There’s not much not to love about Tokyo. You can find something to do at all hours, everything is totally different from anything you’re used to, in the most charming way possible. It’s quirky, cute, stimulation overload. Did we mention 24 hour karaoke bars? You can’t not have fun in this city, but the one thing I know makes people hesitant about visiting is that if you’re vegan, it might be hard to eat… we're here to dispel that myth! As long as you map out some spots/do your research a little in advance, Tokyo can offer you some of the most incredible food you’ve ever tried in your life. In fact, I love the vegan options in Japan so much that this was my THIRD visit to this crazy city… I wanted to finally share this knowledge with you all and show you just how amazing this city is! Here’s a guide to some of our favourite cafes and restaurants in Tokyo offering awesome vegan options. The Plant List to Tokyo....
#1 • NAGI SHOKUDO
15-10 Uguisudanicho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0032, Japan
FULLY VEGAN
When asking friends or locals for Tokyo recommendations, chances are this place will pop up… and for good reason! Nagi Shokudo serves up super high quality all-vegan traditional Japanese cuisine in a cosy atmosphere, tucked away in a cute side street of Shibuya. Proper classic homemade food made with love, this is an awesome way to sample a bunch of local flavours at a decent price. Go for one of the set meals to try the most! So good we went twice on this visit.
Tried: Set meal dinner, chocolate cake, fried soy meat.
12-3pm & 6-10pm daily, except Sundays only 12-3pm.
#2 • CRAYONHOUSE
3 Chome-8-15 Kitaaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
VEGAN FRIENDLY
Every Monday this place blesses Tokyo with a fully plant based organic buffet. Really affordable for what you get; an ever-changing spread of perfectly put-together classic Japanese cuisine, hot drinks, all set in a beautiful traditional space with a super cute outdoor garden seating area. The brown rice alone was so good we probably all went back for three bowls. A perfect way to stock up on your vegetable intake and sample some high quality Japanese cuisine in a relaxing ambience. Note that rest of the week you may not find as many vegan-friendly options, so Monday lunch or dinner is definitely your best bet to experience all its glory!
Tried: Monday lunch all-you-can-eat vegan buffet.
11am-11pm daily, Sat & Sun 10:30am-11pm.
#3 • T’S TANTAN
Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 JR東京駅（改札内）KeiyoStreet内 1階
FULLY VEGAN
Tucked away inside Tokyo Station, if you’re not already heading somewhere you’ll have to buy a ticket to enter the station (couple of bucks); but I assure you, it’s worth going out of your way if you’re in the area to try this heavenly ramen institution. A no frills quick service restaurant, they offer 6 types of ramen and a few other classic dishes with something for everyone; fresh and delicious. I’d been dreaming about this place since the first time I came to Japan and I always make sure to stop by when I’m in Tokyo!
Tried: White-sesame tantan ramen and gyoza.
7am-10.30pm daily.
#4 • AIN SOPH.JOURNEY
Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−8−9 新宿Ｑビル1F
FULLY VEGAN
Trust me, I’d been dreaming about these fluffy clouds since my last visit about 3 years back, so this place was high priority to be the first stop on this trip. Dragging 3 non-vegan pals in tow with promises of sampling heaven on a plate, we had to wait half an hour just to get a table - it seems the rest of the world found out about the hype. Uncertain, I had to do some bargaining with these friends, but when I finally did manage to convince them to wait, they weren’t disappointed. I’d coin these classic Japanese pancakes a spiritual experience - the perfect balance of fluffy delicate clouds of sweetness and decadent house-made whipped soy cream. We also shared a couple platters of soul-nourishing fried soy meat, the perfect salty balance to compliment those sweet pans of air. Just go. A splurge but you’ll savour every bite.
Tried: Vegan pancakes and fried soy meat.
11.30am-3pm, 6-9pm daily.
#5 • KUMEYS
6 Chome-7-24 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
VEGAN FRIENDLY
Delicious curry plate & lovely owners - cute place!
Inside a cute small organic grocery store. I stumbled across this place when I was hungry in the area - what a nice surprise to be able to spontaneously find somewhere as good as this. Enticed by a heavenly looking all-organic vegan curry platter and sweet owners who spoke a bit of English, this place definitely delivered. They make a platter with two types of vegan curries, some vegetables & rice mix - a bit on the pricey side but worth the extra dollars for a high quality, organic meal. The staff/owners were so lovely, they even generously gifted an extra dish of silken tofu with ginger AND some iced tea. Also enjoyed a mini matcha soy soft serve ice cream for dessert - deeelish, what a rare treat to find!
