City Guide: Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s vegan scene is as vibrant and creative as the city itself. The tables I share here tell a story of harmony—where age-old traditions meet playful reinvention. From steaming bowls of vegan ramen to delicate patisserie sweets, the city invites you to experience its flavors with fresh eyes, proving that mindful cuisine can be both deeply rooted and endlessly inspired.

This guide includes the following sections:

  • Top tables: Earthie’s picks for unmissable restaurants and dishes. If you only have 3 days in the city and you prioritize food and dining, these are must-visits!

  • More to love: Honorable mentions for stand-out vegan establishments if you have more time to enjoy.

  • Omni options: Vegan dishes that you should not miss if you’re open to eating at omnivorous restaurants. Perfect if you’re traveling with a group with varying dietary preferences, all featured food is plant-based, though the kitchen may be shared with non-vegan ingredients.

  • Daily rituals: Earthie’s favorite coffee shops, bakeries, bars, and extras to ensure your day is extra sweet.

  • Market magic: Authentic street food, local markets, and other special flavors and experiences we’ve enjoyed.

  • Before you go: Any practical tips, tricks, or logistics we have to share to help you make the most of your time in this special city.

  • Tried & True: If you’re still hungry, a simple list of additional places we’ve eaten and enjoyed across the city.

Top tables:

the best of the best

Vegan Gyoza | Taito City, Tokyo

Aptly named, Vegan Gyoza takes one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods and makes it fully plant-based—with no compromise on flavor or texture. Their handmade dumplings are either steamed or fried to perfection - diner’s choice - and brightly colored to denote one of 12 fillings. No dipping sauce is provided, nor will you need it, because each dumpling is packed with rich and deeply satisfying flavor. Your dumpling set will be served with a card so you know which color is which flavor, though I bet you could guess who’s who with each bite! Pair it with a craft iced matcha with cold foam for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.

Earthie favorites: steamed dumpling set and an iced matcha latte.

💰2500 yen for a full set of dumplings (less than $20 USD)

Komeda Is | Ginza, Tokyo

For early risers, Komeda Is feels like a gift—one of the only fully plant-based cafés in Tokyo open from 7am. Just steps from Tsukiji Market, this modern take on the classic Japanese kissa serves comfort with a light touch: think fluffy pancakes crowned with fresh soy milk whipped cream, toasty soy-meat sandwiches, and tall iced coffees that set the tone for a bright Tokyo morning.

Earthie favorites: a stack of pancakes, soy-meat sandwich with lemon sauce, fluffy bread basket with cream cheese and red bean spread, and iced coffee.

💰1380 yen for a stack of pancakes (less than $10 USD)

Tofu Room Dy’s | Bunkyo City, Tokyo

Stepping into Tofu Room Dy’s feels like visiting your grandparents’ kitchen—cozy, nostalgic, and filled with heart. Shelves of handmade ceramics and playful kawaii characters set the scene as a kind couple prepares your meal with the ease of decades in the kitchen. In fact, the owner grew up in a family tofu shop in the 1960s and has since created this little haven to share that tradition. From hearty lunch plates to soups and sandwiches, simple organic tofu shines here. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood near Nippori and Ueno, it’s the perfect place to slow down, explore side streets, and savor a nourishing meal off the tourist trail.

Earthie favorites: vegan lunch plate, tofu sandwich, and pudding

💰1690 yen for a lunch set (less than $12 USD)

Ming-Teng Hao Hao | Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

Ming-Teng Hao Hao is a casual counter spot brings the bold, comforting flavors of East Asia to Shimokitazawa. Stop in for hearty rice bowls layered with spice and depth, then finish with one of their silky soy puddings—a simple, satisfying sweet treat that will have you coming back for more.

Earthie favorites: ma po tofu rice & soy pudding

💰950 yen for any rice bowl (less than $7 USD)

More to love:

if you have time to spare

T’s Tantan | Chiyoda City

Hidden in the labyrinth of Tokyo Station, T’s Tantan is a welcome haven for plant-based travelers catching a train or passing through. The fully vegan menu draws a loyal following, but the true standout is their seasonal lemon ramen—bright, refreshing, and so craveable it’s worth a special trip to the station just for a bowl.

Earthie favorites: the summer special - chilled ramen with setouchi lemon

Bistro Jangara | Harajuku

Rising above the colorful streets of Harajuku, Bistro Jangara offers a fully vegan menu of hearty, flavor-packed dishes. Their lunch sets make it an easy and affordable stop between shopping and exploring, with plant-based takes on Asian comfort foods you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo.

