Kyoto is a fantastic city for vegetarians. As Japan ancient capital it has a rich tradition of shojin ryori or Zen Buddhist temple cuisine which is entirely vegan and consists of multiple small dishes using seasonal ingredients.
Dining in a temple is a memorable highlight of any visit to Kyoto but there are also many vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city of both modern and traditional.
Moreover an increasing number of traditional restaurants that specialize in one dish such as ramen or gyoza, now offer meat-free options.
You might have trouble finding vegetarian options if you randomly walk into a restaurant since many dishes use dashi (fish broth).
After over two months of tracking down the best vegetarian food in Kyoto from casual ramen joints to sophisticated kaiseki here are our top picks for the best vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto (including many vegan options) along with a map of all the mentioned locations.
Tips for Being Veggie lover in Kyoto
The Upbeat Bovine site or app is the best asset for finding veggie-friendly dinners nearby.
Make beyond any doubt you have information on your phone so you can utilize Google Maps to discover your way around. Airalo eSIMs are the least demanding way to remain associated as you can set it up some time recently you arrive.
Many of these eateries are little, family-run places and were some of the time closed when we anticipated them to be open.
It’s worth checking their Instagram (or in some cases Facebook) pages some time recently you visit for any startling closures (you may have to utilize Google Interpret). It’s continuously a great thought to have a reinforcement plan.
Note that a few eateries don’t acknowledge credit cards. 7-Eleven is the best put to pull back cash with worldwide cards for free.
Downtown Kyoto and Gion are the best ranges to remain to have veggie alternatives adjacent. See our direct to where to remain in Kyoto for our suggested inns and ryokans.
Vegan and Vegetarian Ramen in Kyoto
We spend lost of times to find best quality Ramen in kyoto because it’s not easy to find out best out of best in very few choices of ramen.
1) Vegan Ramen Uzu
Uzu has the stylish vegan ramen in Kyoto. Not only is the broth flavourful and the noodles impeccably leathery, but it’s a whole experience.
You eat in a serene, darkened room with teamLab artwork projected on the wall and reflected on the collaborative table.
Every aspect of our mess was superb — the succulent sushi we began with, the rose kombucha, and the pistachio ice cream with matcha sauce for cate.
Of course, In the ramen is the star of the show with five types available. Simon enjoyed his Tsukemen( sichuan pepper racy miso), a rich peppery broth without condiments and polls on the side.
My Mountain Sauces ramen was indeed better featuring eight wild shops and a racy miso broth with a depth of flavour we did n’t find in other vegan ramens.
Uzu is n’t a budget ramen joint, but the quality of the food and atmosphere( and the fact that it’s 100 vegan) was worth it to us. Make sure to book at least a many weeks in advance in high season.
We also love the Uzu ramen shop at TeamLabs globes in Tokyo( see our Tokyo vertebrate companion), but they only have one type of ramen, and we prefer the Kyoto branch.
Location : 146 Umenokicho. It’s a bit little out on the way, a 15- nanosecond walk north of the Kawaramachi shopping area.
Hours : Open Tuesday – Friday from 11.30 am – 3 pm and 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm. Closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Credit cards payment : Yes.
2) Kyoto Engine Ramen
Kyoto Engine Ramen is actually popular with nonnatives as they’ve vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, and it’s in a central town position.
While they do serve meat then, they also have two vegan ramens, both of which are soy milk grounded. The Zesty is racy so that’s what we chose. Condiments are minimum( substantially green onions) but the broth is delicious.
It’s not a must visit for me, but some people rave about it, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. Anticipate to line however( and presumably partake a table) in this bustling spot. We awaited 15 twinkles at 5.45 pm but the line was a lot longer by the time we left.
Location : 580-2 Nakanocho into Kawaramachi shopping area.
Hours : Open from 12pm to 10pm every day (lunch opening is on a trial basis).
Credit cards payment : Yes.
3) Tokkyu Ramen
This essential,counter-seating ramen joint near Yasaka sanctum has no English sign so look for the red lantern and hand- written sign saying vegan and submissive ramen.
They offer one vegan ramen made with a delicate sesame miso broth outclassed with bean sprouts, cabbage, green onions, bamboo shoots, and sesame seeds.
