There is a variety of vegan-friendly accommodation in Japan, including temple lodgings (shukubo), homestays, one known hiker’s guesthouse, ryokan (Japanese-style inns), minshuku (bed & breakfasts), onsen hotels that feature hot springs, and hotels.
The current properties serving only vegan food we are aware of are Inn Oyado Matsumura in Asakusa (part of Tokyo), Goen no Mori in Yugawara and Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko in Kyoto. Sometimes it’s difficult to work out which properties only serve vegan food from their websites as even properties which are listed as serving only vegan food on websites like Hachidory (a local, Japanese-language vegan and vegetarian website) sometimes list the word “vegetarian” on their social media, leaving it unclear if they’ve changed from serving only vegan food to both, or are only including the word “vegetarian” for marketing purposes, as it’s more commonly recognized in Japan than the word “vegan.” Vegan course menus also occasionally appear at restaurants located within large hotels in major cities, although they are generally special limited-time-only menus.
Properties that appear on this list are those that people in the vegan community have reported having good experiences at, as well as properties that make an effort to cater to vegans, for example by listing that they can make vegan food on their websites, contacting us to ask to be listed, or containing a vegan or vegan-friendly restaurant. It may not, or will likely not, extend to things like providing vegan toiletries or making sure not to use animal-derived materials in the room, like feather pillows. This list does not cover every accommodation that could possibly make vegan food in Japan but is intended to be a good starting point of likely places to help you get started planning your trip. The website Hachidory also has a list of vegetarian and vegan-friendly properties, searchable by prefecture. It includes properties not mentioned here, although English is not provided. Happy Cow (English) is also a great place to search not just for restaurants but also for vegan-friendly accommodation.
It’s possible to inquire if regular accommodations will make vegan food, but you would have to make sure if they understand, and especially understand about fish stock. It may be necessary to explain exactly what you do and don’t eat. (However, there is always the possibility of misunderstandings/mistakes. Some people have reported other accommodations, not listed here, to have mistakenly included pork or shellfish, even though the requirements were explained to them, sometimes several times.) For example, if you just say you don’t eat dairy, honey, eggs, meat, and fish, the staff might think that shellfish/crab/other seafood is okay. Also, sometimes the staff will just say no, that they cannot accommodate you.
Shukubo (temple accommodation/lodging) may be a possibility in some temples/areas. It’s more of an accommodation experience that allows you to experience the life of a temple- be sure to read up on it beforehand to see if it’s something you’re interested in. Unfortunately, many English-language travel resources misreport all shukubo food as standard vegetarian or vegan, but in reality, it varies and can sometimes not even be vegetarian. When booking, inquire about if the food contains fish stock. Whether the food will come standard as vegan depends on the shukubo. For example, one shukubo at Haguro San in Dewa Sanzan (Shingon sect) served vegan food to those who had requested it in advance, but whole fish to others. One reader has stayed in temples up and down the country and reports there was fish powder in the food that they normally serve about 50% of the time. One of the places she stayed at (a Shugendo temple, which is a syncretic religion) served whole grilled fish. However, she stated that all were able to serve her food without fish or fish powder since she requested when she booked. About the taste, some people have described the food as “basic” or “not very good,” so it probably depends on your personal preference whether you’ll enjoy it or not.
Almost all the time, accommodations and hotel restaurants need a certain number of days of advance notice to prepare vegan food, so please check the individual websites carefully. Unless they are a totally vegan property like Goen no Mori or offer a vegan plan you can book like Kashiwaya or Kameisei ryokans, call or email to confirm and receive a response that they can make vegan food for you. Double check the check-in time carefully as late check-ins at properties like ryokan and onsen hotels may not be able to receive dinner that night.
It can be difficult to find an onsen hotel which accepts tattooed patrons, especially those with larger tattoos that cannot be covered. These places do exist, however, for example Kashiwaya Ryokan, which published the blogpost “Tattoo-Friendly Onsens: Will the Day Come When These Become the Norm in Japan?” (English) on their website. We’ve listed some information on properties that accept patrons with tattoos where available. It’s often possible to find this information on the English-language section of the accommodation website, on the TripAdvisor or Booking.com listings, or by asking directly in simple English on the latter two sites (as well as of course calling directly in Japanese if you can speak it).
While every effort has been made to ensure that this list is kept up-to-date, please confirm that options exist before booking, as things do change. If you find that some information is no longer accurate please do contact us at isitveganjapan at gmail dot com and let us know so we can update this page.
The list is organized roughly from north to south. As most are not strictly vegan establishments, seafood, etc. will often be pictured on the property websites.
Rausu, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Serai (English) Guesthouse/restaurant Owner reported to understand veganism and speak excellent English.
