The vegan options in Japan are endless, so don’t be discouraged from visiting. I was pleasantly surprised, especially after everyone told me how difficult my trip to Japan as a vegan would be.
Vegan Spots in Kyoto
My Japan trip started in Kyoto, and without any expectations—or, truthfully, much planning ahead—I decided to stay at the Ace Hotel Kyoto for a few days to explore Kyoto city and nearby Osaka. When I arrived in the hotel lobby, I instantly loved the vibe and accessibility. The hotel has a direct entrance from the Karasuma Oike metro station, which is brilliant, especially when you have a lot of luggage. It also features a cozy, work-friendly café right in the lobby that serves amazing coffee and pastries (yes, they offer plant-based milk options).
Vegan Treats and Local Finds
The hotel is located in a stylish boutique “mall,” so there are also plenty of great small shops, restaurants, an ice cream store, and an artsy cinema within a one-minute walking distance, in addition to the two restaurants the hotel has itself. The ice cream shop, (THISIS)NATURE, is a flower bouquet ice cream shop that creates some of the prettiest and most photogenic vegan desserts. During my visit, they had interesting flavours like cactus and salted truffle & cacao, alongside classics like matcha and strawberry.
One of the nearby vegan spots is a stylish café called Book and Vege OyOy, which offers authentic vegan cooking with natural ingredients in a cozy bookstore setting.
Another gem in Kyoto is Vegan Izakya Nijiya, a tiny spot with just seven seats at the counter. Chef Takashi Kimura-san prepares everything right in front of you and is always up for a chat in both Japanese and English. The vegan menu features Izakaya-style dishes like tofu, tempura, dumplings, and soy meat skewers, to name a few. I recommend the Nijiya set course so you can try it all—it’s all so good! And don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their refreshing sakes!
For breakfast, I found a small café called Common Well, which is part of the Hotel Annex. It serves an amazing vegan breakfast plate that is super tasty and really filling, plus great coffee and tea options. They also offer vegan lunch.
Must-Try Vegan Ramen
One of the dishes I really wanted to try was ramen. I discovered a place called Kyoto Engine Ramen, which offers two vegan ramen options—a spicy one and a regular one. Of course, I had to try both, and oh boy, they were the best ramen I’ve ever tasted! I really enjoyed the bar seating style and the kind staff. But my ramen hunt didn’t stop there. Vegan Ramen UZU in Kyoto, a Michelin-star restaurant, blew my mind with its atmosphere, service, and concept—definitely top-tier. However, a reservation is needed a few days in advance, and it’s easy to make via their website.
Temple Cuisine and Spiritual Dining
While visiting the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple—a Buddhist temple featuring thousands of carved stone memorial statues and a small bamboo forest (which I 100% recommend visiting over the crowded Arashiyama)—we ate at Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu, an authentic vegan restaurant operated within a Buddhist temple. This spot offers shojin ryori meals, and for a unique dining experience, I recommend arriving early, around 11 a.m., or booking a day in advance. You have to pay an entry fee to the temple garden before you can access the restaurant, but it’s absolutely worth it!
Hidden Gems and Sustainable Eats
If you’re keen on trying a vegan version of traditional okonomiyaki, I recommend a place in the Gion district called Gion Tanto. They have a full vegan menu. The restaurant seats only around 20 people with traditional Japanese seating. The line can sometimes be long since they don’t take reservations, but the experience is well worth the wait.
As I mentioned, Kyoto has an abundance of vegan-friendly spots to eat. Two more places I tried were Mumokuteki Café & Foods—a hip setting with quirky mismatched furniture and delicious vegan meals and desserts. Everything was beautifully prepared, and the café had a lovely atmosphere.
Another standout was Tu Casa, a plant-based and zero-waste restaurant. This unique spot combines sustainability with delicious food, making it a must-visit for those seeking eco-conscious dining options in Kyoto.
Vegan in Kyoto: Tips and Reflections
Kyoto truly surprised me with its variety of vegan-friendly restaurants, from cozy cafés to Michelin-star dining experiences. An interesting fact about Japan is that shojin ryori—the traditional cooking of Buddhist monks—is made entirely without meat, fish, or any animal products, making it a perfect option for vegans. Experiencing this unique cuisine, especially in serene temple settings, added a cultural depth to my trip that I’ll always treasure.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan as a vegan, don’t worry—it’s easier (and tastier!) than you might think. Kyoto, in particular, is a city where your taste buds will be as delighted as your sense of adventure.
More Vegan Cafes & Restaurants In Kyoto
There are many more vegan cafes and restaurants in Kyoto that I couldn’t cover in this guide. If you’re interested, save our interactive Google Map, featuring 40+ vegan-friendly spots across Kyoto, Japan!