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. 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 can’t be covered- Kamihoroso and Kashiwaya Ryokan are both listed as “all tattoos accepted” on the excellent website Tattoo Friendly (English). 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
Kamihoroso (English) This ryokan in the beautiful Daisetsuzan National Park is listed as accepting patrons with any tattoos on Tattoo Friendly (English).
Shiretoko Serai (English) Guesthouse/restaurant Owner reported to understand veganism and speak excellent English.
Tokachidake Onsen (English link), Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamifurano, Hokkaido
Furano, Hokkaido
Shojikimura (English) Happy Cow (English) Has a restaurant on the first floor with a vegetarian menu available. Some foods on vegetarian menu can be made vegan by removing the egg and milk.
Kiroro, Hokkaido
Kiroro Tribute Hotel (English) and Kiroro Sheraton (English) (have a food director who can arrange that the restaurants on the mountain, which are affiliated with the resorts, can have vegan food waiting for you at mealtimes)
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/宿坊 吉祥閣 (English) Shukubo that serves vegan meals as standard. Part of Osorezan Bodaiji temple (English). Contains a hot spring bath.
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 blog From Aomori has a bilingual article about Tabi no Yado Saikawa that talks about how they got started providing vegan food and provides plenty of photos of the food. 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.
Kaminoyama Onsen, Kamiyama City, Yamagata
Azumaya (English) A hot spring resort that has a vegan course menu (English) available.
Ubayu Onsen, Yonezawa, Yamagata
Fukushima
Dana Village (English) Facebook (some English provided) Instagram 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, although their Facebook says vegan/vegetarian. 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 they serve an eight-course plant-based meal. Confirmed in 2022 to serve only vegan food.
Kohukan/Kofukan (English) 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 one patron’s review of the situation 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) and check their listing on Tattoo Friendly (English).
Minakami, Gunma
Hot Spring Resort Matsunoi (English) has a western-style restaurant (洋食レストラン), shown at the bottom of the page, 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. Find out more at Hatago Travel (English), including about restaurants and cafes in the area that offer options. Hatago Travel lists the following accommodations as able 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 (English) Can make vegan, vegetarian, gluten free food when asked in advance.
Kisarazu, Chiba
Paprika Hotel (English) 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 (English) 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 (English) at the main area (4 min. walk, Fri-Sun & holidays) Check the Happy Cow listing here (English).
Mt. Mitake, Ome City, Tokyo
Komadori Shukubo English page From the English portion of their website: “Shukubo Komadorisanso, a centuries-old mountain lodge for pilgrims, is located nearby 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.
Guesthouse Fete (English) (as of October 2019, the cafe inside of it has English menus with marked vegan breakfast options, as well as soy milk for coffee drinks. It has been reported that they can make vegan options on request for other meals.)
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 (English) 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.
Prince Hotel Tokyo Kioicho has a spring vegan afternoon tea available from March 1st to May 8th, 2022.
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 (English) 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 La Vela here, 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 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 (katsuo 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.
Hoeiso (English) From their TripAdvisor listing (English): “If you have tatoo, please use the private bath. If you have a question,please send us e-mail. It has a private onsen-bathroom/shower (indoor )in each Japanese-style room. You can reserve the open-air bath privately for couples or families from 8:20 to 11:30 p.m.” However, as of April 2021, the policy was that if you have small tattoos it’s no problem to use the rotenburo (shared open-air hot spring bath) as long as you cover them. The property sells body stickers to use for that purpose. They can serve vegan food if they get the request at least 2-3 days before. They served original wagashi from local shop Chimoto as a welcome snack. It’s not known how well they can manage English-language requests.
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), “Please note that if you have tattoos and want to use the communal hot springs, use the private family baths instead, or book a room with a private one.” 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.) A vegan sweet was provided to each person upon check-in or made available in the hall with the teas and water 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.”
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 dining section of the website states they source from local, small-scale organic producers and that “Vegan or vegetarian meals can also be arranged provided reservation is made at least two days in advance.” 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. 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 (English) 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 this ryokan know your dietary requirements at time of booking, it’s reported that the staff will email to clarify what you can and can’t eat.
Hakuba, Nagano
Snowbird Pension (English) Facebook (English) 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). Reserve the vegan plan here (English).
Karuizawa, Nagano
Hotel Wellies (English) is run by a British owner. The website states “We also serve vegetarian dishes. If required, please contact us at least three days beforehand.”
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: “Special menues for Vegetarian. If you have food allergies, please tell us when you make a reservation.”
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 without fish broth 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 (English) (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.”
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. More information about the vegan food is available here (English).
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.
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 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 (English) 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: ““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
Hotel Granvia Osaka (English) The Sky Dining AB restaurant (English) on the 19th floor was reported to be able to do vegan course meals with advance notice, however, as of January 4, 2021, it is closed until further notice. The restaurants Fleuve and Osaka Ukihashi (English) are listed on the 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 (English) on the 36th floor was reported in 2017 to be able to make vegan course meals with advance notice.
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.
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 April 2021 states “Vegan meals are served for dinner and breakfast” but in the Q&A section it says that they provide vegetarian food and that you can also bring your own food. They also state that they accept guests with tattoos and they are also permitted to use the communal baths.
In 2020, the blog Japan Vegan (English) reported that from their research, the following two shukubo provide vegan food:
Ekoin (English) (The English-language Ekoin website itself describes the food as vegetarian)
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.
Oomuraya The website states that if you are vegan, contact them as soon as possible and they can arrange food for you. 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 and answer English queries at info at hakkeiyubara-jp. They use 50 kinds of vegetables in their cuisine. Meals are centered around vegetables and also include rice and miso soup.
Naoshima, 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. Cost for course menu approx. 8000 yen.
Tokushima
Comichaya Private lodging in a farmer’s house, limited to one group per day. The cafe inside is called Pikiniki. The main target for customers is vegans, according to the Tokushima Shinbun (Newspaper). 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. Crowdfunding to buy the building next door to convert it into accommodations to hold more guests.
Nōka resutoran kinokonosato (Farm Restaurant Mushroom Village) is reported to be able to provide excellent vegan meals. Accommodation is also available.
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.
Iya Valley, Shikoku
Kunelasob (English) Instagram Facebook Vegan, vegetarian, macrobiotic meals in a 100-year old house.
Beppu, Kyushu
Nagomitsuki Ryokan (English) Reported to be able to make vegan meals if the reservation is made by a Japanese speaker. Run by Soumonsha Hospitality. The “Dine” section of Nagomitsuki Ryokan’s English-language website states “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,” so it seems certain they can handle English-language requests as well.
Yufuin, Kyushu
Kirara (English) This Japanese ryokan is also run by Soumonsha Hospitality, which runs Nagomitsuki Ryokan in Beppu. The “Dine” section of Kirara’s English-language website states “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,” so it seems certain they can handle English-language requests as well.
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 Check this Food Diversity Today article (in English) about the vegan course menu offered by this hot springs property. They also have vegan sake, certified by VegeProject Japan.
Hanagocoro (English) 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 “dine” section of Hanagocoro’s website says (English): “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 (English) 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 Q&A (English) says “Q. If I have an allergy, is it possible to have a special meal option? A. Please call us in advance (email address vof at okumaresort.com)”
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 page
Is it Vegan? (Japan) 