Ultimate Guide to Eating Vegetarian in Tokyo
By Astri Elvarita | February 02th, 2026
If you’re looking for vegetarian in Tokyo, you’ve probably noticed that many Japanese foods use fish or meat broth even when they appear to be vegetarian. Understanding common ingredients and knowing where to dine can help reduce hesitation and improve your dining experience.
To make things easier, this article guides you to find reliable vegetarian restaurants, vegetarian-friendly supermarket options, and helpful tips so you can enjoy Tokyo without worrying about hidden ingredients.
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.
No More Cookie-Cutter Japanese Lessons!
At Japan Switch, we teach the Japanese you’ll actually hear, actually use, and actually need and not just textbook sentences you’ll never say.
Does ‘Vegetarian’ mean the same thing in Japan?
A vegetarian diet, which excludes all meat, poultry, or fish products, has become increasingly popular in the West, where vegetarian options are now common in supermarkets and restaurants. It is a meal plan made up of foods that mainly come from plants.
In Japan, the word "vegetarian" is widely well-known, but its understanding often differs from Western perceptions. Many people recognize it as a diet that avoids meat, but some still include fish, seafood, or animal-based broths, such as dashi (typically made from fish). The concept of completely avoiding all animal products is relatively new and has only begun to gain wider awareness in recent years, as many Japanese are now coming to understand.
With the growing popularity of vegetarianism in Japan, vegetarian restaurants are becoming more common and easier to find. They offer meat-free dishes so that people can enjoy entirely plant-based meals without worrying about hidden ingredients. Whether in bustling cities or quiet neighborhoods, these restaurants offer vegetarian menus that do not contain any hidden meat ingredients.
Curious About Japanese Culture?
Discover how locals live with our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Culture.
3 Best Pizza Joints for Vegetarians in Tokyo
Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST)
There's no better place to start than Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST). It has earned repeated mentions in the Michelin Guide Tokyo and numerous culinary awards, positioning it among Japan’s most acclaimed pizza joints.
Starting from ¥1,890, they offer the Tamaki signature, featuring smoked mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, basil, and cherry tomatoes, making it the best vegetarian-friendly pizza from PST. Other signature creations, like the 5 Formaggi pizza, showcase PST's exquisite harmony of salt, cream, and truffle, often enhanced with Okinawan sea salt baked into the crust for a more intense savory flavor. While some pizzas are topped with meat, vegetarian options are nearly as many.
Location: 1-24-6-105 Higashi-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours:
Monday–Friday: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m.–12:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Phone Number: +81 3-6277-8064
Website: pst-roppongi.com
Nearest Transport: 2-minute walk from the Nakanohashi exit of Akabanebashi Station.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff. English menu available; English-speaking staff.
Pizzakaya
Pizzakaya claims to serve the best vegetarian pizza option in Tokyo, a bold claim, but this California-style pizza joint comes close. Pizzakaya combines the atmosphere of an American pizzeria with the casual vibe of a Japanese izakaya pub. They also offer a wide selection of American craft beers to go with your pizza. While beer pairs well with pizza, Japan is also known for its traditional sake culture. Explore this further in our Ultimate Guide to Sake Brewery.
Pizzakaya is perfect for vegetarians, as it offers a wide variety of meatless pizzas with delicious, customizable toppings. They also offer gluten-free pizzas, allowing those with allergies or special diets to enjoy them as well. Prices for small 10‑inch (25 cm) vegetarian pizzas range from ¥1,990 to around ¥2,490, depending on the variety, with an additional ¥500 for a gluten-free crust. The menu goes beyond pizza; there are salads, pastas, and more, some of which can be made vegetarian. Pizzakaya is the perfect place for anyone looking for vegetarian pizza in Tokyo.
Location: 2F, Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours:
Monday–Friday: 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Saturday: 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.–10 p.m.