It’s available in medium( plenitude for me) and large( huge but Simon managed it!) and is excellent value at 950 yen($ 6) for a medium.
It’s not our favourite vertebrate ramen in Kyoto, but it’s quick, affordable, and the position is accessible when sightseeing in Gion.
Location: On 30–4 Bishamonchō, Gion.
Hours: Open 11.30am to 8pm. Closed Wednesday.
Credit cards payment: No.
Kyoto Vegetarian Restaurants
All of this restaurants and cafes are totally vegetarian also some are vegan, so you can freely choose anything from menu.
4) Shigetsu
The stylish place to try Zen Buddhist cookery or shojin ryori in Kyoto is at Shigetsu inside Tenryu- ji tabernacle. The food is entirely vegan.
It’s located in the Arashiyama neighbourhood in the western hills and you can combine lunch with a day visiting the tabernacles, bamboo timber, and other lodestones in this lovely area.
See my detailed companion to the stylish effects to do in Kyoto for further sightseeing tips.
You dine on the bottom in a large tatami mat room with views of the tabernacle’s theater.
We ordered the cheapest lunch set (3800 yen/$24) and were served multiple small dishes on a red lacquer plate.
We couldn’t identify much of what we were eating, but that’s part of the culinary adventure and is the closest herbivores can come to kaiseki (Japanese fine dining).
We latterly learned that the mysterious jelly- suchlike cells were konnyaku, known in English as Devil’s Tongue, which is made from the root of the tuberous factory konjac.
Other dishes included goma dofu, yuba (wastes of soy milk skin), nasu dengaku (eggplant grilled with miso), nama- fu (raw wheat gluten), pickles, mushroom and cucumber salad in a sesame sauce, and pumpkin haze.
The food ranged from exquisite to odd and we loved the chance to try arbitrary stuff knowing that it was all meat-free, commodity we do n’t frequently get to do.
Be sure to make a reservation on their website immaculately at least a many weeks in advance as they do book up (we reserved two months in advance for peak afterlife dates in November).
Note that you must also pay the 500 yen tabernacle entrance figure (but it’s well worth visiting).
Location: 452 Shōōjichō, Sakyō-ku ( Japanese Language ).
Hours: Open from Fri – Sun 11.30am – 5pm (last order 4pm) but some time closes on random days so check first.
Credit cards payment: Yes.
5) Little Heaven
For high end, creative vegan food in Kyoto, go to Little Heaven. They make a ultramodern interpretation of shojin ryori — there are multiple courses of beautifully presented, seasonal dishes but some westernised dishes are mixed with the traditional Japanese.
We were seated in a private room on a western- style table and moderators overlooking a small arena.
Highlights of our menu included yuba cooked in colorful ways, an emotional plate of sushi( replicating eel, tuna, and scallops), and an incredibly delicate matcha tofu cheesecake.
There were so multiple beautiful glimmers like vegetables shaped like butterflies.
It’s in the Arashiyama area but a limited train stops from the main area.
You need to bespeak at least three days in advance, but a many weeks is better. You can telegraphlittle-heaven@heaven.zaq.jp or book via their website.
Location: Sagano hirakichou 8–29 Ukyou-ku.
Hours: Open from 12pm to 7pm. But Irregular opening days. Book Always First.
Credit cards payment: Yes.
6) Padma
This Kyoto vegan eatery has miscellaneous scenery, large windows overlooking the Kamo watercourse, and a small range of vegan products for trade.
At lunch Padma offers two set reflections and a curry plate. I got the most precious Peaceful lunch set which included rice, haze, and lots of small dishes.
It included a some soy meat dishes (deep fried and in curry) which I don’t generally like, but it was well set and the vegetables balanced it out.
Simon enjoyed the curry which was a generous quantity of food but lower variety than the lunch set.
Location: 2nd floor of Ebisu building ( door is to the left of Lawsons), Shimozutsumi-cho, 82.
Hours: Open from 12pm to 7pm. Closed Monday and Thursday.
Credit cards accepted: No.
7) Cafe Waka at Otera House (和香)
Shojin Cafe Waka is a Kyoto herbivorous eatery that offers delish Buddhist set lunches.
