Although not as popular as Kyoto or Osaka, Okayama Prefecture is considered a popular tourist destination among international tourists. Why? Because the prefecture is home to one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and the famous contemporary art venue, Naoshima Island. Fortunately, a few vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants or cafes can usually be found near these popular attractions. So, when you put Okayama in your itinerary, there is no need to worry that rice balls from convenience stores are the only food source you can get.
The Vegan/Vegetarian Spots in Okayama Prefecture
- The Vegan/Vegetarian Spots in Okayama City
- The Vegan/Vegetarian Spots Around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
- Ōka (くらしき茶房 桜花)
- erbenmu (アルバンモー ヴィーガン＆オーガニックフード)
- The Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Tamano City
- Uki Cafe (ウキカフェ)
The Vegan/Vegetarian Spots in Okayama City
If you plan to visit Kōrakuen, one the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there are a couple of spots you can stop by to grab food. While there are not as many as in Kyoto and Osaka, you won’t starve if you want to base near Okayama Station for a few days!
Check out our article on the Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Okayama City to plan your visit!
The Vegan/Vegetarian Spots Around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a must-visit destination in Okayama. The traditional townscape is perfect for photo taking, the Japanese cultural experience and activities, and adoring the artworks in galleries and museums.
But where to dine? Refer to our article on the Vegan/Vegetarian Spots Around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter for the restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy with your non-vegetarian friends and families!
Ōka (くらしき茶房 桜花)
If you spend a night near Kurashiki Station and aren’t in a hurry, Ōka is a good place to have lunch the next day. Located north of Kurashiki Station, the cafe has a traditional and rustic appearance and was renovated from an old house completed over 150 years ago. The locals love the healthy vegetable buffet there! The owner-chef’s warm and friendly personality is another charm of Ōka. As the cafe is near the Takahashi River (高梁川), take a relaxing stroll along the bank after your stomach is filled with delicious Japanese food!
Your first impression of Ōka is likely to be that it is another private property in the residential area, which might make you wonder if you are at the right place. As soon as you step into the cafe, you will be greeted by the nice scent of tatami mats and an old-fashioned Japanese-style space. As everything is so peaceful, it is the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet moments.
Then, the shelves lined with a series of Japanese-style home cooking (obanzai) will catch your eyes. The side dishes made using the vegetables locally grown in Kurashiki are what Ōka is known for.
Moreover, handicrafts made by Kurashiki artists are displayed in the cafe. If anything catch your attention, purchase it!
While the lunch buffet ends at 3 pm, you can visit Ōka after lunch hours for Japanese-style desserts. To start, order a cup of An-latte (あんラテ). An exquisite flavor is created when a generous amount of sweet bean paste and whipped soy cream are added to the coffee.
Tips:
☛ The local speciality, the deep-fried taro balls (里芋の唐揚げ), is a must-eat.
☛ Bento boxes can be ordered by calling +81-86-441-8713.
Ōka’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Ōka is open from Friday to Wednesday from 11 am.
- Lunch buffet is available from 11 am to 3 pm.
- The cafe is a 30-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station (倉敷駅).
Important: Bonito extract and eggs are used in some dishes. Upon arrival, please check with the staff which dishes are vegetarian/vegan. You should be able to communicate with the staff in English. If you run into any issues, use the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article.
erbenmu (アルバンモー ヴィーガン＆オーガニックフード)
JR Oku Station (邑久駅) is a transportation hub where you can take a bus to many attractions in Setouchi City. A good spot for lunch, not too far away from Oku Station, is erbenmu. The vegan cafe is inside an old Japanese-style house. With the rural landscape spreading from the cafe’s verandah, you will surely feel relaxed when you enter erbenmu’s tatami mat-covered dining space.
Organic ingredients are used to make the food served at erbenmu whenever possible. In addition, the cafe only sources fresh produce from the local farmers the owner knows. This is his way of supporting local farmers and ensuring the quality of the ingredients used. After enjoying food on the ground floor, head upstairs to adore traditional craftwork!
ebenmu is one of those restaurants that can make soy meat taste like real meat. If you visit the cafe with a meat lover, order a Today’s Deli Plate (本日のDeliプレート). Not only is the plate filled with different, colorful side dishes, but your friend most likely won’t be able to tell everything on the plate is plant-based.
You can also visit erbenmu for afternoon tea. The menu includes vegan pudding, tarts, muffins, and cakes.
Note that erbenmu runs a catering business to the locals. Thus, the cafe space doesn’t open everyday. Refer to the business calendar on erbenmu’s Instagram Account and ensure the day you plan to visit it is marked “ランチ＆カフェ”.
Tip: While limited, Western-style table seating is available if you can’t sit on the floor.
erbenmu’s Business Hours and Access Information
- erbenmu is open from 11:30 am to 5 pm.
- The cafe is a 20-minute walk from JR Oku Station (邑久駅).
The Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Tamano City
If you are passionate about contemporary arts, Tamano City in Okayama is probably on your itinerary. Why? Because Uno Port, where you can take a ferry to Japan’s infamous art island, Naoshima (直島), is in Tamano. While the city doesn’t have many tourist attractions, the Setouchi International Art Festival has positively impacted the rural city. The number of vegan and/or vegetarian-friendly cafes and restaurants is one of them!
For more information about where to find plant-based food, refer to our article on The Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Tamano City!
Uki Cafe (ウキカフェ)
Inujima Island is one of the venue of the Setouchi International Art Festival. Although it is a small island compared to Naoshima, it is worth exploring if you have time to island hop. And the great news is there is a cafe that can cater to the vegan/vegetarian diet!
For more information, refer to our Inujima article!
Discover the Top Attractions in Okayama Prefecture
Now you know there are places in Okayama Prefecture that offers plant-based food, you can start planning your visit for a taste of traditional Japan. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, there is an abundance of places for you to enjoy beach activities and watersports and adore the magnificent ocean views!
For more information, refer to our Top Attractions to Visit in Okayama Prefecture article!