Phone Number: +03-3479-8383
Website: pizzakaya.com
Nearest Transport: 1-minute walk from Roppongi-Itchome Station.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff.
Online Japanese Lessons That Actually Work.
Our affordable online Japanese lessons are built for busy learners with small groups, real conversations, and flexible schedules that work for you.
Online Japanese Lessons That Actually Work.
Our affordable online Japanese lessons are built for busy learners with small groups, real conversations, and flexible schedules that work for you.
800° Degrees Neapolitan
800° DEGREES is a US-based Neapolitan-style pizza chain that is conveniently located in areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya. There are vegetarian options, and the restaurant even offers vegan cheese and ham. The pizzas are flavorful, and the ingredients are high-quality. Many people recommend the Margherita pizza, topped simply with tomatoes and cheese, as the best choice for vegetarians. Or, if you prefer, you can even customize your own pizza with many base options, starting at ¥1,200, with add-ons ranging from ¥300 to ¥700.
Thanks to its strategic location, it attracts a large foreign customer base. While the prices are generally reasonable, the overall experience, quality, and customization make it worth the effort.
Location: 2F, NEWoMan Shinjuku, 5-24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Phone Number: +81 3-3353-1800
Website: 800degreespizza.jp
Nearest Transport: Directly Connected to Shinjuku Station, Koshu Kaido Exit.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff.
3 Best Cafes for Vegetarians in Tokyo
HEMP CAFÉ TOKYO
A 100% vegetarian café focused on hemp, Hemp Cafe Tokyo uses organic hemp across its menu, from appetizers to desserts to even the drinks. This restaurant makes hemp a 'superfood' and combines it with raw, gluten-free dishes, making the food both nutrient-rich and flavorful.
Recommended menu items frequently mentioned by customers include hemp tacos, vegan burritos, vegan sushi, and hemp ice cream. Prices for these dishes range from around ¥1,380 (such as hemp tacos or burritos) up to about ¥1,880. The seasonal menu changes frequently and can be viewed on their social media. Hemp Café Tokyo is renowned for being entirely plant-based, not just "vegetarian-friendly," making it one of the best vegetarian cafes among meat-free diners.
Location: 3-17-14-8F Higashi (東3-17-14), Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours:
Monday, Wednesday–Friday, Sunday: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 6–10 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Phone Number: +81 3-6427-1984
Website: hempcafetokyo.com
Nearest Transport: 5-minute walk from Ebisu Station.
Language Support: English menu available, and they cater to non‐Japanese speakers.
Learn Japanese the Easy Way
Learn simple and practical phrases with our Ultimate Guide to Easy Japanese.
Bardon Organic Café
Bardon Organic Café is a compact and highly specialized café in Tokyo's luxury shopping district, Ginza. It focuses on organic, plant-based, gluten-free, and raw food. Its signature menu items include a nut-and-seed-based raw bar; for example, the "KanaeBar" starts from ¥3,856 (8 bars, 1 of each flavor).
The café emphasizes the use of ingredients grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, with an overall style that emphasizes "clean eating" and looking good from the inside out. Compared to other cafes, Bardon Organic Cafe stands out by emphasizing organic and vegetarian dishes, making it one of the best vegetarian cafes for health-conscious customers.
Location: 1F, Blue Box Building, 1-21-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours:
Monday–Tuesday, Friday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday: Closed
Phone Number: +81-3-6228-7133
Website: bardon-cafe.com
Nearest Transport: 5-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station or Higashi-Ginza Station.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff.
If you enjoy discovering unusual food experiences, our Top 12 Worth Trying But Weird Japanese Foods is a fun place to start.
Mr. Farmer
If you want farm-fresh dishes, Mr. Farmer is the right choice, with the philosophy of 'beauty and health created from food.' Its menu features fresh vegetables, salads, and main dishes that use high‑quality, often organic produce sourced directly from farmers. For example, vegan dishes include a Spicy Mexican Taco salad for ¥1,790, or ¥2,090 when ordered with the bread and soup set. They also offer desserts that start from ¥690, with the veggie-full smoothie priced at ¥840.
