Japan Vegan Onigiri Food Experiences(17)
Onigiri Making & Amazake Tasting Workshop Near Tokyo Tower
In this private cooking and tasting experience in central Tokyo, you’ll learn how to make onigiri (rice balls) and take part in an amazake (fermented rice drink) tasting alongside a team of dedicated professionals.
Kyoto Home Cooking Class at a Local Izakaya
Immerse yourself in Japanese izakaya culture by making three classic dishes at a local izakaya in Kyoto before sitting down to enjoy your meal with a complimentary drink as you kanpai (cheers) with your group!
Osaka Breakfast-Making Class: Japanese Onigiri & Miso Soup
Put on your apron and create your own onigiri and miso soup, two of Japan’s beloved breakfast and all-day snacks, in a cozy home kitchen in Namba using an original recipe. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and more options are available.
UNESCO Recognized Washoku Cooking Class
Learn how to make the UNESCO-recognized “washoku” (traditional Japanese cuisine) during a cooking class in central Tokyo! Learn the fundamentals of Japanese cooking while making 4 different dishes with an English-speaking culinary instructor.
Private Cooking Class in Kyoto: Make a Tonkatsu Cutlet Meal
Learn to make a crispy tonkatsu cutlet meal with a Kyoto foodie and culinary researcher in this cooking class only 10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. Gluten-free, vegan, halal-friendly and vegetarian options available!
Vegan or Vegetarian Home Cooking Class w/ Miso in Nagoya
In this vegan & vegetarian cooking class, learn to prepare four staple miso-based dishes — including tofu “katsu” sandwich and onigiri filled with mushroom tempura — with an experienced and friendly host only 30 minutes by train from Nagoya Station.
Yanaka Bento-Making Class & Calligraphy Workshop (Tokyo)
Escape the crowds in Tokyo and relax with a local calligraphy workshop and bento lunch-making class in Yanaka, a district near Ueno that retains its retro charm.
Onigiri Bento-Making Class in Yanaka (Tokyo)
In this onigiri-making class in Tokyo’s Yanaka area, craft an adorable selection of unique onigiri before arranging a delicious bento box with your onigiri alongside an array of local staples like fried chicken and Japanese-style omelets.
Yanaka Food Tour, Bento-Making & Cultural Workshop (Tokyo)
Discover Yanaka, a Tokyo gem near Nippori and Ueno, in this unique experience led by locals. On this day tour, you’ll explore the area, visit Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza, try local snacks, make your own lunch and take part in a cultural workshop.
Private Teriyaki Chicken Meal Cooking Class in Kyoto
Make a delicious chicken teriyaki meal in this private cooking class with a foodie and culinary researcher in central Kyoto. Gluten-free, vegan, halal-friendly and vegetarian options can be accommodated (with deep-fried tofu instead of chicken).
Healthy Japanese Home Cooking Class in Tokyo (Setagaya)
Enjoy a healthy, sugar-free Japanese meal in this home cooking class in central Tokyo that can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal-friendly options. Make rolled omelet, onigiri rice balls, soup, mochi, and more!
Soy Sauce Pressing & Onigiri-Making in Asuka, Nara
Dive deep into the ancient food practices of Japan. Learn to cook a variety of red rice used in the Asuka period, then experience hand pressing and bottling fresh soy sauce from the local brewery and cook onigiri rice balls in Asuka, Nara.
Onigiri Bento Making Workshop & Picnic in Yokohama
Pack a bento box and enjoy it like a local in this cozy experience in Yokohama. Learn to make onigiri and miso soup guided by a local host, and pack your meal in a cute bento to enjoy outdoors at a local park together. A vegan option is available!
Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour & Izakaya Cooking w/ Sake Pairing
Discover Japan’s sake-brewing traditions by touring a 300-year-old sake brewery in Kyoto, then learn how to make a few staple dishes during an izakaya-themed cooking class. Enjoy classics like oden or yakitori paired with three types of sake.
All About Rice: Private One-Night Farm Stay in Tsu, Mie
Embark on a journey through the countryside and enjoy a private overnight stay in a farm in Tsu, Mie Prefecture. Meditate at a local temple, meet farmers, and learn about organic rice harvesting methods. Dinner, breakfast and lunch are included.
Private Japanese Rice Farm Tour w/ Lunch in Tsu, Mie
Explore Japanese rice culture in this private farm tour in the countryside of Tsu, Mie Prefecture. Interact with farmers, learn about rice production and cooking, and enjoy a delicious meal with Matsusaka beef and other local Mie specialties.
Private Mie Farm Tour: Temple Meditation & Rice Experience
Revitalize body and mind in this private experience in rural Tsu, Mie Prefecture. You’ll meditate at a historical local temple, stroll the village, interact with farmers, learn about rice production, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Recent Reviews from GuestsExplore the Delight of Vegan Onigiri
Japan is famous for its delicious and diverse culinary options, and Onigiri is one of its most beloved snacks. Onigiri, also known as rice balls, offers a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Whether you're a vegan or simply exploring plant-based foods, vegan onigiri offers a delightful experience that combines traditional Japanese ingredients with modern, plant-based innovation.
Traditional onigiri is made with rice and often filled with fish or meat, but the vegan versions use a variety of creative and delicious alternatives such as pickled vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and sea vegetables. These fillings complement the lightly salted rice, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal or snack that can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates wholesome food. Vegan onigiri is not only a testament to how adaptable and versatile traditional foods can be, but also a demonstration of how they can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
Unique Vegan Onigiri Flavors
One of the highlights of exploring vegan onigiri is the variety of flavors and textures you can experience. These vegan snacks often feature ingredients like umeboshi (pickled plum), a classic component that adds a tangy, sour touch to balance the mildness of the rice. Other popular fillings include miso-marinated tofu, which brings a rich, savory flavor, and shiitake mushrooms that add a hearty, umami boost. Additionally, seaweed wraps used in many onigiri offer a hint of the ocean, enhancing each bite with their distinct taste.
Exploring these options provides an excellent opportunity to understand how traditional flavors can be reimagined to fit modern dietary choices, making them perfect for vegans and those who want to try something new. These vegan onigiri delights not only are flavorful but are also beautifully packaged, making them excellent for on-the-go meals, picnics, or a quick yet satisfying lunch at work.
The Cultural Enjoyment of Vegan Onigiri
Beyond their taste and convenience, vegan onigiri provide an immersive cultural experience. Making or tasting these rice balls connects you with centuries of Japanese culinary tradition. Vendors across Japan offer a personalized touch with handmade vegan onigiri, ensuring you experience the authentic textures and flavors these rice balls are known for.
Preparing vegan onigiri at home can be a joyous activity, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and shapes. The process is simple and requires a few easy-to-find ingredients, making it possible for anyone to recreate this iconic snack in their home kitchen. Whether you're a fan of Japanese cuisine or a vegan food enthusiast, this culinary practice offers a unique way to bring a piece of Japan to your dining table.
With each bite, vegan onigiri offer a taste of Japan's rich culinary heritage, and exploring these options can be both a delightful and educational experience. Whether you are a local or a traveler searching for exciting and tasty plant-based foods, vegan onigiri is a must-try.