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Vegan Products Available In Japanese Supermarkets

Shopping for vegan food in Japan isn’t easy, but if you know what to look out for, then even the humblest supermarket can yield some delicious plant-based treats.

Sometimes buying vegan products in Japanese supermarkets can feel like an impossible task. Plant-based diets are far from mainstream, and many Japanese people are unfamiliar with what the word ‘vegan’ actually means. Even Japanese dishes centered on plant-based ingredients are frequently seasoned with dashi (fish stock) and other ingredients derived from animal products.

All of this can make shopping for vegan food in Japanese supermarkets a considerable challenge, especially since some vegan-friendly products are not labeled as such. But with a little research, it is possible to find what you’re looking for. This guide to vegan supermarket shopping is here to get you started.

Where To Shop For Vegan Food Products

Vegan Products Available In Most Japanese Supermarkets

There are a few go-to supermarkets and food stores in Japan that all vegans should know.

Natural House: An organic supermarket chain with a wider range of vegan ingredients and ready meals than mainstream supermarkets.
Natural Lawson: A branch of Lawson convenience stores featuring products made from natural ingredients, including vegan snacks.
Import and International stores: Stores such as Bio c’ Bon, Seijo Ishii, Kaldi Coffee and Jupiter Coffee are great places to find vegan snacks and ingredients.
Online stores: Most of the above stores offer online shopping and home delivery, while websites like iHerb and Amazon Japan are also great places to source vegan food products.

Check out our article that introduces online shops to buy vegan food for more.

Supermarket Staples

Natto Vegan Products Available In Most Japanese Supermarkets

When you’re unable to access a more vegan-friendly food store like the ones listed above, there are still plenty of vegan staples you can pick up at mainstream Japanese supermarket chains like Aeon, Seiyu and Gyomu Super. Here are a few plant-based food items you can stock up on at most Japanese supermarkets.

Tofu and tempeh
Mixed beans and nuts
Soy milk, soy yogurt, soy ice cream
Almond milk and oat milk
Miso soup (check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain fish stock)
Rice, noodles and pasta
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Soy sauce, mirin and wine vinegar

Ready-made/Pre-made Vegan Products

While home cooking is a necessary part of the vegan lifestyle in Japan, there will always be days when you don’t feel like making a recipe from scratch. It can be very difficult to find ready-made vegan foods outside of organic or import stores, but there are still a few plant-based meals, snacks and sides at most supermarkets that are suitable for vegans.

The blog Is it Vegan? Japan and the Facebook group Vegan Supermarket Finds in Japan are great resources for scouting these elusive vegan-friendly products. Here’s a roundup of some of the most widely available.

Curries

Japanese curries are a home-cooking classic, and many curry brands sell plant-based products. The easiest vegan curries to find are allergen-free varieties such as Curry Prince Vegetable and Chickpea Curry, which are aimed at children with allergies. If these are a little mild for your taste, you can always add a dash of S&B Spicy Curry Powder, which is widely available and completely vegan!

Minasama Omitsuki Chickpea and Vegetable Chana Masala Curry Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Minasama Omitsuki Chickpea and Vegetable Chana Masala Curry | ¥192

Topvalu Curry Made with Vegetables and Rice Puree | ¥192

Curry Prince Vegetable and Chickpea Curry | ¥140

S&B Spicy Curry Powder | ¥578

Pre-made Ingredients and Ramen

Vegan-ready meals are not always easy to find, but one exception is Japchae, a Korean dish of vegetables and glass noodles that is often totally plant-based. Miso ramen and soups can also be made without animal products, but be sure to check the packaging carefully. If full-ready meals aren’t available, you can sometimes find sauce packets that are suitable for vegans instead.

Marukome Daizu Labo Japchae | ¥410 approx.

Coop Miso Ramen Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Coop Miso Ramen | ¥267

Meat Substitutes

Soy meat is sold widely in Japanese supermarkets, but not all meat substitutes are created equal. Some are made with egg or other animal products, so look out for these totally plant-based alternatives.