Although Mr. Farmer offers many vegetarian and vegan options, it is not entirely meat-free. Some dishes may contain animal products, but the café openly supports vegan and gluten‑free options.
Location: 1F, Sepia Harajuku Building, 4-5-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Phone Number: +81-3-5413-4215
Website: mr-farmer.jp
Nearest Transport: 4-minute walk from Omotesando Station.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff.
Top Vegetarian Versions of Japanese Dishes
Best Vegetarian Sushi Restaurant in Tokyo:
Gonpachi
Gonpachi (Nishi-Azabu), famous for being the inspiration for a scene in the Kill Bill film, offers one of the most photogenic experiences in Tokyo. They also offer a special vegan menu featuring vegetable-based sushi, which is the Vegan Sushi Assortment (¥1,980 for 6 pieces) and Vegan Roll. Each piece features seasonal Japanese vegetables, arranged with the same care as traditional nigiri. In addition to vegan sushi, there are alternative Japanese dishes to try, such as vegetable tempura, grilled vegetable skewers, and many more! Interested in understanding sushi beyond what’s on the menu? See our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sushi.
The space is impressive, featuring a large restaurant that has two floors filled with wood ornaments, bamboo, and lanterns, equipped with taiko drums that give a strong Japanese ambiance. However, reservations are highly recommended, as this is a popular tourist spot; the tables can fill up quickly, especially on weekends or in the evenings.
Location: 1-chōme-13-11 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo.
Open Hours: 11.30 a.m.–3.30 a.m. daily.
Phone Number: +81-50-5443-1691
Website: gonpachi.jp
Nearest Transport: 9 min walk from Roppongi Station or 16 min walk from Omotesando Station.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff who are familiar with vegan or vegetarian requests.
Best Vegetarian Ramen Restaurant in Tokyo:
Kyushu Jangara Ramen
Here, you can enjoy delicious and authentic ramen that has been veganized while sitting in a traditional Japanese ramen restaurant nestled among the locals. Kyūshū Jangara is a popular ramen chain that traditionally specializes in Hakata-style tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen but is increasingly catering to plant-based diners.
A highlight of the vegetarian/vegan menu is the soy-based char siu, and a seasonal option, vegan Yuzu-Shio ramen, is also available. While many ramen shops now offer only one vegetarian or vegan option, Kyūshū Jangara openly promotes its vegetarian menu, with vegan ramen bowls clearly marked in English, making plant-based options easy for tourists and raising awareness among plant-based diners even broader. Prices for these vegan ramen bowls start at ¥1,120 and go up to around ¥1,420 for the richer versions.
Location: 1F, 1‑13‑21 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily.
Phone Number: +81‑3‑3404‑5405
Website: kyushujangara.co.jp
Nearest Transport: 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station.
Language Support: English menu available; some staff speak English.
Wanna Order Japanese Food Like a Local?
Learn how with our Ultimate Guide to Ordering Food in Japanese.
Best Vegetarian Japanese Curry Restaurant in Tokyo:
CoCo Ichibanya
"Curry House CoCo Ichibanya," also known as "CoCoIchi," is a popular Japanese curry restaurant with branches all over Japan. They're famous for their delicious and budget‑friendly curry, plus, more importantly, they also offer vegetarian options!
Starting from ¥683 for the basic vegetarian curry and going up to about ¥955 when toppings are added. This restaurant offers clearly labeled vegetarian curry sauces, such as plain vegetable or soy meat hamburger curry. According to sources, this vegetarian curry is meat- and fish-free, although diners should sometimes check to ensure there is no cross-contamination of cooking oil. You can even customize your rice portion to your liking, though this does come at an additional cost. Overall, CoCo Ichibanya offers a reliable and easy-access vegetarian Japanese curry experience without losing its authentic flavor.
