Japanese food is so healthy.
It’s known world-wide that they just do healthy better here.
Japanese people live longer here and look younger (and I swear to god I saw a Japanese woman the other day who was with her daughter who also had a daughter and she looked about 28! I mean…….No fair!!!)
But….
With all of that healthy, beautiful, springy-youth stuff going on I really, really, really miss just eating a hearty serving of western style veggies. Compared to when I first lived in Japan, boy have things changed – and, especially in Tokyo (which is now finally jumping on the salad & cold-pressed juice bandwagon), it’s now getting easier to have a hearty serving of vegetables without people asking if you’re on a diet.
Getting easier but still not absolutely everywhere so I wanted to share my findings so far…….. (and I often like to chase my “findings” with something incredibly sweet, saucy and unhealthy but no judgement, ‘k? )
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something or book accommodation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Many people say they can’t find vegetables in restaurants in Japan but thats just because they are looking for lettuce and carrots and broccoli.
Vegetables in Japan are easy to find but not in a western format that you may be used to. No veggies at all in a sushi roll or on the side automatically of a Tonkatsu. In an izakaya (Japanese style pub) , for example, you order the vegetables separately. When you get yakitori you can also order a skewer of bbq’d vegetables too. There are lots of vegetables that you’ve maybe never tried like shisito peppers, okra, countless types of mushrooms, gobo, konyakku, daikon etc.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE 7-ELEVEN SMOOTHIES!
Look in the freezer section of 7-Eleven for a cup of pre-chopped and frozen fruit and veg. Then use the machine in-store to make it into a smoothie! You can even choose the acai option! Remember – this is just frozen fruit blended – making them vegan AND gluten free.
SALAD BAR RESTAURANTS
I recommend searching for chopped salad restaurant branches near you (use google maps once you’re in Japan and type in “Crisp Salad Works near me”, for example. Crisp Salad Works have vegetarian, vegan, halan and gluten free options.
Try brands such as Green Brothers, Crisp Salad Works, Chopped.
Another good salad bowl brand to look for is “WithGreen”. Google “WithGreen” near me when you have arrived in Japan. You can see pictures of the “WithGreen” menu here.
SOUP STOCK
Soup Stock is a chain restaurant. Use google maps and enter “soup stock near me” for your closest branch.
They serve soups, curries and casserole style soups. Soup Stock is a casual soup chain store. There are 4 gluten free options of soups here too ( look for a yellow GF symbol on the menu.) This is a great option if everyone in the family is craving vegetables. They have a kids bread, soup and drink meal for 750 yen and a free soup bowl of baby food for babies. See the full soup stock menu here.
This is the storefront of the Ebisu store but they are all a similar vibe.
HOTELS WITH A DECENT, COLOURFUL BUFFET BREAKFAST
It’s great to get in vitamins and nutrients (especially for kids) before the day has really even begun.
MCDONALDS JAPAN
Did you know that instead of fries at McDonald’s you can order a side of edamame and corn. My daughter LOVES it!
A reader of my blog also gave me such an amazing suggestion – you can order a McDonald’s side salad and mix it with the edamame and corn to make a slightly heartier salad for under 600 yen!
*side note: McDonald’s fries are not vegetarian/vegan – they are fried in beef fat.
If you are exploring Roppongi – a fabulous area for families – I recommend visiting this restaurant called Nirvana New York (and if you sit on the terrace during the christmas season or cherry blossom season you can take in the amazing views of the park and lights) is . This is an Indian Fusion restaurant. Babies and kids allowed and there is also space for strollers. This is the partner restaurant to the that of the same name in Central Park New York which opened in the 1970s. This is also a great space to dine with a large group or organise a private function. This restaurant offers some vegan dishes and some vegan courses (the vegan shishkebab is delicious!)
Lunch time is an all you can eat indian buffet for 3000 yen per adult! (a little cheaper on a weekday) and kids under 6 eat free!
Nirvana New York accept most major credit cards. This restaurant feels fancy but the prices are reasonable and the view is so lovely. They do take reservations.
At lunchtime I recommend budgeting for 3000-3500 yen per adult and at dinner more like 5000 yen.