Marukome Soy Meat Mince Type | ¥300

Asahico Tofu Protein Minced Meat | ¥321

Topvalu Vegetive Soybean Mince Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Topvalu Vegetive Soybean Mince | ¥198

Pizzas, Naans and Tortillas

While vegan pizzas complete with toppings are rare in Japanese supermarkets, you can easily pick up a vegan pizza base and make your own, especially with Italian-style tomato sauces sold in most supermarkets and soy-based cheese alternatives on the rise. Vegan naan breads and tortillas are also easy to find.

Del Sol Vegetable Pizza Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Del Sol Vegetable Pizza | ¥413

Del Sol Napoli Style Pizza Crust | ¥376

Beyond Tofu Pizza Shred Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Beyond Tofu Pizza Shred | ¥387

Topvalu Hand Stretched Naan | ¥198

Topvalu Tortillas | ¥258

Frozen Foods

You can find plenty of potato-based sides, such as French fries and hash browns, in the frozen aisles of most Japanese supermarkets. Some frozen mochi (rice cake) products are also suitable for vegans.

Topvalu Shoestring French Fries | ¥348

Topvalu Lightly Salted Hokkaido Potato Hash | ¥321

Gyomu Supa Mini Rosti | ¥250 approx.

Gyomu Supa Thinly Baked Mochi with Spring Onion Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Gyomu Supa Thinly Baked Mochi with Spring Onion | ¥550 approx.

Snacks

Vegan snacks are plentiful at most Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Potato chips that are plain salted or nori shio (seaweed salt) flavor are usually vegan-friendly, along with mixed nuts, dried fruit and dried sweet potato sticks. Plant-based Soyjoy bars are also vegan (be careful to avoid the ordinary Soyjoy bars, which contain dairy), along with plenty of other sweet treats.

Calbee Lightly Salted Potato Chips 60g | ¥172

Amanoya Bite-Sized Kabukiage 72g | ¥108

Calbee Miino 28g | ¥148

Soyjoy Plant-Based | ¥130

Nabisco Oreos 10 pcs Vegan Products Japanese Supermarkets

Nabisco Oreos 10 pcs | ¥178

Searching for vegan products in Japanese supermarkets can be daunting, but with the right resources and a little patience, you can find many great vegan ingredients.

10 Tokyo Style Tips to Stay Cool When the Weather Gets Hot

When dressing for summer in Japan, avoid these fashion and clothing mistakes and learn how to stay stylish even on the most sweltering hot days!

From traditional festivals to cooling down with kakigori (Japanese shaved ice), summer in Japan is an especially charming time of year. But Japanese summers are also known to be brutally hot and humid, and knowing what to wear to stay comfortable is key.

10 Tokyo Style Tips to Stay Cool When the Weather Gets Hot

I’ve learned the hard way just how important choosing the right clothing and styling is when the temperatures start rising. I’ve suffered through heat rashes, sweat stains, and resorting to wearing the same T-shirt five days in a row (out of desperation when everything else in my closet seemed too stuffy). From the mistakes I’ve made, I’ve learned some valuable lessons on what to wear during the summer in Japan. Follow these tips to stay cool while looking put together.

1. Choose light undergarments

Opt for light camisoles, and avoid thick or heavily padded bras. I’ve made the mistake of choosing synthetic, non-breathable undergarments that trap heat and moisture, causing skin irritation. Better, more summer-friendly options include simple cotton bralettes (easily found in many stores around Tokyo) and undershirts with built-in bras (try the bra tops at Uniqlo).

2. Keep fabrics light

At times, knitted clothes, such as knitted vest-type tops, have been trendy in Japan even during the summer. However, this is a trend worth passing on. Instead, opt for airy fabrics that cool down the body. Natural fibers such as linen and cotton should be a staple in your summer wardrobe and be on the lookout for lesser-known options such as Japanese washi fabric. To help beat the heat, many retailers in Japan also offer clothing lines designed to wick moisture and keep you comfortable, including Muji’s linen and hemp basics and Uniqlo’s Airism garments.

3. Layer carefully

Staying comfortable in the heat doesn’t always have to mean forgoing layering. In fact, many women in Japan know how to layer during a heatwave with ease. Lately, long overshirts worn over summery tops and comfy bottoms are popular. These shirts are typically left unbuttoned or half unbuttoned, looking (and feeling) breezy rather than bulky. Another similar trend is to take a shirt or cardigan and tie it by the sleeves around the shoulders or chest, offering slightly more coverage if needed.

