Why Japan is a Vegan Challenge (And How to Beat It)
You’ve dreamed of Japan for years, but you’ve probably heard the stories: fish broth in almost everything, hidden bonito flakes, and staff who may not understand what vegan really means. For plant-based travelers, this can feel stressful and overwhelming.
Crowd-sourced apps like Happy Cow are useful, but listings can be outdated or incomplete. You might arrive at a restaurant only to find it closed or discover fish stock in what you thought was a vegan dish.
That’s where Masaki, the founder of Ume, decided to make a difference.
Update: Since recording this episode, Masaki has pivoted Ume from restaurant listings to sharing Japanese vegan recipes on Instagram.
Meet Ume: The Manually-Verified Vegan App for Japan
Masaki created Ume, a food discovery platform for vegan and vegetarian travelers in Japan, after her own struggles as a vegetarian. Unlike other apps, every restaurant on Ume is manually checked. Masaki and her team actually call restaurants to confirm if vegan or vegetarian options are available.
In Osaka, they contacted over 300 restaurants — and only 200 made the cut. This dedication ensures that users can trust what they see.
Future updates will include filters for gluten free Japan and allergies, making travel even easier for people with specific needs.
Follow Masaki’s work on Instagram at @ume_japan_food.
Supermarkets Over Restaurants: A Vegan’s Goldmine
Here’s the surprising part: Masaki recommends skipping restaurants sometimes and heading straight to the supermarket. Why? Because supermarkets show the real culture of Japan.
- Each region stocks different foods based on history and farming.
- You can try many items in small, affordable portions.
- Options are fresher, less processed, and often healthier than eating out.
Look out for:
- Spinach – naturally sweet.
- Strawberries – famous for their flavor.
- Maitake mushrooms – earthy and delicious.
- Different types of tofu – sesame, edamame, super silky.
- Natto – fermented soybeans with a bold taste (check the sauce!).
- Tsukemono – Japanese pickles (some are vegan).
- Mochi – chewy sweets with red bean, sesame, or soy sauce flavors.
Supermarkets like AEON and Life are easy to find. Small fruit shops (yaoya) are also great for fresh produce.
Konbini Survival Guide: Vegan Onigiri & Snack Hacks
Japan’s convenience stores, or konbini, are famous worldwide. Open 24/7, they sell snacks, drinks, and quick meals. But for vegans, it’s tricky.
The Onigiri Problem: Which Rice Balls Are Safe?
Most convenience store onigiri (rice balls) include bonito flakes or fish stock. But vegan-friendly options, like kombu (seaweed) filled onigiri, can be found in supermarkets.
Tsukemono & Mochi: Your Go-To Vegan Snacks
- Tsukemono (pickled vegetables) are often vegan.
- Mochi is a sweet, chewy snack that usually comes with plant-based fillings like red bean paste.
These are perfect when you’re traveling and don’t have a kitchen.
Hidden Ingredients: How to Spot Bonito & Other Pitfalls
One of the biggest challenges in vegan food Japan is bonito flakes (かつお or katsuo). They often sneak into soups and sauces.
👉 Pro Tip: Use Google Translate on labels and learn the phrase:
“Katsuo dashi hairemasu ka?” (Does it contain bonito stock?)
This one phrase can save you a lot of trouble when eating out.
From Natto to Maitake: Embracing Unique Vegan Japanese Foods
Traveling vegan in Japan isn’t about missing out — it’s about discovering new foods. Natto, maitake mushrooms, silky tofu, and fresh strawberries all offer a taste of the country’s unique flavors.
Cooking some of these yourself at an Airbnb kitchen can also be fun. Just a little soy sauce or kombu broth powder can turn noodles, mushrooms, and veggies into a delicious meal.
Even in a hotel, you can enjoy fruit, mochi, and ready-to-eat tofu straight from the supermarket.
Closing Thoughts
Traveling vegan in Japan can seem hard, but with Ume’s verified listings and some supermarket know-how, it becomes an adventure of discovery. Instead of stress, you’ll find the sweetest spinach, the freshest strawberries, and maybe even your new favorite snack in Osaka.
Plan Your Vegan Trip to Japan
👉 Download the Ume app before your Japan trip and explore with confidence.👉 Share your favorite vegan Japan tip with us on Instagram: @WorldVeganTravel
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- 🌱 Why traveling vegan in Japan can feel tricky — and how to make it easier
- 📱 How the Ume app helps you find vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Osaka
- 🛒 Why supermarkets in Japan are the best place to discover tofu, spinach, and more
- 🍙 How to spot safe vegan onigiri and snacks like mochi and pickles
- 🐟 Tips for avoiding hidden fish ingredients like bonito flakes in Japanese food
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Travel in Japan: Setouchi & Hiroshima Guide | @JJWalsh
- Vegan Travel in Japan: Culture, Cuisine & Tips
- Vegan Delights in Japan: Amy’s Cultural and Culinary Adventure
- From Vegan Delights to Cultural Traditions: The Joy of Japanese Tea, Food, Film, and Religion | Colleen Patrick-Goudreau | Ep 117
Connect with Masaki
- Website
- @ume_japan_food on Instagram
