20th – 25th March 2023
Shibuya
Izakaya Masaka
Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 15−1 渋谷PARCO B1
An izakaya is a traditional type of Japanese bar serving drinks and snacks and is an integral visit to Japan it seems. I was excited to come across a completely vegan izakaya! Hidden off the main road in the basement of the Shibuya Parco department store with an intriguing treasure of other eateries, the frontage is very welcoming and traditional.
Other draws to this shopping plaza also include incredible Nintendo shop and Pokémon Centre. It had a lovely simple and understated vibe. We both had a beer, deep fried karaage made with soy meat, gyoza and rice, drizzled with vegan mayo and delicious teriyaki sauce, it was fabulous. Unmissable!
Katsumidori Seibu
Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 21−1, A Building, 8階 Seibu Shibuya
https://katumidori.co.jp/shop/?id=seibushibuya
On the 8th floor of Seibu department store, is the brilliant Katsumidori Sushi Conveyor Belt restaurant. We waited in a queue for about an hour, but it was worth the wait. There were lots of vegan options to choose from and the sushi was delicious.
There was a range of nigiri, gunkan sushi, and tempura with vegan friendly options. I enjoyed a melon soda too! I also had tempura natto sushi, it was surprisingly delicious!
Shinjuku
Mr. Farmer
Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−1−3 新宿ミロード モザイク通り
Mr Farmer is a chain of health food restaurants, although they do serve meat and non-vegan items, they have an impressive vegan menu. We went to the Mr. Farmer that was at Shinjuku station, though it looks like this one may be closed now, there are outlets in Harajuku, Komazawa Olympic Park, Hibiya, Shibuya and outside of Tokyo too – Yokohama and Kisarazu. The name reflects the strong relationships they have with the farmers supplying the ingredients for the restaurants. There are lovely profiles of them in their website too, which are a delight to read.
The vegan menu includes burgers, curry, salads and a wrap. I went for the vegan keema curry, with vegan fried egg, he went for vegan burger with avocado and teriyaki sauce. And we even had some delightful desserts – carrot cake and vegan chocolate cake with delicious cream and strawberries. We had beautiful company with Oliver’s two Japanese friends, who also enjoyed the food here at Mr. Farmer. Definitely recommend this place, the décor was lovely too, with lots of plants, and small details such as fruit flavoured waters on tap too.
ワイン日本酒バル 西新宿 SUMIYA
Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−19−２ 第1 セイコービル B1
I’m including this little hole-in-the-wall sake bar, as it was a beautiful experience. My hesitancy is that Google maps says it is permanently closed, but Google maps isn’t always right, so I’m hoping it’s still open. I had the pleasure of my bestie’s company here (bestie fell in love with Japan a lifetime ago so it was super special to be here at the same time as her), and her awesome parents and fiancé, so company had a lot to do with this experience, but the staff were also incredible, recommending different sake to try. We drunk a bit , cosied up in this basement bar, having a jolly good time. I really hope it’s still open!
Akihabara
Kyushu Jangara Akihabara
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−11−6 一枝ビル １Ｆ
おしながき
Whilst wandering around the super cool shops in Akihabara we found this cute place for vegan ramen. We had a little bit of a wait, it was worth it to have some tasty ramen in this tiny, tiny place! Another hole in the wall, it was such a treat to find a place that specified the ramen was vegan and plant based, with soy based meat in a soy sauce base. Oishii!
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The Greedy Herbivore 