Travel Vegan: Japan (Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Osaka)

Japan is often considered one of the most challenging places in Asia to find vegan food, but during my visit to Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa and Osaka in 2025, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the vegan scene evolved. 

My first visit was right after the Covid-19 epidemic and we lived of Lawson's and Seven Eleven, as nothing else was open. Reflecting a growing global awareness of plant-based living, Japan is steadily embracing veganism, offering creative and delicious options for travellers and locals alike.

Over the next few weeks, I'll share highlights of the incredible vegan food we encountered on this trip. There was no shortage of culinary adventures!

The vegan landscape in Japan is thriving more than I anticipated. Dedicated vegan restaurants, creative plant-based twists on traditional Japanese cuisine, and the increasing availability of vegan friendly snacks all point to a growing demand for plant-based options. This shift makes it an exciting time to explore Japan as a vegan traveler.

Stay tuned for detailed reviews of some of the standout restaurants and dishes we tried in Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa and Osaka.