Traditional Japanese Dishes That Can Be Made Vegetarian: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors, seasonal ingredients, and artistic presentation. But for vegetarian travelers, navigating traditional Japanese menus can feel intimidating–especially with hidden ingredients like fish-based dashi (broth) commonly used in soups and sauces. The good news is that many well-loved Japanese dishes can be adapted into delicious vegetarian versions without losing their authentic taste.

From sushi to tempura to hearty noodle bowls, Japan offers countless opportunities to enjoy its culinary culture while staying plant-based. This guide explores the best traditional Japanese dishes that can be made vegetarian, how to identify them, and what to look for when ordering in restaurants across Japan.

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Why Vegetarian Japanese Food Is Easier Than You Think

Japan’s culinary history includes centuries-old Buddhist shojin ryori cuisine, which is entirely plant-based and focuses on natural flavors. This heritage continues to influence modern Japanese cooking. Many traditional dishes use vegetables, tofu, seaweed, or grains as their foundation, making them easy to adapt into vegetarian meals.

Even in restaurants that don’t specialize in vegetarian food, you’ll often find plant-friendly options–or dishes that can be prepared without fish or meat upon request.

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Vegetarian Sushi: Beyond Fish and Seafood

When most travelers think of sushi, they picture tuna, salmon, or shrimp. But Japan’s original sushi variations were actually vegetable-based, and vegetarian sushi remains a delicious and authentic option today.

Popular Vegetarian Sushi Types

• Kappa maki – cucumber rolls
• Avocado maki – creamy and mild
• Natto maki – fermented soybeans (unique taste but widely loved)
• Oshinko maki – pickled radish rolls
• Shiitake nigiri – simmered mushrooms with deep umami
• Inari sushi – sweet tofu pockets filled with rice
• Ume shiso maki – plum paste and shiso leaves for a refreshing contrast

Most sushi restaurants can also make vegetable nigiri, such as egglant, asparaus, or seasonal vegetables.

Tips:

Ask if the rice contains dashi or if miso soup includes fish broth. Many modern sushi shops provide plant-based versions on request.

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Tempura: Light, Crispy, and Easily Vegetarian

Tempura is one of the easiest Japanese dishes to enjoy as a vegetarian. The batter is typically made of wheat flour, water, and egg (ask for egg-free batter if vegan), and the vegetables are simply deep-fried.

Common Vegetarian Tempura Ingredients

• Sweet potato
• Pumpkin
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms
• Lotus root
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Shiso leaves
• Seasonal vegetables

Tempura is often served with tentsuyu dipping sauce, with usually contains fish broth. Vegetarians can request salt instead, or ask if a vegetarian dipping sauce is available.

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Udon and Soba: Noodle Bowls That Can Be Made Vegetarian

Udon (thick white noodles) and soba (buckwheat noodles) are Japanese comfort foods enjoyed in all seasons. While the broth contains dashi, many shops now offer vegetarian options, especially in popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Vegetarian-Friendly Variations

• Kake udon / kake soba with vegetarian broth
• Kitsune udon – topped with sweet fried tofu (request vegetarian broth)
• Sansai soba – mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and sprouts
• Zaru soba – chilled noodles with dipping sauce (request soy sauce without dashi)

Tip:

Always ask: “Is the soup made without fish broth?” Many restaurants are happy to prepare plant-based versions.

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Donburi (Rice Bowls): Simple and Satisfying

Donburi dishes are hearty rice bowls topped with various ingredients. Vegetarian verisons are easy to create and can be found in casual eateries, temples, and organic cafes.

Vegetarian Donburi Options

• Tofu don – grilled or simmered tofu on rice
• Vegetable tempura don – crispy tempura over rice with soy-based sauce
• Mushroom don – shiitake, enoki, and oyster mushrooms sauteed in soy sauce
• Tamago don (for lacto-ovo vegetarians) – soft scrambled egg cooked in sweet soy

A simple bowl of white rice with pickles, tofu, and vegetables is also widely available in teishoku (set meal) restaurants.

