Your Easy Vegan Guide to Japan: Eat Well, Travel Happy
Japan as a vegan can feel tricky at first — all those hidden dashi broths and mystery sauces!
But once you learn a few simple tricks, it becomes much easier (and tastier) to enjoy the experience.
Whether you’re planning to wander through cherry blossom streets, explore bustling markets, or relax in quiet temples, there’s no need to miss out on Japan’s incredible food culture.
With a few key phrases, a bit of kanji knowledge, and some insider tips, you’ll be ready to spot plant-based options and eat with confidence wherever your trip takes you. 🌸
1. Learn to Read the Labels
Japanese packaging can look intimidating, but a few key words will help you spot animal products straight away.
Keep an eye out for:
出汁 (だし / dashi) – fish broth (very common in soups, noodles, and sauces)
魚介エキス (ぎょかいエキス / gyokai ekisu) – seafood extract
肉 (にく / niku) – meat
牛 (ぎゅう / gyū) – beef
鶏 (とり / tori) – chicken
豚 (ぶた / buta) – pork
卵 (たまご / tamago) – egg
乳 (にゅう / nyū) or 乳製品 (にゅうせいひん / nyū seihin) – dairy products
Tip: download a translation app that lets you scan labels — it makes life so much easier in convenience stores!
2. Handy Japanese Phrases for Vegans
A few friendly words go a long way in Japan. Try these simple lines when ordering:
菜食主義です (さいしょくしゅぎです / saishoku shugi desu) – I’m vegetarian.
ヴィーガンです (Vīgan desu) – I’m vegan.
動物性の食べ物は食べません (どうぶつせいのたべものはたべません / doubutsusei no tabemono wa tabemasen) – I don’t eat animal products.
魚の出汁は入っていますか？ (さかなのだしははいっていますか？ / sakana no dashi wa haitte imasu ka?) – Does this contain fish broth?
Even if you say it simply with a smile, most restaurants will do their best to accommodate you — the omotenashi spirit is real! 
3. Where to Find Vegan-Friendly Food
Japan’s convenience stores (konbini) are packed with plant-based snacks and meals!
Vegan Picks:
Onigiri – rice balls with 梅 (うめ / ume) plum or 昆布 (こんぶ / kombu) seaweed.
Tofu Packs – ready-to-eat tofu, perfect for a quick protein boost.
Snacks – edamame, pickled vegetables, seaweed sheets.
Tip: always check the labels — some contain hidden fish-based dashi! 
4. Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
Carry a small note in Japanese explaining your dietary preferences — it’s polite and helps avoid confusion.
Look for temple cuisine (精進料理 / しょうじんりょうり / shōjin ryōri) if you visit Kyoto — it’s 100% plant-based and incredibly delicious.
Don’t stress about perfection — Japan is about experience, respect, and enjoying the moment.
💚 Final Thought
Travelling vegan in Japan isn’t about restriction — it’s about discovery.
With a bit of curiosity and kindness (both ways!), you’ll uncover flavours, traditions, and connections that make your trip unforgettable.
Omotenashi isn’t just a word — it’s the feeling of being warmly welcomed, and as a vegan traveller, you’ll feel it too.
See you at the table,
Midori 🌿
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