Tried: Curry platter and matcha soy soft serve.
12-3.30pm, 6-11pm daily. Closed Monday & Tuesdays.
#6 • SORANOIRO
Multiple locations
VEGAN FRIENDLY
Another popular vegan ramen joint with several locations around Tokyo and some sweet gluten-free options with house-made noodles, mixed with exotic ingredients for an extra flavour boost. Order it classic Japanese style with a ticket machine. This is healthy convenience at its best!
Tried: Vegan ramen.
Check website for opening hours.
#7 • MILAN NATARAJ
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−22−7 岩本ビル 3F
FULLY VEGAN :)
Humble all-you-can eat Indian lunch buffet in the heart of Shibuya - a few tasty curry options with salad and rice. The staff were so sweet and welcoming, this is a nice affordable place to fill up on a hearty lunch while you’re checking out Shibuya sights. The selection wasn’t huge but for what you pay, this is a decent haunt!
Tried: Lunchtime buffet
11:30am-11pm daily.
WEBSITE
#8 • VEGANIC-TO-GO
Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 7 Chome−4−14 乃木坂スタジオ 1F
FULLY VEGAN :)
Set in the bourgeois Roppongi Hills (just the way that name rolls off the tongue tells you enough, doesn’t it?), this cosy little female-owned, tucked away hole-in-the-wall vegan cafe serves up high quality food with innovative ingredients. An exciting menu with equally pleasing flavours, but be prepared to splurge a little..ok, a LOT in this locay (it’s the Hills, we warned ya ;)). The burger was so good, just look at it! Those potatoes too - dreamy. Could’ve definitely eaten 20 more of them - wish there were. ;)
Tried: Monday lunch all-you-can-eat vegan buffet.
Thursday Closed. Fri & Sat 11:30am–9:30pm. Sun-Weds 11:30am–5pm
#9 • AIN SOPH.RIPPLE
Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 2 Chome−46−8 日章ビル １F
FULLY VEGAN :)
Japanese spin on American style burgers & fries - sampled the cheeseburger with fries and cheese sauce side. This place had been recommended a lot but not sure it quite lived up to the hype on this visit, took a very long time also. Still cool to see fully vegan burger options being served up and so popular in central Tokyo. If you’re craving a burger and in the area you may as well give it a visit, maybe try a different dish and let us know how you went!
Tried: Cheeseburger with fries and a side of cheese sauce.
11am-9.30pm daily, except Sun - closes 8.30pm.
#10 • WIRED BONBON
Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−1−5 ルミネ新宿 ルミネ1-6F
FULLY VEGAN :)
Plant based desserts that look this good? We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to try a matcha parfait as decadent looking as these. A decadent price tag to suit, but if you share with a friend this is a must-sample! Incredible flavours, layers upon layers, every bite is something to savour and we wished it didn’t have to end! But sadly, made us wait in line for 45 mins even though there were plenty of empty tables inside - trying to create the illusion of popularity; because in Japan, lines = something worth waiting for!
Tried: Seasonal matcha strawberry parfait.
11am-10.30pm daily.
WEBSITE
#11 • GENKI SUSHI
24-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
VEGAN FRIENDLY
Hallelujah! Finally a sushi train with plant based options! It was like a miracle when we discovered this spot - to be able to experience the Tokyo institution that is the SUSHI TRAIN, finally being able to sample more than just a cucumber roll. The wait for this joint is loooong, as it’s one of the most popular hyped spots in Tokyo; the prices are insanely affordable for somewhere in a location like this. Be prepared to wait an hour upwards for the pleasure of a seat! Once seated, you’re handed a menu and order sheet, where you mark off whatever you want. Dangerous. Believe me when I say I went to town. Ticks left, right and centre... Avocado roll! Yes! Agedashi tofu! Hell yes! Pickled radish! OOh! Honestly the rest was a blur; this place is definitely an experience - stimulation overload and about 6 dishes down, it came to closing time and we were ready to order more. Handing in a second order sheet, disappointingly the kitchen messed up and completely misplaced my order, without apologies! :( So, the service was less than impressive and TBH there’s better sushi out there, but in a land where it’s hard to come by and you want to wine & dine with omnis, this is a fine choice.
Tried: A whirlwind of sushi!
11am-11.30pm daily. Opens earlier 10.30am Sat & Sun.
