Where to Find the Best Vegetarian Kaiseki in Tokyo: Hidden Gem

2025.02.28

The menu for March, 2025

Pure Japanese Soul

One of the greatest joys of traveling to Japan is experiencing authentic Japanese cuisine. Among the many culinary delights, kaiseki cuisine stands out as a refined dining experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich traditions through a multi-course meal designed to engage all five senses.

However, for many vegetarian and vegan travelers, finding authentic kaiseki cuisine in Japan can be challenging. This is primarily because dashi (broth), the fundamental element of Japanese cuisine, is often made using bonito flakes or other animal-based ingredients.

If you or your family follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it’s important to be aware of how commonly fish-based ingredients are used in Japanese cuisine—even in ways that may not be immediately visible. For example, almost 99.9% of udon and soba soup bases contain fish-derived dashi, making it difficult to find purely plant-based options. Additionally, seemingly vegetarian dishes like tofu or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) are often topped with bonito flakes by default. This illustrates just how deeply ingrained bonito and fish extracts are in Japanese food culture.

Amid these challenges, Ise Sueyoshi offers a rare and exceptional opportunity to enjoy a kaiseki experience with plant-based dashi. Without compromising the authenticity and elegance of traditional kaiseki, we provide a specially curated vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu, allowing guests to savor the essence of Japanese cuisine without concern.

As one of the few places in Japan offering such an experience, Ise Sueyoshi has become a favored destination for those seeking an immersive and refined plant-based dining experience.

In this article, we will explore the philosophy of Japanese cuisine, the essence of shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine), and the unique approach of vegan kaiseki.

If you or your partner are vegetarian or vegan, this guide will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for your trip to Japan.

Mindful Dining Philosophy

Japanese food culture is not just about “eating”—it is deeply rooted in philosophy. At its core are the expressions “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama deshita”, which reflect gratitude and respect for food.

“Itadakimasu” – Said before a meal, this phrase expresses gratitude for the lives of the ingredients, the skill of the chef, and the people sharing the meal.
“Gochisousama deshita” – Said after finishing a meal, this phrase conveys appreciation for the meal and respect for the culture and effort behind it.

These expressions embody gratitude toward nature, the farmers and fishermen who produce the ingredients, the chefs who prepare the dishes, and those who serve them.
Even those who are not physically present at the table have contributed to the meal, and by saying these words, we acknowledge their efforts and give thanks.
This Japanese spirit of appreciating the unseen is a unique cultural experience.
When you visit Japan, we encourage you to say these phrases and embrace their meaning.

Vegetarian Menu Evolution

In Japan, there is a long-standing culinary tradition known as “Shojin Ryori”, a Buddhist cuisine that does not use meat or fish. However, Shojin Ryori is primarily intended for Buddhist monks and follows a different style from everyday Japanese cuisine.

What is Shojin Ryori?
Buddhist cuisine – Wikipedia

While Shojin Ryori adheres to strict rules of avoiding animal products, its true essence lies in the philosophy of mindfulness and spiritual discipline rather than just the absence of meat or fish.
It is often described as a meal for spiritual training, emphasizing simplicity and appreciation for nature’s offerings.

In traditional Japanese families who value ancestral customs, Shojin Ryori is commonly eaten on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, when family members gather to honor their ancestors.
Unlike celebratory meals for occasions such as weddings or birthdays, Shojin Ryori carries a more solemn and reflective significance.

Sueyoshi Vegan Philosophy

Kaiseki cuisine is more than just a meal—it is a refined art form that embodies Japanese aesthetics and spirituality.

🔗 Read more about Kaiseki Cuisine

At Ise Sueyoshi, we do not refer to our vegan and vegetarian-friendly courses as Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine).
The reason is simple: we aim to provide a celebratory dining experience that brings elegance and joy to your special moments.
Instead, we call it Vegan Kaiseki or Vegetarian Kaiseki, as it is designed to honor occasions such as birthdays, honeymoons, wedding anniversaries, graduation celebrations, or even the joy of visiting Japan for the first time.

Our Vegan Kaiseki was first developed in 2016, at a time when high-end vegan-friendly Japanese cuisine was nearly impossible to find in Tokyo.
In particular, finding traditional Kaiseki dining that adhered to vegan principles was extremely difficult.

One of the biggest challenges was creating the perfect dashi (Japanese broth).
Traditional Japanese cuisine relies on bonito-based dashi, but for our Vegan Kaiseki, we crafted a unique blend of kombu (kelp), dried shiitake mushrooms, burdock root tea, and Jerusalem artichoke tea to develop a deep, umami-rich flavor.

As a result, Ise Sueyoshi’s Vegan Kaiseki successfully recreates the authentic depth of Japanese cuisine without any animal-derived ingredients, offering a truly unique and exquisite fine dining experience.

Nature’s Best Picks

Kaiseki cuisine is often described as “a meal that embraces the seasons.”
Japan is blessed with a rich variety of seasonal ingredients, and there is a deep-rooted culture of appreciating the peak flavors of each season.

Spring: Mountain vegetables, bamboo shoots, beans
Summer: Eggplants, gourds, edamame
Autumn: Mushrooms, persimmons, ginkgo nuts, rice
Winter: Yuzu, turnips, taro, lily bulbs

At Ise Sueyoshi, Chef Yuuki Tanaka works closely with local farmers to select the freshest vegetables at their peak.
Each dish is meticulously crafted to reflect the essence of Japan’s four seasons.