Location: 1F Nozawa Building, 3‑chome 11‑6, Roppongi, Minato‑ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Phone Number: +81‑3‑5414‑5341
Website: cocoichibanya.com
Nearest Transport: 3 min walk from Roppongi Station.
Language Support: English menu available; English-speaking staff who are familiar with vegan or vegetarian requests.
Best Vegetarian Izakaya in Tokyo:
Izakaya Masaka
Izakaya Masaka in Shibuya is an entirely vegan izakaya, making it the best vegetarian restaurant offering classic Japanese izakaya fare. You'll find dishes like soy-based meat karaage available in a variety of flavors (sesame, black vinegar, yuzu mayonnaise, etc.), paired with vegetable gyoza, fried maitake mushrooms, mapo tofu rice bowls, and other casual pub-style dishes. This is relatively rare among izakaya-style establishments in Tokyo, where vegetarian/vegan options are limited or require special requests. Prices for many dishes start from around ¥450, and most mains fall in the ¥600-¥850 range. On weekdays, this small but popular restaurant often has a wait of about an hour for a seat, with weekends likely even busier.
Location: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya PARCO B1 (at basement level), Tokyo.
Open Hours: 12.00 p.m.–9.00 p.m. daily.
Phone Number: +81-3-5422-3020
Website: -
Nearest Transport: 6 min walk from Shibuya Station or 13 min walk from Shinsen Station.
Language Support: English menu available, and they cater to non‐Japanese speakers.amiliar with vegan or vegetarian requests.
Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.
Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!
Top Vegetarian Places for Snacks and Souvenirs in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Best Supermarket for Vegetarian:
National Azabu
National Azabu is an international supermarket in Hiroo, Tokyo, and is not a chain. It is known for its wide variety of imported products that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Vegan products are plentiful, with prices varying depending on the product, with convenience snacks costing around ¥100-¥300, imported chips or packaged snacks costing ¥500-¥850, and specialty items like vegan pasta, mayonnaise, chocolate, or ice cream. The store clearly labels halal (H), vegetarian (H), organic (O), and gluten-free (G) on its price tags.
Unique offerings include a peanut butter machine for making preservative- and sugar-free peanut butter, which makes a great souvenir. Delivery is available locally within Minato-ku and nationwide via Yamato.
Location: 4 Chome-5-2 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Open Hours: 9.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m. daily.
Phone Number: +81-3-3442-3181
Website: national-azabu.com
Nearest Transport: 3 min walk from Hiro-o Station.
English-speaking staff are available occasionally; they cater to foreign shoppers, and most products are labeled in English.
Best Vegan Souvenir Store at Tokyo Station by JR East Group
JR East Group, where the first store is located inside Tokyo Station, offers the Plant-Based Sweets Series, which is a perfect choice for vegetarian snacks and souvenirs. This is part of JR East’s retail network, not a standalone shop, which makes it accessible for travelers using the train.
Prices vary depending on size and type: smaller packages cost around ¥1,080-¥1,200, while larger gift boxes range from ¥1,296-¥2,400. These confectionery products are made entirely from plant-based ingredients, with no animal products, honey, alcohol, or refined sugar derived from animals. Highlights include the "PlantBasedJAPANQUALITY" logo on the packaging, which guarantees a completely plant-based product, as well as beautifully packaged gift sets that are ideal as souvenirs.
Interested in learning more about Japanese souvenir culture? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Omiyage.
There are some products to look out for:
- Tokyo Campanella Brown (from JPY 1,200).
- Almond Caramel Sand (from JPY 1,296).
- Las Olas Series: Matcha-flavored cookies (from JPY 1,080).
Location and Open Hours:
Inside Tokyo Station, in front of the Shinkansen South Transfer Gate
(About 8:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m. daily).
Nomono Tokyo, B1 floor, Marunouchi Underground Central Gate
(Monday‑Saturday: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Sunday/holiday: ~ until 9:00 p.m.).
