Japan Vegetarian Food Experiences(481)
Ramen Noodle Making Experience in Kyoto
If ramen noodles aren’t accessible in your home country, how about learning how to make it from scratch? At a ramen shop in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, you’ll mix, roll and cut your dough.
Sumo Wrestler Challenge and Lunch in Tokyo
Uncover the world of sumo less than 30 minutes from central Tokyo! At Yokozuna Tonkatsu Dosukoi Tanaka, you can feast on Chanko Nabe and Tonkatsu alongside a sumo match. After your meal, it’s your turn to square off with a former sumo wrestler.
Private Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience
A Japanese cultural practice that originated in Kyoto, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a licensed tea ceremony instructor. Enjoy high-quality Kyoto matcha and intricate Japanese sweets, as you learn about tea ceremony etiquette.
Vegan Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class
Vegan food is delicious, satisfying, and fun in this vegan ramen and gyoza cooking class!
Shizuoka Tea Farm Tour with Factory Visit and Tea Tasting
Stroll through lush green fields, experience tea leaf picking, enjoy a Japanese tea tasting, visit a tea factory, and more!
Tokyo National Museum Historic Teahouse Tour & Dining (Ueno)
Indulge in a premium dining course, learn to whisk matcha to enjoy with traditional sweets and bask in the sights of a historical treasure trove in this experience in a 280-year-old teahouse inside the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.
Hakata Food Tour: 7 Dishes & 4 Drinks at 4 Yatai Stalls
In this private yatai-hopping tour, enjoy dinner and drinks at up to four yatai food stalls in Nagahama and Neo-Nakasu, two distinctive yatai areas in Hakata, with a local expert foodie guide. Hotel pick-up and transportation by taxi are included!
Mochi and Traditional Sweets Making with Tea Ceremony
A delicate craft, learn the art of wagashi and transform a mixture of sweet bean paste and mochi into delightfully artistic sweets! These sweet creations are complemented by the cup of matcha tea that you’ll also learn to whip up.
Harajuku Sweets & Street Food Tour With Shizuka Anderson
Join the host of Japan byFood’s Youtube channel, Shizuka Anderson, for an unforgettable tour of Harajuku! Enjoy both sweet and savory street food, purikura photos, shopping, and a meal together with drinks.
Food Tour Adventure in Hiroshima at Night
This Hiroshima tour features 10+ different foods besides the standard okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) that’s famous in the area. Visit Hon Dori, one of Hiroshima’s shopping streets, then check out the winding alleys and bars with a local guide.
Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District
For over 400 years, Kyoto’s Fushimi Sake District has been producing some of Japan’s most premium sake. During this sake brewery tour, visit a sake museum, tour a historic brewery, and taste a variety of sakes with a guide.
Eat and Drink Like a Local in Ueno
Just outside of the restless Tokyo city center, there are bars, restaurants, and shops that are seldom frequented by tourists. During this tour, your guide will give you the opportunity to have an authentic and local experience in Ueno.
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.
Back to Edo: Sensoji and Asakusa Food Tour
Centered on historic Asakusa, this tour covers Sensoji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest temple) and the neighboring Nakamise Shopping Street. Hear stories about the area from local guides and get insight into Japanese dining etiquette and food culture.
Private Fluffy Pancake Making Class in Setagaya, Tokyo
Sweet lovers, rejoice! Learn to make soft, fluffy pancakes and decorate them with seasonal fruit and whipped cream in this Tokyo home cooking class with a friendly local host in Setagaya.
Homemade Udon and Traditional Calligraphy Class in Tokyo
During this Japanese culture class in Tokyo, learn how to make the satisfyingly thick and chewy udon noodles from scratch, and use traditional Japanese calligraphy tools to write a kanji character of your choosing.
Make Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) & Matcha with Nariko (Kyoto)
Unleash your inner confectionary artist with a nerikiri-making class in Kyoto! Join Nariko to learn how to make 5 different nerikiri (Japanese wagashi sweets) then enjoy a matcha-making & tasting experience.
Handmade Udon Cooking Class w/ Tempura & Tamagoyaki (Tokyo)
Thick, chewy, and satisfying, udon noodles are endlessly slurpable. During this cooking class in Tokyo, you’ll learn to make these noodles from scratch alongside tempura, everyone’s favorite Japanese side dish, with your friendly host.
10 Kinds of Matcha Tasting & Matcha-Making Session (Tokyo)
Deepen your understanding of matcha tea with a former tea farmer and matcha expert. Try eight kinds of tea from across Japan, each with different colors and aromas, learn the best way to whisk frothy matcha and enjoy matcha latte and sweets.
Osaka Izakaya Foods Cooking Class w/ a Chef
In this cooking class in Osaka, chef Yuki draws from her experience working at a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded izakaya restaurant to teach you how to make staple izakaya dishes. An option to enjoy three kinds of sake with your meal is available.
