Tokyo might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of vegan-friendly cities. With foodie specialties like sushi and yakitori to soups made with bonito-infused dashi, it can be easy to assume that vegan travelers will have a tough time navigating the food scene. However, Japan's capital is proving that finding top-notch plant-based cuisine is easier than you'd expect.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, plant-based restaurant resource HappyCow has just released its list of the Top 25 Vegan-Friendly Cities in the world. In exciting news for both locals and travelers, Tokyo placed 12th overall, standing out as one of the most vegan-accessible destinations in Asia.
The rankings were based on several factors, including the number of fully vegan restaurants, vegan and vegetarian businesses, the density of these spots by area and population, and feedback from the HappyCow team on how easy it is to find and enjoy vegan meals in each city.
What sets Tokyo apart is the steady growth in options across a wide range of experiences. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the likes of vegan ramen, plant-based sushi, and even vegan izakaya. While the number of strictly vegan restaurants may still be catching up to some Western cities, Tokyo stands out for its creativity, convenience, and rising awareness of vegan lifestyles.
