Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Fadra Nally
Eating vegetarian in Tokyo isn’t as easy as you might imagine. I always think of Asian food as full of stir-fried vegetables and lots of tofu and rice. But many times, that’s simply the Americanized version of Asian food.
The same thing happened to me when I visited China many years ago. I naively figured that my week in Asia would be full of lots of veggies and rice when, by the end of the week, I was pleading to just have some pizza. It’s a great story to read.
For my first trip to Japan, I assumed it would be similar. Lots of fish and rice and ramen and vegetables – that last bit being the most important since my son (and traveling companion) is vegetarian.
On that trip and subsequent trips, I’ve learned that Japanese food is very meat heavy and definitely not always “healthy vegetable stir fry.” That can make it a bit difficult to plan your trip to Japan if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
Luckily, I wrote up my best advice for how to find the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo (and on the outskirts) and now I want to share some of the gems I’ve personally found.
Pro tip
If you obsessively read Google reviews for the best places to eat, do not be alarmed by low ratings in Japan. Native reviewers are famously stingy with stars so a lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a bad experience. Just make sure you read the reviews and don’t just rely on stars!
Guide to the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo
Breakfast
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried Japanese pancakes. They’re thick and fluffy and just delicious. But if you need a little protein, I’ve got an egg experience for you too!
Coffee-kan – Asakusa
Near: Asakusa
This is a run of the mill diner but I found the best pancakes here! With lots of coffee options, you can enjoy a full breakfast but I recommend the thick pancakes at least one morning!
EggOn Shin-Ōkubo store
Near: Shin-Okubo/Shinjuku
EggOn is a tiny little egg sandwich shop but if you can snag a seat, you’ll love the light and flaky egg sandwiches.
Original Pancake House Shinjuku
Near: Shinjuku
Located near the top of Lumine Est, the Original Pancake House is easy to find from the Shinjuku train station. But it’s popular so be prepared for a wait! We went to try their fluffy pancakes but much preferred the Dutch Baby. Worth the wait!
Lunch/Dinner
Pizzeria TAKATA BOKUSYA
Near: Waseda University
There’s nothing wrong with eating pizza in Japan! This was one of the first restaurants I chose simply because of its proximity to Waseda University. I recommend heading there for a “lunch set” which gives you salad, pizza, and a drink for around $8. Go early as the line gets long at lunchtime!
Cafe VG
Near: Waseda University
This is a little mom and pop (and dog) cafe near campus. Stop by for coffee or tea or enjoy a home cooked meal. It feels like you’re a guest in their house!
PIZZERIA Kiraku
Near: Asakusa
After a long day of walking and not knowing what to eat, I figured pizza was a safe bet. This is a tiny little restaurant run by a husband and wife with great pizza and beer options. Very welcoming as well!
Ippudo Lumine Est Shinjuku
Near: Shinjuku
There are many Ippudo restaurants throughout Tokyo (and even in NYC) but I can’t confirm that all of them have vegetarian/vegan options. This one DOES. Don’t be fooled by the idea of eating in a “mall.” The top two floors of Lumine Est have some great restaurants!
Vegan Bistro Jangara
Near: Harajuku
We loved this restaurant so much that we ate there three times! Blink and you’ll miss it so be sure to look for the elevator that takes you up to the second floor. There, you’ll wait for one of the small tables but enjoy the ramen and other dishes and get a fancy drink, like a shrub!
Jikasei MENSHO
Near: Shibuya
You’ll often hear people talk about eating in the basement food court of a building. That’s exactly what this is. It wasn’t easy to find but the line to order told us it was worth the wait. Excellent vegetarian ramen. Order at a kiosk and then sit and wait for your meal.
Fujifuku
Near: Asakusa
On our first full night in Tokyo, we had no idea what we were doing or where to go. I found this little vegan restaurant near our hotel and couldn’t have had a better experience. There are only about two tables with additional bar seating. It’s a fixed menu in this one person restaurant. But the hospitality was amazing and the canine company only added to the experience!
Ain Soph. Journey Shinjuku
Near: Shinjuku
Looking for something a little special or upscale? Make a reservation for dinner at Ain Soph. Journey in Shinjuku. There are other locations throughout the city and each one is a bit different. The entire menu is vegan but you’d never know it. A fantastic meal!
Alchemy
Near: Roppongi Hills
We found this place due to its proximity to TeamLab Borderless. A few floors up in the nearby Roppongi Hills district, this upscale vegan cafe had delicious food and a serene setting.
