Vegetarian Food Experiences(448)
Fake Food (Food Sample) Making Workshop in Tokyo
Curious about the colorful world of Japanese fake food samples? Find out how these realistic-looking plastic food samples are made and join a hands-on workshop to create your very own bowl of ramen, tart charm, cupcake charm, or parfait.
Ramen Noodle Making Experience in Kyoto
If ramen noodles aren’t accessible in your home country, how about learning how to make it from scratch? At a ramen shop in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, you’ll mix, roll and cut your dough.
Mochi Making Class in Tokyo
Love chewy mochi? Join this cooking class in Tokyo and learn how to make 4 versions of the beloved Japanese sweet, including ice cream mochi, strawberry mochi, dango, and cinnamon mochi. Then, savor your sweets alongside a rejuvinating cup of matcha.
Shinjuku After Dark Izakaya Tour
With a local bar-hopping expert, discover Shinjuku’s nightlife and the best bars and restaurants in the area. Dine at izakaya gastropubs and standing bars and fill up on classic Japanese bar foods during this fun night out!
Sumo Wrestler Challenge and Lunch in Tokyo
Uncover the world of sumo less than 30 minutes from central Tokyo! At Yokozuna Tonkatsu Dosukoi Tanaka, you can feast on Chanko Nabe and Tonkatsu alongside a sumo match. After your meal, it’s your turn to square off with a former sumo wrestler.
Tokyo Ramen-Making Masterclass with Chef Yoshi Shishido
Become a ramen-making expert at this masterclass in Tokyo! Learn the history of ramen, how to make tonkotsu ramen, toppings, & gyoza from Yoshi Shishido–a seasoned ramen chef. This class takes place at a professional cooking studio.
Wasabi Farm Tour in Okutama, Tokyo
Join your guide, an Aussie journalist-turned-farmer, and discover Japan’s precious fresh wasabi, tasting the real deal for yourself. A rare treat, come and learn how one of the world’s most expensive crops is cultivated in Okutama.
Sushi & Ramen-Making Class w/ Tea Ceremony in Osaka
Experience a taste of Japan with a home cooking class in Osaka! Join Katsuji, a 38-year industry veteran, for a tea ceremony, hands-on sushi & ramen making, a delightful meal, & a personalized keepsake to take home.
Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Hidden Eateries)
With Andy, your Japanese-Australian cultural guide and interpreter, you’ll experience Osaka like a local. Hop between food stalls and eateries, drinking and eating your way through the city’s best hidden gems.
The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour
Dive into the nightlife of Osaka with a local guide, hitting the best local gastropubs and hidden bars in Japan’s vibrant food capital! Explore the backstreets of Namba, the neon-lit waterside of Dotonbori, and the party hub of Shinsaibashi.
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!
The Midnight Diners: Tokyo Experience
In the eclectic Harmonica Yokocho drinking alley, hop from bar to bar, chatting with your trilingual guide and locals, and trying creative food and drinks like horse meat shumai and tea-infused cocktails.
Small Group, All-Inclusive Kyoto Night Food and Culture Tour
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto! This intimate tour takes you along the cobbled walkways of the geisha district of Gion, and along the historic streets of Pontocho, stopping for dinner and drinks at cool local restaurants and niche bars.
Engaging, Immersive Osaka Foodhood Tour (15 foods, 3 drinks)
Join this food tour in Osaka, the food capital of Japan, to dine like a local at the standing bars and gastropubs of Tenma and Kyobashi. With a small, intimate tour group, you’ll visit a local shopping street, shrine, and a retro drinking spot.
Amezaiku Candy Sculpting Workshop in Tokyo
Try your hand at amezaiku, the traditional Japanese art of sugar sculpting, during this special workship. At a studio in Asakusa, join your instructor and learn how to make an adorable edible rabbit. But work quickly–the candy hardens as it cools!
Private Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience
A Japanese cultural practice that originated in Kyoto, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a licensed tea ceremony instructor. Enjoy high-quality Kyoto matcha and intricate Japanese sweets, as you learn about tea ceremony etiquette.
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.
Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
Experience the hustle and bustle of Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market on a guided tour! Learn about the culture and history of this iconic market, sample seafood delicacies, and get an inside look into the daily lives of fishmongers.
Traditional Tea Ceremony in Ginza
Experience the ancient ritual of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo. Enjoy the calming atmosphere of the tea house while learning the intricacies of this time-honored practice and its spiritual significance.
Mochi and Traditional Sweets Making with Tea Ceremony
A delicate craft, learn the art of wagashi and transform a mixture of sweet bean paste and mochi into delightfully artistic sweets! These sweet creations are complemented by the cup of matcha tea that you’ll also learn to whip up.
Okonomiyaki Cooking Class at Hiroshima Station
There’s no better place to learn how to make okonomiyaki than Hiroshima, the birthplace of the dish. At the Otafuku okonomiyaki sauce studio, join this cooking class and make a savory pancake using your favorite toppings and mix-ins!
Deep Backstreet Osaka Tour (With Dinner)
During this unfiltered tour of Osaka, get to know the cuisine of “Japan’s Kitchen,” trying 8 local dishes at authentic eateries with a Japanese-Australian guide. Between food stops, hear stories about Osaka’s retro area, yakuza presence, and more!
Tsukiji Fish Market Visit and Sushi Making Experience
An unforgettable tour for seafood lovers! Discover the wonders of the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, tasting samples of Japanese snacks and green teas. Then, dive into a hands-on sushi making class, taught by a professional chef.
Kyoto Tea Farm Tour, Tasting, and Lunch in Scenic Wazuka
Visit the town of Wazuka-cho, recognized as a Scenic Property of Kyoto Prefecture. Producing nearly half Kyoto’s tea, at Wazuka-cho, you can tour the farm and factory, have a tasty lunch featuring tea soba, and join a tasting with 9 types of tea.
Asakusa Sumo Wrestler Show & Lunch Experience (Tokyo)
Would you make a good sumo wrestler? Find out in this unique restaurant in Asakusa. Watch a Japanese dance performance and a sumo bout, eat a chanko nabe wrestler meal, and, if you’re brave, suit up and challenge a real sumo wrestler in the dohyo!
Tokyo Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class
Discover the refined flavors of Japanese cuisine during this kaiseki cooking class in Tokyo. Learn traditional techniques and recipes to create a multi-course meal that’s colorful, elegant, and balanced.
Bento Making Class in Kyoto
Learn about the essential components of washoku (Japanese cuisine) during this bento making class in Kyoto. Make a balanced meal of six different dishes including tempura, teriyaki chicken, and miso soup, with your friendly cooking teacher.
Shibuya Scramble: Hidden Bars & Lively Izakayas
Experience true Tokyo nightlife with a bar hop and izakaya crawl through Shibuya! Visit a selection of hidden bars, local watering holes, and explore the city’s backstreets alongside your English-speaking Japanese guide.
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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