Is sticking to a vegan diet tricky in Japan?

Question

Traveling to Tokyo, how difficult will the eating vegan thing be?

Answer 1

Yes, Veges are plentiful in when in season. When they are not in season, you can stll get certain veges, but their price is insanely high.

The only tricky thing would be eating out. Japanese do love to garnish their food with animal products. So be sure to ask before you order what the side dishes are, etc.

If you still want that Meat feeling when you eat, there is a company that sells vege-meat. All soy bean based products. I love their stuff. It is a little expensive, but worth it, in my opinion.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You will find it a bit of a challenge because even Japanese dishes that contain no meat, chicken or fish will often be based on dashi, a type of broth made from kelp and bonito (fish) shavings. It's a very common flavoring ingredient in Japanese cuisine and while Japan has a rich vegetarian culture (especially based in the Zen Buddhist temples, where you can sometimes find meals offered), dashi may still be used. If you are a strict vegan, this may be a problem for you.

There are some vegetarian/vegan restuarants in Japan, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, but they are few in number in comparison to the number of other restaurants available. This website lists a number of them. Having never eaten in any of these restaurants, I can't judge how the food is.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Asia/Japan.htm

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I don't think it would be easy. I mean even ramen is out because there's usually been a soup bone in the stock. Miso soup usually has clams in it, and tofu, etc. often has fish shavings on it. No nikuman, no sashimi, no nabe, no sukiyaki, no gyudon for vegans so there goes a good chunk of the menu.

I guess okonomiyake could be vegan if you wanted it to be. There's plenty of ways to prepare tofu. Rice is good. If you look around you can find decent bread, cheese, etc. in Japan. Natto is an acquired taste, but it's a good way to have some protein with your rice. There is whole genre of Japanese vegan Buddhist food, but that would involve a lot of pickles etc. that are not to everyone's taste.

Answer 4

Not at all. If you are a practicing vegan in your country, just translate that over to Japan. For example, you know where to get your particular food, just look for the same things in the same places wherever you go in Japan. Plus, the country is the land of the Tofu God, so if you're into that, eat to your heart's content.

The only particular thing I can suggest is hit the 99¥ like they're going out of style. They're ultra cheap and no fluff, so they only carry your most basic brands of vegetables and food, so you can easily make whatever you want.

Answer 5

yes it can be difficult as a tourist of short term visitor, but it should not stop you from visiting and enjoying yourself and time here. I am a vegetarian for health reasons. I have lived in Japan almost 4 years now. Just as mentioned above, there are lots of animal based products added to most foods at restaurants. You will have no problems at a bakery or department store, but asking for special orders at a restaurant where they do not use any animal products at all will be difficult to obtain regardless if you can communicate well and to the point. This of you that also live here can agree that most of the restaurants are following procedures and directions which are hard to break.
good luck I hope you can figure something out.

Answer 6

Japan, like any other Asian country, is pretty much agricultural. It should be interesting to know how one can adapt Japanese cuisine to more vegan fare. East meets west and all that stuff is bound to make this a cultural food trip for you, too. Enjoy!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

It probably won't come as a surprise, but the Japanese diet is heavy on fish as a primary source of protein. Even tofu dishes are often garnished with fish flakes (bonito) or ground pork. You will probably be able to make it, but be prepared to explain yourself at length whenever you go out for a meal.

Answer 9

Shoot, that would be tricky for me anywhere. But In Japan, they eat a ton of veggies and rice. SO you should be okay

Answer 10

"Definetly... I mean who could say no to
Dolphins, Whales, Dogs, Cats and Seals.................. "

That's China and Korea . COMPLETELY different oriental nations. Some people just don't know geography...