Veggie Foodie’s 8‑Day Japan Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka (Dec 8‑15)

Viewed by 117 travelers
Tokyo – Shinjuku

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Settle into Shinjuku

Morning:

Land at Narita/Haneda, take the Narita Express or limousine bus to Shinjuku and check into your hotel, such as Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku. Freshen up and enjoy a quick walk to the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a relaxing start.

Afternoon:

Stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen’s serene Japanese garden, then head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck for panoramic city views – both are free and perfect for photo ops.

Evening:

Explore Omoide Yokocho’s narrow alleys, sampling veggie yakitori at one of the small izakayas, and finish the night with a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the neon lights of Kabukicho.

Book a Hotel
Tokyo – Shinjuku

Day 2: Explore Shinjuku’s Veggie Cafés & Markets

Morning:

Start with a wholesome breakfast at Ain Soph. Journey, a popular vegan café known for its fluffy pancakes and tofu scramble. Afterwards, wander the Shinjuku Green Market to pick up fresh seasonal produce.

Afternoon:

Visit the bustling department store Isetan Shinjuku’s food hall, where you’ll find an impressive selection of plant‑based sushi and ramen. Stop by T’s Tantan for a signature vegan tantan noodle bowl.

Evening:

Dine at Veganic To Go, a fully vegan restaurant serving creative Japanese‑Western fusion dishes, then enjoy a leisurely walk through Kabukicho’s illuminated streets.

Book a Hotel
Tokyo – Shibuya/Harajuku

Day 3: Trendy Shibuya & Harajuku – Vegetarian Street Eats

Morning:

Cross the famous Shibuya Scramble and snap a photo with Hachiko Statue. Grab a vegan coffee and matcha toast at The Roastery in Shibuya.

Afternoon:

Head to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, where you’ll discover vegan crepes at Angel’s Heart and a colorful array of plant‑based snacks. Visit the nearby Meiji Shrine for a quick cultural pause.

Evening:

Return to Shibuya for dinner at Nagi Shokudo, a cozy spot offering vegan ramen and curry. End the night at a themed karaoke bar with private rooms.

Book a Hotel
Tokyo – Asakusa/Ueno

Day 4: Historic Asakusa & Ueno – Plant‑Based Classics

Morning:

Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa and explore Senso‑ji Temple, then wander Nakamise‑Dori, sampling vegan kibi dango and sweet potato croquettes.

Afternoon:

Walk to Ueno Park, visiting the Tokyo National Museum for a glimpse of Japanese art. Browse Ameya‑Yokocho market for fresh tofu, seaweed, and ready‑made vegan bento boxes.

Evening:

Enjoy a riverside dinner at T’s Kitchen, a vegan restaurant overlooking the Sumida River, then stroll along the illuminated streets of Asakusa for night photography.

Book a Hotel
Tokyo – Shinjuku

Day 5: Final Tokyo Highlights & Prep for Osaka

Morning:

Visit the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen again for a sunrise walk, followed by brunch at Veggie Café Neco, known for its avocado toast and miso soup.

Afternoon:

Spend time shopping for souvenirs at Takashimaya Times Square and pick up any last‑minute travel essentials. Pack your luggage and check your train tickets.

Evening:

Have a farewell dinner at Sushitei Oka, a fully vegan sushi bar offering creative rolls. Early to the hotel for a good night’s rest before the train ride tomorrow.

Book a Hotel
Osaka – Sakai (Kyoto Day‑Trip)

Day 6: Travel to Osaka – Base in Sakai, Evening Kyoto Day‑Trip

Morning:

Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin‑Osaka (≈2.5 h). Transfer to Sakai via the Nankai Line and check into Sakai’s Sakai Prince Hotel, located near Daisen Park.

Afternoon:

Relax in Daisen Park, visiting the historic Mozu Tombs (Kofun) for a quick cultural stop. Freshen up and catch a late‑afternoon train to Kyoto.

Evening:

Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha for an enchanting twilight hike through its thousands of torii gates. Dine on vegetarian yakitori at Inari Sushi’s nearby vegan stall before returning to Sakai.

Book a Hotel
Kyoto – Central

Day 7: Full Day in Kyoto – Vegetarian Temples & Gardens

Morning:

Start at Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion) for a serene view of the gold‑leafed temple reflected in its pond. Continue to Ryoan‑ji to admire the iconic rock garden.

Afternoon:

Head to Nishiki Market, sampling a variety of veg goodies such as tofu dengaku, pickled vegetables, and matcha sweets. Visit Ninnaji Temple, where the garden tea house serves a traditional vegetarian kaiseki lunch.

Evening:

Stroll through Gion’s historic streets, spotting geisha silhouettes. Dinner at Mame & Shiba, a vegan izakaya offering seasonal small plates, then return to Sakai for rest.

Book a Hotel
Osaka – Sakai

Day 8: Osaka Farewell – Veggie Breakfast & Departure

Morning:

Enjoy a hearty vegan breakfast at Green Earth Osaka, featuring smoothie bowls, tempeh bacon, and freshly baked scones. Check out of the hotel and store luggage at the station locker.

Afternoon:

Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, taking in the panoramic views from the top floor. Grab a quick vegan lunch at Chabuton Osaka, famous for its plant‑based ramen.

Evening:

Explore Dotonbori’s neon corridor, tasting veggie takoyaki and okonomiyaki at a dedicated vegan stall. Head to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight.

Book a Hotel

Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Narita Express / Limousine Bus to Shinjuku$30
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (check‑in)$120/night
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden¥500
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation DeckFree
Ain Soph. Journey (vegan café)¥1,200
Shinjuku Green MarketFree
Isetan Shinjuku Food Hall¥2,000
T’s Tantan (vegan ramen)¥1,300
Shibuya Scramble & Hachiko StatueFree
The Roastery (coffee)¥800
Harajuku Takeshita Street & Angel’s Heart (vegan crepes)¥1,500
Meiji ShrineFree
Nagi Shokudo (vegan ramen & curry)¥1,400
Senso‑ji Temple & Nakamise‑DoriFree
Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum¥1,000
Ameya‑Yokocho marketFree
T’s Kitchen (vegan dinner)¥2,200
Shinkansen Tokyo → Shin‑Osaka¥14,000
Sakai Prince Hotel (check‑in)$110/night
Daisen Park & Mozu TombsFree
Fushimi Inari Taisha (evening hike)Free
Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion)¥400
Ryoan‑ji Rock Garden¥500
Nishiki Market (veg snacks)¥1,800
Ninnaji Temple (vegetarian kaiseki lunch)¥3,500
Gion District strollFree
Mame & Shiba (vegan izakaya)¥2,200
Green Earth Osaka (vegan breakfast)¥1,200
Osaka Castle¥600
Chabuton Osaka (vegan ramen)¥1,300
Dotonbori (vegan takoyaki & okonomiyaki)¥1,500
Kansai International Airport transfer¥1,200
Estimated Total (per person)$2,800‑$3,200
0