Earthie favorites: Taiwanese spicy noodle, grilled cheese curry, buffalo chicken

Hemp Cafe | Ebisu

Tucked into the winding streets of Ebisu, the laid-back vibe of Hemp Cafe is a refreshing pause from Tokyo’s ramen circuit. The menu stretches beyond the expected with fresh salad bowls, creative burritos, and beautifully crafted vegan sushi—perfect for a light, nourishing midday meal.

Earthie favorites: yakiniku style grilled sushi, mexican burrito, and kale salad

Marugoto | Shibuya

Just steps from the bustle of Asakusa Station, Marugoto proves that small can be mighty. This intimate café serves comforting plates of curry and crisp tempura that you’ll want to return to again and again. With only a handful of seats, it’s best to arrive early and settle in for a meal that feels both simple and special.

Earthie favorites: “the lunch plate”, curry with pea & fava topping, fresh fried tempeh

Omni options:

stellar plant-based dishes from omnivorous kitchens

Jikasei Mensho | Shibuya

Tucked beneath the buzz of Shibuya Parco mall, Jikasei Mensho is located in the basement amongst a handful of food vendors. Follow the line of eager diners to the digital ordering system and choose from four vegan noodle dishes—ramen, spicy ramen, dandan, and dry dandan. The broth is rich and nutty, layered with umami in every sip, making this one of Tokyo’s most memorable bowls of vegan ramen.

Vegan dishes range from 1100 yen to 1280 yen (less than $10 USD)

Daily rituals:

coffee & sweet treats

Across from the serene Shinjuku Gyoen, Marbre Vegan feels like a sweet retreat from the city’s bustle. Their delicate cakes, filled with fresh fruit and cloud-light creams, are as beautiful as they are indulgent—proof that plant-based patisserie can rival the very best in the world.

Marbre Vegan | Shinjuku

Universal Bakes is located in a stylish strip of shops in Shimokitazawa. From fluffy donuts and chewy cookies to golden toasties, every treat is crafted to perfection. Their spiced curry bread is the standout you’ll be dreaming about long after your visit!

Universal Bakes | Shimokitazawa

01 Coffee | Musashino

Life and Coffee | Taito City

Northernwood | Ginza

Market magic:

street food & local flavor

Konbini culture

Japan’s convenience stores - 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart - are an essential part of daily life, and yes, you can join in as a vegan traveler. With a little creativity, it’s easy to hack together meals on the go: grab a veggie noodle set, tofu, and some pickled vegetables, then mix it all into a quick, nourishing bowl. Stock up on onigiri, natto, edamame, or toasted nuts for snacks, and don’t miss the sweet tofu pudding cups when you spot them. For late-night wanderings through Golden Gai or Shinjuku, crispy sweet rice crackers are the perfect companion.

Tried & true:

if you’re still hungry

  • Brown Rice | Omotesando: a healthy bite in a stunning atmosphere

  • Rainbow Bird Rendezvous | Meguro: simple, healthy food in a spirited space

  • Ballon | Meguro: falafel sandwiches and vegan soft-serve for an easy meal

  • Anthrop | Shimokitazawa: serves up delicious coffee, treats, and sandwiches

Before you go…

travel tips and local practices

  • Get a Suica or Pasmo card: Tokyo public transit is incredible! Be sure to get a metro card and add it to your digital wallet for easy tap-in at the train station. You can also pay with metro cards at vending machines, konbinis, and some restaurants!

  • Cash is still king: Many smaller cafes and restaurants don’t take cards. Carry some yen for smooth dining.

  • Politeness goes a long way: Staff appreciate a kind smile and a simple arigatou gozaimasu. Tipping isn’t part of Japanese culture, so no need to leave extra.

  • Reservations matter: Tokyo’s best vegan spots are often small with limited seating. Book ahead when you can, especially for dinner.

  • Look for the veggie kanji: Keep an eye out for the words 菜食 (saishoku, vegetarian) or ビーガン (biigan, vegan), which are becoming more common on menus.

  • Download Google Translate: Use the camera feature to scan menus without English and to politely double-check ingredients.

  • Bring your own bag: Eco-friendly culture runs deep—carry a tote for snacks or market finds.

  • Seasonal menus shine: Many restaurants rotate dishes with the seasons (like T’s Tantan’s lemon ramen). Always ask about specials.

  • Timing is everything: Many restaurants open for lunch around 11:00 and close between 2–5pm. Plan ahead, and keep snacks handy if you like to eat earlier in the day.