Planning on traveling to Japan as a vegan and wondering what the food situation is like? Not to worry. In this blog, we will break down the challenges of being vegan in Japan, share tips on where to find the best ingredients, and recommend our favorite vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the Nagoya area.
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What’s it like to be vegan in Japan?
Although the Japanese diet is largely plant-based, with the exception of Buddhist vegan cuisine, or shoujin ryouri, it can be difficult to find 100% vegan meals in Japan. Many soups use dashi, or fish broth, as a base. Ramen, too, relies on pork bones for the fatty flavor. Topping-wise, traditional foods like okonomiyaki or the Nagoya specialty of kishimen noodles include dried bonito flakes made of fish and slices of meat as a topping.
Because veganism isn’t part of the culture in Japan and the above ingredients are such a staple in Japanese cuisine, it can be challenging to find restaurants that will accommodate vegans 100%. Unless you are willing to bend the rules during your travels, it’s best to carefully research restaurants you are going to.
If you’re unsure, we recommend simply stating that you have an allergy to whichever ingredients you are unwilling to eat. In Japanese, you can say “(ingredient) no arerugi ga arimasu,” or “I have an allergy to (ingredient).”
That being said, knowledge of veganism is growing in Japan, and so is the availability of vegan products and restaurants, so let’s take a look at where to find some of them.
Where to find vegan products in Japan
If you’re looking to save money or just want to grab a quick bite to eat, Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets have more than a few vegan items to try.
Konbini
For onigiri, your safest bets are shio (salt), umeboshi (pickled plum), edamame, nori, and kombu (kelp).
Depending on the location, some convenience stores may also have hot and sour or tan tan noodle instant ramen (Yamadai brand). Perfect for late-night meals!
Snack options are aplenty, including mixed nuts, salted edamame, dried fruit, pickled vegetables, and more. For desserts, try gari gari kun ice cream (fruit flavors) or sweet red bean yokan jelly.
Making the convenience store most convenient are the English labels on all items, making it easy for you to check whether each beverage or food is suitable for you.
While convenience stores offer some vegan-friendly snacks, prepared meals frequently contain fish-based seasonings. Always double-check ingredient labels.
Supermarket
Not all supermarkets are created equal. In smaller stores, you may be limited to the traditional Japanese section, which offers pickled and refrigerated items like takuan (pickled daikon radish), tofu, beans, umeboshi (pickled plum), and more. In larger chain stores like Aeon, the selection is more international and typically more vegan-friendly.
In Nagoya specifically, stores like Gyomu, Amica, Seijoh Ishii, Kaserya, and Silk Road sell the harder-to-find items like tempeh for those planning to cook. Thanks to the high Indonesian population in the city, you’ll also have good luck finding vegan and halal items in South Asian stores across Nagoya.
Unlike convenience stores, however, the labels at supermarkets are likely to be only in Japanese. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the most important words to look out for on ingredient labels while shopping:
- Vegan: ヴィーガン (vīgan)
- Vegetarian: ベジタリアン (bejitarian)
- Meat: 肉 (niku)
- Fish: 魚 (sakana)
- Dairy: 乳製品 (nyūseihin)
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to shop for your favorite foods with ease!
Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For
Even foods that look vegan may contain hidden animal-derived ingredients. Watch out for:
Dashi (だし) – Often made from bonito flakes (fish), even in vegetable dishes
Katsuobushi (鰹節) – Dried bonito flakes on tofu, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, etc.
Niboshi (煮干し) – Dried sardine broth
Gelatin (ゼラチン) – Common in desserts
Honey (はちみつ / hachimitsu) – Often used in dressings
Milk in bread (乳 / にゅう) – Many soft breads contain dairy
Miso soup – Usually contains fish-based dashi unless explicitly vegetarian
Useful Vegan Phrases in Japanese
私はビーガンです。
Watashi wa bīgan desu.
I am vegan.
肉、魚、卵、乳製品を食べません。
Niku, sakana, tamago, nyūseihin o tabemasen.
I do not eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy.
(…) 無しで お願いします。
[Ingredient] nashi de onegai shimasu.
Without [ingredient], please.
だしは何から作っていますか？
Dashi wa nani kara tsukutte imasu ka?
What is the broth made from?
