15 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in Tokyo

Chic yet pleasantly down-to-earth, this budget-friendly gem near Asakusa has been delighting diners since 1972. Originally catering to Zen Buddhists during temple events, it now offers a selection of vegetarian fucha dishes to all patrons. In private tatami rooms, guests are treated to an array of beautifully crafted courses, including a light tea with rakugan (pressed-sugar sweets), unpen (a thick ginger soup made from leftover vegetables, embodying the no-waste ethos of fucha cuisine), creamy sesame tofu, fried eggplant drizzled with savory miso, and an ever-changing menu of seasonal delights. The weekday lunch boxes, priced between 3,450 and 5,000 yen ($23–$34), present an excellent value compared to standard meals costing 6,000–10,000 yen. Remember to wear socks without holes, as you'll need to take off your shoes before entering the tatami room.

Dining at Nezunoya feels like a comforting visit to a health-conscious grandmother's kitchen. Just a short stroll from Ueno Park, this longstanding fixture in Tokyo's vegan landscape has been serving wholesome meals since 1978. Owner Fusae Torii specializes in traditional vegan fare inspired by the brown rice diet that gained popularity in Japan during the 1960s and '70s. Open exclusively for lunch, the menu is modest yet crafted with care, featuring a highly recommended daily special, vegetable curry, a rice-ball set, and a selection of desserts. The daily specials often highlight beloved home-cooked dishes like croquettes, fried spring rolls, or veggie cutlets, accompanied by a generous serving of miso soup, all prepared with mostly organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Chef and owner Maiko Amemiya honed her skills in New York, London, and Istanbul before launching her bakery in Tokyo, and her diverse background is evident in the exceptional quality of her creations. The signature muffins are infused with Japanese ingredients like chestnut cream, sudachi citrus, and matcha, while the savory options—rare in Japan—offer a delightful breakfast experience, especially the versions made with sake lees instead of cheese. Although the shop in Nishi Ogikubo (open only on Thursdays and Sundays) is a bit off the beaten path, you can also find these muffins at the Food & Company store inside Shinjuku Station on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons, as well as at the Aoyama Farmers Market on Saturdays. Be sure to check the Instagram for updates.

Asakusa is famous for its tempura, particularly tendon—a rice bowl topped with crispy tempura, a cherished Japanese comfort food. Arrive early to secure one of the five coveted vegan tendons offered each day at this riverside Mytoury. Designed to nourish the 'mind, body, and planet,' every dish here is free from gluten, garlic, and alcohol, including flavorful curries and a well-rounded daily lunch plate (which features tempura) for those who miss out on the tendon. The restaurant also opens early on select days for breakfast, serving vegan chicken and waffles, especially delightful when you can sit by the window with a view of the Skytree.

When rice and miso soup—two staples of the vegan diet in Japan—begin to feel a bit monotonous, a visit to this popular burger joint in the lively Waseda University district is just the remedy. Inspired to transition fully to veganism during the COVID-19 pandemic, owner John Penny has crafted a cozy space that serves three delicious burgers named after the Great Lakes from his childhood summers. The patties are made from a secret mix that features shiitake mushrooms and brown rice, offering enough flavor to entice even non-vegan diners. If you're unsure what to choose, go for the Superior Burger, topped with a savory tomato jam, and pair it with a side of freshly fried potato chips and a seasonal shake.

Step aside, banana split: Japan’s lavish, intricately layered parfaits are here to take the crown. While they might seem out of reach for vegans, you can satisfy that parfait craving with a visit to Wired Bonbon, located in the Lumine 1 department store, conveniently connected to Shinjuku Station. Although the shop offers a range of vegan cakes and some savory lunch options, don’t miss out on the parfaits, available in enticing flavors like matcha azuki, caramel apple (a crowd favorite), and berry chocolate banana. These delightful desserts are crafted in collaboration with vegan patissier Haruo Okada, who brings over 16 years of expertise in creating egg- and dairy-free treats, particularly excelling in whipped “creams.”

Venture into the maze of Tokyo Station to find this flagship location of a small vegan ramen chain, which also has branches in Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Narita Airport. T’s specializes in tantan ramen, featuring ground “meat” in three delicious varieties, all rich in various types of sesame and umami flavor. These bowls are the culmination of years spent perfecting a ramen experience that rivals the best. The black sesame ramen and seasonal yuzu-infused noodles are particularly comforting on a chilly day, and pairing with gyoza is always a smart choice. Recently, the menu has expanded to include a smooth massaman curry and hearty rice bowls packed with veggie protein. Be ready for a queue during busy times, but the staff efficiently manages the flow of guests.

Situated near Harajuku, directly above the Kyushu Jangara ramen shop—also known for its excellent vegan options—this Mytoury serves a variety of meat-free noodle dishes. The highlight here is the Juju Grill, a vegan and gluten-free interpretation of a classic Japanese steakhouse dish: soy meat served on a hot cast-iron plate, drenched in your choice of soy or miso sauce. Pair it with gyoza and a tall glass of vibrant, sweet indigo cream soda for an energy boost as you face the shopping temptations of Omotesando. The menu also features a solid selection of gluten-free options, along with seasonal drinks and shrubs that are delightful to try.