Traditional Japanese Wagashi Making Class in Kyoto
Japan’s cultural capital is the perfect place to learn to make “wagashi,” the traditional Japanese confections made of sweet bean paste and mochi. Join this workshop with an experienced wagashi teacher and make your own artistic and delicious sweets!
Amezaiku Candy Sculpting Workshop in Tokyo
Try your hand at amezaiku, the traditional Japanese art of sugar sculpting, during this special workshop at a studio near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district. Led by an instructor, learn to make an adorable edible rabbit the traditional way.
Shibuya Scramble: Hidden Bars & Lively Izakayas
Experience true Tokyo nightlife with a private bar hop and izakaya crawl through Shibuya! Visit a selection of hidden bars, local watering holes, and explore the city’s backstreets alongside your English-speaking Japanese guide.
Private Bar Hopping in Downtown Kyoto
Kansai region residents will guide you through the streets of Kyoto, sharing the city's rich and beautiful history and culture. Drinking alongside the locals, you can experience Japan in a way most tourists can only dream of.
Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour & Okonomiyaki Dinner
Hiroshima suffered the worst of the war, yet it became a powerful symbol of peace. On this bike tour, you’ll explore the city’s landmarks while hearing insights and stories from a local guide, and enjoy a classic Hiroshima-yaki dinner.
Sushi Making Class Near Nishiki Market (Kyoto)
In this sushi making class near Gion and Nishiki Market, less than 10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, savor the quintessential flavors of Kyoto. Learn to make three kinds of sushi, taste local seasonings, and indulge in dessert.
Customizable Ramen-Making Class in Kyoto
Make a customized bowl of ramen in Kyoto with gluten-free, halal, pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan options. Learn how to make the noodles from scratch and personalize the broth for a unique and delicious ramen experience.
Rolled Sushi Bento-Making Class at Yoko’s Kamakura Home
A popular coastal town and sightseeing location, Kamakura is just a short train ride from Tokyo. Join Yoko in her Kamakura home and learn how to make makizushi (rolled sushi) and 3-4 side dishes. As a bonus, you’ll also join a calligraphy lesson!
Recent Reviews from GuestsDiscover the Best Vegetarian Food Experiences
Are you a vegetarian searching for delicious and unique food experiences? Look no further! Japan, a country famed for its culinary brilliance, offers a plethora of vegetarian food options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From traditional dishes to innovative creations, there's something here for every vegetarian food lover. Join us as we explore some of the best vegetarian food experiences that Japan has to offer.
Traditional Vegetarian Delights
Japan’s rich culinary culture offers an array of vegetarian delights, many of which are steeped in tradition. A cornerstone of Japanese vegetarian cuisine is Shojin Ryori, a type of Buddhist cuisine developed by monks. This dining experience is not only meat-free but also free of strong flavors such as garlic and chives to maintain a pure taste. Shojin Ryori is centered around natural ingredients, seasonal vegetables, tofu, and rice, making it a wholesome and spiritual dining experience.
Another staple in Japanese vegetarian options is Tempura, which has a variety of vegetables like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers dipped in a light batter and fried till golden and crispy. Served with a delicate dipping sauce, vegetarian tempura provides a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Sushi lovers can indulge in vegetarian varieties of this classic Japanese dish. Options range from simple cucumber rolls and avocado rolls to more elaborate creations featuring pickled vegetables, and even faux seafood made from plant-based ingredients.
Modern Vegetarian Innovations
Contemporary chefs in Japan are pushing the boundaries of vegetarian cuisine with innovative dishes that appeal to both locals and tourists alike. There is a burgeoning trend of using plant-based substitutes to create vegetarian-friendly versions of traditionally meat-based dishes. Popular options include vegetarian ramen, where the broth is made from vegetables or seaweed, topped with an array of fungi and vegetables.
Bento boxes have also evolved with vegetarian-friendly choices. These beautifully arranged meals offer a balanced combination of grains, proteins, and vegetables, typically including items such as grilled tofu, seasonal salads, and vegetable tempura.
Cooking Classes and Culinary Tours
For those who want to dive deeper into Japanese vegetarian cuisine, participating in a cooking class or culinary tour can be an enriching experience. Experienced chefs offer classes where you can learn to make traditional vegetarian dishes such as fresh sushi rolls, tasty tempura, or a complete Shojin Ryori meal. Culinary tours also offer a unique perspective, often guiding you through local markets where you can sample fresh produce and try out vegetarian street food.
With these varied and delicious options, Japan proves to be a perfect destination for vegetarian food enthusiasts. Whether you are indulging in traditional Japanese meals or exploring modern vegetarian innovations, your taste buds will be delighted with the incredible flavors and textures inherent in Japanese vegetarian cuisine.