Vegan in Japan
My Top Tips, Snacks & Must-Have Google Maps for Plant-Based Travel 🌱
Being vegan in Japan can feel a little daunting at first, especially with confusing food labels and a language barrier. But with the right tools and a bit of planning, finding delicious plant-based food in Japan is possible. After spending over two weeks travelling through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, I’ve put together my top vegan Japan travel tips to help you make the most of your trip. From must-have vegan apps to convenience store snacks and vegan-friendly restaurants, here’s everything you need to know about eating vegan in Japan.
1. VEGAN GOOGLE MAPS 🔗
The most beneficial thing you can do on any trip, is level up your Google Maps with pre-saved recommendations.
The vegan in Japan map by @itadakihealthy is a game-changer. It lists all vegan-friendly places in Japan, from a local. Save this map and when you’re on the ground in Japan you can open it up and see the closest vegan spot!
Here’s the link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Vx7FxFG8nApS5JE7
You should also save your own Wishlist to Google Maps, even if you don’t think you’ll be in the area. Simply click “save” on the Google listing, and add it to your own “Japan Map” with a note of what you’re interested in. Although I planned majority of meals ahead of time, I found all of my saved places SO helpful for last-minute bites.
2. GOOGLE TRANSLATE ALWAYS 🫡
Make sure you use google translate photo app for everything (!!) From convenience store items like smoothies (only the strawberry or açai 7/11 smoothies are vegan) to “obviously vegan items” like tofu, inari, nuts etc as 99% of the time, they contain hidden ingredients.
3. PACK SNACKS 🤭
We had a hit list of spots we wanted to visit across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and sometimes heading out to a vegan eatery didn’t fit well with that! We made sure to pack snacks for on-the-go, and pickup extras from 7/11 and Family Mart.
Here’s a link to vegan-friendly convenience store items. As always, make sure to check the ingredients of these items at the time as labels can change.
EXTRA TIPS
Natural Lawson Convenience Store has more plant-based friendly items than others.
Soy Milk is the most common plant-based milk available.
Save the phrase: Is this vegan? これはビーガンですか？ (Kore wa beegan desu ka?)
type this into Google Translate to show when in doubt!
