Planning a trip to the charming, picturesque onsen town of Yufuin, but wondering where to find delicious meat-free meals? It can be a challenge to find dedicated vegetarian and vegan options in some parts of Japan, but we’ve got you covered! This guide will take you through the best cafés and restaurants in Yufuin that cater to plant-based diets, from cozy spots serving hearty curries to organic kitchens focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Get ready to explore the hidden gems and enjoy the best healthy, cruelty-free dining that Yufuin has to offer!
Where to Find Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Yufuin
Tip: Nurukawa Onsen (御宿 ぬるかわ温泉) should be able to cater to a vegan/vegetarian diet. Please confirm before booking.
Siesta Organic Cafe (湯布院 シエスタオーガニックカフェ)
If you are after a vegan meal in Yufuin, visit Siesta Organic Café. The café on Yufuin town’s main road offers tasty vegan meals for lunch and dinner. In addition, they have gluten-free options! Siesta is particular about using locally sourced organic ingredients and additive-free seasonings. They also have a kids’ meal option if you travel with your younger ones. Miniature chairs are available, too.
Because of the lovely vintage-style decoration, the entire place has a cozy and artsy atmosphere. Although it is on the main street, it is where you can escape from the crowd.
You will feel relaxed as soon as you enter, especially with the friendly staff’s hospitality. If you are exhausted, give their massage service a go!
Siesta also has a shop with miscellaneous items gathered from markets around the world. You can shop for jewellery, handbags, and other interesting and unique items after your stomach is filled.
Tips:
☛ The soy karaage fried chicken and the cheesecake are really good.
☛ If you want to visit Siesta for dinner, it is best to make a reservation. You can send them a booking inquiry by emailing [email protected]. The staff understand English.
Siesta Organic Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Siesta Organic Cafe is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
- The cafe is a 5-minute walk from Yufuin Station.
Harappa Cafe (原っぱカフェ)
Closer to Yufuin’s most scenic spot, Kinrin Lake, Harappa Café is another spot in the hot spring town where you can enjoy vegetarian/vegan food. It is a café where more locals visit than tourists. You can also come for dinner if your accommodation can’t cater to a vegetarian/vegan diet. While food is served in buffet style, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices. If you are on a gluten-free or oriental vegetarian diet, the chef can also cook you a couple of dishes so you don’t feel left out!
Harappa Café has a cozy and homey vibe. Getting the food from the big table is like doing it at a big family gathering. The chef is good at what he does. The food is delicious, and a variety of choices spoils you. In fact, the café aims to offer meals that customers can enjoy without worrying about common health issues found elsewhere nowadays. If you have any concerns, they try their best to address them.
The staff here is friendly. They will show you what you can eat based on your dietary requirements.
The most special thing about Harappa Cafe is its pricing system. No price tag is assigned to its lunch and dinner buffet. After the meal, customers decide how much to put into the “Fair Box” next to the entrance. So, the more you eat, the more you will want to drop into the box!
Important: Before your arrival, contact Harappa Cafe through their Instagram or Facebook account if you are on a gluten-free or oriental vegetarian diet. The cafe can prepare some dishes for you separately. Otherwise, you will need to wait around 15 minutes after being seated.
Harappa Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Harappa Cafe is open from
- 11:50 am to 2 pm for lunch
- 6 pm to 8 pm for dinner
- The cafe is a 15-minute walk from Yufuin Station and a 5-minute walk from SNOOPY Chaya.
Explore the Most Unique Onsen Town: Yufuin
Yufuin is an onsen resort town in Ōita Prefecture in northern Kyūshū. Unlike most onsen towns in Japan, this resort, backed by the scenic twin-peaked Mt. Yufu, has a wealth of boutiques, trendy cafes, and small museums. The small town, therefore, cleverly appeals to all types of travelers. Whether you are a nature lover, a foodie, or enjoy browsing cute boutiques, Yufuin will be a satisfying treat (^^)/.
HERE is a guide for what to do in Yufuin Town (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
