Japan's food scene is notoriously difficult to navigate for vegetarians and vegans. But in the cosmopolitan city of Tokyo, it's no surprise that options are opening up to everyone. Restaurants now offer a range of high quality and delicious foods that contain no animal products whatsoever. At this point, your main problem may even be which one to choose, so we've picked our favourite restaurants with veggie options to save you the hard work!

The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan

Botanist Cafe, Harajuku

If your trip to Harajuku inspires you to live more stylishly, Botanist Cafe is the perfect place to take a break. The brand Botanist make hair and body care products, but on the second floor of their Harajuku store is a chic restaurant. The menu has a focus on health and beauty, using fresh ingredients and superfoods to give you a boost. Most of the food is either vegetarian or vegan, and clearly marked as such on the menu.

Afuri, Various Locations

You can’t leave Japan without slurping up a bowl of one of the country’s favourite comfort foods. Although it’s hard to find vegetarian Japanese dishes, the recent influx of tourists, along with growing awareness of the health benefits, has seen a rise in ramen restaurants catering to various dietary restrictions. We previously wrote an article listing the best vegan and vegetarian ramen options in Tokyo, but if we had to choose one, it would probably be Afuri. This flavoursome option has seasonal vegetables piled on top, and compared to ramen’s usual oily aftermath, you actually feel healthier after eating it.

Ain Soph Ripple, Shinjuku

We mentioned the healthy properties of other restaurants, but that's not to say that vegans can’t indulge too. Ain Soph Ripple, which is hidden away in Shinjuku among Kabuki-cho’s love hotels, deal in what they call ‘vegan junk food’. We’re talking cheeseburgers, mac n cheese, loaded fries, nachos, desserts. Every single thing on the menu is completely vegan and completely delicious.

Gonpachi Nori-temaki, Harajuku

The Gonpachi brand is known for their visuals and Gonpachi Nori-temaki in Harajuku is no different. The stylish and modern interior has a distinctly Japanese atmosphere thanks to the traditional elements in the décor. Temaki is a fun and casual Japanese dish, a type of sushi roll which you can eat with your hands. This makes it a convenient lunchtime quick meal, or perfect to take out for a picnic in the nearby Yoyogi Park. There’s a few vegan options on the menu including plum and yam or nori wasabi. Vegetarians can enjoy the omelette rolls. If in doubt, there’s English speaking staff that can help you out.

Kuumba Du Falafel, Shibuya

Falafel is a rare find in Japan, and as such, you’ll have to take a full-on, fifteen to twenty minute trek from Shibuya station to reach this Middle Eastern inspired eatery. But it’s completely worth it. The sandwiches are available in full or half size and the full one is a formidable opponent. It’s so big that you have to attack it with a fork before you can even think about biting into the sandwich. Packed with falafel, vegetables, salad, sauces and a massive dollop of hummus, this beast is vegetarian friendly and you won’t be left wanting.