4. Skip the slip

Though midi and maxi-length skirts are a go-to in summer, beware of skirts with slips. Many Japanese shops and clothing brands offer summer skirts that have a modest slip built-in. Though having a slip might seem like a safe choice, I’ve learned from experience that these slips tend to stick to skin, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Avoid skirts with slips and look for breezier, slip-free options when shopping.

5. Avoid white shirts

Common advice says to wear light colors on hot, sunny days. However, I’ve learned the hard way that white shirts don’t stand a chance during an August in Japan. White blouses and button-ups can look cute, but they’re more likely to end up with unsightly sweat stains than darker fabrics. If you still don’t want to part with your favorite white top, consider “sweat shields” that stick to fabric and block underarm sweat from staining your shirt.

6. Embrace being matchy-matchy

Lately, matching separate sets (think a polo top or T-shirt and shorts, both in the same color and fabric, for example) are especially trendy, and these sets are perfect for summer. For one, they’re easy to find during the summer at both local Japanese shops and international chain stores, and because they’re made to be coordinated, no time is wasted considering what matches. These sets can be found in airy fabrics and hot weather-friendly cuts and styles.

7. Stay in the shade

Protecting yourself from the sun is necessary for your health, as well as for your comfort. And what better way to stay shaded than by using stylish accessories? Choose a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face, or even grab a UV-blocking umbrella that coordinates with your outfit.

8. Stay work-appropriate

I once made the mistake of wearing a sleeveless, low-cut V-neck top to work to stay cool, and while this may be allowed in some workplaces, it wasn’t at mine. Get to know your workplace dress code during the summer months, and embrace Japan’s “cool biz” fashion as much as possible.

9. Rethink tucking your shirt

Tucking in a shirt or blouse can create a flattering silhouette, but it can also raise your body temperature. I’ve noticed a considerable difference in how hot I feel when I tuck in T-shirts and blouses, compared to when I leave my tops flowy. If you decide to tuck in a shirt, assuming it’s not a part of a required uniform, consider only partially tucking it into your bottoms, in order to allow some airflow.

10. Sometimes, one piece is enough

A dress, or “one piece” as it’s called in Japan, may be your most comfortable, breeziest summer clothing choice. I used to be attached to my stretchy, form-fitting jeans, even in the summertime, but now I embrace the comfort of light and airy dresses. Another option is an “all-in-one,” or a jumpsuit-style garment. Some great options are short rompers, short-sleeve jumpsuits, or classic overalls. Make sure to choose roomy options, since body-hugging styles will only trap heat more.

Tokyo’s Top 5 Shopping Districts

From stylish to casual and everything in between.

Japan’s capital is deservedly known as one of the world’s shopping meccas. Offering numerous vibrant and trendsetting districts, you can find everything from high-end to offbeat. From subculture favorites to traditional crafts and vintage wares, you’re sure to find it! Beyond department stores, the city has countless shopping streets. These streets range from posh boulevards packed with flagship stores to back alleyways focused on a particular niche such as sport or vintage clothing. Read on for the low-down on the five most popular Tokyo shopping neighborhoods.

Ginza

Ginza is the ritziest and biggest upscale shopping district in Tokyo. It’s home to posh boutiques and glamorous department stores, such as the classic Mitsukoshi and avant-garde Dover Street Market Ginza. On a global scale, it’s comparable with Oxford Street in London or Fifth Avenue in New York. In addition to the various flagship stores of international designers such MCM, Michael Kors, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, there has also been a rise in affordable fashion chains. Uniqlo, Zara and Abercrombie & Fitch arrived in Ginza over the past years. However, tucked in between some of the impressive facades are traditional craft shops like the fine crafts at Takumi.

