Vegetarian Food Experiences(471)
Experience a Tea Ceremony in a 130-Year-Old Tearoom in Kyoto
Experience a Japanese tea ceremony in a 130-year-old townhouse in Kyoto! Learn about the history, culture, and etiquette of this ancient ritual, enjoy matcha with traditional Japanese sweets, and learn how to make matcha the traditional way.
Sushi & Miso Soup Cooking Class w/ Pro Chef in Osaka
Chef Yuki draws from her experience at a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded izakaya to teach this cooking class where you’ll make 3 kinds of sushi (nigiri, hosomaki, and futomaki), and prepare a classic Japanese miso soup under her expert guidance.
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.
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!
Vegan / Vegetarian Ramen Tour in Tokyo
Taste 2 mini bowls of Hokkaido-style ramen and 2 mini bowls of fusion ramen during this vegan food tour in Tokyo!
Osaka Izakaya Foods Cooking Class w/ a Chef
In this cooking class in Osaka, chef Yuki draws from her experience working at a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded izakaya restaurant to teach you how to make staple izakaya dishes. An option to enjoy three kinds of sake with your meal is available.
Ramen Class with Handmade Noodles and 3 Ramen Types
Learn how to make ramen noodles from scratch at home, then add your finished noodles to three different ramen broths. From the classic soy sauce ramen to the delicate-tasting salt ramen and the punchier miso ramen–you’ll get to taste all three!
Authentic Japanese Sushi Cooking Class in Kyoto
In historic Kyoto, renowned for its picturesque temples and shrines, learn how to make two types of sushi (sushi rolls and round temari-zushi) and the soup stock dashi, which forms the foundation of many Japanese dishes.
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.
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.
Customizable Ramen-Making Class in Kyoto
Make a customized bowl of ramen in Kyoto with gluten-free, halal, pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan options. Learn how to make the noodles from scratch and personalize the broth for a unique and delicious ramen experience.
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.
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 private nightlife experience.
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.
Osaka Local Market Tour & Cooking Class
Tour a local market and learn to cook your favorite Japanese food with a friendly bilingual host! This family-friendly class is less than 30 min by train from Osaka Castle & Osaka Station. Vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and other options available!
Washoku: Authentic Japanese Cooking Class (Fushimi, Kyoto)
Learn how to make traditional Japanese food at a washoku cooking class near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto! Spend time in a traditional home, learn how to make a range of washoku dishes, enjoy your handmade meal, & explore a Japanese supermarket.
Private Nerikiri Sweets Making Class in Setagaya (Tokyo)
Only two stops from Shibuya is Sangenjaya, a retro area bustling with shops and cafes in Tokyo’s Setagaya district. Learn to make nerikiri sweets with Sakura, a certified wagashi instructor, and enjoy your treats with matcha tea in her tatami room!
Private Fluffy Pancake Making Class in Setagaya, Tokyo
Sweet lovers, rejoice! Learn to make soft, fluffy pancakes and decorate them with seasonal fruit and whipped cream in this Tokyo home cooking class with a friendly local host in Setagaya.
Hakata Market Food Tour (Dinner): Udon, Seafood & Izakaya
Let Hakata locals lead you in this exploration of Fukuoka’s food culture. Visit the Yanagibashi Rengo Market for fresh seafood, slurp udon noodles and mingle with locals at a long-established restaurant and wrap up with a drink at an izakaya.
Homemade Udon and Traditional Calligraphy Class in Tokyo
During this Japanese culture class in Tokyo, learn how to make the satisfyingly thick and chewy udon noodles from scratch, and use traditional Japanese calligraphy tools to write a kanji character of your choosing.
Ramen and Gyoza Class + Local Supermarket Visit in Tokyo
Savor the flavors of Japan with this hands-on cooking experience in Tokyo. As two of Japan’s most recognizable dishes, ramen and gyoza are a must-try for anyone visiting Japan. Why not try making them?
Kyoto Cooking Class: Vegan Sushi With a Professional Chef
Learn how to make vegan sushi with a professional English-speaking sushi chef in Kyoto! Make eight types of sushi using two types of rice (germinated & white), cultivate lifelong cooking skills, & then enjoy your handmade sushi lunch.
Kushikatsu & Sushi-Making Class w/ Tea Ceremony in Osaka
Make sushi & kushikatsu at a home cooking class in Osaka! Guided by Katsuji (an industry pro with 38 years of experience), you’ll experience a tea ceremony, make sushi & kushikatsu from scratch, enjoy your meal, then take home a custom souvenir.
Shizuoka Tea Plantation Tour w/ Tea Picking & Tasting
Learn about sustainable tea production from local farmers in Shizuoka, Japan’s green tea capital. Tour a tea plantation, pick the freshest leaves to make tea and tempura and bask in the views of Mt Fuji in this unique experience.
Kyoto’s Kitchen: Nishiki Market Food Tour With Hiroshi
Join Hiroshi–your adventurous guide–for an private tour of Nishiki Market in Kyoto! You’ll learn about the market’s history, tour the stalls, sample foods, learn how the famed tsukemono (pickles) are made, then toast with a shot of sake.
Nerikiri-Making and Matcha: the Flowers and Flavors of Japan
Use traditional wagashi molds to form delicate sweets in the form of Japan’s seasonal flowers while you sip hand-made matcha tea.
Tea Ceremony, Matcha & Wagashi Making in a Kyoto Home
Join a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto! Learn about the history of Japanese tea, watch a ceremonial matcha demonstration, and make and enjoy matcha and traditional wagashi sweets. You’ll leave with newfound knowledge and unforgettable memories!
Tokyo Ramen Making Class With a Michelin Chef
In this ramen-making class, discover the secrets for a perfect bowl, from making the broth to kneading the noodles, with personal guidance from a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef specializing in ramen in a restaurant in Setagaya, Tokyo.
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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