Where to Eat Vegan Japanese Food in Tokyo

Where to Eat Vegan Japanese Food in Tokyo

From plant-based izakaya to soba with a jazz twist, here’s where to find vegan Japanese dishes in Tokyo

By

Advertisement




You’d think a country famous for shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) would be packed with vegan options. But finding good vegetarian Japanese food in Tokyo can still feel like a bit of a scavenger hunt—especially if you’re after something more traditional than falafel, salads or fake cheese pizza. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research. From fully vegan izakayas and ramen shops to jazz bar soba joints, here are eight Tokyo spots where you can eat authentic Japanese food without fish-based dashi or mystery meat.

Kanji & Japanese Words to Know

If you’re hunting for vegetarian Japanese food in Tokyo, it helps to recognize a few key words—menus don’t always have full English translations, and even when they do, fish-based broth can slip in unnoticed. Here are some terms worth learning:

Basic Vocabulary:

ビーガン – Vegan
ベジタリアン – Vegetarian
卵不使用(たまごふしよう / tamago fushiyō)– Egg-free.
乳製品不使用(にゅうせいひんふしよう / nyūseihin fushiyō)– Dairy-free.
動物性不使用(どうぶつせいふしよう / dōbutsusei fushiyō) – No animal products used.
だし(dashi)– Japanese soup stock. Usually made with katsuobushi (bonito flakes) or kombu (kelp).
魚(さかな / sakana) – fish
肉(にく / niku) – meat
卵(たまご / tamago) – egg

Basic Questions to Ask

ヴィーガンのメニューがありますか?
(Vīgan no menyū ga arimasu ka?)
Do you have a vegan menu?

これはヴィーガンですか?
(Kore wa vīgan desu ka?)
Is this vegan?

魚のだしが入っていますか?
(Sakana no dashi ga haitte imasu ka?)
Does this have fish stock?

肉、魚、卵、乳製品は入っていますか?
(Niku, sakana, tamago, nyūseihin wa haitte imasu ka?)
Does this contain meat, fish, eggs or dairy?

動物性の材料は使っていますか?
(Dōbutsusei no zairyō wa tsukatte imasu ka?)
Are there any animal products used?

Responses You Might Hear

入っていません
(Haitte imasen) – It doesn’t contain it.

入っています
(Haitte imasu) – It does contain it.

わかりません
(Wakarimasen) – I’m not sure.

How to Say What You Don’t Eat

肉を食べません。
(Niku o tabemasen.) – I don’t eat meat.

魚は食べません。
(Sakana o tabemasen.) – I don’t eat fish.

ヴィーガンです。
(Vīgan desu.) – I’m vegan.

ベジタリアンです。
(Bejitarian desu.) – I’m vegetarian.

P.S. Check out these amazing Japanese cooking classes made with all vegan ingredients:

Klook.com

1. Izakaya Masaka – All-Vegan Menu

Located in the middle of Shibuya, Izakaya Masaka serves up classic Izakaya dishes. Think deep friend mushrooms, vegetable tempura, pickled veggies, vegan karaage and gyoza. The fried “chicken” here is crispy on the outside, juicy inside and pretty close to the real deal. They don’t accept reservations so arrive early.

Location: Shibuya Parco B1
15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
Opening Times: Mon – Sun, 12 – 9pm
Website: IG @vegan_izakaya_masaka

2. AFURI – Rainbow Vegan Ramen

Rainbow vegan ramen from Afuri
Image from Afuri.com

AFURI is a ramen chain with several Tokyo locations, and while not every bowl is vegetarian, their Rainbow Vegan Ramen is worth the hunt. The broth is fully plant-based and packed with flavor, paired with chewy lotus root noodles and a colorful load of fresh veggies.

Locations: Various locations, not available at the Yokohama Joinus or ZUND-BAR locations|
Website: afuri.com

3. Jikasei Mensho – Spicy Vegan Tantanmen Done Right

Jikasei Mensho offers three types of vegan ramen.
Image from Jikasei Mensho

Along with regular meat-based options, Jikasei Mensho offers three types of vegan ramen with one spicy mission: to turn heads with heat. Jikasei Mensho doesn’t mess around with their vegan tantanmen (ヴィーガン担々麺)—it’s rich, warming and comes with just the right numbing kick. Also available: vegan miso ramen (ヴィーガン味噌らぁめん) and soup-less tantanmen (ヴィーガン汁なし担々麺).

Location: Shibuya PARCO
Shibuya Parco B1
15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
Opening Times: 11am – 11pm
Website: menya-shono.com

4. Vegan Bistro Jangara – Comfort Food in Harajuku

Image from Vegan Bistro Jangara

This is what happens when a famous tonkotsu ramen chain decides to go vegan. You’ll find ramen, gyoza and all the familiar izakaya-style hits—just meat- and fish-free. The vibe is low-key and welcoming, and it’s one of the more foreigner-friendly spots in Harajuku for plant-based eats.

