Vegetarian Food in Japan: My 15-Day Food Journey (Tips, Stories & Honest Struggles

⏱ 7 min read

If you’re vegetarian (like me!) and planning a trip to Japan, the first question that probably pops up is:

👉 “Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Japan?”

I’ll be brutally honest – it’s not as easy as you think.
Japanese cuisine is beautiful, but a lot of it involves fish stock, seafood, or hidden meat-based sauces. Even “vegetable ramen” sometimes has pork broth (yes, I learnt the hard way).

But here’s the good news: with a little preparation (and some funny food adventures), I managed to survive 15 days in Japan while actually enjoying unique vegetarian finds!

So, let me take you through my vegetarian food journey across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fuji, and more. And yes, I’ll give you the real tips I wish someone had told me earlier.

Vegetarian Meals on ANA Airlines

My first taste of vegetarian food in Japan started before I even landed. I had pre-booked an Indian Vegetarian Meal with ANA Airlines, and honestly it was okayish.

• Dinner was roti, kofta sabzi, dal makhni & rice, served with a chickpea cold salad, frits, and jam.
• Midnight snack? Sandwiches, real orange juice, and potato chips.

Tip: If you’re vegetarian, always pre-book your meal with the airline.

Fuji Safari Park – The Struggle Is Real

At Fuji Safari Park, I was super excited… until hunger struck.
Here’s the thing no vegetarian meals were available. Japanese food often uses fish oil, so even “plain” dishes weren’t safe.

So what did I do? I ended up sipping on grape Fanta (too fizzy, not my thing) and later grabbed a comforting Costa Coffee just to get by.

Would you believe that coffee felt like a warm hug in the chilly Fuji weather?

Carry backup snacks like khakras, theplas, or trail mix. Parks and safari spots rarely have vegetarian-friendly options.

Hakone – Fresh Juice from a Vending Machine

Hakone surprised me! While wandering, I spotted a vending machine serving fresh cold-pressed orange juice (similar to what I’d seen in Singapore).

It cost a few hundred yen, and sipping that icy orange juice while surrounded by Hakone’s greenery? Pure bliss.

Road Trip Stop: Starbucks Sandwich Win

On our way from Fujisan to Kyoto, we stopped at a random Starbucks. Usually, Starbucks Japan has limited plant-based options, but I found a gem:

👉 A strawberry & cranberry bagel sandwich (383 yen).

It was so good that I literally said out loud: “Wow, I’ve never eaten anything like this before.”

Pro Tip: In Starbucks Japan, look for the green “Plant-Based” sign on food items. (Yes, I photographed it before eating). And since English isn’t widely spoken, keep Google Translate offline it’s a lifesaver.

Kyoto – From Green Burgers to Vegan Ramen

Ah, Kyoto… the city where I had some of the most interesting vegetarian meals.

1. MOS Burger – The Green Bun Surprise

I tried MOS Burger’s vegetarian option. The taste? Okayish. The bun? GREEN. It came with fries and onion rings. One-time experience, but worth the curiosity.

2. Bamboo Forest Vegan Ramen

After visiting the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, I stumbled into a vegan ramen shop. And oh-my-god the ramen was soul-warming. Paired with apple sparkling water, it felt like the perfect Japanese veggie moment.

Would you try vegan ramen in Japan, or stick to Indian food for safety?

3. Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

A must-visit is Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya set in a 100-year-old Japanese house with tatami flooring. You sit on cushions, barefoot, sipping your caramel frappé and eating matcha cake roll.

Now, here’s the best part: as you walk up from this Starbucks, you’ll reach the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. And before you even get there, the narrow streets are lined with food stalls that feel straight out of a foodie’s dream.

I tried so many different styles of vegan-friendly sweets and desserts, traditional candies, and little cakes. But the star of the show? Strawberries and marshmallows coated in chocolate. Imagine biting into a juicy strawberry wrapped in gooey marshmallow, all covered in a glossy chocolate shell. It was messy, indulgent, and so worth it.

Uji – Matcha Heaven

Uji is Japan’s matcha capital, and I went all in:

• Free sake tastings from vendors
• Matcha drinks & matcha chocolate
• Starbucks’ seasonal drink Ichigo Milk (I customized it with almond milk).

Osaka – Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studio in Japan wasn’t easy for vegetarians, but I managed:

• Baskin Robbins ice cream
• Falafel with tomato salsa at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill

Limited, but enough to fuel the fun.

Tokyo – Street Food & Sweet Surprises

Tokyo was a rollercoaster of vegetarian finds.

1. Senso-ji Temple & Strawberry Mochi

Right opposite McDonald’s I spotted a strawberry mochi shop. Best. Decision. Ever. Soft, sweet, fresh strawberries wrapped in chewy mochi chef’s kiss.

Takeshita Street Adventures

• Tried coconut milk at a fruit shop (banger!).
• Bought the famous rainbow candy floss (worth it for Instagram, not for taste).
• Bit into syrup-coated fruit skewers that looked amazing… but were so hard my teeth hurt. (Instagram vs. reality, people).

Convenience Store Snacks

All the convenience store of Japan, vegetarian food options are limited. I tried Friend Bakery’s chocolate biscuit a small snack for commuting. Not extraordinary, but when you’re hungry, it works.

Pro Tip: Learn these phrases to survive in konbini (convenience stores):

• “Vegetarian” → ベジタリアン (Bejitarian)
• “No meat, no fish” → 肉も魚もなし (Niku mo sakana mo nashi)

Worth Reading: 7-Eleven Japan Drinks You Must Try

DisneySea – The Vegan Burger Quest

DisneySea is magical, but vegetarian food? A nightmare. After lots of searching, I ended up with:

• A cute Mickey-shaped ice popsicle
• A vegan burger at Snuggly Duckling’s Tavern

Not the best, but hey it kept me going while I chased rides and parades.

Random Wins: Subway, Teavana & Airport Food

• Subway Japan: Veggie Delight with avocado = heaven. (Why don’t they sell this in India?!).
• Teavana Japan: Tried 2 drinks, but honestly… meh.
• Airport: Found veg gyoza, and it was surprisingly amazing. Perfect send-off meal.

Curious about what I brought back? Check out my complete Japan shopping haul for quirky souvenirs, cute finds, and must-buy goodies you can’t leave Japan without!

Indian Vegetarian Food in Japan

Okay, let’s get real. After 10+ days, I couldn’t survive only on snacks and experimental ramen. So yes, we visited a few Indian restaurants in Japan.

The food was decent but not “wow.” Biggest issue? They sometimes add egg in naan/roti unless you specifically ask. So always, always give clear instructions.

Also, we carried vacuum-packed meals from India (dal khichdi, Schezwan fried rice, pav bhaji) and paired them with khakras, theplas, and dry snacks. This honestly saved us.

My Final Takeaway

Being vegetarian in Japan is a mix of struggles and surprises. One day you’ll be sipping matcha in a tatami-style Starbucks, the next you’ll be frustrated with zero food options at a theme park.

But here’s the thing: you will survive and even enjoy it if you plan smart.
Carry some food from home, keep an open mind, and be ready to experiment with unique Japanese vegetarian finds.

And if you ever visit Japan… promise me you’ll try strawberry mochi and vegan ramen at least once.

FAQs About Vegetarian Food in Japan