Traveling as a vegan can sometimes present challenges, especially in countries where the cuisine heavily relies on non-vegan ingredients. Japan is no exception. Though awareness of veganism is growing in the country, many traditional Japanese dishes, such as sushi and ramen, often include non-vegan ingredients like fish, eggs, or meat, making it challenging for vegans to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. There are also many dishes that appear vegan, but actually contain fish-based dashi broth.

If you're a vegan traveler yearning for an authentic and unforgettable Japanese meal, there's a gem waiting for you in Shibuya: Vegan Sushi Tokyo. This restaurant offers a culinary experience that’s not only completely plant-based but so delicious that even non-vegan travelers will want to stop by!

A Fully Vegan Restaurant Serving Sushi in the Middle of Shibuya

Located in the bustling heart of Shibuya, Vegan Sushi Tokyo is the brainchild of Shu Kudo, who, after embracing veganism for ethical and environmental reasons, saw the need for more vegan-friendly Japanese cuisine options. Its menu is crafted under the supervision of Ko Tanimizu, a veteran vegetable sushi chef with over fourteen years of experience, to create a sushi experience like no other. 

The restaurant is welcoming to international visitors, with menus available in English and friendly staff who also speak English. You can dine here with confidence, knowing that everything on the menu is entirely vegan-friendly.

The interior is a fun, funky mix of retro and modern style, with vibrant prints on the walls and maneki-neko cat figures almost everywhere you look. You will definitely want to take some pictures of the interior along with your sushi lunch! 

Discover the Vegan Sushi Plate: A Plant-Based Twist on Japanese Classics

The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both traditional vegetable sushi, such as myoga (Japanese ginger) and mushrooms, and innovative vegan sushi options, including plant-based meat, fried shrimp, ikura (salmon roe) and egg. 

The Vegan Sushi Set Plate (¥3,300) comes with ten pieces of Instagram-worthy sushi, a bowl of miso soup and a small plate of gari (pickled ginger). Each piece is prepared to maximize the flavor and texture of the toppings; you can savor meaty shiitake mushrooms or enjoy the crisp, tangy taste of myoga. One standout piece looks exactly like ikura but is made from seaweed! Another must-try is the kaba, which combines mountain yam and tofu, creating a delightful combination of flavors. Each bite is a testament to the creativity behind the restaurant's menu. Even the “scrambled eggs” are made from soy! 

The miso soup is a specially prepared version made by slowly dissolving miso into kombu seaweed broth, resulting in a smooth and subtle flavor that perfectly complements the sushi.

Vegan Sake Makes a Perfect Match with the Vegan Sushi Set!

If you go for the Vegan Sushi Full Set course (¥5,200), you can also try a flight of vegan sake. You might wonder, "Isn’t all alcohol inherently vegan?" However, animal products like gelatin are sometimes used to filter sake lees from the final product. At Vegan Sushi Tokyo, you can rest assured that only sake that is certified vegan and halal is served.

My favorite was the red-labeled Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai (Special Junmai-shu) that won the Champion Sake of 2017 at IWC International Wine Challenge. It’s a delicious sake that will appeal to nihonshu—the Japanese word for what most people outside of Japan call “sake”—aficionados as well as beginners. It’s smooth, sweet, fruity and goes down very easily. But be cautious—nihonshu has a high alcohol content, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation!

End Your Vegan Sushi Set with Vegan Ice Cream and Gluten-Free Donuts

The set concludes with vegan ice cream made with organic soy milk and maple syrup, topped with Uji matcha from Kyoto and kinako (roasted soybean flour). The restaurant also has some exceptionally tempting gluten-free donuts (¥650) such as matcha, black sesame and peanut butter types on the menu. If you still have room for more, be sure to try one!

If you are traveling to Tokyo and looking for a memorable vegan dining experience, Vegan Sushi Tokyo is a must-visit. Whether you are vegan or not, this place is sure to impress!

How to Get to Shibuya from HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho

[By Train] approximately 20 minutes from Hamamatsucho Station to Shibuya Station via the JR Yamanote Line

Vegan Sushi Tokyo

Address: 2F Nono Building, 1-17-12 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-16:00 (LO 15:15)
Closed: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Access: 8-minute walk from Shibuya Station
Website: https://vcook.co.jp/vegansushitokyo/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegansushitokyo_jp/

writer

Rachael Aoki
Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Rachael has called Japan home for over a decade. She enjoys discovering destinations that are popular with locals from quaint cafes to hole-in-the-wall eateries and sharing that information with visitors from overseas. She also loves taking trips to onsen and is always up for a trip to Hakone, Kanagawa.