Exploring the amazing food is one of the best parts of visiting Japan. The fish is uber fresh; the rice is unparalleled, and the sushi is the real deal. But what about vegetarian visitors? Is it possible to indulge in Japan’s tastiest treats in a totally meat-free way?
The resounding answer is: YES. Fortunately for vegetarians, Japanese cuisine is heavily plant-based so there are plenty of dishes to explore for every palate. There are also a ton of delish vegetarian options for those who want to be sure they are getting the real deal. Below are some of the top vegetarian dishes for visitors to nosh on while in Japan.
Helpful Tips:
- If ordering a vegetarian meal from a non-vegetarian restaurant, be sure to avoid broths, soups, and sauces—even though the dish itself may be vegetarian, it is most likely prepared or served with dashi, a broth made from fish flakes. However, many restaurants will prepare dashi-free versions, if requested.
- Large cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are great places to find a variety of vegetarian and vegan spots.
- Lunch sets are popular ways to try a variety of dishes at the same time and are often customizable.
Tasty Veg Tempura
Deep-fried vegetables that are golden and delicious? Yes, please! Vegetable tempura is one of the most popular options for vegetarians in Japan as it is served almost everywhere and is super delish. Often served with rice or noodles, this crispy option is perfect for those who want a treat without meat.
- Give It A Try: Tempura with seasonal vegetables such as Tamatori mushrooms and Shimada carrots
- Where To Get It: Sonoji (Tokyo)
Rad Ramen
Vegan ramen is increasing in popularity in Japan—so vegetarian visitors will have plenty of options to enjoy this iconic dish without dashi. If ordering from a vegetarian ramen spot, be sure to load up on toppings like soy meat and bean sprouts.
- Give It A Try: Ramen with black sesame tantanmen (soy meat seasoned with chili oil, sesame paste, and peanut butter); top with raw mizuna greens or snap peas
- Where To Get It: T’s Tantan Ramen (Tokyo)
Soba Noodle Delight
Noodle dishes are ubiquitous in Japan, and some of the best can be found in veggie versions. For example, soba (buckwheat) noodle dishes can come in hot or cold varieties and have many delish toppings that include nori (seaweed), spring onion, and tasty seasonal vegs.
- Give It A Try: Kitsune Curry Udon (fried tofu with vegetable tempura)
- Where To Get It: Mimikou (Kyoto)
Okonomiyaki For The Win
A popular dish, okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake that can easily be made vegetarian. Popular varieties include cabbage and potato, and toppings vary from tensaku (tempura batter crunch); spring onions, okonomiyaki sauce; ginger; and pickled vegetables.
- Give It A Try: Okonomiyaki and a side of fried potato with cheese (Hiroshima style, with cabbage)
- Where To Get It: Teppan Tavern (though not a vegetarian restaurant, they have many options for meat-free diners)
Vibe On Vegetable Curry
Curries are very popular in Japan, so vegetarians will have no trouble finding it—even in non-vegetarian restaurants (though be careful, even these ‘vegetarian’ versions may contain a sauce with meat). However, the best spot to get vegetable curry is at a spot that specializes in vegetarian dishes—this way, diners can be sure they are entirely meat-free.
- Give It A Try: Green spinach curry with tofu, served with mushroom and tomato hayashi rice while sipping on a cream soda
- Where To Get It: Ain Soph (Kyoto)
Yaki Onigiri Takes Rice To The Next Level
You can’t go wrong with an order of onigiri—and the good news is that this tasty snack is easily customizable to suit vegetarian palates. Popular vegetarian versions are umeboshi (pickled plum) and plain with a variety of fun accouterments—anything from pickle to tofu. Grab these on the go, or enjoy at an izakaya (Japanese pub) with an ice-cold Sapporo.
- Give It A Try: Fried rice balls made with potato, and served with pickles, rice, and vegetables
- Where To Get It: Rocca (Osaka)
Shojin Ryori Buddhist Cuisine
Shojin Ryori is a type of cuisine that is a great place for both vegetarians and vegans to find eclectic, diverse dishes that are packed with flavor. It's usually composed of multiple dishes (usually containing tofu and seasonal vegetables), rice, pickles, and miso soup.
- Give It A Try: Shojin Ryori lunch with rice, enoki mushrooms, chilled sesame tofu, mashed yam, and seaweed, served with a dark miso sauce
- Where To Get It: Yoshuji (Kyoto)
Other Notable Vegetarian Dishes
- Nasu dengaku: soft eggplant with caramelized miso topping
- Vegetarian sushi with fermented soybean, cucumber, pickled plum, pickled daikon
- Miso soup (make sure it’s dashi-free)
- Tsukemono: Pickled vegetables that can be found on everything from ramen to cold noodle dishes (soba)
- Tofu dishes, such as dengaku (tofu coated with sweet miso and grilled until caramelized)
There are plenty of spots where vegetarians can have memorable culinary adventures while visiting Japan—and with dishes like tempura, onigiri, vegetable curry, and more that can be found on most menus; meat-free options are becoming more popular than ever before.