Kami-furano, Tokachidake Onsen
Kamihoroso This ryokan is in the beautiful Tokachidake Onsen (English link), Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamifurano, Hokkaido.
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hotel Mystays Premier Sapporo Park (English) Has a restaurant in it called Farm to Table TERRA (some English provided). Happy Cow (English) As of a review of the website in April 2021, vegan options are marked on the menu.
Tomakomai, Hokkaido
Hotel Wing International (English) Reported in 2021 to be able to provide vegan dinner.
Hakodate, Hokkaido
Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu (English) Reported to be able to make vegan kaiseki course meals if the reservation is made by a Japanese speaker. They do also provide an English-language contact form with phone number, so you could try calling in English as well.
Osorezan (Mount Osore), Aomori
Shukubo Kisshoukaku Shukubo that serves vegan meals as standard. Part of Osorezan Bodaiji temple. Contains a hot spring bath. Additional information is provided here.
Kuroishi, Aomori
A group named Tokyo Smile Veggies worked with accommodations and restaurants (two of each) in the area to help them develop vegan menus. The names of the restaurants are Jumonji Cafe and Restaurant Miyuki. The accommodations are:
Tabi no Yado Saikawa Happy Cow (English) A vegan-friendly hot spring ryokan.
Aoni Onsen (Lamp no Yado) (English) Happy Cow (English) A hot spring hotel from 1929 with limited electricity. The website appears to indicate rooms in the main building do not have electricity and you are provided some sort of lamp for light.
Yamagata City, Yamagata
Hotel Metropolitan (English) Reported to be able to provide vegan breakfast with an advance request.
Ubayu Onsen, Yonezawa, Yamagata
Fukushima
Dana Village (English) Facebook (some English provided) Instagram Organic farm/accommodation/holistic community run by the daughter of a local melon farmer, serving local and organic food, including melons, in an old building in Nishiaizu. Hachidory has a writeup here and lists them as a totally vegan property. Pets allowed.
Hotel Hamatsu Located in Koriyama. It’s reported that this hotel has catered vegan food at events (prearranged in Japanese) so would presumably be able to accommodate vegan guests. It’s unknown if they have English-speaking staff.
Shikisai Ichiriki Facebook (English) Japanican (English) Located in Bandai Atami Onsen, Koriyama. This accommodation is reported to serve excellent vegan meals. Prebooking well in advance is required and the request will probably need to be made in Japanese.
Tambo Lodge Serves handmade vegan Peruvian (Andean) food using organic ingredients and also those obtained by “natural farming” (grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers). The building is non-smoking and bringing alcoholic beverages is not permitted.
Myoko Kogen, Niigata
A.I.R. (English) Facebook (English) Happy Cow (English) Standing for “Artist in Residence,” this ski chalet/restaurant/gallery showcases a different chef, artist, and designer/craftsperson each year. The “eat” page of their website states “This season the restaurant is plant-forward and primarily vegan, however pesciterian (sic) dishes may be served depending on availability and the discretion of the chef.”
Kohukan/Kofukan Reported to be able to prearrange vegan meals. It is not known if the staff speaks English.
Refre Hotel (English) Owners are native English speakers. Provides breakfast only. Vegan breakfast options include chia bowls made with either soy or almond milk & maple syrup & berries & coconut muesli, freshly baked sourdough made on the premises, a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables including avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms, apples, oranges, kiwi, strawberries & bananas, a variety of cereals including homemade porridge made with soy or almond milk, miso & rice, and baked beans.
Myoko Forest Lodge (English) Facebook (English) Instagram (English) 8 minutes by car from Myokokogen station. Continental breakfast is included in the cost or you can have a cooked breakfast at an additional cost. An example of the cooked breakfast is scrambled tofu on toast (local black rice bread) with avocado and seasonal vegetables. Dinner can also be arranged at a time that suits you for an additional cost. The dinner items might change over time, but an example of what you may be served are dishes such as a shiitake veggie burger, pasta, pizza, or vegetable dishes. They also offer organic vegan wine and local beers. The Australian owners understand veganism very well and can also adapt dishes to suit the individual’s needs or allergies.
Nasushiobara, Tochigi
Akasawa Onsen Ryokan (English) Reported in 2018 to have very kind staff (English, Chinese, and Spanish-speaking in addition to Japanese-speaking) who go out of their way to make sure you can eat what they prepare.
Nikko, Tochigi
Earth Hostel (English) Breakfast (served until 10am), lunch and dinner all available for purchase. (Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.) Examples of foods served are a big bowl of soup for dinner and pancake, fruits, etc. for breakfast. Foods served might vary depending on the day. Need to let them know a day before. Open late-March to mid-November. English-speaking.