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Japanese Curry: Rich, Comforting, and Often Vegetarian-Friendly

While Japanese curry is traditionally made with meat, many restaurants–especially chain shops and specialty cafes–offer vegetarian curry.

Plant-Based Curry Variations

• Vegetable curry with potatoes, carrots, and kabocha
• Mushroom curry
• Spinach curry
• Lentil or bean-based curry
• Coconut milk vegan curry

Look for shops that advertise:

• ベジカレー (vegetable curry)
• ヴィーガンカレー (vegan curry)

Japan’s curry is mild, thick, and comforting–perfect for a satisfying meal.

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Tofu Dishes: A Staple of Japanese Vegetarian Cuisine

Tofu is central to Japanese cooking, making it incredibly easy to enjoy vegetarian meals centered around soy-based dishes.

Must-Try Tofu Dishes

• Agedashi tofu – deep-fried tofu in broth (request vegetarian sauce)
• Yudofu – boiled tofu served with dipping sauces (famous in Kyoto temples)
• Tofu steak – pan-fried tofu in soy-based sauce
• Goma tofu – sesame tofu served in temples

Kyoto is especially famous for tofu-based meals due to its Buddhist traditions.

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Okonomiyai: Customizable Japanese Savory Pancakes

Okonomiyaki, often described as a Japanese savory pancake, can easily be made vegetarian.

Vegetarian Ingredients to Choose From

• Cabbage
• Green onions
• Mushrooms
• Corn
• Mochi
• Cheese
• Tofu

Ask the chef to omit meat and seafood, and confirm the okonomiyaki sauce is vegetarian (some contain fish extracts).

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Onigiri: The Perfect Vegetarian Snack

Onigiri (rice balls) are widely sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.

Vegetarian Fillings to Look For

• Umeboshi (pickled plum)
• Kombu (seaweed)
• Okaka (check for fish flakes; many versions are vegan)
• Yaki onigiri (grilled rice ball with soy sauce)

They are affordable, filling, and perfect for road trips or sightseeing days.

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Shojin Ryori: Japan’s Most Authentic Vegetarian Cuisine

If you want a 100% traditional vegetarian meal, shojin ryori–Buddhist temple cuisine–is a must-try.

Signature Elements

• Seasonal vegetables
• Seasame tofu
• Pickles
• Miso soups made without fish
• Tempura
• Stews and simmered vegetables

You’ll find the best shojin ryori near Buddhist temples in Kyoto, Koyasan, and Nikko.

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Japanese Sweets: Naturally Vegetarian

Many Japanese desserts are naturally vegetarian and made with plant ingredients like rice, beans, and matcha.

Popular Vegetarian Sweets

• Mochi
• Daifuku (sweet bean-filled mochi)
• Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with red bean paste)
• Warabi mochi
• Matcha parfaits
• Dango (sweet rice dumpings)

Perfect for dessert lovers who want to explore local flavors.

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Tips for Ordering Vegetarian Food in Japan

To ensure your meal is truly vegetarian, keep these tips in mind:

Useful Japanese Phrases

• 魚のだしは入っていますか？ – Does this contain fish broth?
• ベジタリアン用にできますか？ – Can you make this vegetarian?
• 肉と魚を抜いてください。 – Please remove meat and fish.

Apps That Help

• HappyCow
• Google Maps (search “vegan” or “vegetarian”)

Best Areas for Vegetarian Dining

• Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa
• Kyoto: Gion, Arashiyama
• Osaka: Namba, Umeda

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Enjoying Japan as a Vegetarin Traveler

Japan may be famous for seafood, but vegetarian travelers will find a rich world of delicious and authentic meals waiting for them. From temple cuisine and tofu dishes to vegetarian sushi and curry, Japan’s culinary landscape is far more plant-friendly than many visitors expect.

With a little knowledge of which dishes to look for–and how to request vegetarian preparation–you can enjoy a flavorful and fulfilling food journey across Japan.

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