The Best Survival Guide for Vegetarian Food in Kyoto, Japan

Japan tops the bucket list of millions of people. It’s a fascinating country, filled with culture, tradition, and innovation. Not to mention- Japanese food. The food in Japan attracts well deserved attention. It is not, however, very vegetarian friendly. Vegetarian food in Kyoto is about as hard to come by as 100% gluten free food in Japan. Meaning- extremely difficult.

Fear not, though, because it is not impossible to eat vegetarian food in Kyoto. There are plenty of tasty and trendy options that don’t involve just a bowl of rice. 

Below is my ultimate survival guide for vegetarian food in Kyoto, Japan. If you use this guide, you should be able to enjoy your time in Kyoto without too much trouble. 

Sakyo Ward:

Village Natural Food:

This vegan restaurant near Kyoto University is a gem. Here you can find large portions of traditional Japanese food, all served vegan style. This homey and rustic cafe is more rustic than it is hipster, filled with eclectic furniture, instruments and antiques. It’s a great place to eat a casual lunch after exploring the various nearby temples. 

Nakagyo Ward:

Maximo:

While this place is definitely not vegan (possibly vegan friendly) nor is it fully vegetarian, it was my weekly treat. A tiny 8 seater restaurant right near the main city center, the chef and owner cooks everything and runs it by himself. There were several mexican restaurants in Kyoto, but this was by far my favorite.

He makes every taco on one frying pan, right in front of you. Plus he makes incredible margaritas, which wasn’t exactly the typical cocktail offering in Japan. Veggie tacos, nachos and quesadillas available. If the 8 seater and one frying pan description didn’t tip you off, expect to spend several hours here when eating. It is not a quick dining experience. 

Mumokuteki Cafe & Food:

This place was a personal favorite of mine for vegetarian food in Kyoto. Especially for social lunch dates or when I needed writing inspiration. It’s an extremely trendy vegetarian cafe, on top of a hip boutique. While most of the restaurants in Kyoto err on the smaller size, this massive multi roomed, brightly lit green cafe is refreshing.

Everything is vegan, with an incredible and massive lunch deal, and they are fairly priced. Kyoto is expensive, so this was great to find. If all that wasn’t enough, there is also a fully vegan grocery store connected to it. It has everything you could possibly need to stock the fridge while you’re there.

Ain Soph. Journey Kyoto:

This is a great casual lunch or brunch spot. A quaint, two story traditional styled cafe, they do Western and Japanese fusion. Think veggie burgers, nachos, Matcha pancakes and traditional dishes, made vegan. I enjoyed this spot, and the location is superb, but the food wasn’t mind blowing. It was nice to have the option of both Western and local options, though. 

Shimogyo Ward: 

Chikyuya:

Oh my god am I obsessed with this place. This is definitely not where you go when you want to eat a nice, healthy, balanced meal as a vegetarian. No, this is where you go on a Friday night to chug beers and eat fried cheese in a puffed pastry. It’s so good.

You can get a surprising variety of vegetarian and vegan options here, as well as meat options for your friends. It’s a low key, Japanese dive bar type vibe- just way more hip. The walls are covered in magazine images, people smoke inside, and you sit in traditional big tables on the floor. Definitely a must try when you’re looking for an unhealthy night out. 

Veg Out:

This place is super cute- cuter than it is is tasty. One thing about the vegetarian food in Kyoto: They all start to taste the same. This place is best to go to for the river view and outdoor seating, as well as the yummy turmeric lattes. You can get both staple Japanese curry and noodle soup, or western paninis and veggie burgers. 

Higashiyama Ward: 

Choice:

Choice Eatery was about two blocks from my house and a really nice spot. They have an extensive coffee and pastry vibe, but also a full lunch and dinner menu.

The one thing I really loved about this place was that they served real salads! Salads as entrees are not exactly a staple Japanese dish, so this was a treat. Plus, they have really comfy and spacious seating options, so it’s a great place to come and work for a few hours while you eat. 

Angel’s Library:

Kyoto is known for their chocolate cafes- they love them. While this isn’t exactly somewhere I’d tell you to go to eat for the food’s sake, this is somewhere you have to check out and try. They also happen to serve a variety of vegetarian options with pizza, and sandwiches. What they are really known for is their chocolate and dessert.

This underground cafe requires a key and a secret password to get into. You first go to the Cacao Market, and tell an employee you would like to see the library. They will then check if there is any available seating (it’s very small and very popular) and then give you a giant brass key. You’ll go around back, unlock the door and descend into a tiny little library. With the history of chocolate on the menu and way too many sweet treats to choose from, it’s a fun place to go with a friend, on a date, or with a good book. 

Pro-Tips For Vegetarians in Japan

• 7/11 has everything. It’s the most affordably priced store you’ll find in Kyoto, and it has enough snacks and staples to get you through the day. On days when it was too much of a mission to navigate the restaurant scene and explain I was a vegetarian, these fully stocked 7/11’s had enough to keep hunger at bay.
• Ramen is not vegetarian. The broth is meat based. So, if you want to try ramen, it’s safest to try it at one of the vegan or vegetarian places listed above. Some places do offer vegetarian ramen, but it’s rare, and may require a translator.
• Izakaya places will typically have a few veggie side dishes, as will most sushi places. If you have a meal planned at one of these types of restaurants, just be prepared, and eat a snack beforehand. They were genuinely very slim pickings, and I was surprised every time. 
• Google translate struggles in Japan. Most places do not provide English menus either. So, if you’re going to eat at the more traditional locales, or really anywhere, just know it’s not going to be easy to communicate. I would know the term for vegetarian, and any other dietary restrictions you have, so you can show the waiter or chef and they can assist.