Website: ejrt.co.jp
English descriptions are included on the packaging, and the store caters to foreign tourists, although not all staff may speak English fluently.
Best Area to Stay in Tokyo for Vegetarians: Nishiazabu
Nishiazabu is a stylish, conveniently located neighborhood near Shibuya. It offers a mix of delicious vegetarian cuisine. Popular spots include PST, the Vegetarian Cafe, which serves innovative dishes, and CoCo Ichibanya, which offers vegetarian curry options near Roppongi Station. Its proximity to National Azabu also provides easy access to international vegetarian supermarkets and specialty shops.
Not sure where to start your sightseeing itinerary? Read our Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing in Japan!
Get Your Japanese Visa Without Stress
Learn about application requirements and useful tips in our Ultimate Guide to Getting a Japanese Visa so you can be confident!
Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Shopping in Supermarkets
After discovering where to enjoy the best vegetarian restaurants around Tokyo, you might also want to explore local supermarkets to find ingredients for your own snacks or even cook for yourself. Shopping at the supermarket might be challenging for foreign vegetarians. Labels and ingredients are often written only in Japanese, and many daily products may contain hidden animal ingredients such as fish stock or gelatin (typically from beef or pork). Therefore, learning essential Japanese vocabulary for vegetarians can help you identify vegetarian products more easily.
Basic Vegetarian Vocabulary
| ベジタリアン | Bejitarian | Vegetarian |
| ヴィーガン | Viigan | Vegan |
| 動物性なし | Dōbutsusei nashi | Animal-free products |
| グルテン | Guruten | Gluten |
| グルテンフリ | Guruten furī | Gluten-free |
Common Animal Ingredients in Japanese
| 肉 | Niku | Meat |
| 魚 | Sakana | Fish |
| 鶏肉 | Toriniku | Chicken |
| 豚肉 | Butaniku | Pork |
| 牛肉 | Gyūniku | Gluten-free |
| だし | Dashi | Fish stock (often hidden in soups) |
| ゼラチン | Zerachin | Gelatin (mostly from animals) |
Useful Phrases for Shopping
| Romaji | Kore wa bejitarian desu ka? |
| Japanese | これはベジタリアンですか ? |
| English | Is this vegetarian? |
| Romaji | Dōbutsusei no mono wa haitteimasu ka? |
| Japanese | 動物性のものは入っていますか？ |
| English | Does this contain animal ingredients? |
| Romaji | (Animal/ingredients in Japanese) ga haitteimasu ka? |
| Japanese | （＿＿）が入っていますか？ |
| English | Does this contain（＿＿）? |
Note
Most staff in supermarkets may not speak much English, so you can show these phrases or a translation app to make it easier.
Use H4 headings for specific details or examples inside an H3 section. Think of them as a way to break down complex topics into manageable pieces. Only use H4s if it helps clarify the content—don’t add them just to add more headings. Use keywords naturally if they fit, but clarity comes first.
Planning to use trains while traveling in Tokyo?
Learn how to navigate Tokyo’s trains in our Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Trains so you can travel stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo might seem difficult for vegetarians at first, especially with the common hidden-meat ingredients in many dishes. But once you know where to look, the city offers a wide variety of safe, satisfying vegetarian options. From Western-style restaurants to cafes serving plant-based versions of Japanese cuisine, the options are increasingly diverse.
With this guide, you now have great places to try, ordering tips, and useful Japanese vocabulary to help you shop safely. Eating vegetarian in Tokyo doesn't have to be stressful with careful preparation. Now, let's enjoy exploring the city and discovering your new favorite dishes!
Related Articles:
How to Use a Japanese Toilet: A Complete Guide
Ultimate Guide to Japanese Thrift Stores in Tokyo
Ultimate Guide to Japanese Medicine
Ultimate Guide to Japanese Washing Machines for Foreigners
How to Ask and Give Directions in Japanese
