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Vegetarian's Japan Guide

The Popular Places to Enjoy Vegan Gourmet Food in Tokyo

In an age where travel and dining are becoming more inclusive and diverse, the number of vegan restaurants in Tokyo that use no animal-based ingredients is seeing a steady rise. It is becoming easier than ever for everyone to enjoy delicious meals with peace of mind. Because there are so many options, here are four popular vegan-friendly restaurants for you to find out how the Japanese perfect veganism. We have also include a restaurant for vegans to enjoy fine dining in Tokyo and affordable places to experience Japanese vegetarian food.

The Popular Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Tokyo

Nouka no Daidokoro (農家の台所)

Located in Shinjuku Sanchome, Farmer’s Kitchen is a restaurant where you can fully savor fresh vegetables directly sourced from over 600 highly skilled farmers across Japan. These dedicated farmers cultivate their produce using exceptional techniques and deep passion, ensuring a taste that is distinct from supermarket vegetables. Posters of the contracted farmers are used to decorate the space above the salad bar, giving you greater confidence in the quality of the ingredients in front of you.

Since the produce is delivered under the farm-to-table concept, bypassing the market, flavor-packed vegetables are extra fresh. Even the mushrooms can be eaten fresh at Nouka no Daidokoro! Fresh vegetables are also available at the entrance for purchase if you’d like to take some with you for the rest of your journey.

The all-you-can-eat salad bar features seasonal, rare vegetables from across Japan, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural taste of different fresh vegetables, including some that you might not have encountered before in your life. Various sauces and dressings are also provided for you to enjoy the vegetables. The plant-based dishes are clearly marked, making it easy for us vegans to choose and pick.

Besides the salad bar, flavorful vegan curry and hot pot are also offered. The Hamburg Steak with sauce made from vegetables is also recommended, but remember to ask for the vegan patty.

Tips:
☛ Instead of rice, you can choose the tofu (十割豆腐). The tofu offered at Nouka no Daidokoro is made from 100% soybeans, resulting in a rich flavor.
Make a Reservation to ensure you have a seat upon arrival! The restaurant is extremely popular, even on weekdays.

Nouka no Daidokoro’s Business Hours and Access Information

  • Nouka no Daidokoro is open from
    • 11:30 am to 3:30 pm for lunch (L.O. for drinks 2:30 pm, food 2 pm)
    • 17:30 am to 10 pm for dinner (L.O. 9 pm)
  • The restaurant is a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station (新宿三丁目駅), Exit B2 (Marunouchi & Fukutoshin lines) or a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (新宿駅) east exit.
    • If you come out of Shinjuku Sanchome Station exit B2, the restaurant is on the 4th floor in the building next to the exit.

AIN SOPH. Ginza (アインソフ 銀座本店)

A cozy vegan hideaway in Higashi-Ginza, AIN SOPH. Ginza is one of the best vegan restaurants in Tokyo. It offers a fresh take on vegan cuisine that transcends typical expectations. Every bite will be a delight. In addition to being a fully vegan restaurant in Tokyo, other special dietary needs, like gluten-free or allium-free, can also be accommodated.

AIN SOPH. has a few more restaurants in other parts of Japan. The one in Ginza is the main store and the best. Its first floor is all about vegan patisserie. The tiramisu and puddings are the must-tries. How much have you been missing these comfort foods ever since you turned vegan? Other sweets, such as butter sandwiches and baked goods, are also on the shelf.

Apart from the standard table seating, the restaurant has a Japanese-style dining area on the 4th floor, complete with low tables and cushions arranged on tatami mats. It is the best setting to enjoy AIN SOPH’s creative Japanese food!

For lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, head up to the second floor. Levels 2 to 4 are where food and desserts are served. The mains that many love include the Mushroom Hayashi Rice (きのこのハヤシライス) Fukurokuju Bento (福禄寿BENTO), all served with organic vegetables and brown rice. The soy meat in the bento is juicy, just like the properly made fried chicken. Although it is made from soybeans, you can still feel the meaty texture. The batter is made from rice flour, so even those who have celiac disease can enjoy it.

If you aren’t too full, order some pancakes to finish the meal on a sweet note. Their plant-based pancakes are truly amazing. With rice flour sourced domestically, they have a moist, fluffy texture. No matter which pancake dish you order, it comes with homemade ice cream that matches perfectly with the pancake.

The dinner menu at AIN SOPH. Ginza consists of a couple of luxurious courses designed to impress. No matter which course you choose, it will be an unforgettable feast.

Vegan Restaurant Ain Soph. Ginza in Tokyo Japan

Refer to HERE for AIN SOPH. Ginza menu.

Tip: Make a Reservation to ensure you have a seat upon arrival!

AIN SOPH. Ginza’s Business Hours and Access Information

  • AIN SOPH. Ginza is open from
    • 11:30 am to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday (the pastry store closes at 8 pm)
    • 11:30 am to 5 pm on Sundays (the pastry store closes at 7 pm)
    • The last order is taken an hour before closing time.
  • The restaurant is an 1-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station, Exit 3 (東銀座駅) or a 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, Exit A7 (銀座駅).

