Tokyo’s food scene is nothing short of famous. There are more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris and New York combined, and earlier this year, Tokyo was named the world’s most diverse culinary destination in a report by Titan Travel. So if you’re heading there anytime soon, you’re guaranteed to want to eat your way through Japan’s thriving capital. And if you’re in the mood for plant-based fare, you won’t be disappointed. Below, we’ve selected just a handful of standout vegan-friendly restaurants for you to enjoy.

to the restaurants

Is there vegan sushi in Japan?

Traditional Japanese sushi usually consists of three simple ingredients: rice, nori and fish. But over the years, Tokyo’s sushi scene has become more diverse and creative. Today, you can find many different versions of the culinary classics all over the city, including delicious plant-based versions.

Sushi Gonpachi in the Nishi-Azabu district, for example, offers a full vegan menu with options like avocado, Japanese ginger, and even vegetable caviar. Katsu Midori is another vegan-friendly sushi restaurant where you’ll find plant-based options like cucumber rolls served to you on a traditional conveyor belt.

Is Tokyo vegan-friendly?

While Tokyo is known for its seafood, it also has plenty of vegan-friendly restaurants. According to Happy Cow, there are nearly 800 vegan and vegetarian restaurants throughout the city.

It’s worth noting that many traditional Japanese ingredients are already vegan. Tofu, for example, is a staple of the cuisine. Seaweed is also an essential ingredient in many different dishes, including sushi, and on menus across Tokyo, you’ll also often find plant-based ingredients like miso, rice, soba noodles, shiitake mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and daikon.

Where is the best vegan food in Tokyo?

As mentioned, many restaurants in Tokyo offer vegan options. To make your choice easier, we’ve selected just a handful of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the city below.

Saido

1 Saido

If you’re looking for a premium, completely vegan and authentic Japanese dining experience in Tokyo, Saido has to be at the top of your list of must-visit places. Expect several delicious courses of traditional delicacies including plant-based sushi, tempura, soup, edamame, ramen and more.
Here you can find it

2Food

2 2Food

This popular vegan eatery, which has two locations in Tokyo, serves a wide range of dishes, from Westernized mains to Japanese classics. It’s a great place if you’re craving a juicy plant-based burger and fries, for example, but don’t leave without trying 2foods’ highly acclaimed plant-based version of omurice, the latter of which is a traditional Japanese dish usually served with beef.
Here you can find it

T’s

3 T’s

T’s has been serving the city delicious vegan food since 2009 and is still going strong today. Once you try the menu of tasty seasonal soups, Beyond Meat steaks and gyoza dumplings, you’ll understand why. A must-try is the vegan ramen – this is what T’s is known for in Tokyo’s vegan community. Currently, T’s has four locations across Tokyo.
Here you can find it

Lotus Cafe

4 Lotus Cafe

Lotus Cafe offers a nourishing, flavor-packed fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine. Standout menu options include the vegan Karange Curry Plate, which offers a tasty plant-based take on Japanese chicken, and delicious sides like kimchi and chickpea croquettes.
Here you can find it

Vegan Bistro Jangara

5 Vegan Bistro Jangara

If you want to take an evening to yourself to recharge, consider getting takeout from Vegan Bistro Jangara. Sit back and relax with nutritious dishes like gyozas, soy meat karange, spicy Taiwanese noodles and more. Feel like going out? You can also grab lunch or dinner.
Here you can find it

balloon

6 balloon

If a falafel bowl (or sandwich) followed by vegan soft serve ice cream sounds like your dream lunch, then you must head to Ballon where you can get just that. If it’s chilly outside, then you’ll also be well served with a nice bowl of hearty tomato soup from this small but popular eatery.
Here you can find it

Cafe Tarot

7 Cafe Tarot

Visit the Tokyo Tarot Museum to learn all about tarot and mythology, and when you’re done, head to Cafe Tarot for a delicious plant-based lunch. Treat yourself to a vegan egg sandwich with mayonnaise, a bowl of hearty soup, or a homemade burger. Craving something sweet? There are also vegan muffins and cookies to choose from.
Here you can find it

Charlotte is an editor and writer at VegNews and lives in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.