The varied shopping options in this Tokyo neighborhood reflect the scope of the city’s consumer culture. Ginza is a blend of high-fashion luxury and more down-to-earth dedication to traditional crafts and the heritage of the country. Therefore, it’s a fascinating area where the latest trends and the oldest traditions meet.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is probably Tokyo’s most crowded neighborhood. It has the busiest train station in the world (serving more than three million people a day). Shopping here can also be a little overwhelming. Shinjuku station itself is one of the largest shopping complexes in Japan. It offers two underground malls and several large department stores. One such is the famous Lumine, which spans three different buildings that are all connected to the station. Mosaic Street is a narrow pedestrian shopping street. It runs across the top of the station linking Mylord with the Keio department store.

Shinjuku is also home to the world-renowned department store Isetan, which was established in 1886. Located near the East exit of the station, Isetan has multiple large floors. It is dedicated to the latest women’s fashion trends, as well as a separate building for fashion-forward men’s clothing. The location is also known for its huge basement food wonderland, called depachika in Japanese (literally department store underground). Just across from Isetan you will also find Bicqlo, a unique and interesting collaboration between Uniqlo and Bic Camera. Shinjuku can be a handy one-stop shopping destination with a huge variety of choices.

Shibuya

Shibuya is Tokyo’s liveliest shopping neighborhood and the fountain of teen trendiness in Japan. Many of the department stores in this area target young female shoppers in their early 20s. One of these is the world-famous Shibuya 109 (“ichi maru kyu“), a Japanese fashion institution that has been around since 1979. Other department stores and shopping complexes include ShinQs, Tokyu, Shibuya Mark City, Seibu, Loft, Parco and several Marui (OIOI) locations. One renowned and contemporary building is Shibuya Hikarie. It is directly connected to the station and includes a 10-floor shopping complex catering mainly to Japanese career women. Above the shopping levels, there are restaurants with nice views over the area. There are also large event spaces where various exhibitions and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week are held as well as an elaborate four-floor theater space that hosts Western-style musicals.

Next to the department stores, Shibuya is well known for its three exciting shopping streets: Koen Dori, Spain Zaka and Center Gai. If you’re over 30 you might feel a bit too adult in some of the stores. Some trends probably won’t exactly match your wardrobe but just cruise through and amuse yourself with the madness.

Harajuku

Harajuku has a long history and is the center of Tokyo’s most extreme youth culture. It’s home to the famed Harajuku girls (and boys). East of Harajuku station lies Takeshita Dori, known throughout Japan and across the globe as a popular hangout for 13- to 15-year-olds. The street—especially crowded during weekends—is crammed with shops. These shops sell outrageous, inexpensive clothing, fancy accessories and souvenirs, as well as crepe stands and fast food outlets. After the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, fashion designers began to set up their offices and studios in this area and neighboring Omotesando. Since then, more and more clothing stores for adults, hip coffee shops, and trendy restaurants have been built there. It is also a hotspot for vintage shopping. In Ura-Hara, the maze of backstreets behind Omotesando, you will find eccentric little shops and heaps of secondhand stores.

There are also the two trendsetting shopping complexes of LaForet Harajuku and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku. These consist of several floors of fashion boutiques and shops, which are also mainly targeted to young, female shoppers. The LaForet Museum on the top floor hosts various events and exhibitions. On the sixth floor of Tokyu Plaza you can have a cup of Starbucks coffee in a pleasant green space while enjoying a nice view over the district. Both the Japanese and international fashion industries keep a close eye on Harajuku. Many Tokyo fashion subcultures in the past have had their origin in this highly creative area.

Omotesando

Neighboring on Harajuku, Omotesando is the second-largest upscale Tokyo shopping neighborhood after Ginza. The beautiful Omotesando avenue has a distinctly European feel. It is sometimes referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysée. It’s lined with Zelkova trees leading to the famous Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. High-class domestic and international brands such as Hugo Boss, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela and many more are located along this impressive boulevard. However, if you are more interested in lesser-known international designers, one of the several stores by H.P. France might be a good place to start. One such store Wut is located in a narrow side street off Omotesando. It sells cutting-edge fashions by young German designers, among others.

By contrast, Omotesando Hills, a contemporary shopping mall and residential space with over 100 shops, is also worth a visit. Even if you’re not into shopping, this epicenter of high fashion is also home to some of the most amazing examples of modern architecture anywhere in the world.