NIRVANA NEW YORK
港区赤坂9-7-4 東京ミッドタウン ガレリア ガーデンテラス 1F
GROUND FLOOR, TOKYO MIDTOWN ROPPONGI IN THE GALLERIA GARDEN TERRACE SECTION (FACING THE PARK), 9-7-4 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-3:30PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM)
In the same building as Team Lab Borderless is a restaurant called Alchemy – a fabulous option if you love salads, fresh produce and/or you are gluten free or vegan. As stated on the Alchemy website – “All our food and products are free from meat, fish, egg, dairy, gluten, white sugar and chemicals.” This restaurant is originally from Bali. I recommend the tempeh protein bowl. Please be warned that this restaurant is very busy during high season (March-May) and on weekends. If you must visit on these dates, I recommend being here as the restaurant opens. They do accept reservations for 5pm onwards. If it is really busy, you can always get takeaway. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Here, you order a main dish (like raw pasta primavera or endomame zoodles) and or build you own salad – using options such as potato salad or kimchi. They also make their own fresh juice. See the full Alchemy menu here. They also have gluten free wine (some times of day have all you can drink packages.)
I recommend budgeting for approx 3000 yen per adult at lunch and 4000 yen at dinner. They accept most major credit cards. They welcome children here and are also happy for your to enter the restaurant with your stroller. This restaurant has free wifi.
ALCHEMY
4TH FLOOR, AZABUDAI HILLS PLAZA TOWER (SAME COMPLEX AS TEAM LAB BORDERLESS)
OPEN 11AM-8PM
An all you can eat Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu option in Shibuya with kids
Momo Paradise used to be one of the Nabezo restaurants in Shibuya and has since switched hands. This is fantastic place to come and eat Wagyu (or not if you’d like to eat the non-branded kind of meat and save some money) and also a fabulous option if you all need some more veggies in your life! ( I speak about this a lot here but lots of families worry about getting enough fresh western style salads and veggies while in Japan and this is literally all you can eat veggies and salads! It’s amazing!)
When you enter the restaurant, the staff will guide you through the menu (they speak english here!). You choose your menu package – wagyu meat or local meat, pork or beef or pork AND beef ( I don’t eat meat but I still need to pay for it to dine here so I can access all of those yummy all you can eat veggies and tofu – side note: tofu in sukiyaki is heaven!) and then you can go up to the veggie buffet to choose your veggies for the table.
The price for your meal also includes all you can drink soft drinks and juice, ice-cream, dumplings (to cook in the hot pot at your table) and unlimited steamed rice.
We went on a weekday lunch time and were able to walk right in without a booking. It was approx 2200 yen for me and 1700 yen for my kids (less if your kids are younger than 7.) *Please note that Wagyu is, of course, extra.
My kids love sukiyaki more than shabu shabu because it’s sweeter. They also love doing the “cooking.”
Ask the staff for lots of help if you’re not sure how to do it. You are also handed an instruction card.
This restaurant has high chairs but it is the type that don’t have a strap at the front so it’s probably better for toddlers than babies.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. If your kids love this restaurant, there is another branch in Shinjuku and Asakusa.
It is possible to make a reservation on the Momo Paradise website here.
When you start cooking, they give you a cover for your bags and little aprons for everyone at the table.
The Aftermath for us wasn’t pretty but we were in an amazing happy food coma and I loved that they pulled out their scratch art from the Daiso (100 yen store) at Mark City in Shibuya and I could just “be” for a second.
MOMO PARADISE, SHIBUYA
渋谷区宇田川町31-2 渋谷BEAM 6F
6TH FLOOR, SHIBUYA BEAM BUILDING, 31-2 UDAGAWACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDER 2:3oPM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10:30PM (LAST ORDER 10PM)
My number one veggie-haven at the moment is We are the Farm in Ebisu, Azabujuban, Shibuya or Shinjuku. Lunch is especially good value but the dinner is also amazing.
The lunch course at this Farm-to-Table restaurant includes soup & a kale side salad and you can choose your own main : a vegetable gratin, a “choose your own ingredients salad” or a grilled vegetable platter (see pictures below) for 1500 yen.
This place is popular so you’ll need to make a reservation (or just call to make sure that they have seats available.)
They also have beer made with Kale if you’re feeling game…. let me know if it’s any good?
I especially love their lunch salad buffet (although they might not like me visiting as I just keep eating and eating.)
