Vegetarian Food Experiences(446)
Vegan Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class
Vegan food is delicious, satisfying, and fun in this vegan ramen and gyoza cooking class!
Shinjuku Food Tour: Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho and Golden Gai
Explore Shinjuku’s famous nightlife areas! A local tour guide will whisk you away to several bars, hitting the laid-back Omoide Yokocho for yakitori, passing the red light district Kabukicho, and landing at an Izakaya in Golden Gai, a Tokyo icon.
Hakata Yatai Hopping: Fukuoka Street Food Tour
Take to Hakata’s streets and numerous yatai food stalls with a local expert and fellow food lover! Experience the various foods, from ramen and gyoza to international cuisine, and enjoy some special stalls popular with the locals.
Homemade Sushi Making Class in Tokyo
During this sushi making class in Tokyo, you’ll make several kinds of sushi including nigiri, inari, thin sushi rolls, and a California roll. Learn about the history of sushi, local ingredients, and sushi making techniques from your kind local host.
Izakaya Food Cooking Class in Kyoto
Love izakaya (Japanese pub) foods? This cooking class in Kyoto will teach you how to make a variety of dishes that pair perfectly with sake and beer! Enjoy the cozy, homey atmosphere and learn about the foundational ingredients of Japanese cuisine.
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.
Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour
Unlock the secrets of Japanese sake during a visit to one of Tokyo’s oldest sake breweries. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous brewing process, enjoy a sake pairing, and learn about the history of this beloved national drink.
Sushi-Making Class with Professional Chef in Tokyo
Make your own sushi with a professional chef! Learn firsthand all that goes into making nigiri sushi, including cutting sashimi and learning how to use a roller. Enjoy your creations with a delicious, homemade set meal that accompanies sushi.
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.
Shinjuku Nightlife: Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, & Kabukicho
Eat and drink your way through Shinjuku–Tokyo’s renowned nightlife district–alongside an English-speaking Japanese guide. Discover hidden bars, local izakayas, make friends, and lifelong memories during this quintessential nightlife experience.
Tokyo Omakase Sushi Experience with Personal Chef
The spirit of “omotenashi” (hospitality) is alive at this upscale sushi restaurant in Tokyo. During this private omakase meal, you’ll leave all the menu decisions up to the chef, for an unforgettably luxurious sushi dining experience.
Tempura Udon and Gyoza Cooking Experience in Tokyo Home
Tempura udon and gyoza are a match made in culinary heaven. Learn how to make these iconic Japanese dishes at a home cooking class in Tokyo. Once you’ve mastered these dishes, enjoy your meal and take home a recipe booklet at the end.
Tsukiji Fish Market Tour with Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of one of Tokyo’s most famous markets: Tsukiji Market. From a variety of seafood vendors and street food stands, your guide will take you to four can’t-miss spots for the freshest seafood!
High-End Omakase Tempura Course Meal at Tempura Ono
Expert tempura Japanese course menu by a world-class chef. A fine dining experience with a traditional fried tempura menu. Personalized luxurious omakase dinner. Famous VIP and overseas guests recommended organic washoku dining.
UNESCO Recognized Washoku Cooking Class
Learn how to make the UNESCO-recognized “washoku” (traditional Japanese cuisine) during a cooking class in central Tokyo! Learn the fundamentals of Japanese cooking while making 4 different dishes with an English-speaking culinary instructor.
Sushi-Making Experience in Tokyo (Cooking Class in Asakusa)
Make authentic Japanese sushi from scratch at a cooking class in Asakusa, a historic district in Tokyo! Your expert hosts will guide you from rice to roll, teaching you about the history and culture surrounding sushi and the famed Asakusa district.
Tea Ceremony Experience in Asakusa
Experience a time-honored piece of Japanese culture in Asakusa, Tokyo’s traditional district. Learn about the art and history of Japanese tea ceremonies, and try your hand at preparing and serving your own matcha!
Private Ramen Tour in Tokyo by Local Ramen Expert Hiroshi
Join ramen expert Hiroshi, who comes from a family with generations in the business of ramen-making, and take a personalized tour in Tokyo, trying two different styles of ramen at two of his recommended ramen shops.
Absolute Osaka Food Tour
Join this tour in Minami Osaka, where gleaming lanterns light the path from restaurant to restaurant, and larger-than-life food signs indicate glorious gyoza and seafood within. Explore 4 food stops and a local restaurant with a knowledgable guide.
Gion Tour with Kaiseki Meal in Kyoto at Night
Join a local guide as you stroll the cobbled streets of Gion and the Pontocho alley, and take in the atmosphere and local culture and history. After exploring, sit down to an elegant, multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Kyoto Decorative Sushi Cooking Class (Private)
Learn to make creative decorative sushi rolls called kazarimaki in this private sushi-making class at your instructor's home near Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Made with plant-based ingredients, these colorful sushi rolls are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Seasonal Home Cooking Class in Kyoto
Delve into Japanese home cooking at a family house located only 10 minutes from the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Guided by a local cooking instructor, you’ll prepare an appetizing lunch using seasonal and organic ingredients.
Traditional Kyoto Udon Making from Scratch
Experience making Kyoto udon and savoring it in the same prefecture where the dish’s name originates. Fun, family-friendly hands-on cooking class.
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.
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!
Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour
Strolling through Kyoto’s Pontocho and Gion is like entering another era—all cobbled streets, amber lighting, and traditional architecture. Visit 4 stops and taste the delicate Kyoto cuisine, notable for its seasonal ingredients and presentation.
Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this traditional tea ceremony is held in Kyoto, the city where tea culture first emerged in Japan. Amid all the sightseeing, take a moment to slow down with a bowl of matcha.
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.
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