Location: 1-13-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Opening Times: 11am – 10pm
Website: kyushujangara.co.jp/shops/veganbistro

Advertisement




5. T’s Restaurant – From Sweets to Soy-Based Meats

T's Restaurant vegan afternoon tea.
Image from T’s Restaurant

This is a go-to for plant-based comfort food. The Jiyugaoka flagship is a full-service restaurant offering soy-meat dishes, tomato ramen, soba, Japanese-style curry and probably one of the only places in Tokyo to enjoy an entirely vegan afternoon tea set. The Tokyo Station outpost, T’s TanTan Gransta Tokyo (inside the JR ticket gates), is best for a fast bowl on the go.

Location: Luz Jiyugaoka B1F, 2-9-6 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku
Opening Times: 11:30am9pm
Website
: ts-restaurant.jp/english

6. Vegan Izakaya Nowhere – Sumo-Side Plant-Based Pub

Image from Vegan Izakaya Nowhere

Hidden in a quiet corner of Asakusa near Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, Nowhere is a full-on izakaya with a completely vegan menu. That includes sauces and broths, rare in Japan. Dishes are made in-house featuring tofu cutlets, yuzu gyoza, pickled plates and Japanese drinks. It’s a local favorite that feels like a little secret.

Location: 1-8-2 Mukojima, Sumida-ku
Opening Times: Thursday – Monday, 5pm – 10 pm (closed Tue–Wed)
Website: veganizakayanowhere.com

7. Vegan Soba Tokyo Ayler – Soba, Jazz, Coffee

Ayler is tiny—no seats and all standing, but big on flavor all the same. The vibe is friendly, trendy and very Shimokitazawa, complete with jazz records spinning in the background. Their standout is a rich, kombu-based tempura soba with kakiage-style fritters. Add a creamy oat milk latte to the mix and you’ve got one of the most unique vegan dining experiences in Tokyo. Check their monthly schedule on Instagram for special events and pop-ups like plant-based breakfasts and philosophy reading circles.

Location: 4-24-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku
Opening Times: Varies, check Ayler’s official Instagram account below.
Website: @__ayler__

8. Vegan Sushi Tokyo – A Fish-Free Sushi Experience

This Shibuya sushi bar is raising the bar for vegan sushi in Japan. Think marinated eggplant “tuna,” burdock root rolls, and colorful nigiri topped with seasoned tofu or avocado. You’ll need to book online via the website below and arrive on time. P.S. They also have a Kyoto location!

Location: COEN Building 5F, 1-15-7 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
Opening Times: 11 am – 3:30 pm (Reservations required and closed Sundays)
Website: vcook.co.jp/vegansushitokyo/en

Extras We Love:

Falafel Brothers: Tokyo’s Go-To for Affordable Vegan Eats

falafel brothers hummus mediterranean cuisine shibuya parco

Falafel Brothers proves that vegan food in Tokyo can be quick, tasty, and easy on the wallet. What started as a small shop in Roppongi has grown into a local favorite, with locations in Ebisu and, most recently, Shibuya Parco.

It’s no secret that finding solid falafel or creamy hummus in Tokyo can be a challenge, especially for expats and travelers. But Falafel Brothers hits the spot with Middle Eastern flavors that actually deliver. Alongside their signature wraps and bowls, they’ve also nailed a crispy vegan karaage that’s surprisingly close to the real thing, minus the meat.

Check here for a full review. 

Locations: Roppongi, Otemachi, Shibuya Parco, Harajuku
Website: falafelbrothers.jp

Fico and Pomum Juice: Tokyo’s Healthy Fast Food Fix

acai smoothie healthy vegan in tokyo
An acai smoothie from Fico & Pomum.

With a motto like “healthy fast food,” Fico and Pomum Juice delivers exactly that—quick, nutrient-packed drinks and light bites made to fuel your day. Juice bars might be few and far between in Tokyo compared to cities like New York or Sydney, but this spot fills the gap with cold-pressed juices, fruit and veggie smoothies, beet lattes and even hot smoothies.

While not everything is vegan, the menu includes almond and soy-based drinks, granola bowls and a small lineup of sandwiches and parfaits. But it’s the fresh juices that steal the show—vibrant, flavorful and made to order.

Location: 1F Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Opening Times: 8 am – 9 pm daily

Website: ficoandpomum.com

Advertisement




BiO Cafe: Hidden Vegan Sweets in the Heart of Shibuya

bio cafe shibuya

Tucked into the quiet backstreets of Shibuya, BiO Cafe is easy to miss—but worth finding. This cozy vegan spot comes with a bonus: a small storefront bakery where you can grab fresh breads and sweets to go.

While the cafe offers a full lunch menu, including celebration course meals, it’s the desserts that truly stand out. Rich, satisfying and almost too good to be vegan, the sweets here taste just like the real deal. Seasonal picks like the pumpkin tofu cake are perfect for cooler months, and everything comes topped with a cloud of dairy-free whipped cream.

Behind a glass partition, you can watch the kitchen team craft everything from scratch—including their wide selection of flavored bagels and macrobiotic treats.

Location: 16-14 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
Opening Times: 11am – 11pm
Website:
biocafe.jp 


Check out our other guides to vegan food in Japan:

Vegan Hanami Essentials: Vegan Bento in the Big City
Tokyo Vegan Burger Guide 
The Rise of CBD Oil in Japan

Have a recommendation? Head to @metropolisjapan on Instagram and send us a message.