If you get the chance, they sell the amazing cheese and tomato dish at all times of the day.
My husband and I go here for date nights often and, I know it sounds weird to say but, this simple marinated onion served with rock salt was to die for!
We both love their ‘Chunky Veg’ gratin and the plate of all the amazing Japanese varieties of mushrooms was one of my favourites.
The only negative thing I have to say about this place is that I haven’t found any yummy alcoholic drinks there yet – but I rarely have success with organic wine. Perhaps its those chemicals that make wine taste so yummy???!!!
WE ARE THE FARM
IN SHIBUYA, EBISU, SHINJUKU, AZABU JUBAN, YOYOGI-UEHARA, AKASAKA, MEGURO.
HERE IS THE WE ARE THE FARM WEBSITE
If you’re looking to try Japan’s Fruit & Vegetable sandwiches but are vegan – I recommend trying out the Vegan Store called Fruits and Season. They open at 11am but sell their beautiful sandwiches until they run out so don’t go too late in the day.
FRUITS & SEASON
渋谷区恵比寿西1-10-1 グリーンパラスビル1F
GROUND FLOOR, GREEN PALACE BUILDING, 1-10-1 EBISU NISHI, SHIBUYA
OPEN: 11AM-8PM
CLOSED: MONDAYS
FRUITS AND SEASON WEBSITE
Another brunch, lunch or dinner option is Mr Farmer in Omotesando ( there are a handful of Mr Farmer restaurants around Tokyo.)
If you’re after fresh juice, organic vegetables, vegan meal options and desserts or just want to get in extra greens, you will LOVE this place.
*Smoking is allowed on the outdoor terrace.
*There are no high chairs but there is some sofa/booth style seating which makes it easier with toddlers.
MR FARMER, OMOTESANDO
渋谷区神宮前4-5-12 セピア原宿ビル1Ｆ
GROUND FLOOR, SEPIA BUILDING, 4-5-12 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN 10AM-9PM
Another idea is the Farmer’s Market at UNU (United Nations University) which is held every Saturday and Sunday. It is sometimes cancelled for rain.
There are as many as 70 different stalls to include organic fruit & veg, food trucks, juice & coffee vans, vintage clothing, souvenirs and home-wares. It’s a great place for some Japanese language practice if you’ve been studying your food vocab and also a chance to stock up on healthy snacks for the next few days.
Just an idea but…why not buy some treats and walk to Yoyogi Park for a picnic?
FARMER’S MARKET AT UNU
5 -53-70 JINGUMAE
神宮前5-53-70
OPEN 10am-4pm (WEEKENDS ONLY)
WEBSITE
It’s still relatively new and it is such a cool, vibey space (with a beautiful outdoor terrace.)
We arrived last Sunday at 9:30am and no-one was there! It was us an about 2 other people in the whole restaurant! By 10:30 it was almost full though – with lots of joggers, cyclists and other people with young families.
They have high chairs and a change table too so it’s very easy to dine here with small children.
I am still thinking about my egg white and mushroom omelette. It was huge!
My fussy little guy loved my Zenbi smoothie too. I may have shed a tear as he is running away from anything healthy right now. (There are lots of other Mr Farmer restaurants in Tokyo – see website below for details- but I this was, in my opinion, the best!)
MR FARMER, KOMAZAWA OLYMPIC PARK
世田谷区駒沢公園1−1−2
1-1-2 KOMAZAWAKOEN, SETAGAYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 7AM-8PM
MR FARMER KOMAZAWA OLYMPIC PARK
THE TOKYO STATION AREA
There is also the amazing T’s Tan Tan Ramen inside Tokyo Station, The entire restaurant is vegan. It is called T’s Tan Tan. The ramen, the gyoza, the “beef” bowls. They have Gluten Free and Nut free options too.
There are also lots of take away vegan options.
The restaurant is actually located within the gates of JR Tokyo Station,. But, even if you’re not travelling, I still recommend buying the basic “Platform/send off ” ticket for 130 yen for the pleasure.
To help you find it, go to the entrance to JR Tokyo that can be seen from McDonalds ( past Daimaru on your left.)
IT IS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS HERE!
I also recommend grabbing a bento here for the bullet train. So yummy.
Here are some photos from my most recent visit.
