Abstract — The article will try to focus on Japanese vegetarian cuisine and the places and restaurants at which one can get such experience.
Note- Other vegetarian food items and places like multicultural restaurants and similar stuff at the convenience stores will not be mentioned.
The Japanese cuisine is usually not much known for the vegetarian options that it has to offer, especially in Kyoto where the “Yakiniku” (barbecue) restaurants are in abundance and overflowing with customers day and night. Even though the number of Yakiniku places surpass their vegetarian counterparts by a huge margin, people who are in search for some vegetarian options for either lunch or dinner or just as some snacks need not be disappointed as we will try to throw some light on the vegetarian perspective of the Ancient capital.
If one Googles the word phrase — “vegetarian” options in Kyoto, she/he may find something similar to the image provided below:
We shall be exploring some of the places that offer Japanese vegetarian options;
I. Salute Organic House (サルーテオーガニックハウス)
Located near Kyoto JR. Station, the place may seem a bit hard to find without a proper GPS navigator but once there, the range of veggie products and services it offers is one of its kind. The prices vary, depending on what kind of meal one orders, the portions offered here are quite decent in size unlike other restaurants.
Address:
〒600–8216 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Shimogyō-ku, Higashishiokōjichō, 下京区東塩小路町６００−３１
Operating hours (source: Google):
Weekdays 11:30AM–2:30PM / 5:30–7:30PM
Weekends 11:30AM–2:30PM / 5:30–7:30PM
* Thursday Closed
Contact no. 075–341–3737
Website — (Available in English — No, Japanese only)
II. Sunny Place
It is a cozy and cute restaurant offering vegan dishes as well, situated in the northern part of the city. The prices usually range around a thousand yen per person and one has to sit at the counter to eat. The restaurant didn’t had an English menu when we visited there, but thanks to the friendly staff who didn’t let that ruin the fun of the vegetarian cuisine.
Address:
〒606–8202 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Sakyō-ku, Tanaka Ōichō, 左京区田中大堰町. 168–2
Operating hours:
Week days 12:00–14:00 / 18:00–22:30
Weekends 12:00–14:00 / 18:00–22:30
*Tuesday. Closed
Contact no. 075–711–7617
Website– (Available in English- No)
III. Little heaven (リトルヘブン)
The restaurant is located in Northwestern part of the city, it is also a small sized restaurant with a excellent décor. The prices here could be said to be not that cheap as of other vegan restaurants but the quality and taste are worth it.
Address:
〒616–8313 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Ukyō-ku, Saganohirakichō, 右京区嵯峨野開町８−２９
Operating hours:
Opens at around 12:00 and is open till evening but reservation is required. Usually has irregular holidays.
Contact no. 075–777–2500
Website: (Available in English- Yes)
IV. BIOTEI (びお停)
With a quiet vibe and a pretty cosy interior, the restaurant is situated in the bustling shopping ward of Sanjyou, the place offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian Japanese dishes. English menu is available.
Address: 京都府京都市中京区三条通東洞院西南角 Ｍ＆Ｉビル２Ｆ, Umetadachō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 604–8136
Operating hours:
Weekdays 11:00–14:00 / 17:00–20:30
Weekends 11:00–14:00 / 17:00–20:00
*Sunday and Monday Closed
Contact no. 075–255–0086
Website: (Available in English — ) n/a
V. Shigetsu
Surrounded by the picturesque views of Arashiyama, inside the grounds of the Tenryuji temple, the place offers some authentic zen Buddhist vegetarian/vegan cuisine. Prices could be said as moderate, as one has to pay the entrance fee of the temple as well. English menus are not available but the staff is more than willing to help the customers find their right choice of dish, also reservation is required.
Address:
右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町68
68 Susukinobaba-machi, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku
Operating hours:
Weekdays. 11:00–14:00
Weekends. 11:00–14:00
Contact no. 075–882–9725
Website: (Available in English- Yes)
VI. Omen (おめん)
In the calm and cozy atmosphere of Eastern Kyoto, one can discover the joys of experiencing traditional Japanese noodles — Udon, in an ambience of both Western as well as Japanese sitting styles. The prices could vary depending on one’s selection, but in general it could be said to be a bit cheaper in comparison to other shops with moderate rates.
Address:
左京区浄土寺石橋町74, Jōdoji Ishibashichō, Sakyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 606–8406
Operating hours:
Weekdays. 11:00–21:00
Weekends 11:00–21:00
Contact no. 075–771–8994
Website: (Available in English- No)
We hope that such information might be of some help for people who are keen on exploring Japan, the Ancient capital in particular. We hope you have a pleasant stay in the land of rising sun! Cheers!
Note: The timings and the information provided here could be subjected to changes, not limited to — seasonal, festival, governmental or work related conditions. The blog in any way shall not be held liable for the change in information or schedules of above mentioned places.