Sanga Nikko Facebook (English) Although they don’t prepare food for you, they have a fully equipped kitchen with a Vitamix. It’s located a few minutes on foot from the train station, bus terminal and a supermarket. Their Facebook page gives some information about vegetarian and vegan foods in the area, for example at nearby restaurants.
Takaragawa Onsen, Gunma
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku Reported as of 2012 to be able to make vegan dinner and breakfast with advance notice. Serves Japanese-style, tofu-based food. Unknown if staff is fluent in English. However, they keep several bears caged on the property in small cages and it may be quite distressing. Check photos taken by one patron of the hotel here (English).
Kamimoku Onsen, Gunma
Tatsumikan (English) Visit Gunma (English) has some information about the property. Food Diversity Today has an article about Tatsumikan’s charcoal-grilled vegan course (English).
Shima Onsen, Gunma
Kashiwaya Ryokan (English) Has a plan available for booking that includes vegan dinner (Japanese style) and breakfast (Western or Japanese style), as well as access to their various tattoo-friendly onsen. One person reported that they found oysters in their miso soup one day when staying here and recommends that you tell them clearly you don’t eat oysters/shellfish. The accommodation requests that you contact them ahead of time and let them know exactly what you don’t eat (English). However, a vegan plan (English) is available for booking directly from the website. Patrons with tattoos are accepted. Read an article from Kashiwaya Ryokan, “Tattoo-Friendly Onsens: Will the Day Come When These Become the Norm in Japan?” here (English).
Minakami, Gunma
Hot Spring Resort Matsunoi (English) has a western-style restaurant (洋食レストラン) that can accommodate vegans when the request is made in advance. Inquire directly with the property. Photos are from a 7-course vegan dinner. The restaurant is also open to non-guests. Breakfast for guests is reported to be buffet-style at a different restaurant.
Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma
Hotel Kurbio (English) This onsen hotel serves French macrobiotic food. According to the Japanese-language website when we checked it in April 2021, the French macrobiotic course by itself uses only vegetable ingredients, “フレンチマクロビプランは植物性食材のみでご提供いたします.” However it is not a totally vegan property- they serve meat as an add-on. There is also a fasting course that provides only light sustenance like juices and miso soup- if interested, contact the property directly to check that everything is vegan.
Ikaho Onsen, Gunma
The Ikaho Onsen area is working to become a vegan-friendly destination. The following accommodations have been reported to prepare vegan menus with advance booking:
Hotel Matsumotoro (English) You can find information about the food in English at Food Diversity Today.
Nagomigokoro no Yado Omori (English)
Nyoshin no Sato Hibikino ryokan (English autotranslate function available on website)
The Sun Onogami is also located very close to Ikaho Onsen.
Sun Onogami Facebook An onsen hotel that was reported in July 2021 to be able to make vegan meals with a request made at the time of reservation. Some English information about the property is found at Jalan.
Chichibu, Saitama
Hiker’s B&B Facebook (English) Can make vegan, vegetarian, gluten free food when asked in advance.
Kisarazu, Chiba
Paprika Hotel Facebook (English) The chef is reported to have previously been a chef at a five-star resort hotel in Malaysia and to be able to make vegan Malaysian food. The restaurant uses local organic and naturally grown vegetables.
Isumi, Chiba
Brown’s Field Jiji no Ie Japanese folk house accommodation on an organic farm. Mainly vegan dinner and breakfast but best to check with them as they’re a macrobiotic place and fish and cheese could be used/an option. There is also an all-vegan cafe called Rice Terrace Cafe at the main area (4 min. walk, Fri-Sun & holidays) Check the Happy Cow listing here (English).
Mt. Mitake, Ome City, Tokyo
Komadori Shukubo Shukubo Komadorisanso, which is a centuries-old mountain lodge for pilgrims, is located near to Mitake Shrine. It’s possible to experience the ascetic training of standing under a waterfall (takigyo).
Tokyo
Conrad Tokyo (English) Their Dolce Fiori Afternoon Tea, which was available in May and June 2021, had some vegan items in it (marked with an ※ in this PR Times article). Although it’s no longer available, it’s reported that they still can make vegan afternoon tea on request with advance notice, and seem used to answering questions about if the items contain white sugar or honey. Check the first picture in this Instagram post for an example of what the vegan afternoon tea may contain.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (English) (Shinjuku-ku, near JR Mejiro station) has announced that as of June 2019, it is serving gluten-free vegan courses for lunch (4,800 yen) and dinner (6,900 yen) in its French restaurant ‘The Bistro’. Press release and contact information (English)
Inn Oyado Matsumura (bilingual) This Showa-style inn, built in 1955, has been converted to a vegan property. Monkey Magic vegan restaurant is located on the first floor.