Spring: Fragrance of Cherry Blossoms

Spring menus feature bamboo shoots and fukinoto (butterbur sprouts)—ingredients that embody the delicate lightness of the season.

Summer: Refreshing Cool Dishes

During the hot summer months, visually cooling dishes take center stage.
Many summer vegetables help lower body temperature and provide a refreshing sensation.

Autumn: A Celebration of Harvest

Dishes featuring chestnuts, persimmons, and mushrooms highlight the deep, earthy flavors of the autumn harvest.

Winter: Warmth in a Pot

In the cold winter months, Kaiseki focuses on hot pot dishes with kombu dashi, offering warmth and a profound depth of flavor.

At Ise Sueyoshi, every dish is a reflection of nature’s rhythm, allowing guests to savor the beauty of Japan’s ever-changing seasons.

Seasonal Menu Highlights

Fried giant eggplant with summer vegetables

For more about our vegan and gluten-free philosophy, please visit this page.

Luxury in Every Bite

Kaiseki cuisine is a form of “hospitality on a plate”, developed alongside the art of tea ceremony.
It is a culinary expression of Japanese aesthetics and the changing seasons.
Rooted in formal beauty, Kaiseki dining emphasizes seasonality, the natural essence of ingredients, and visual harmony.
For guests who are not vegetarian or vegan, Ise Sueyoshi’s seasonal Kaiseki course features an exquisite selection of mountain vegetables, Ise lobster, premium Wagyu beef, bluefin tuna, and fugu (pufferfish)—all highly prized in Japanese cuisine.
Every dish at Ise Sueyoshi is meticulously plated, transforming the meal into an artistic masterpiece.
Chef Yuuki Tanaka’s refined techniques and deep sensitivity to aesthetics create a multi-sensory dining experience that delights not just the palate but also the eyes.
While preserving the essence of seasonality, Kaiseki at Ise Sueyoshi invites vegetarians, vegans, and non-vegetarians alike to experience the true beauty of Japanese fine dining.
With carefully selected ingredients, delicate flavors, and breathtaking presentation, each bite offers a moment of pure delight.
Dining at Ise Sueyoshi is not just about food—it is an unforgettable cultural experience.

Chef’s Personal Welcome

Chef Yuuki Tanaka, the mastermind behind Ise Sueyoshi, is a highly experienced Kaiseki chef with 32 years of expertise in Japanese cuisine. At his intimate counter-style restaurant in Hiroo, Tokyo, he crafts exquisite Kaiseki dishes with meticulous attention to detail, offering a world-class omotenashi experience.

His passion lies in showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients from his hometown of Ise, where Japan’s rich culinary heritage thrives. Every dish is a work of art, carefully prepared to engage all five senses, creating an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Beyond the cuisine, Chef Yuuki is dedicated to bridging cultures through food. He personally explains each dish in fluent English, ensuring that international guests can fully appreciate the depth of Japanese culinary traditions in a warm and private setting.

Chef Yuuki Tanaka’s Philosophy

✔ Expressing Japanese culture and seasonality through his dishes
✔ Curating personalized Kaiseki experiences based on guests’ preferences
✔ Providing insightful English explanations, enriching cultural appreciation

In the exclusive and intimate ambiance of Ise Sueyoshi, guests not only enjoy exceptional cuisine but also learn about the artistry, traditions, and philosophy behind Japanese fine dining.

When you visit, don’t hesitate to ask about his inspirations, the seasonal highlights, or the unique techniques behind each dish—you will surely be captivated by his passion and expertise.

Perfect Dining Timing

At Ise Sueyoshi, dining is not just about enjoying a meal—it is a theatrical experience where the curtain rises on a carefully orchestrated culinary journey.
In Chef Yuuki Tanaka’s live kitchen, each dish unfolds like a chapter in a story, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine through all five senses.

Much like the opening scene of a play, all guests embark on this gastronomic performance simultaneously.
Each course is meticulously crafted and served in a precise sequence, ensuring that every element harmonizes perfectly.
Arriving late would mean missing a part of this carefully curated narrative, disrupting the seamless flow of the experience.

Please consider your reservation time as the opening act of a show.
To provide the best possible experience, we kindly ask that all guests arrive on time and be seated promptly.

This is a one-night-only culinary stage, and you are the main character in this unforgettable performance.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this extraordinary moment together.

We are proud to continue delivering an exceptional dining experience that earned us the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024 award, ranking among the Best Restaurants in Tokyo. Our commitment to excellence in service and our dedication to offering the finest kaiseki dining experience in Tokyo remain unwavering. Discover more about our journey to becoming one of the best restaurants in the city[here].

Visit Ise Sueyoshi

Location: Conveniently located 12 minutes from Roppongi Station and 8 minutes from Hiroo Station.
Hours: Open 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, reservations only. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Book Your Experience ☟

Reservation Page

Conclusion

At Ise Sueyoshi, we humbly invite you to experience a dining journey that caters to all dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, halal, or have specific preferences, we are here to create a memorable and inclusive dining experience for you, especially for special occasions like a honeymoon.

Looking ahead to 2025, we promise to continue striving as the “Best Kaiseki Restaurant,” delivering unique culinary experiences that reflect the beauty and depth of Japanese culture. Reservations are now open through the end of 2025. We encourage you to plan early and join us for a special dining experience. May our dishes and hospitality create cherished memories for your journey.

Where to Find the Best Vegetarian Kaiseki in Tokyo: Hidden Gem | 伊勢すえよし

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