[Japan] A Guide to Japan for Vegetarians

Contrary to conventional wisdom, Japan is also rich in menus for vegetarians (dairy and eggs are allowed vegetarian, vegan seeking full vegetarianism) (just doesn't know where to find them...)

It's not easy to maintain a vegetarian and vegan diet in Japan, but you don't have to hesitate to travel because you can choose a wide variety of foods.

Japanese cuisine is famous for its heavy use of meat and fish, and broth and sauces are usually made with meat and seafood.

Vegetarian and vegan diets are not as popular in Japan as in the West, so there can often be confusion between edible and non-eaten foods. However, if you plan a little in advance, you can visit Japan without compromising your diet and taste Japanese food consisting of vegetarian and vegan menus.

Take a little risk and you may find some new ingredients to add to your own collection of vegetarian dishes when you return home.

a vegetarian menu in Japan

Japanese food can be delicious and healthy for both vegetarians and vegans. Rice and vegetarian-friendly noodles form the basis of most of the dishes. There is a surprisingly diverse range of shapes and textures. Soybean paste and koji, which are condiments made by fermenting beans, are used in various dishes. Fermented soybeans "Natto" are used as the main ingredient in cooking, and fresh seasonal vegetables or pickled seasonal vegetables are easily found.

However, even if meat or fish are not immediately visible in the food, they are often unsuitable for vegetarianism due to hidden ingredients such as meat and bonito.

Although vegetarianism is gradually gaining popularity, in Japan, the foreign word "vegetarian" is often understood in a broader sense without a clear meaning. Therefore, simply asking for a vegetarian dish may not be enough. While you may struggle with language and cultural barriers, here are some tips on ordering vegetarian dishes to help you keep your diet and enjoy your culturally exciting journey in Japan.

Vegetarian Food for Brave Adventurers

Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 538 A.D., and as a result, Emperor Tenmu imposed a ban on slaughter and meat consumption in 675 A. These bans were rarely followed, but they remained in effect for about 100 years.

Today, vegetarianism in Japan is still closely related to the Zen Buddhist community. Shojin cuisine, a vegetarian dish, is an important part of the dedication of monks who live a life of refraining from violence against living things. Shojin cuisine can only be found in Buddhist temples, and it is difficult to continue eating with these dishes unless you stay in Shukubo (the temple's accommodation) throughout your trip to Japan. However, if you have a chance to taste shojin ryori, you will be offered a light, healthy, beautiful and photogenic meal, so that both vegetarians and meat-eating travelers can enjoy the culture.

This elegant and elaborately prepared dish, served on a beautiful plate of Kamakura lacquerware, is usually made with soy ingredients such as tofu and seasonal vegetables. This dish is thought to bring a balance between mind, body and mind. Carefully take care not to waste when preparing, and use the ends of vegetables to make broth.

One caveat is that traditionally shojin is a strict vegetarian dish, leaving out pungent flavors such as garlic and onions, but dairy products are often used because modern monks do not regard them as harmful to animals. Please check in advance so that you don't get surprised by unpleasant experiences.

a vegetarian dish that is becoming increasingly popular in modern Japan

Japanese culture is famous for its delicate details, dedication, and pursuit of purity. In addition, awareness of vegetarian lifestyles is increasing and options are expanding.

Recently, several vegetarian restaurants have official vegan or vegan certification stickers issued by the Japanese Vegan Association or the Japanese Vegan Association. Registration is done through strict procedures, so the certification sticker is a good sign to refer to.

And culinary lovers and chefs continue to create and improve new vegetarian recipes that even the most ardent meat lovers can deceive, as well as dishes such as soft tofu cheese, vegetarian eggs, vegetarian meat and unique ramen alternatives. If you're looking for a modern or Japanese fusion vegetarian dish, an experimental vegetarian-focused restaurant can be a clue to a new discovery.

To search for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in your destination city or surrounding urban areas, visit our dedicated portal site below.

Find Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants near Me – Happy Cow 

Japan's Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Restaurants: Vegewel 

Restaurant Guide with Vegetarian Sticker Issued by Japan Vegetarian Society　(Japanese only) 

Japan VegeMap―Vegan Friendly Restaurants all over Japan! 

Traveling to Japan's Rural Areas

Consider staying in the ryokan in places other than major metropolitan areas. If you contact the ryokan in advance and tell them the details of the diet you need, there will be a great feast of Japanese food prepared for vegetarian and vegan purposes. Certain restaurants boast vegetarian menus, so search online in advance for which restaurants specialize.

"Convenience Store" is surprisingly full of vegetarian food, and it's great to use in times of trouble. We always have some foods that are inexpensive, can be found anywhere, and can be easily eaten. Rice balls (onigiri) can be found in the refrigerated section. Most rice balls are made up of fish, but there are also usually umeboshi (sour pickled green plum) and konbu (dried kelp). If you want to carry protein, you can use natto (fermented beans) that is packaged and served immediately, but be aware that the sauce that comes with it is usually redone (fish stock). Therefore, it is also good to prepare soy sauce in advance if you want to dip in fish-free condiments when only basic things are available.

Packaged beans, peas, and a variety of vegetable salads help you organize a full meal when you don't have any other options.

For an inspirational taste of Japanese food, you can enjoy several dishes such as tsukemono (vegetable pickles), tofu and tofu skins, Nasu Dengaku (roasted eggplant in soybean paste), zaru soba (boiled buckwheat noodles), gatpa maki (kim sushi roll with cucumber), and Takuang maki (sushi roll made with daikon radish).

If it comes with dip sauce or soup, it is recommended to check which ingredients are used.

Tips for ordering vegetarian and vegan households

Vegetarian is a foreign-originated word and is widely known, but it may have a broader definition than the traditional English word for vegetarian.

Please tell me in detail what food I can't eat when I order. Please tell me that you can't eat meat, seafood, or animal foods including sashimi or broth.

If you don't think the clerk understands what it means, please repeat that it means that you can't eat all the chicken, pork, and fish. If you seem hesitant, you may simply not understand.

It is convenient to print a written Japanese description or card explaining what you need for your diet.

A restaurant with a photographed menu and an izakaya can be of great help. Still, please check the stock and basic ingredients of fish or animal foods.

Especially if it's a set menu, please let me know what you need for your diet in advance when you make a reservation.

Translation apps such as Google Translate are useful tools that can be easily used.

Japanese kosher and halal foods

How convenient is halal (Islamic) and kosher (Jewish) foods available in Japan?

The perception and convenience of halal and kosher diets are still lagging compared to vegetarian and vegan diets. If you apply the strictest standards, in fact, there are few restaurants in Japan that specialize in kosher food. In addition to the requirements related to the slaughtering process, Kosher has several restrictions, such as banning pork and shrimp, crabs, meat and dairy products. If you stick to the Kosher diet, take a good look at the menu list and choose a dish that doesn't contain prohibited ingredients when you eat out. Kosher Japan is a Japanese Kosher certification authority that provides mail order and delivery services for Kosher certified foods and operates the Kosher Hotel chain.

Kosher Japan (Japanese only) 

We are expanding halal-certified products and halal-compliant restaurants throughout Japan, focusing on Muslim-friendly initiatives promoted by national and local governments (Halal Food Promotion). You can find restaurants with official halal certificates issued by the Halal Japan Business Association or the Japanese Muslim Association.

About Japan Halal Business Association certificate of recognition (Japanese only) 

About Japan Muslim Association certificate of recognition (Japanese only) 

Gourmet search site that provides information on halal restaurants across Japan

Halal Gourmet Japan 

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