Little Japan Reported by a reader to have guest chefs who sometimes make vegan options and to also be in contact with a local Indian couple who make vegan food at their house and do a delivery or collection service.
Sunshine City Prince Hotel (English) The Bayern Restaurant (English) on the property was reported by VegeProject Japan on their Vegemap 2nd Edition, 2019-2020 (English) to have vegan options available in the “soy foods corner” of the dinner buffet.
Trunk Hotel (English) Has been reported at various times to have vegan breakfast and dinner options at the restaurant. Note the restaurant serves foie gras.
Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hotel New Grand (English) Their restaurant Le Normandie (English) inside the hotel offers vegetarian and vegan course lunches and dinners. Find information here (bilingual course menus provided). Prior reservations are required for the vegan courses. The vegan course menu consists of an amuse bouche, assorted seasonal vegetables, tofu steak with barbecue sauce (dinner only), creamy pumpkin soup, soy meat rolled in cabbage leaves, coconut soup with caramelized banana, and coffee. Dress code: Jacket preferred for dinner (tie optional). No shorts, beach sandals, or Japanese “zori” straw sandals.
Intercontinental Yokohama Grand offers an oriental vegan dinner in their various restaurants inside the hotel: La Vela (Italian), Azur (French), and Karyu (Chinese). Note that there is a dress code (examples: no sleeveless shirts for men, no shorts and no flip-flops) at Azur and Karyu. Reservations are required. Check the English-language Happy Cow listings for La Vela here, Azur here and Karyu here. Use the English-language booking forms and fill in your dietary requirements for Azur here and Karyu here.
The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu (English) has a restaurant called Cafe Tosca located in it. Check its Happy Cow (English) listing here. It’s quite elegant but has no dress code. There is a separate page in the menu for vegan and vegetarian items. The Soy Meat Cutlet Burger (in a course or ordered separately) has egg and milk and the marinated vegetables have milk. For the remainder of the items on the page, no animal allergens are marked on the Japanese-language allergen list (shown below).
Course meals use no garlic or ginger. Inform staff of any food allergies in advance. No reservations required but note that meals are served in two sittings on weekends, holidays, and busy weekdays: lunch 11:30am and 1:30pm, dinner 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
Isehara, Kanagawa
Tougakubou Instagram Facebook A ryokan located at Mt. Oyama, a famous hiking spot in the Tanzawa mountain range. Vegan breakfast and dinner are available with prior booking. Meals are tofu kaiseki, created with handmade tofu. Tofu is a specialty product of the area. For more information, check Tokyo Vegan Guide’s instagram post (English). Photos courtesy of Tokyo Vegan Guide.
Hakone, Kanagawa
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu (English)- reported as of May 2023 to be able to provide vegan dinner with advance notice. Breakfast is reported to be a buffet with limited vegan options; however allergens are marked.
Hakone Lake Hotel (English) is reported to be able to provide vegan dinner if you email them in advance, however when our volunteer called to confirm in April 2021 they said they could only do “daitai vegan” food meaning “approximately vegan” food. They said they get the ingredients from many places and don’t always know exactly what’s in them, and gave the example of miso in miso soup possibly having katsuodashi (skipjack tuna stock (fish)).
According to Hakone Navi (English), people with tattoos are not permitted to use the onsen at Hakone Lake Hotel. However, when our volunteer called the hotel they stated small tattoos are fine if you bring your own body sticker to cover them. (These can be easily purchased online in Japan.) They do not have private onsen.
Box Hotel from Bizan (Hakone Villa Bizan) (English) Confirmed in April 2021 by our volunteer to be able to provide vegan meals if requested at least 4 days before arrival; however it would be the same food each day and the restaurant is closed Tuesdays so no food could be provided on that day. The hotel has no onsen, however they can give you info on places nearby where you can use their onsen on a drop-in basis.
Fukuzumiro (English) is a ryokan in a 130-year-old building. Their page on booking.com states “In our inns, people with tattoos are not restricted from using the bath.” However, when our volunteer called in April 2021, they said that people with small tattoos can use the onsen and that they can serve vegan food if they get the request at least 2-3 days before. If your tattoos are larger, it may be necessary to check directly with the property.
Irori Guesthouse Tenmaku (English) A guesthouse with a shared dinner party (Japanese charcoal barbecue) every night. It’s reported that the staff said it was no problem to make changes to provide a vegan dinner.
