However, you can find that happy medium of both the comforts of fresh, wholesome deliciousness that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty after your last forkful of sustenance. You can find such delicacies within the realm of the macrobiotic diet.

On my recent trip to Nara, I was lucky to visit Kinatei, a cosy vegetarian restaurant. The restaurant serves Japanese and Chinese style vegan dishes, and everything is homemade and organic. I got off at Kintetsu Line’s Nara Station and did a little sightseeing before coming, so the walk was a bit far.

The gritty streets of Kabukicho contrast with the majesty of Mosaic Street, where couples walk hand in hand under decorative lights. One cannot explore the area in its entirety on an empty stomach, so let’s cover some of the best vegetarian/vegan restaurants you’ll find on your journey.

As healthy lifestyles are picking up in popularity, more and more people are finding themselves opting for healthier food choices.  Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or just someone looking for a delicious, but all the while, nutritious meal in Japan, Healthy Penguin Café in the Matsumoto City of Nagano is an amazing find!

Although it can be challenging, vegetarian restaurants, or at least vegetarian-friendly restaurants, do exist in Japan. Each of the Tokyo restaurants listed here offer delicious Japanese, western or fusion food. Some serve full vegetarian menus, while others are healthy restaurants with decent vegetarian/vegan options.

The ambiance is set up nicely, as the soft, organic lighting is both natural and inviting. It's deemed to be experienced individually, and prides the potential of individualism. Just as a pebble makes a "ripple" when dropped into a stream.

There are actually a surprising number of vegan friendly dishes available in conventional Japanese restaurants these days.

Little Saebejae seems to be a popular choice amongst tourists looking for healthier or vegan alternatives located near the famous Buddhist temples.

Recently I have been making rather drastic life changes. I quit my job, I started pouring milk before cereal in a bowl and a host of other things that can be characterized as an early midlife crisis. I found myself getting up in the mornings thinking about another important life change. One VERY important thing: I need to start getting serious about tofu!

Japan is famous for its food. It was even recognized as the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. Yet, when it comes to vegetarian, options can seem rather scarce. Recently we visited Kyoto and Osaka for sightseeing and had to find something we could eat, both meat-free and delicious.