The place is a little off- the- beaten- track (we were the only travelers there), but it’s only a 15- min walk across the waterway from Gion.
Our set lunch included rice, miso soup, pickles, deep- fried soy meatballs, green flora with tofu, cold silken tofu in miso sauce, and vegetables in mayonnaise.
All the dishes except the galettes are vegan, but it’s stylish to check.
It’s great value at 1000 yen($6.40). Phone reservations are needed for groups of further than three people.
Location: Daizenin Temple. 397–9 Shinkaichō, Shimogyō-ku.
Hours: Open from 11.30 am to 3 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They can sell out very earlier so check out first.
Credit cards payment: No.
8) AWOMB
The Nishi-Kiyamachi branch of AWOMB presents a unique experience—craft your own vegan sushi.
Their offerings are entirely vegetarian and mostly vegan, with the exception of some honey used in certain drinks and desserts.
Situated in a traditional wooden house, the entrance takes you through a narrow garden path where you remove your shoes, but you dine at tables. It’s one of the rare vegan spots where we didn’t encounter other foreign visitors.
The sushi platter showcases a variety of seasonal vegetables, nori for wrapping, wasabi and other flavorings, alongside soup and rice. There’s even a map (in English) to help you identify everything.
We opted for the premium menu at an additional cost, but the extras didn’t seem worth it.
The flavors are quite mild, but we enjoyed the lighter meal and the peaceful ambiance.
Location: 405 Nanbach, It across the river from Gion side.
Hours: Open daily from 11.30am to 3pm and 5 to 7.30pm. But irregular closing days so check first always.
Credit cards payment Yes.
9) Cafebar Mokumoku
Mokumoku is a totally vegetarian (mostly vegan) cafe placed inside a shop that sells beautiful textiles and ceramics.
It’s a serene escape on one of Kyoto’s busiest tourist streets, which leads to the Yasaka Pagoda.
The menu here is quite simple, with a few vegan sweet treats and a rotating vegan lunch option. When we visit they had a delicious vegetable curry on the menu. Other times you might find soup or a more traditional Japanese set lunch being served.
If you get hungry while wandering around Gion, it’s a spot worth checking out. Just remember, their hours and menu can be a bit hit or miss.
Location: 87 Hoshinocho, Gion.
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday On 9am to 3pm. Closed on Monday and some irregular day also.
Credit cards payment: Yes.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
Some of the top vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Kyoto isn’t necessarily at vegetarian-only spots. The places listed below serve meat and fish, but they also offer vegan options.
These are great choices for dinner since many vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto only open for lunch. You’ll get to enjoy classic Japanese dishes like udon, gyoza, and okonomiyaki in a traditional setting.
For vegetarian sushi in Kyoto, check out these vegan-friendly restaurants (as mentioned earlier): Uzu (great as a starter before your ramen), Little Heaven (an upscale tasting menu), and AWOMB (create your own sushi rolls).
10) Mimikou for Udon
Whenever we’re in Kyoto, Mimikou is a must-visit for us. This cozy udon restaurant, close to Yasaka Shrine, is a hit with tourists.
Their English menu features two whole pages of vegetarian options, including ramen and curry donburi (rice bowls), but our favorite has to be the curry udon.
You can top your udon with kitsune (fried tofu), vegetable tempura, vegetables, and/or soy nuggets.
You get to choose the type of udon (we preferred the regular thick noodles), the spice level (medium was perfect for us), and any extra toppings.
The vegetarian menu is vegan, with the option to add an egg. They assure that no dashi is used in the soup.
It can get a bit messy, so make sure to use the paper bib they provide!
Location: 528–6 Gionmachi Minamigawa.
Hours: Open daily 11.30am to 3pm and 5 to 8pm.
Credit cards paymnet: Yes. ( But its machine always not working when we visit and according customer reviews )
11) Tousuiro for Tofu
Kyoto is renowned for its tofu and there are plenty of restaurants that specialize in it though they often use dashi.
The Gion branch of Tousuiro provides a vegan set menu and even a vegan and gluten free kaiseki set menu.