̶K̶a̶n̶s̶u̶i̶r̶o̶ ̶R̶y̶o̶k̶a̶n̶ (English) Not to be confused with the separate property Gora Kansuiro in Gōra, Hakone. Although they previously provided vegan food with advance notice, and the “Japanese Cuisine” section of the English-language website states: “If you are a vegetarian or have any allergies to meat, eggs or even fish, please let us know what you cannot eat by e-mail, when you make a reservation. There is not many dairy products in a Japanese diet, but we would appreciate if you inform us of your any special requests, in detail, beforehand,” unfortunately, per a February 2023 email they are NOT providing vegan food.
Matsuzakaya Honten According to the blog Luxury Hotel Kyoto (English), if you have tattoos and want to use the communal hot springs, please “use the private family hot spirng (sic) baths instead.” This was confirmed by our volunteer in April 2021. They also stated that they can serve vegan food if they get the request at least 2-3 days before. The property serves breakfast and dinner.
Mount View Hakone (English) The English-language website states: “Note: We can prepare dishes for vegetarians and guests with food allergies. Please let us know in advance.” In April 2021, our volunteer confirmed that small tattoos are okay in the shared baths, but you need to cover them by bringing your own body sticker. They also stated that they can serve vegan food if they get the request at least 2-3 days before. The property serves breakfast and dinner.
Yugawara, Kanagawa
Goen no Mori (English) This is an onsen ryokan providing only vegan food. They provide vegan breakfast and dinners upon request when booking. (It’s also possible to stay at the property without eating.) Tea and water were available in the halls for no additional charge. Bento lunch boxes are also available when booked a day in advance.
It’s no problem to stay there and use the shared onsen if you have a small tattoo, but patrons with large tattoos unfortunately cannot use the shared onsen. There are rooms available with private, in-room baths.
Also offers various workshops in Japanese (prebooking required).
Atami, Shizuoka
Hotel Grand Bach Atami Crescendo (English-language link) Reported to be able to make vegan course meals with advance notice, including dessert.
Fuefuki, Yamanashi
Keizan Reported to be able to make vegan meals if the reservation is made by a Japanese speaker. Unknown if the staff speaks English.
Minamikoma District, Yamanashi
Kakurinbo (English) is a shukubo temple lodging that makes shojin ryori (according to their website, containing seafood). It’s reported that they can veganize it on request. The English-language portion of the website reads: “Please note that although our cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, certain seafood products are occasionally used. Please let us know beforehand if you have any particular dietary requirements.”
Kawaguchiko
Guest House Sakuya (English) Owners reported to be friendly and very knowledgable about veganism. The English-language website reads “we have dishes for vegan.” The price for meals is also extremely reasonable, at 800 yen each for breakfast and dinner as of a check of the website in January 2024.
There are two onsens on the property, one men’s and one women’s, that are shared during the day. When staying at Guest House Sakuya on weekdays (except during the summer), you can book one of them during the evening to share with your party, whatever their gender.
Yamanakako
Panorama Inn is reported to be able to make vegan and gluten-free meals with sufficient advance notice. Breakfast is a buffet that includes simple foods like salad, fruits, and rice. The inn is child-friendly and the women’s side of the onsen includes a small bath for children.
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Hatoguruma Kawabata Hotel (English) The Booking.com listing states “Traditional vegetarian dishes are served at the dining room.” They’re reported to prepare good-sized meals of excellent-quality vegan food if they have advance notice.
Hotel Haus St.Anton (bilingual) The dine section of the website states they use local ingredients and that “Vegan or vegetarian meals can also be arranged provided reservation is made at least two days in advance. Additional charges may apply depending on changes of menu. Kindly talk to our friendly team before making your booking.” Inquire about if the oyaki buns, a common food of the area, are vegan.
Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano
Yudanaka Seifuso (English) Happy Cow (English) Can make vegan breakfast and dinner with advance notice. The dining section of their website states “We prefer to prepare food with locally produced ingredients. Vegetables are fresh from the morning market. Our menu is season-themed and also stomach-friendly.We are friendly ryokan for Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and meals request.” This ryokan is reported to ask you to fill in a dietary requirement form at check-in, but also inform them of your dietary requirements ahead of time. This is reported to be a good property for people with tattoos as it has a private onsen. You can see the property in this YouTube video from Vegan in Japan & Italy (English subtitles provided).
Yamanouchi, Nagano (Shibu Onsen)
Ryokan Koishiya (English) Happy Cow (English) Vegan options are available.
Wafu no Yado Masuya (English) If you let staff at this ryokan know your dietary requirements at time of booking, it’s reported that they will email to clarify what you can and can’t eat.
Hakuba, Nagano
Snowbird Pension (English) Facebook It was reported in 2018 that the chef makes meals to customers’ dietary requirements.
