Originally written by: Sanya Panwar
Link to the article:https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/mumbai-woman-says-she-had-zero-issues-finding-vegetarian-food-in-japan-indian-tourist-everyone-warned-she-would-starve-101765010597714.html
When 27-year-old Aditi Mehta from Mumbai told friends and relatives she was travelling solo to Japan for two weeks, the reactions were nearly unanimous “How will you survive without food?”
Japan’s global reputation for sushi, seafood, and meat-heavy dishes led many to warn her that vegetarian food would be almost impossible to find. Some even jokingly suggested she carry instant noodles and protein bars for the entire trip. Fast forward two weeks later, and Aditi returned with a very different story.
“I had zero issues finding vegetarian food in Japan,” she says with a laugh. “In fact, I ate better than I do on some trips in India.”
Breaking the Vegetarian Myth About Japan
Japan is often perceived as unfriendly to vegetarians, largely because many traditional dishes contain fish-based ingredients like dashi (broth). While this is true to an extent, Aditi’s experience highlights how the country has evolved especially in cities that welcome millions of international tourists every year.
“Before going, I did research, downloaded food apps, and noted down a few vegetarian-friendly Japanese phrases,” she explains. “But once I arrived, I realised I barely needed to struggle.”
From Tokyo and Kyoto to Osaka and Nara, vegetarian and vegan options turned out to be widely available not just in specialty restaurants, but also in regular cafés, convenience stores, and even street food stalls.
What a Vegetarian Actually Eats in Japan
Contrary to popular belief, Japanese cuisine naturally includes many plant-based foods. During her trip, Aditi enjoyed:
- Vegetable tempura – Lightly battered and fried seasonal vegetables
- Onigiri with vegetarian fillings – Rice balls with plum, seaweed, or tofu
- Inari sushi – Sweet tofu pouches filled with rice
- Veg ramen and udon – Made with soy-based broth in vegetarian-friendly restaurants
- Tofu steaks and miso-glazed aubergine
- Matcha desserts, mochi, and dorayaki
“Convenience stores were lifesavers,” she adds. “Even 7-Eleven and FamilyMart had salads, rice bowls, tofu snacks, and desserts that were clearly labelled.”
Language Barriers Didn’t Stop Her
One of the biggest fears Aditi had before travelling was language. She expected confusion while ordering food, especially in smaller towns. Instead, she found most restaurants surprisingly accommodating.
“Many menus had pictures, and several had English descriptions,” she says. “Where they didn’t, I used Google Translate’s camera feature. It worked perfectly.”
She also learned to say one crucial sentence:
“Watashi wa bejitarian desu” (I am vegetarian).
“Every time I said that, people took extra care,” she recalls. “In some places, the staff even personally came to explain what I could safely eat.”
Indian Vegetarian Expectations vs Japanese Reality
Like many Indians, Aditi initially expected limited food options without chapatis, dal, or familiar spices. What she discovered instead was a completely different but equally satisfying flavour profile.
“Japanese vegetarian food is subtle, clean, and beautifully presented,” she says. “It’s not spicy like Indian food, but it’s incredibly comforting. I didn’t miss Indian food as much as I thought I would.”
She also points out that many Buddhist traditions in Japan follow a plant-based cuisine known as shōjin ryōri, which has been around for centuries. “So vegetarianism is not actually new there it’s just not marketed loudly.”
Social Media Was Shocked Too
Aditi regularly posted her meals on Instagram during the trip, and the reaction from followers was immediate.
“People kept messaging me saying, ‘We thought Japan had nothing for vegetarians!’” she says. “Some even asked if I was secretly eating fish.”
Her food stories featuring colourful bento boxes, steaming bowls of vegetable ramen, and delicate tofu dishes quickly went viral among Indian travel groups and vegetarian communities.
Advice for Indian Vegetarians Planning Japan
Based on her experience, Aditi confidently encourages vegetarians not to cancel Japan from their bucket list. Her top tips include:
- Research vegetarian-friendly restaurants in advance using Google Maps and HappyCow
- Learn basic food terms like vegetarian, vegan, fish, and meat in Japanese
- Use translation apps while ordering
- Explore Buddhist temple areas, which often serve fully vegetarian meals
- Don’t underestimate convenience stores
“Japan is more vegetarian-friendly than people think,” she says. “You just need to be open and a little prepared.”
Changing Perceptions About Travel and Food
Aditi’s experience reflects a broader shift in global travel. With rising awareness around plant-based diets, countries once considered difficult for vegetarians are rapidly adapting.
“Food should never stop you from exploring the world,” she adds. “If I had listened to everyone who said I’d starve, I would’ve missed one of the most beautiful trips of my life.”
From cherry blossoms in Kyoto to neon-lit streets of Tokyo, her journey became proof that cultural myths often don’t survive real-world experience especially when curiosity leads the way.
Final Word
For Indian vegetarians hesitant about travelling to Japan, Aditi’s story offers reassurance wrapped in reality. Japan may be known for sushi and seafood, but its vegetarian landscape is growing, accessible, and surprisingly delightful.
As she puts it simply:
“I went expecting struggle. I came back with food memories I’ll treasure forever.”