動物性の材料は使われていますか？
Dōbutsusei no zairyō wa tsukawarete imasu ka?
Are any animal products used?
Vegan restaurants and foods in Nagoya
Grains (Miho’s Kitchen)
As the name suggests, Grains is centered on Japanese grains. This cozy eatery offers rice bowls, veggie burgers, tofu dishes, and cakes. If you’re coming after 5 p.m., you will need a reservation, but you can do so either by phone or by DM on Instagram. Language is no issue, either—the staff all speak English.
Grains
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 A.M.-3 P.M. and 5 P.M-9 P.M.; closed Sunday and Monday
Address: 2 Chome-24-14 Meieki, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0045
Location: Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Vegetiger
For fusion vegan food, you can’t get better than Vegetiger, a South-Asian and Asian restaurant that serves soothing curries, laksas, mapo tofu, and more. Note that they are closed for a couple of hours each afternoon, so plan your meals accordingly.
Toraya Vegetiger
Hours: Thursday 5:30 P.M.-10 P.M., Friday-Monday 12 P.M-3 P.M. and 5:30 P.M.-10 P.M.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Address: 3 Chome-14-23 Shinsakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0007
Location: Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Pupu Kitchen and Health Food Shop
This health-oriented locale boasts an entirely vegan, macrobiotic menu with a Hawaiian flair. Choose from the daily curry set or go for comforting dishes like the veggie “meat” gratin. Wash it down with a selection from the coffee menu and be sure to visit the health food shop on your way out (or while waiting)!
Pupu Kitchen
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 A.M.-3:30 P.M.; closed Sunday and Monday
Address: 〒451-0031 Aichi, Nagoya, Nishi Ward, Josai, 2 Chome−15−13 伊藤ビル
Location: Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Oribio
Don’t miss out on Oribio, a chain serving staples of Japanese cuisine turned vegan: sushi, yakitori, omelettes, and veggie buns. Before you go, however, make sure to order everything in advance when you go to book. The staff speaks English, so they will be able to assist you in this endeavor.
Oribio Nagoya
Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 6 P.M.-9 P.M.; Sunday 11 A.M.-2 P.M.
Address: 6 Chome-2-1 Haruokatori, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0847
Location: Website | Google Maps
Karnataka
Take your taste buds to Southern India via Karnataka, a vegan-friendly restaurant offering mouthwatering dosas, rasam, and uttapam, along with a vegetarian lunch and unlimited refills of rice, sambar, and chai.
Karnataka
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 A.M.-2 P.M.; closed Monday
Address: 1809 Yutakagaoka, Meito Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 465-0035
Location: Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Erick South Indian Restaurant
Next is Erick South Indian, which has limited vegan and vegetarian options but later hours and close proximity to Nagoya Shinkansen Station. Try the thali vegetarian plate for a yummy, well-rounded meal. Note that there are two locations within Nagoya.
Erick South Indian Restaurant
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 A.M.-11 P.M.
Address: 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−1−1 KITTE名古屋 B1F
Location: Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Nagoya Legoland
If you’re looking to hit up Legoland but fretting about what to eat, you’ll be relieved to know the amusement park offers more than a couple of vegan versions of Nagoya meshi, or Nagoya specialties. Currently on the menu are the Greek grilled cheese and guacamole baguette sandwich (vegetarian), the vegan miso katsu set meal, the vegan ramen set, the veggie curry set, and the black tea chiffon cake.
Check Legoland’s seasonal menus here.
Nagoya Legoland
Hours: 11 A.M.-3 P.M. for most restaurants, 10 A.M.-6 P.M. for Factory Sandwich Co.
Address: LEGOLAND Japan Limited, 1 Kinjoufutou, 2 Chome-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605
Location: Website | Google Maps
When in doubt, use Happy Cow
Happy Cow is a necessity for any vegans and vegetarians traveling in Japan. Filter by the area you’re staying in to find restaurants nearby that accommodate all diets.
Start using the platform here.
Final thoughts
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, traveling (and eating) through Japan may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. We hope this blog has given you a few ideas on how to enjoy Japanese food, especially in the city of Nagoya. Spending some time in Nagoya? Consider joining one of our food tours or cooking classes, with vegan and vegetarian options available in some cases.
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