If you’re vegan and visiting Japan, you deserve to indulge in the essence of Japanese gastronomy! With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of vegan-friendly restaurants located near Osaka’s major tourist spots and stations. These establishments focus on quality ingredients to offer dishes that not only taste exquisite but also look stunning.

This article will also introduce shops where you can purchase vegan-friendly Japanese seasonings and ingredients which are perfect for souvenirs or enhancing your culinary adventures back home.

Ramen is undeniably one of the quintessential Japanese dishes, and no visit to Japan would be complete without it! If you’re traveling via the Shinkansen, make sure to stop by Ramen Kio at JR Shin-Osaka Station. Dedicated to making Japan’s rich tonkotsu ramen accessible to everyone, the shop offers a vegan ramen option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

The signature dish, Vegan Paitan Ramen, features a creamy, rich broth made from vegetables, soy milk, and garlic. The soup is slow-cooked to extract the full umami of the ingredients, creating a thick, hearty texture reminiscent of traditional tonkotsu broth that clings perfectly to the noodles. No ramen experience is complete without toppings, and Ramen Kio delivers with its famous plant-based “chashu,” made entirely from soy-based ingredients yet large, tender, and satisfyingly meaty.

For those who prefer bolder flavors, the Vegan Miso Ramen and Vegan Spicy Miso Ramen are excellent choices. These dishes, crafted with organic miso as the base, are also suitable for Oriental vegans.

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A café focused on gut health, operated by a beauty clinic, offers a unique dining experience with a health-centric concept. The menu is overseen by the owner-chef of Varier, a highly regarded French restaurant in Osaka, who honed his craft at a two-star Michelin restaurant in France. Additionally, the menu development benefits from the expertise of professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and registered dietitians, ensuring a holistic approach.

The café specializes in plant-based dishes made without animal-derived ingredients, featuring fresh vegetables and soy-based meats. A standout recommendation is the monthly VEGAN Lunch, which includes nine seasonal side dishes as the centerpiece. These colorful and beautifully presented dishes are subtly flavored to bring out the natural umami of the ingredients, offering a gentle, gut-friendly dining experience. The entire menu is gluten-free, and requests for dishes prepared without alliums can be accommodated—just ask the friendly staff!

In addition to dining, the café sells specialty items like organic sugar, domestically produced organic rice vinegar (Oume Organic Junmai Vinegar), and kombucha—a sparkling fermented tea known for promoting gut health. These make perfect souvenirs to continue your wellness journey at home!

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Sushi is often synonymous with seafood, but Shōjin Sushi Minamo, a vegetable sushi specialty restaurant, breaks that mold. This unique eatery focuses on vegan, allium-free, and gluten-free options, highlighting the natural flavors of fresh vegetables in their sushi creations.

If you’re unsure what to order, start with the Shojin Sushi Assortment (10 pieces). This platter includes innovative sushi like tomato “tuna-style”, tofu and pumpkin “egg-style”, organic carrot “salmon-style”, and organic mushroom and enoki “crab miso-style”. Despite being plant-based, each piece is bursting with flavor, leaving no sense of lacking.

The sushi is not just delicious but also visually stunning. With vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship, each piece is a work of edible art.

You can also order sushi a la carte. Other menu highlights include Eggplant Kabayaki Donburi, Vegan Sushi Rolls, and Shōjin Miso Soup made with organic low-sodium miso. Be sure to try a variety of offerings! For a unique experience, sit at the counter and watch the sushi chefs masterfully craft their creations—it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

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Paprika Shokudo Vegan is a casual restaurant that prides itself on using 100% plant-based and organic ingredients. It also caters to allium-free and gluten-free dietary needs.

The menu’s star dishes include the “Soy Meat Karaage Set Meal”, featuring soy meat fried in first-press canola oil and coated in a double sauce of additive-free homemade tare and organic soy milk mayonnaise. Another favorite is the “Vegan Hamburger Steak Set Meal”, made from organic soy mince, tofu, and sautéed onions, topped with a homemade organic tomato sauce.

The surprises don’t stop there! The menu boasts dishes like Mapo Tofu, Omurice, and Fried Oysters, making you wonder, “Wait, this is vegan too?!” The dessert selection is equally enticing, with options like Tofu Baked Cheesecake and Ramo Muffins, satisfying both your sweet tooth and dietary preferences.

The restaurant also features a store where you can purchase vegan snacks, ice creams, frozen foods, and basic cooking staples such as sugar, mirin, vinegar, and soy sauce. If you’re looking for Japanese-style vegan souvenirs, don’t forget to browse their selection!

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With over 50 years of history and more than 70 locations nationwide, Chibo is a long-established okonomiyaki restaurant serving authentic Osaka-style pancakes. Conveniently located on Dotonbori’s main street, it’s a popular spot among tourists.

