Travelling with dietary restrictions can be a challenge even at the best of times but many vegans and vegetarians visiting Japan are often surprised at just how limited menus can be and how little signposting there actually is to help understand what's going into the food being served. That said, there are a host of good vegetarian and vegan options around the city. Whether you're vegan yourself, have other dietary restrictions, or are just looking for some good food with a lot of vegetables, Snow Monkey Resorts is here to help with all the best vegetarian and vegan options around Kanazawa!
Why Visit Kanazawa?
Kanazawa is a wonderful city on the central-western coast of Japan famous for its host of traditional crafts, rich and well-preserved history and its abundance of nature. The city makes a great stopping point for a few days as its relatively-smaller size (compared to Tokyo and Kyoto!) make it very easy to see the city's main sights in a day, leaving free time to take day trips to the surrounding region which is known for its beauty.
If you're planning a trip to Kanazawa, look no further than our "Things to Do Around Kanazawa" to help plan your trip!
What are Kanazawa's Famous Foods?
Kanazawa has several foods that travellers hunt out. The city is most proud of its seafood and many restaurants which may have otherwise made vegetarian or vegan dishes often incorporate seafood into their stocks and broths.
However, not all is lost! Kanazawa is known for its curry - both Japanese-style and Indian-style - and the city has restaurants offering plenty of curry dishes for visitors to enjoy. While Japanese curry is traditionally made with beef or pork, vegetarian options do exist.
If you are travelling with a meat-eating companion, check out our page on Kanazawa's Famous Foods for more information!
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
Takano Vegan Restaurant (健康食工房たかの)
What is it - Slightly out of the city is one of the region's longest-running vegan restaurants. Takano has been serving vegan twists on local dishes for 30 years. The restaurant changes its menu often to reflect what is in season.
Vegetarian - Yes
Vegan - Yes
Meat Options - No
English Menu - Yes, but the restaurant asks those with questions to do so via their hotel's reception staff as they cannot speak English.
Price Range - 1,200 - 2,000 JPY
Google Maps - Link
Aashirwad
What is it - Situated between Omicho Market and the Nagamachi Samurai District, Aashirwad is one of Kanazawa's best-known vegetarian and vegan options. Aashirwad is a popular spot among locals, too, so you may want to make a reservation.
Vegetarian - Options available
Vegan - Options available
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - ~2,000 JPY per person
Google Maps - Link
Temakizushi Coil
What is it - This modern dining spin on the playful "temakizushi" (roll-it-yourself sushi) serves a variety of options friendly to people with all types of dietary restrictions. The restaurant is located a two-minute walk from Omicho Market, so the central location is great for travellers staying anywhere in the city.
Vegetarian - Options available
Vegan - Options available
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - ~2000 - 4000 JPY per person
Google Maps - Link
Anan - そば処 杏庵
What is it - A small restaurant in central Kanazawa offering soba with vegan and vegetarian options available. The owner does not speak English but understand vegetarian and vegan.
Vegetarian - Options available
Vegan - Options available
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - ~1000 - 2000 JPY per person
Google Maps - Link
MARICHOU-K
What is it - While Marichou-K is marketed as a Chinese restaurant, it's worth noting that many Chinese restaurants in Japan have adapted their menus to the local palate and are distinct from traditional cooking across China. Situated between Omicho Market and the Higashi Chaya tea district, Marichou-K serves a variety of vegetarian and vegan ramens.
Vegetarian - Options available
Vegan - Options available
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - ~1000 JPY
Google Maps - Link
Vegetarian and Vegan Cafes
SIU.COFFEE+VEG
What is it - While a bit of a walk from Kanazawa's main attractions, this café is entirely vegan, with Mediterranean-style food options.
Vegetarian - Yes
Vegan - Yes
Meat Options - No
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - Coffee ~700, lunch set 1800 JPY
Google Maps - Link
Sway Coffee
What is it - A locally-owned coffee brewery. Also serves cakes and snacks. Located near Kenrokuen Garden.
Vegetarian - Yes
Vegan - Yes, Almond and Soy milk options available for additional charge.
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - Coffee is ~700
Google Maps - Link
Yamazato-no-Sho
What is it - A small cafe serving hand-made onigiri made in a traditional local style. Located near Kurando Terashima's House and a short walk from the Higashi Chaya District
Vegetarian - Often, but check with staff.
Vegan - Often, but check with staff.
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - Onigiri are ~270 JPY for takeout. More expensive eat-in options are available but may require reservation.
Google Maps - Link
Moron Café
What is it - More than an eye-catching name, this cafe in Kanazawa's Nagamachi Samurai district serves coffee, curry, sandwiches and small snacks.
Vegetarian -Options available.
Vegan - Options available - avocado toast can be made vegan by asking to remove butter and cream cheese (staff do this often).
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - Coffee ~700 JPY, food options ~1500 JPY.
Google Maps - Link
Curio Café
What is it - Near Omicho Market, this American-style café sells a variety of coffees, cakes and sandwiches.
Vegetarian - Available
Vegan - Available, the Veggie sandwich can be made vegan by removing the egg when ordering.
Meat Options - Yes
English Menu - Yes
Price Range - Coffee ~700, sandwiches ~800 JPY
Google Maps - Link