T’s Tantan Ikebukuro
Near: Ikebukuro
If you like noodles like I like noodles, T’s Tantan is the place for you. Whether you want ramen or other noodle dishes, you can find one of these locations throughout the city. We loved this location in the Ikebekuro train station (lots of good eating in a train station!)
Shogun Burger Shinjuku
Near: Shinjuku
Shogun Burger is a great stop if you have non-vegetarians in your party. You can enjoy a veggie burger while others can try the wagyu beef. You’ll find locations throughout the city but this one sits in the heart of Shinjuku.
Kanyam Indian & Thai Restaurant
Near: Ikebukuro
This wasn’t my favorite meal but it’s representative of a good standby for vegetarians. We found this restaurant open late after an evening at Sunshine City. With options for both Indian and Thai, you’ll find a nice dinner set for a reasonable price. Indian restaurants are fairly common throughout the city.
NINGEN RESTAURANT
Near: Shinjuku
Looking for a true izakaya experience? You’ll appreciate this little dive on the 4th floor in the heart of Shinjuku. Don’t be alarmed by the colorful stairway decorations. The staff is very welcoming and offers a small vegan menu.
Kakekomi Gyoza
Near: Shinjuku
If you’re hovering near Godzilla in the heart of Shinjuku, head to this izakaya for a sit down meal of dumplings. It’s deceptively small on the outside with room downstairs and up. It can get a little loud after hours!
Zen
Near: Shinjuku
If you want to try another classic Japanese dish, you definitely want to try okonomiyaki, a type of cabbage pancake. Traditionally make with egg and fish sauce and topped with bacon, you have to hunt to find vegan and vegetarian options. One restaurant claimed to serve a vegetarian okonomiyaki but then added meat sauce on top! Zen offered great beer and great food in an izakaya-like atmosphere.
Coffee/Dessert
Taiyaki Sawada – Asakusa Shop
Near: Asakusa
Taiyaki is a must-try when you head to Japan. And we tried enough shops to know what’s best. This shop offered chocolate, cheese, custard, and red bean filled taiyaki. My preference is cheese. You can find them throughout the city but this is the one you want to try!
BAKE CHEESE TART Ikebukuro Store
Near: Ikebukuro
I read about this little place in one of my Japan guidebooks and they did not steer me wrong. These tarts are like little cheesecakes wrapped in pastry. The Ikebukuro shop is located in the train station but you can find other locations in the city.
Tully’s Coffee
Near: Everything
You can drink Starbucks but when in Tokyo… Tully’s is a local chain that you’ll find all over the city and is a great place to stop for a drink and a snack. Make sure you follow custom and get your table first!
Starbucks Reserve
Near: Ginza
If you do end up at Starbucks (there’s a great one in Shibuya where you can watch the famous crossing), try a local drink like the Hojicha latte. But if you make only one Starbucks stop, make it the Starbucks Reserve in Ginza. It’s a busy location but worth the attraction!
Just Outside of Tokyo
If you happen to venture outside of the big city, vegetarian options are a little slimmer. If you happen to be visiting Nikko or Kamakura, I found some great places for you to try!
Taj Nikko
Near: Nikko
Nikko is an amazing day trip from Tokyo (although worthwhile to stay longer if possible). It’s home to many significant temples and is a designated national park. You’ll find this delicious Indian restaurant on the second floor on the outskirts of town.
Luna Burger
Near: Kamakura
Kamakura is a famous seaside town and full of amazing temples and a giant Buddha. I got completely raked over the coals by people for going all the way to Kamakura and eating a burger. But who cares… they’ve never been to Luna Burger which is a vegan restaurant serving the most delicious fries and amazing “burgers.” Don’t knock it until you try it!
Matcha Crepe (寿清庵 鎌倉 小町通り)
Near: Kamakura
Sometimes, the internet steers you right. We saw a viral video about matcha crepes at a little place in the shopping district of Kamakura. While this amazing matcha crepe gave me a stomachache, it was the best stomachache ever!
Map of my Favorite Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo
As you can probably tell, I’m a little obsessed with Google Maps. I use it on every trip to flag where I want to go and where I’ve been.
I’ve created this map for you to use on your next trip so you’re not scrambling for vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo when you’re at your hungriest!
Since many of the restaurants I’ve mentioned are local chains, I’ve included not only the location I’ve visited, but other locations throughout the city. That way, if you don’t necessarily want to plan ahead, you can always look for something near your location when hunger strikes.
If you find other vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo that I should add to my list, please leave a comment below!
