6 Best Michelin Vegan Restaurants in Kyoto

Shigetsu (篩月) / Kaiseki

Bib Gourmand , Green Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

Embark on an enchanting culinary journey at Shigetsu, a shojin cuisine restaurant nestled within Tenryuji Temple, a renowned World Heritage site and part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Rooted in the tradition of serving Buddhist monks, shojin cuisine embodies harmony with nature, offering a uniquely healthy dining experience. Focusing on plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, mountain greens, wild herbs, and seaweed, Shigetsu crafts exquisite dishes that resonate with the flavors of the season.

Shigetsu’s shojin cuisine is a stunning fusion of aesthetics and flavor, transforming the traditional perception of temple cuisine into a captivating culinary experience. Delight in the vibrant flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients meticulously prepared to perfection. Awarded the prestigious Bib Gourmand recognition, Shigetsu offers an exceptional opportunity to indulge in shojin cuisine at a reasonable price, with meals priced at less than JPY 10,000.

■ Vegan menu availability

・The restaurant is able to accommodate your requests.

・They have a vegan menu.

Gion Fukushi (ぎをん 福志) / Kaiseki

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

Come and indulge in the extraordinary Japanese food at Gion Fukushi, where the traditions of Japanese and Kyoto cuisine are emphasized. Handcrafted by the head chef, who has undergone extensive training at high-end Japanese restaurants, the dishes feature the freshest seasonal ingredients and vary daily to allow patrons to experience the delicate changes of the seasons. Located in the heart of Kyoto’s geisha district, Gion Fukushi provides a memorable dining experience. Enjoying kaiseki meals at the quiet counter tables amidst the traditional Japanese interior will immerse every guest in the essence of Japan.

■ Vegan menu availability

The restaurant is able to accommodate your requests.

Ichijoji Norihide (一乗寺 乃り英) / Kaiseki

Indulge in the exquisite tradition of Japanese kaiseki cuisine at Ichijoji Norihide. It continues the culinary legacy of a beloved Gion establishment, cherished by Japanese actors. Here, seasonal ingredients are honored, preserving the delicate flavors of classic Kyoto-style dishes. Their soup stock is crafted from mineral-rich well water, ensuring depth and richness in every dish. With meticulous attention to detail, the staff of Ichijoji Norihide personally visit production sites to source the finest ingredients. Immerse yourself in a serene and harmonious atmosphere, surrendering to a truly magnificent dining experience.

■ Vegan menu availability

Please provide details when making a reservation.

Vegan Ramen UZU / Ramen

Bib Gourmand (2021 - 25)

Partnering with the Japanese digital art company TeamLab, Vegan Ramen UZU invites you to savor a delectable vegan ramen experience amidst a fusion of technology and art. Their signature dish, "Vegan Ramen Soy Sauce," features a hearty broth made from seaweed and shiitake mushrooms, infused with the richness of vegetables and enhanced by the tanginess and savory umami of tomato toppings. Its irresistibly delicious flavors defy belief in its complete absence of animal products. Additionally, they offer organic wine selections that perfectly complement the flavors of their cuisine, along with a vegan rendition of Kyoto's traditional pressed sushi, oshizushi, ensuring a fully satisfying dining experience.

There is a store in Tokyo as well. Reservations required.

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Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji (レストランひらまつ 高台寺) / French

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

Blending Kyoto’s seasonal local ingredients with refined French culinary techniques, Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji offers an exceptional French dining experience. Awarded one Michelin star for four consecutive years, it boasts a stunning panoramic view of Kyoto and a tranquil interior adorned with serene artwork and elegant furnishings.

■Vegan Menu Availability:

A dairy-free and honey-free course is available for both lunch and dinner.

The restaurant is also flexible in accommodating a variety of dietary preferences beyond vegan if you mention your requests when making a reservation.

・Ovo-vegetarian: A vegetarian diet that includes eggs.

・Lacto-vegetarian: A vegetarian diet that includes dairy products.

・Pollotarian: A diet that avoids red meat (mainly from quadrupeds).

・Pescatarian: A vegetarian diet that includes seafood, dairy products, and eggs.

・Gluten-free

・Halal: Halal meat can also be prepared with advance reservation (1 week in advance).

*Please be sure to mention any dietary requests in the remarks when making your reservation.

Kodaiji Jugyuan (高台寺 十牛庵) / Kaiseki

Two Stars

Michelin Guide, 2025

Kodaiji Jugyuan, a Japanese restaurant that was elevated to two Michelin stars in 2025, is quickly gaining global attention. Nestled in a 110-year-old sukiya-style building with a beautifully landscaped garden, the restaurant offers a refined Kyoto dining experience that blends history, nature, and tradition. Since opening in 2017, it has served elegant seasonal dishes crafted with meticulous care. The owner-chef is dedicated to preserving Kyoto’s culinary legacy for the next century, treating each dish with reverence and precision. From the tranquil ambiance to the exquisite cuisine, every element is designed to engage the five senses and express the spirit of Kyoto.

Vegan Menu Availability:

・Available

*Please contact us one week before your visit.

20 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Tokyo, from Casual to Michelin

Since this article was first published a year ago, the number of overseas tourists visiting Japan has increased significantly, driving up the demand for vegan dining options. As a result, more restaurants now offer vegan-friendly menus, though some vegan-specialized establishments have unfortunately closed. This updated edition, current as of April 2025, introduces a selection of both fine dining and casual restaurants that serve vegan meals or vegan courses.