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Unveiling 18 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan

An increasing number of restaurants in Japan are now offering vegan menus, including fine dining establishments featured in the Michelin Guide. Traditionally, many Japanese kaiseki and shojin cuisine restaurants have focused on plant-based ingredients, making it easier for them to cater to vegan diets. Moreover, some sushi restaurants have started to provide vegan options as well.

*Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional Japanese course meal comprised of many small dishes. Shojin cuisine refers to Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

In Kyoto, there's no shortage of kaiseki restaurants catering to vegan diets, while Tokyo offers a diverse array of dining options with vegan-friendly choices, from sushi and tempura to ramen. With these culinary delights, Japan offers ample opportunities to savor memorable dining experiences that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip!

In this article, the editorial team from OMAKASE, the only online culinary service provider in Japan that is officially recognized by the Michelin Guide, will guide you through a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants. Our selections include award-winning establishments featured in the Michelin Guide, as well as recommendations from Japan's largest restaurant review website, alongside casual and affordable dining options
May 17, 2024 Tokyo
Tokyo's Culinary Prestige: Michelin Stars and 10 Reservation-Friendly Spots

Japan has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. Since the launch of the Michelin Guide Tokyo, the city of Tokyo has consistently received the most stars out of any place in the world for 17 consecutive years. In the 2024 edition, a total of 183 establishments received stars: 12 venues with three stars, 33 venues with two stars, and 138 venues with one star. Additionally, when including the restaurants listed in the Bib Gourmand, a total of 504 establishments have been recognized.
Tokyo, a renowned gastronomic destination, boasts a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants for good reason. Japan is blessed with four beautifully distinct seasons, is surrounded by the sea, and is predominantly composed of mountains, offering an abundance of fresh ingredients that underpin the country's culinary culture. Attracted by the wealth of ingredients from across the nation, many skilled chefs come to Tokyo to refine their culinary expertise.
May 16, 2024 Tokyo
Japan's Finest: 21 Michelin Restaurants Recommended by an Official Partner

Japan boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. The Michelin Guide 2024 recognizes over 1,000 establishments, with 20 awarded three stars—12 in Tokyo, 5 in Kyoto, and 3 in Osaka—cementing the country’s status as a top global gastronomic destination.

Tokyo is renowned for its top-quality ingredients and expert chefs. Kyoto is deeply rooted in its rich history, culinary traditions, and culture of hospitality, while Osaka offers a spectrum of dining experiences, from traditional to innovative cuisine.

Japan's high number of Michelin-starred restaurants is no accident. The country is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, from sea to mountains, spanning north to south. Combined with its four distinct seasons, this creates a wealth of fresh local ingredients in each region, a rare and exceptional situation even on a global scale.

Furthermore, UNESCO recognized washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. A key element of washoku is umami, a unique taste in Japanese cuisine alongside sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and bitterness. Japanese chefs have long made exceptional use of umami in their dishes. Japan boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. The Michelin Guide 2024 recognizes over 1,000 establishments, with 20 awarded three stars—12 in Tokyo, 5 in Kyoto, and 3 in Osaka—cementing the country’s status as a top global gastronomic destination.

Tokyo is renowned for its top-quality ingredients and expert chefs. Kyoto is deeply rooted in its rich history, culinary traditions, and culture of hospitality, while Osaka offers a spectrum of dining experiences, from traditional to innovative cuisine.

Japan's high number of Michelin-starred restaurants is no accident. The country is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, from sea to mountains, spanning north to south. Combined with its four distinct seasons, this creates a wealth of fresh local ingredients in each region, a rare and exceptional situation even on a global scale.

Furthermore, UNESCO recognized washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. A key element of washoku is umami, a unique taste in Japanese cuisine alongside sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and bitterness. Japanese chefs have long made exceptional use of umami in their dishes.
May 15, 2024 Tokyo
Can’t-Miss 18 Restaurants in Ginza During Your Stay in Japan

Tokyo boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, and nestled in its bustling heart lies Ginza. Renowned for its luxurious stores and top-tier dining establishments, Ginza is a culinary paradise offering a diverse array of cuisines. What kind of food is Ginza known for? From traditional Japanese sushi and yakitori (grilled chicken) to Western delights like Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine, there's something to tantalize every palate. The numerous Michelin-star restaurants in Ginza each offer its own unique culinary experience.
The first half of this article aims to guide you through eight restaurants in Ginza which are renowned nationwide for their high acclaim. Please be aware that these establishments are extremely difficult to secure reservations at. Therefore, the latter half of this article will walk you through the 10 best places to eat in Ginza where reservations are easier to make.
May 13, 2024 Tokyo