Kamiyamada Onsen, Nagano
Kameisei Ryokan (English) The cuisine page of their English-language website states that they provide vegan meal options (as well as gluten-free). The front page of the website links to the Happy Vegan Plan (English), which is accommodation with vegan breakfast and dinner.
Karuizawa, Nagano
Hotel Wellies (English) is run by a British owner. The website states that the chef creates lunch and afternoon tea with advance notice required and has Mondays and Tuesdays off. “Contact us for vegetarian / vegan options.”
Longing House (English) They specialize in using local vegetables and have a vegetable sommelier. There have also been reports that even children who dislike vegetables will eat the vegetables here. The website says “We also provide non-allergenic and vegetarian dishes on request. Please feel free to ask.”
Kiso District, Nagano
Kohsinzuka Inn (Koshinzuka) (English) Happy Cow (English) A hundred-year old old (or more) building in Ohtsumago, a bit away from the Tsumago Post Town preservation area, on the historical Nakasendo trail. Has a traditional irori (Japanese sunken hearth). Can provide vegan meals (breakfast and dinner) with advance request. They use homegrown vegetables as well as mountain vegetables in their cooking.
Gifu
Ichikawa Ryokan (English) Reported by Happy Cow (English) to be able to provide a macrobiotic menu with three days’ advance notice (vegan kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast, no lunch) and have plant-based soap in the onsen. The website states about the “Macrobiotics rice vegetarian” course, “We mainly use whole grains and local safe vegetables, and seasonings made using traditional methods. We do not use animal products, white sugar, or chemical products.”
Koemon (English) in Shirakawago is a minshuku is that reported to be able to accommodate vegans. The building is a traditional gassho-zukuri thatched roof style built in the Edo period. Meals using local ingredients are served in a room with an irori sunken hearth. The website specifically mentions they can make “vegetarian meals with fish” and “vegetarian meals…with fish broth” so their understanding of vegetarianism and veganism may be shaky- it will probably be necessary to describe exactly what you do and don’t eat.
Manpukuan Eisyouji Ryokan (English) (at Eishoji Temple), Magome. Reported by Happy Cow to be able to prepare vegan meals.
Nagahama, Shiga
Kameoka City, Kyoto
Teramachi’s House Kyoto Village Stay (English) A homestay where the English-speaking owner is reported to be able to cook a meal with you or for you. Inform them of your dietary requirements in advance.
Kyoto
Hiiragiya Ryokan (English)
Imu Hotel Kyoto (English) From Happy Cow: “A travelers’ hotel with cafe on the ground floor. Offers 2 vegan breakfast with drink and salad bar: a Japanese set with rice and a western style bread and soup. Offers 2 vegan lunch: fried tofu steak set with rice and a vegan curry set. Offers 2 vegan dinner options: fried rice and fried noodles. Reservations are required for lunch. NOTE: Reported fully vegan November 2022.
Izuyasu (English) This ryokan, built in 1839, is reported to be able to provide vegan breakfast and dinner with advance notice.
The Junei Hotel 京都 御所西 (English) A Facebook post of theirs from July 2019 stated, in English, “THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto offers Vegan in-room dining made from organic vegetables and gluten free foods, which does not use egg, milk, wheat, dairy products, meat, fish- no gelatin and any animal-derived ingredients. Enjoy Kyoto Vegan Cuisines at THE JUNEI HOTEL!” They can also introduce various vegan restaurants near the hotel. They can be contacted at info@juneihotel.com.
Photos courtesy of The Junei Hotel.
Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo/Hotel (English) They can accommodate vegans. Information about their Kyoto-style course meals is given here in English. The website has an options box where you select what you can’t eat and there is also a comments section where you can give additional information. It’s also been reported that they will confirm the vegan meal at check-in. Unfortunately, as of a review of the website in March 2024, it now reads “We cannot offer full vegetarian food.”
Maneki Machiya (English) Facebook (English) Instagram (English) A vegan and vegetarian-friendly traditional machiya lodging. They support animal welfare work in Japan as well as local school programs. Machiya are traditional wooden townhouses built before WWII.
The Reign Hotel Kyoto (English) Instagram (bilingual) The Eat section of their website says “To accommodate various preferences, we have included vegan options into our offerings. We welcome all vegans to come and enjoy them.” Breakfast and lunch are both available; after that is bar time. The restaurant is open to non-guests for an extra fee.
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (English) Particular restaurants on the property may be able to provide vegan meals with advance notice. Contact directly for more information.
Sakanoue (English) A ryokan that’s reported to be able to prepare vegan breakfast if you explain exactly what you do and don’t eat.
Seikoro Ryokan/晴鴨楼 (English) Facebook A traditional Japanese inn, established in 1831. They can switch katsuo dashi to kombu/shiitake dashi when the request is made in Japanese. It’s not known if they can take English-language requests, although the presence of an English-language website is a good sign.