T’S TAN TAN RAMEN
千代田区丸の内１-９−１ JR東京駅（改札内）KeiyoStreet内 1階
1ST (GROUND FLOOR) KEIYO STREET (WITHIN THE TICKET GATES AT JR TOKYO STATION)
1-9-1 MARUNOUCHI, CHIYODA
OPEN 7AM-11PM
T’S TAN TAN RAMEN WEBSITE
*There are other stores in Jiyugaoka
If you are in Odaiba, there is a small food court on the ground floor near Toys R Us in Aqua City and I quite like the little salad shop here. It is called Green X Green. (There are also lots of other restaurants in this food court and all the chairs and tables are in the middle so you can all choose to eat different things. See here for a full list of the restaurants here in the food court on the ground floor of Aqua City Odaiba.) Green X Green have their set salad bowls OR you can ask for a custom salad where you choose all of the ingredients. See the Green X Green Full Salad Menu here. They also make fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies. They also can serve their salads on rice – donburi style. See the full Green X Green Donburi Salad Bowl Menu here. Use google translate when looking at the menus if you need to be particular on all ingredients for allergies. Please see my tips on navigating Japan with allergies here.
See here for my other Odaiba with kids tips and suggestions.
GREEN X GREEN
GROUND FLOOR, AQUA CITY, ODAIBA
OPEN 11AM-10PM (CLOSES AT 9PM ON WEEKENDS
JIYUGAOKA
And if you’re looking for a vegan burger, you can go to the BareBurger chain option in Jiyugaoka.
They do have a vegetarian shroom wrap but to ask for a custom vegan option, order a hamburger with a mushroom patty, lettuce, avocado, balsamic vegan mayo ( costs 1480 yen.)
The entire restaurant is non-smoking and accepts most major credit cards. They also have an English menu and a vegetarian menu.
They serve alcohol too.
There is space to take a stroller into the restaurant and the staff don’t mind.
They have high chairs and a kids menu (cheeseburger or fried chicken, fries, juice and ice-cream.) Takeout is also ok.
There is also an allocated room to breastfeed, if you’d like, and a changing table.
BARE BURGER , JIYUGAOKA
目黒区自由が丘2-16-10
2-16-10 JIYUGAOKA, MEGURO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-8PM ( LAST ORDER 7:30PM)
BAREBURGER JAPAN WEBSITE
It’s outside of Tokyo- but near Narita is a farm to table lunch buffet restaurant I love. I’ve included all of the details here.
Another hint when looking for more vegetables in Japanese restaurants….
Try to order Teishoku set lunches when you can. They will come with soups and vegetables on the side ( and it’s a very affordable way to get a balanced meal.)
Shokudo ( casual cafeteria/deli style) restaurants are also fantastic for more vegetable side options too.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something or book accommodation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
And if you’re looking for lovely green options in the Tokyo Disney area…..
An Aussie breakfast in the Tokyo Disney area
10 mins by car from Shin-Urayasu Station or 15 mins by car from Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea you can find an Aussie cafe called Bountiful Coffee. They don’t take reservations so best to just walk-in. They accept most major credit cards. They have high chairs. They also do take-out. They have vegetarian & vegan menu options. See the full menu at Bountiful Coffee here. My daughter was so happy that they also have vegemite! The cafe is on the second floor but there is an elevator (as well as stairs.)
The Falafel Plate, Green Peace Smoothie, Potato Wedges, Vegemite on Toast! Oh and some colouring.
BOUNTIFUL COFFEE
浦安市明海6-1-10 トレードポート 2F
2ND FLOOR, TRADEPORT BUILDING, 6-1-10 AKEMI, URAYASU
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM-4PM
YOU CAN ALSO ALWAYS BOOK A HOTEL WITH A KITCHENETTE AND PREPARE VEGETABLES AND BABY FOOD ANYTIME
You can always buy a hand blender for approx 2000 yen at Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera and make use of beautiful seasonal ingredients in Japan like kabocha pumpkin into soup. Parents with babies can also easily blend up fresh produce to make baby food for example, plums, nashi pears, pumpkin etc. I used to sometimes add a little veggie or chicken stock, one onion and a whatever vegetable I was adding and boil it up and then food blend. And for fruits like pears and plums I would just mash or stew.
