Jangara offer vegan versions made with rich vegetable broth and no meat or fish broth.
Ramen is a beloved Japanese comfort food, and vegan versions are just as delicious!
Vegan Burger
Many restaurants and even fast-food chains now offer plant-based patties made from soy, mushrooms, or legumes. Served with crispy lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo, these burgers are a tasty and guilt-free treat.
Udon (Kombu Broth)
Thick, chewy udon noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine.
The vegan version uses a light yet flavorful kombu (kelp) broth, often garnished with green onions, tempura flakes (check for egg-free versions), or tofu. Simple but incredibly satisfying.
Soba (Kombu Broth)
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are naturally vegan when served in a kombu-based broth. Enjoy them cold with a dipping sauce (tsuyu) or hot in a warm soup. A healthy and refreshing choice.
Onigiri (Kombu or Ume Filling)
Onigiri (rice balls) are a popular Japanese snack, and many varieties are vegan!
Look for fillings like kombu (simmered kelp) or ume (sour pickled plum) wrapped in nori seaweed.
Convenient, portable, and delicious^^
Inari Sushi / Kappa Maki / Kanpyo-Maki
- Inari sushi – Sweet tofu pockets stuffed with sushi rice
- Kappa maki – Cucumber rolls
- Kanpyo-maki – Rolls filled with dried gourd strips simmered in kombu broth.
Miso Soup (Kombu Broth)
A staple in Japanese meals, miso soup can easily be made vegan by using kombu broth instead of fish-based dashi. Filled with tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions, it’s a warm and comforting dish.
Mochi Dishes (Zunda or Anko)
Mochi (soft rice cakes) comes in many vegan-friendly varieties:
- Zunda mochi – Coated in sweet edamame paste.
- Anko mochi – Filled with sweet red bean paste.
A chewy, sweet treat that’s perfect with green tea!
Shojin Ryori
A traditional Buddhist vegan cuisine, Shojin Ryori is a beautifully prepared multi-course meal featuring seasonal vegetables, tofu, and grains. It’s not just food—it’s an art form.
Seasonal Fruits
Japan takes fruit seriously!
Depending on the season, Please try these sweet, juicy, so tasty jewelries :
- Strawberries (Winter/Spring)
- Cherries
- Peaches (Summer)
- Persimmons (Autumn)
- Japanese pears (Autumn)
- Grapes (Autumn)
Tips
Vegan Guide Book in Japan
Please check out those links!
A Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Japan by JNTO
Lists portal sites to search for vegetarian and vegan restaurants in your destination city.TOKYO Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant Guide by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
Please show this Vegan message to Japanese staffs
Sometime it might help you at restaurant in Japan.
Final Thoughts
Japanese vegan food is diverse, flavorful, and full of surprises! Whether you’re enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen, a delicate piece of inari sushi, or fresh seasonal fruit, there’s something for every palate.
Have you tried any of these dishes?
Let us know your favorite in the comments!
Happy eating in Japan!
Coming soon: Stay tuned for Part 5, I’ll update “Kids snacks in Japan”
Related articles
Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Foods – Part1 – Lunch ver.
Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Foods – Part2 – Dinner ver.
Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Foods – Part3 – Snacks ver.
Ginza area
Where is good place for lunch with baby / kids in GINZA, Tokyo?
Baby/kids friendly cafe in Ginza area
Family-restaurants around Ginza
Fast food restaurants in Tokyo, Ginza area
24hours open restaurants in Ginza area
Tsukiji area
Where is good place for lunch with baby/kids in TSUKIJI, Tokyo?
Family friendly coffee shop / cafe in Tsukiji
New digital art restaurant in Tsukiji
Cozy cafe restaurant in Tsukiji
Other articles
Be First to Comment