It’s not cheap, but it’s a unique experience, set in a traditional 130year old merchant house.
You will try tofu in all its forms, including goma dofu (sesame tofu), yuba, yudofu (a simmering pot of tofu and greens), and grilled miso-glazed dengaku tofu. We did get a bit tired of tofu by the end, but it was worth the experience.
You don’t need to book the vegan menu in advance anymore but for the gluten-free option still requires a reservation.
Since it’s a popular spot, it’s best to reserve a table anyway. If you’re booking by email be sure to do at least three days in advance.
Location: 38–1 Bisyamonten-Cho. A 15 minute walk from Keihan ‘Gion Shijo’ station.
Hours: Open daily 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm (9.30pm on Sundays).
Credit cards payment: Yes.
12) ChaoChao for Gyoza
This gyoza bar is a fantastic spot for a drink and a quick, affordable meal. The staff is friendly and can speak little bit English also.
At the Shijo-Kawaramachi branch of Gyoza ChaoChao, you’ll find an English vegetarian menu featuring five types of vegetarian gyoza, along with side dishes like bean sprout salad and deep-fried tofu.
Vegan options are clearly marked and include yuba gyoza and vegetable gyoza.
Every gyoza we tried was delicious, from mashed potato to yuba, mushroom risotto with cheese, and shibazuke (soy pulp and pickles).
Unfortunately, Gyoza ChaoChao has become very popular since our first visit, often with long queues outside (even at 5:30pm on a weekday). Although we love the food, an hour-long wait might not be worth it. Try going at 4pm to avoid the rush.
Location: Shijo-Kawaramachi branch at 312-1 Junpucho.
Hours: Open from 4pm to 11pm every day and from 2pm on weekends.
Credit cards payment: Yes.
International Vegan and Vegetarian Food Choice in Kyoto
While my previous recommendations highlighted the amazing Japanese vegetarian cuisine, sometimes we crave something a bit different, especially on longer trips.
Here are our favorite international spots for vegan food in Kyoto:
- Zirael – Located in Gion, this vegan restaurant offers salads made with local vegetables, paired with mains like dumplings or fried soy meat.
- Que Pasa – Don’t miss their delicious burritos with vegetarian and vegan options. Run by Japanese guys who spent time in California, they know their stuff. There are two locations (see the map below).
- Waco Crepes – Placed on a charming, quiet street in Gion, that cafe serves both sweet and savory gluten-free crepes with plenty of vegan choices. For lunch, we love the salsa and cheese crepe, which comes stuffed with salad.
- Ain Soph – Although it’s a well-known Kyoto vegan restaurant and not our absolute favorite, they do offer pretty good veggie burgers if you find yourself craving one.
- Vegginy – Another vegan cafe with massive veggie burgers and a variety of other dishes.
- Kyoto Beer Lab – This cool brewpub on our favorite canal street offers a tasting flight of beers with snacks like nuts and pickles. Vegan options are clearly marked, but it might not be the place for a hearty meal.
These places provide some great options to mix things up a bit while still enjoying delicious vegan food in Kyoto!
For vegetarians in Kyoto, we also recommend:
Monk :Their tasting menu of roast vegetables and wood-fired pizza was one of our favorite meals in Kyoto. While they cater to vegetarians, they don’t have vegan options. Getting a table is challenging you need to book on Table check at exactly 12pm JST, two months in advance. It sell very fast, so be prepared. Our Monk Kyoto restaurant review offers step-by-step instructions for securing a reservation.
There are several fantastic spots for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Kyoto. Vegans, however, will be limited to pizzas without cheese.
Pizzeria Da Naghino : A delightful pizza place about a 15 min walk from Gion.
Pizzeria Napoletana Da Yuki : Always book first before gone. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but we liked that the other diners were all locals.
Goichi Pizza – Popular with tourists, this spot is closer to downtown. We enjoyed their green salad as well as the pizzas. Go early or make a reservation.
Summary
I hope you have as much fun exploring Kyoto’s vegetarian delights as we did There are so many more vegetarian and vegan restaurants that we didn’t get a chance to try. If you discover any more gems then feel free to leave a comment below with your recommendations. Enjoy your adventure!