Mr. Farmer Omotesando (ミスターファーマー表参道)

Mr. Farmer is another vegan spot in Tokyo that also has gluten-free options. Among all the Mr. Farmer cafes, the Omotesando branch is the only one that is fully vegan. The organic vegetable cafe operates under the concept “Beauty and health begin with food (美と健康は食事から).” Inspired by LA’s vibrant, healthy lifestyle, it serves dishes made with fresh vegetables from contracted farms across Japan. The cafe’s interior is also decorated, mimicking the style of cafes on the American West Coast. The cafe, with a cozy yet stylish atmosphere, is spacious, featuring sofas and an open terrace seating area. If you like animals, you might meet a couple of the locals’ pets on the terrace!

The restaurant chain was founded by Watanabe Akira (渡邉 明) in 2014 to make it easier for people to enjoy vegetables. The individual known as the Evangelist of the Farms (畑の伝道師) dedicates much of his work life to promoting the deliciousness of the vegetables grown in Japan. Throughout his 10-year journey touring the fields in Japan, he has built strong relationships with over 50 farmers, from whom his restaurants now source fresh produce.

Completely vegan, with no animal-based ingredients, the restaurant offers hearty meals, including colorful, fresh salads, plant-based hamburgers, and taco bowls. If you like soup, we highly recommend their Creamy Oat Milk Soup (オーツミルクのクリーミースープ). The cakes also taste good, but the carrot cake can be dry.

Another thing worth mentioning is Mr. Farmer’s Water Bar. There are a couple of different flavored water that its customers can try and compare for free. Each of them are flavored by using different fresh fruits and/or vegetables.

If the cafe is full or you are in a hurry, consider choosing from their takeaway menu, so your trip to the cafe won’t be wasted!

Refer to HERE and scroll down for Mr. Farmer Omotesando’s menu.

Tip: Make a Reservation to ensure you have a seat upon arrival!

Mr. Farmer Omotesando’s Business Hours and Access Information

  • Mr. Farmer Omotesando is open from
    • 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays
    • 9 am to 9 pm on weekends
    • The last order is taken at 8 pm.
    • The cafe is closed on December 31 and January 1, with shorter business hours on January 2 and 3.
  • The cafe is a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Subway’s Omotesando Station (表参道駅).

Sushi Gonpachi Shibuya (権八 SUSHI 渋谷)

Sushi is the most renowned Japanese dish and, hence, on most people’s must-eat list when they visit Japan. While sushi is traditionally a non-vegan dish by definition, there are restaurants in Japan where you can enjoy a full sushi course made only from plant-based ingredients.

Among vegan sushi places in Tokyo, Sushi Gonpachi’s Shibuya restaurant, located on level 14, is the top choice. It is where you can enjoy incredible vegan sushi with Shibuya’s skyline right in front of you. With a warm wooden interior and soft lighting, Sushi Gonpachi Shibuya is a serene place to enjoy expertly crafted sushi and side dishes. The ambiance inside the restaurant is beautiful and vibrant. Although it is slightly more expensive, the food and experience will be worth it.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and welcomed before seated. The restaurant offers special vegan sushi made entirely without animal products, using vegetables and grains to create rich, flavorful experiences. The vegan rolls and nigiri are visually stunning and delicious, allowing you to appreciate traditional Japanese cuisine like those who eat meat and seafood.

Apart from the table seats near the large windows, consider reserving the counter seats. These are the best spots to watch the sushi chefs at work. However, note that most of the sushi they make is seafood-based. So the counter seats might not be for you if you don’t want to see them cutting fish.

The staff are very attentive and speak English. Once they understand your dietary requirements, they will recommend the dishes accordingly.

Refer to HERE and scroll down for Sushi Gonpachi Shibuya’s menu.

Tip: Make a Reservation to ensure you have a seat upon arrival!

Sushi Gonpachi Shibuya’s Business Hours and Access Information

  • Sushi Gonpachi Shibuya is open from 5 pm to 2 am. The last order is taken at 1 am.
  • The restaurant is an 8-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station (渋谷駅), or a 5-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line Shibuya Station (京王井の頭線渋谷駅) or a 4-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line Shinsen Station (京王井の頭線神泉駅).

Restaurant Etiquettes in Japan: What to Know Before You Go

Etiquette at Japanese Restaurants Use a small plate

Adapting to local customs and traditions will make you feel welcome by the locals wherever you are and help you get the most out of your visit. This is especially true in Japan, a country that follows tradition and treasures its cultural properties. Before visiting a Japanese restaurant, there are a couple of rules of thumb to keep in mind.

Refer to our article on The Restaurant Etiquettes in Japan for more information.

Discover Other Vegan or Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Japan

Japan is such a beautiful country to visit. But as a vegetarian, the biggest issue when visiting the country is that it is so hard to find meat-free food. That is because fish is traditionally the staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, so even simple dishes such as miso soup mostly contain bonito.

However, the good news is the number of vegan-friendly places is increasing in Japan, even in the countryside. For more ideas on where to enjoy vegetarian food in Japan, refer to our Vegetarian Dining Page!

The Vegan Dipping Noodle in Tokyo's Best Vegan Restaurant T's Restaurant
Click the photo for more ideas on where to enjoy vegetarian food in Japan

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