Although vegan and vegetarian meals in Japan have long been associated only with Buddhists and temple kitchens, recently, things are beginning to change! Below is a selection of Kyoto's restaurants that are dedicated to vegetarian or vegan cooking, plus a number where at least a few such options are normally on the menu. We have linked to English websites whenever possible. Bon appetit!
A vegan speciality of Kyoto that you should definitely try is shojin ryori, a cuisine traditionally eaten by people who live by a strict Buddhist doctrine, like monks. This style of cooking allows no meat and fish, and also does not contain root vegetables like onions or leek garlic where eating the plant will kill it. In contrast, beans and fruits are allowed. Another version of Buddhist cuisine called fucha ryori is prepared by the Obaku school of zen.
You can sample shojin ryori at restaurants and even temples in Kyoto, but in most temples a prior reservation is necessary. Note also that temple restaurants offer only lunch and may close very early.
Recently, more and more Kyoto restaurants embrace plant-only menus. Here are a few of the vegan restaurants and cafes in Kyoto that do not use any animal products in their meals and drinks.
Kyoto's vegetarian restaurants and cafes have many fans, and while cooking mostly plant-based meals, they also allow milk, eggs, honey, etc. in their dishes. The selection of food ranges from traditional to modern Japanese as well as international cuisine.
Going out with a larger group often means to compromise on both sides of the meat vs. no meat divide. Tofu and yuba (tofu skin) restaurants are always a good option if you want to go for authentic Japanese cuisine, and they often have vegetarian options (make sure to ask beforehand).
Here are some restaurants in Kyoto where you can find vegetarian or even vegan options on the menu. There are also many excellent Indian restaurants in Kyoto, where you can eat meat as well as vegetarian dishes.
This is only a small selection of the vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto. Did we miss one that absolutely needs to be on the list? Please let us know and we'll add it above. Thank you!
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