Nestled in a serene residential area of Yoyogi, this exclusive, reservations-only restaurant offers an intimate dining experience that feels like attending a dinner party at chef Mamta Reid’s home. Uncommonly for a restaurant in Japan, Tudore allows guests to personalize each course of its creative set menu; Reid can adapt dishes to be vegan, gluten-free, low-sodium, or free of specific ingredients. Her Zambian and Jamaican heritage shines through in the diverse spices, resulting in a rich tapestry of flavors that unfold over eight courses, culminating in an exquisite platter of sweets and tea.

This innovative 'new Far Eastern style cafe' in the trendy Shimokitazawa district addresses environmental concerns through its delightful menu, featuring a blend of Taiwanese and some Hong Kong-inspired favorites. The lunch set, available until 3 p.m., offers great value with five main dishes to choose from. The vegan minced pork rice and soupless noodles deliver a punch of spice, but you can’t go wrong with any option. Arrive early to snag an extra helping of the popular boiled dumplings, which often sell out quickly. The cafe also serves an array of douhua (soy pudding), from classic versions topped with adzuki beans or pu’erh tea syrup to fruity seasonal choices like pineapple and jasmine. If tofu desserts aren't your thing, try the rich pineapple cakes or head upstairs for a sweet treat at Universal Bakes Nicome.

This standout spot for vegan karaage (fried “chicken”) is an affordable and casual gem located in the basement of the trendy Parco department store in Shibuya. With a minimalist decor reminiscent of an old-school teishoku (set meal) diner, the focus is on the intensely juicy and crispy karaage. A generous serving, complete with rice, soup, and pickled mustard greens, costs about 1,000 yen ($6.78), making it a steal in Tokyo’s often expensive vegan landscape. Be sure to try the impressive tartar sauce drizzled on the karaage, along with the well-seasoned mapo tofu. No reservations are taken, so arriving early is advisable to secure a table.

Nestled in a charming side street of upscale Hiroo, this petite takeout shop serves as the experimental haven of patissier Haruo Okada, known for his vegan desserts at spots like Wired Bonbon and Futaba Fruits Parlor. Okada expertly harnesses the potential of plant-based ingredients in his baking, showcasing a delightful array of classic Japanese treats: from the iconic strawberry shortcake and decadent Mont Blanc to silky custard pudding, exquisite cheesecake, and seasonal tarts. Grab a few slices to savor in nearby Arisugawa Park. Please note, the shop only accepts cashless payments.

Located on a quiet side street just 10 minutes from Nakameguro Station, Alaska Zwei is far from as frosty as its name suggests. The inviting, shabby-chic ambiance pairs perfectly with a concise menu of well-crafted dishes. The brown rice plate is a standout, featuring a rotating selection of mains—often a veggie karaage or cutlet—accompanied by vibrant side dishes and a comforting bowl of soup. Inspired by the rich array of vegan options she encountered while working in Europe, owner Saiko Ohsara aims to bring that same diversity to Tokyo. With two branches of the vegan bakery Universal Bakes in trendy Shimokitazawa, the breads and desserts here are must-tries, along with their delightful hot beverages like a recent mint hot chocolate or spicy chai infused with amazake (sake lees), making it an excellent spot for an afternoon treat.

Opened in 2019 by multi-talented chef Katsumi Kusumoto, this charming Mytoury tucked away in the backstreets of Jiyugaoka quickly gained acclaim, becoming the top vegan restaurant globally on the Happy Cow platform the following year. While the menu leans towards washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), Kusumoto’s background in high-end French cooking shines through in dishes like a salad featuring scoops of lettuce, lime, and rosemary gelato, and a whimsical blueberry cheesecake styled to resemble a potted plant. The restaurant offers various set-course options that can be a bit perplexing: for a full experience, try the 8,800 yen ($60) special-course meal for a taste of everything, or go for the 3,300 yen ($22) prix fixe dinner, which highlights the acclaimed unaju (grilled “eel” over rice in a lacquered box) with the chance to add extra side dishes like the fried yuba rolls. Although it’s not as opulent as other celebrated restaurants, making a reservation is essential.

Breakfast lasagna might sound unconventional, but a visit to Healthy Tokyo will likely change your mind. This is the first vegan cafe located in a Japanese airport and also boasts being the world's first airport-based CBD shop. While this small chain has several branches throughout Tokyo (and soon in Hokkaido), the Haneda location is especially perfect for anxious travelers seeking a soothing drink, like the delightful Cocoa Mint Bliss. Even without cheese and gluten, the lasagna is indulgent, filling, and comforting. The creamy quiche and cheesecake alone make it worthwhile to schedule flights through Haneda instead of Narita.