Sunrise Suites (Booking.com English link) Reported in 2017 to offer a vegan breakfast option.
Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko (English) This fully vegan accommodation, opened in 2018, offers a breakfast that has been reported to be delicious and filling, as well as provides guests with tips about vegan eating options in and around the city.
Watazen Ryokan (English) Reported to be able to provide vegan breakfast and dinner with advance notice. The English-language website states, in the “Meal” section under “Vegetarian KAISEKI”: “This kaiseki is for vegetalians.You can taste traditional Japanese food such as tempura and sushi. The dishes are made by vegetable,to-fu and other ingredients(not including any meat and fish).What is more,we can exclude eggs for you.”
Osaka
Amami Onsen Nanten-en (English) in Kawachinagano City, Osaka advertises on their website that they can prepare food without animal products. The word “vegan” is not mentioned, only “vegetarian,” but it also states on the website’s “cuisine” page, “To cater to these guests, we offer meals free from animal products, and meals without pork or alcohol to the very best of our ability. Please feel free to talk with us about your personal preferences and needs.” The main building was designed by Tatsuo Kingo, who also designed Tokyo Station.
Fushioukaku (English) Located 40 minutes from central Osaka by train. Reported to be able to provide vegan course meals on request (in 2016)
Hotel Granvia Osaka (English) The Sky Dining AB restaurant on the 19th floor was reported to be able to do vegan course meals with advance notice. It closed for awhile, but as of June 2023 it is listed as reopened only for parties of ten or more with advance reservations, and as having the concept of a party space. The restaurants Fleuve and Osaka Ukihashi were listed on their English website as both being able to do vegan menus for groups of six or more; however it would be necessary to contact to inquire if they can make vegan food for smaller parties.
Liber Hotel (English) near Universal Studios Japan was reported in 2020 to make a special vegan menu for you if you ask when reserving.
Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel (English) Located on the upper floors of Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest building. The upscale Restaurant ZK (English) is reported to be able to do vegan course meals with advance notice.
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka (English) Particular restaurants on the property may be able to provide vegan meals with advance notice. Contact directly for more information.
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (English) The Tavola36 restaurant on the 36th floor was reported in 2017 to be able to make vegan course meals with advance notice. It appears to have possibly changed its name to Table36 (English), and the website does mention a vegetarian course menu, although the word “vegan” is not used.
Koyasan (Mount Koya), Wakayama
In September 2019, we inquired with the Koyasan Shukubo (temple lodging) Association about if the food served in all the shukubo is vegan. A staff member said that the temples don’t use meat/eggs/dairy in the food, but some might use fish stock (dashi). They don’t know which ones do and which ones don’t and you have to ask the specific temple you want to go to when making a reservation.
We have heard reports that some of the shukubo at Mount Koya do use fish powder.
The following shukubo has been reported to provide vegan food:
Sojin (Soujiin) The booking.com listing (English) in March 2024 states “For dinner and breakfast, we offer gluten-free vegetarian cuisine” but the food is vegan according to reviews. Reviews also mention people with tattoos are permitted to use the bath.
In 2020, the blog Japan Vegan (English) reported that from their research, the following two shukubo provide vegan food:
Ekoin (English) On the “Cuisine” page, Ekoin describes their shojin ryori as “No meat, fish, or other fish or raw meat odors are used, so it can also be enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans.” There is also a gluten-free option.
Daienin (English)
Unkai no Sato no Yado (English) is not a shukubo- it’s located slightly out of Koyasan and is a homestay where the owner is reported to be able to make delicious vegan meals on request.
Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Wakayama
Jugemu Guest House and Organic Farm (English) Reported to be able to provide vegan meals using home-farmed organic ingredients.
Kawayu Midoriya The website doesn’t mention it, but they’re reported to have arranged vegan food for a tour previously, so it may be possible they can do it again on request. Kumano Travel has some English-language information on the property.
Koguchi Shizen no Ie (English) An old school renovated as a lodge. Reported to be able to provide vegan food, including a lunch bento for the following day. The link lists it as “able to cater to vegetarians,” although the word “vegan” is not used.
Oomuraya The website states that if you are vegan, contact them as soon as possible and they will respond. Live Japan has some information on the property in English.
Organic Hotel Kirinosato Takahara (English) The website states they can arrange vegetarian food, etc., and they’re reported to have arranged vegan food for a tour previously. They need to know at least one day before you arrive.
Ryokan Yunomineso (English) An onsen ryokan that’s reported to prepare a 12-course meal with English explanation.