This 7-story restaurant offers a diverse dining experience catering to various dietary preferences. On the 7th floor, you’ll find halal-friendly options like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Meanwhile, floors 1 through 6 feature vibrant and flavorful dishes for vegans and vegetarians. Every dish is a visual feast, showcasing colorful, fresh vegetables paired with the restaurant’s signature sauces. The generous use of vegetables and the perfect balance of flavors create an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for more!

Each table is equipped with a hotplate, and for a more immersive experience, counter seating allows you to watch the chefs skillfully prepare your meal right in front of you. Enjoy a taste of Osaka’s culinary heritage with a side of lively cooking entertainment!

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Bills is a restaurant originated from Sydney, Australia. In the Kansai area, the only store is conveniently located in LUCUA 1100, a shopping complex directly connected to JR Osaka Station, which is the perfect stop during your travels.

Bills’ Yellow Curry features butternut pumpkin and jasmine rice, with tofu available as a vegan option. You can enjoy either lunch or dinner!  There are also offer plant-based choices on the seasonal menu, which changes twice a year.

Until mid-April 2025, the seasonal menu highlights bills’ ethos of “Everyone is Welcome,” focusing on vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes.

Expect delectable options like Vegan Pasta, White Bean Soup, and a visually stunning Matcha Frappe made with vegan oat milk.

Please note that vegetarian, vegan, Oriental vegan, and gluten-free accommodations vary by dish, so feel free to inquire with the restaurant staff.

For a well-balanced Japanese set meal, look no further than Natural Kitchen Medaka 2nd Branch. Serving the community for nearly 30 years, this natural food restaurant is loved by businesspeople and locals alike. Despite its central location, the calm and relaxing ambiance makes it a cozy retreat.

The set menu changes daily and caters to vegan, gluten-free, and Oriental vegan preferences. Enjoy dishes like “Soy Meat Veggie Soboro on Daikon Steak,” “Soy Veggie Hamburger with Miso Demi-Glace Sauce,” or “Lightly Seasoned Vegetable Hot Pot with Chinese Cabbage and Simmered Wheat Gluten.” Made with seasonal ingredients and crafted with care, these home-style meals are comforting and flavorful. The rice mix, featuring half brown rice and half multigrain, is a delightful bonus!

Regular favorites like the Wheat Gluten Cutlet and Veggie Karaage Set, Soy Veggie Hamburger Set, and Veggie Karaage Set are also crowd-pleasers.

The café also offers gluten-free and vegan sweets, such as cakes and muffins, which are highly popular. A variety of takeout options are available, perfect for meals on the go.

Families with children will appreciate the vegan-friendly kids’ menu, making this spot ideal for visitors of all ages!

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After a day of shopping in Umeda, satisfy your hunger at Cosme Kitchen Adaptation Hanshin Umeda Main Store. This café-restaurant embraces the concept of Clean Eating—”Eat deliciously to nourish both body and soul”—and caters to a variety of dietary styles, including vegan and gluten-free, with a focus on natural and organic ingredients.

The menu features thoughtfully crafted salads and deli options made from organic and naturally grown ingredients. A standout dish is the All-in-“One” Bowl, packed with salad, chickpea falafel, vegetable hummus, and more—a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal. Don’t miss the Osaka-exclusive 3 Flavors of Veggie Karaage Bowl, a vegan and gluten-free delight featuring choices like Chopped Vegetables with Japanese-Style Grated Daikon Ponzu and Sweet Chili Mayo.

For dessert, treat yourself to the Japanese Parfait with Domestic Zunda and Matcha Warabi Mochi, a vegan-friendly option that’s both unique and delicious.

Dine in a sophisticated, open space bathed in natural light.

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Located in northern Osaka, Ikeda is home to attractions such as the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, Satsukiyama Park, Ikeda Castle Ruins Park, and Shuboudai Lookout. The area also provides easy access to Minoh Falls and Katsuo-ji Temple, making it a great destination for exploration.

Holy Holy Familiar Tree Café is a charming spot where the hospitable owners serve Oriental vegan and gluten-free cuisine.

The lunch set features creamy croquettes made with soy milk sauce and two types of vegan cheese, paired with traditional Japanese side dishes like kinpira (sautéed burdock and carrot) and simmered hijiki seaweed, all crafted using fresh, locally sourced vegetables from Ikeda. Each dish is a testament to the natural flavors of the ingredients, offering a surprising level of deliciousness! After your meal, indulge in a cake sweetened with health-conscious brown sugar or enjoy a cup of caffeine-free coffee for a relaxing finish.

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3 restaurants where you can eat plant-based food near CUPNOODLES MUSEUM in Osaka Ikeda

Discover the delightful world of Japanese vegan cuisine that’s as kind to your body as it is to your taste buds. The restaurants featured in this article are conveniently located in central Osaka areas like Umeda and Shinsaibashi, making them easy additions to your sightseeing plans. Be sure to do a little research beforehand to fully enjoy Japan’s culinary experiences!