Vegetarian Guide to Japan Local & Street Food

Find authentic meat-free options, learn essential phrases, and get local tips for plant-based dining.

Local Foods

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Filtered results are based on automated analysis of common food data. This is for general guidance only. Ingredient variations, preparation methods, cross-contamination risks, and data accuracy can differ significantly. Always verify all information directly with vendors before consumption, especially for allergies or strict dietary needs. See full disclaimers for filtered results.

Not all dishes marked vegetarian are strictly vegan. Some may contain eggs or dairy. Always confirm specific ingredients with the vendor.

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Essential Phrases

I am vegetarian

私はベジタリアンです

Watashi wa bejitarian desu

Indicates vegetarian diet preference

No meat, fish, or dashi please

肉、魚、だしは使わないでください

Niku, sakana, dashi wa tsukawanaide kudasai

Specifies no animal products including fish broth commonly used in Japanese cooking

Watch Out For

Dashi (fish-based stock)
Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Mirin (may contain fish by-products)
Furikake (often contains fish)

Safe Options

Zaru soba/udon (specify no dashi)
Vegetable tempura (check batter ingredients)
Inari sushi (tofu pockets with rice)
Kappa maki (cucumber rolls - specify no dashi)

Important Notice

Japanese cuisine regularly uses dashi (fish stock) as a base for soups, sauces, and seasonings. Even vegetable dishes may contain fish-based components. Consider Buddhist temple restaurants (shōjin ryōri) for truly vegetarian options.

Show This to Your Server

私はベジタリアンです。肉、魚、魚介類、だし、かつお節、煮干し、するめを使った料理は食べられません。野菜、豆腐、卵、乳製品は大丈夫です。よろしくお願いします。

I am vegetarian. I cannot eat food containing meat, fish, seafood, dashi, bonito flakes, dried sardines, or dried squid. I can eat vegetables, tofu, eggs, and dairy products. Thank you for your understanding.