Okayama
Hakkei Yubara (English) An onsen hotel which can prepare all vegan meals on request. Their website says “We could also prepare vegan dishes, so please state your request at the time of reservation.” They use 50 kinds of vegetables in their cuisine. Meals are centered around vegetables and also include rice and miso soup.
Naoshima, Kagawa, Shikoku
Benesse House Hotel (English) The French restaurant Terrace Restaurant (Uminohoshi Etoile de la Mer) and the Japanese restaurant Museum Restaurant Issen (English) can adapt the course menus for any dietary restrictions, including vegan. The website states, for both restaurants, “Arrangements can mostly be made for those who have dietary needs or intolerance as long as they are specified in advance.” Cost for course menu approx. 8000 yen.
Ehime, Shikoku
Omeguri-an A minshuku in a traditional, yet renovated building. The website states that they serve vegan food (菜食玄米（ビーガン）).
Tokushima
Comichaya Private lodging in a farmer’s house, limited to one group per day. The cafe inside is called Pikiniki. Base meals are “veggie” per their website (with meat and fish being used as add-ons only on request) but do mention you are vegan when you book. They also own an inn next door.
Nōka resutoran kinokonosato (Farm Restaurant Mushroom Village) is reported to be able to provide excellent vegan meals.
Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima
Yamaichi Bekkan (English) Happy Cow (English) A small ryokan that clearly states on their website (English) that they can prepare vegan food. There is even a “vegetarian and vegan” section.
Iya Valley, Shikoku
Kunelasob (English) Instagram Facebook Vegan, vegetarian, macrobiotic meals in a 100-year-old house.
Beppu, Kyushu
Nagomitsuki Ryokan Reported to be able to make vegan meals if the reservation is made by a Japanese speaker. Run by Soumonsha Hospitality. Although the English-language Nagomitsuki Ryokan site seems to have disappeared, the “Dine” section previously stated “At Soumonsha Hospitality, we take great delight in ensuring that even those with special dietary requirements or religious beliefs can have pleasantness in dining experience. Please inform us about your special considerations when making a booking in advance so that our dedicated team can respond to your needs.”
Yufuin, Kyushu
Kirara This Japanese ryokan is also run by Soumonsha Hospitality, which runs Nagomitsuki Ryokan in Beppu. As with Nagomitsuki Ryokan, the English-language Kirara website seems to have disappeared, however, the “Dine” section of Kirara’s English-language website previously stated “At Soumonsha Hospitality, we take great delight in ensuring that even those with special dietary requirements or religious beliefs can have pleasantness in dining experience. Please inform us about your special considerations when making a booking in advance so that our dedicated team can respond to your needs.”
Kurokawa Onsen, Kyushu
Ryokan Sanga (English) The “Cuisine” (English) section of the website states “Please inform us of any food restrictions as far in advance as possible. We can accommodate your needs.” They are reported to be able to make vegan meals with advance notice.
Kumamoto, Kyushu
Ayunosato (English) Check this Food Diversity Today article (English) about the vegan course menu offered by this hot springs property. They also have vegan sake, certified by VegeProject Japan.
Hanagocoro This ryokan lodge property is a pet-friendly onsen estate that features cabins and duplex chalets in a secluded location. Run by the same Soumonsha Hospitality as Nagomitsuki Ryokan in Beppu and Kirara in Yufuin, the now-defunct English website of Hanagocoro previously said in the “dine” section: “Special dietary requests
We take great pleasure in ensuring that the dining experience is wholesome and delightful for all so those with special dietary requirements, religious considerations or any special requests inform us when booking or 3 days prior to check in so that our dedicated team can accommodate your needs.”
Okinawa, main island
Okuma Private Beach and Resort (English) Unusually for Japan, the Surf Side Cafe (listed in the “Restaurant” section of the property’s website) on the property is reported to be able to provide vegan food with a request at check-in (although asking ahead of time would probably be a good idea). The hotel website’s FAQ (English) says “Q. Are vegetarian meals available? A. After hearing your dietary requirements specifically in advance, we will take all reasonable measures. Please make a reservation at least 1 month in advance.
Restaurant reservation number: 0980-41-2274 (9:00-18:00)”
The Busena Terrace Beach Resort (English) This property in Nago is reported to prepare large portions of vegan food with advance notice.
Okinawa, Zamami Island
Minshuku Yadokari/民宿やどかり (English) Located 2 mins on foot from Ama beach, this accommodation is reported to provide small and clean rooms with shared toilet/showers and bicycles for use during your stay free of charge. They are said to be very flexible and accomodating with food requests. Breakfast and dinner is included in the price, with lunch available by request. Reported to use separate pans, etc. when cooking shared food like BBQ.
Is it Vegan? (Japan) 