Vegan Japan: Temples, Traditions & Tokyo Lights

Step into a world where ancient tradition and cutting-edge culture exist side by side on this unforgettable vegan journey through Japan.

From the electric energy of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto and the powerful history of Hiroshima, this immersive adventure is designed to help you experience Japan beyond the surface. You won’t just see the highlights — you’ll connect with them.

Learn the art of the samurai, meditate in a Zen temple, craft traditional Japanese sweets, and savor beautifully prepared plant-based versions of Japan’s iconic cuisine. Along the way, explore historic shrines, wander through bamboo forests, and reflect on moments that have shaped the country’s past and future.

Thoughtfully designed to be seamless, cultural, and completely vegan-friendly, this journey blends bucket-list experiences with meaningful local connections — so you can experience Japan in a way that feels both inspiring and intentional.

Trip Details

Trip Length

10 days / 9 nights

Accommodations

Hotels

Group Size

max 16 people

Physical Activity

Minimal to Moderate

Meals

9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, & 8 dinners are included

Trip Dates

November 1 – 10, 2027

New Destination
10 days

Tokyo -> Kyoto

from $6,675 (USD)

Deadline to sign up is Aug. 3, 2027

Book a Call Contact Us
group of women standing together on a boat in iceland during a veggies about vegan tour
  • red temple in tokyo surrounded by the fall foliage
  • vegan japanese curry in kyoto
  • red Japanese lanterns
  • tori gate in a misty forest in japan

Tour Itinerary

Check out the daily activities for this exciting itinerary. Please note, the itinerary is subject to change. We always have to remain flexible for weather, closures, and random things that are out of our control!

Check out the essential trip overview for more details about this adventure.

Meals Included: Dinner

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in the vibrant, ever-energetic city of Tokyo, where ancient traditions and futuristic cityscapes exist side by side.

You can arrive at any time today and settle into your hotel before meeting your group. This evening, you’ll join your tour leader and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting at 6pm, followed by your first group dinner at 7pm. It’s the perfect chance to get to know everyone, ease into the rhythm of the trip, and of course, enjoy your first delicious vegan meal in Japan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you’ll explore Tokyo with your tour leader on a half-day guided introduction to the city, getting a feel for both its historic roots and modern energy while navigating by public transportation like a local.

Begin in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhoods and home to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple. Stroll along Nakamise Street, where you’ll find a mix of local snacks, souvenirs, and handcrafted goods.

Next, take part in an interactive visit to a disaster-prevention center, offering insight into how Japan prepares for natural disasters in a hands-on, engaging way.

Then, head up to the Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views over the city from 634 meters above. On a clear day, you may even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

This evening, you’ll regroup for dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

  • Senso-ji Temple
  • Disaster Prevention Center
  • Skytree

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we see Tokyo’s modern and traditional sides.

Start with a hands-on samurai experience, where you’ll learn about the history and discipline of these iconic warriors and try out a few techniques yourself.

Afterward, hop on the metro and head to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most lively districts. Begin with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine set within a forested area that feels worlds away from the busy city.

Then, step back into the buzz of Tokyo with a walk through Shibuya, including a visit to its famously busy crossing. Before wrapping up, you’ll stop by a depachika (underground food hall), where you can browse a wide variety of Japanese treats and local specialties.

Included Activities:

  • Shibuya walking tour
  • Samurai experience
  • Meiji Shrine

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to enjoy, with the option to either explore more of Tokyo or join an optional day trip to Hakone.

If you choose Hakone, you’ll trade the city for a day of nature and scenic views. Travel by private bus into the mountains, where you’ll experience a traditional onsen, take a cable car up to the volcanic area of Owakudani, and cruise across Lake Ashinoko. On clear days, you may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.

Prefer to stay in Tokyo? Enjoy a free day to explore however you like. You might wander through Omotesando for a bit of shopping, visit Odaiba for a waterfront stroll, or simply take your time discovering your own favorite corners of the city.

Optional Hakone Day Tour Includes*:

  • Transportation
  • Onsen Experience
  • Cable Car
  • Kaizokusen Boat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, you’ll check out and take public transportation to Hiroshima.

Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum with your tour leader. These sites offer a deeply moving insight into the events of August 1945 and stand today as powerful symbols of remembrance and peace.

This evening, you’ll come together for dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

  • Peace Memorial Museum
  • Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome & Peace Memorial Park

Special Information:

Your main luggage*** will be forwarded to Kyoto today to make travel easier. You’ll need to pack a small overnight bag for your two nights in Hiroshima. Your tour leader will assist with this process.

*One suitcase per person is included; if you wish to send additional luggage, the cost is around JPY2800 per bag, paid locally.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you’ll take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most scenic and iconic destinations.

The island is best known for Itsukushima Shrine and its striking torii gate, which appears to float on the water at high tide. It’s one of those views that feels just as magical in person as it does in photos.

You’ll have time to explore the island at a relaxed pace. Wander through Momiji Park, take in the coastal views, or, if you’re feeling active, head up toward Mt. Misen by foot or cable car for sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea.

This evening, return to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Included Activities:

  • Miyajima Island day trip
  • Itsukushima- jinja Shrine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, travel from Hiroshima to Kyoto by shinkansen (Japan’s famous bullet train), arriving in the afternoon.

Once you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your tour leader to get your bearings in this historic city. Then continue to the Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and preserved streets that offer a glimpse into old Kyoto.

As you wander through the area, keep an eye out; you might even spot a geisha or maiko passing by.

This evening, enjoy a group dinner to round out your first day in Kyoto.

Included Activities:

  • Gion District walking tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is all about slowing down and experiencing some of Japan’s most mindful traditions.

Begin your day with a Zazen meditation session at a local temple, a chance to sit quietly, reset, and get a feel for a core element of Zen Buddhist practice.

Afterward, enjoy a traditional Shojin Ryori lunch, a beautifully prepared Buddhist meal that is entirely plant-based and rooted in simplicity and balance.

In the afternoon, take part in a Japanese sweets-making class. With guidance from a local instructor, you’ll create seasonal treats such as matcha treats, Daifuku, and dorayaki, then enjoy them with tea for a well-earned (and delicious) break.

Included Activities:

  • Japanese sweets-making class
  • Zen meditation
  • Shojin Ryori lunch

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a half-day exploration of the Philosopher’s Path area, a peaceful walking route known for its seasonal beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll visit Heian Shrine, a striking complex with vibrant architecture and spacious gardens.

From here, continue on to Arashiyama, located about an hour away by public transportation. Once there, explore one of Kyoto’s most scenic districts, walk through the famous bamboo grove, take in views from Togetsu-kyo Bridge, and enjoy the natural beauty along the Katsura River.

You’ll also sit down for another shojin ryori lunch at Tenryuji, offering a second chance to experience this traditional plant-based cuisine in a temple setting.

This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner to celebrate your time together in Japan.

Included Activities:

  • Philosopher’s Path walk
  • Heian Shrine
  • Arashiyama walking tour

Meals included: Breakfast

Sadly all good things must come to an end! You’re welcome to depart at any time today. If you’re like help planning additional time in Japan, please let us know.

map of japan for the veggies abroad vegan tour in 2027

  • Amazing experience. 

    My husband is a vegan but I am not so I was a bit wary about joining this group. It was fabulous. The planning, the attention to detail, the food and the overall experience was far beyond all expectations. This was our first Vegan adventure but it will not be our last. Perfect vacation.
    -Gretchen, Thailand Traveler

  • First time traveling with Veggies Abroad…

     but certainly not the last. Initially, a tour of Portugal wasn’t on my list, but so happy I went. It was a nice mixture of the local food and cultural experiences along with a bit of personal time to explore on our own. My favorite part though was the people that Rebecca brought together in the group.
    – Shawnette, Portugal Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Tokyo’s blend of old and new, from ancient temples to the iconic Shibuya Crossing
  • Wander Kyoto’s historic Gion District, where geisha culture lives on
  • Experience Zen meditation and enjoy traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine)
  • Make your own Japanese sweets and enjoy a matcha tea experience
  • Reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park & Museum
  • Stroll the peaceful Philosopher’s Path during autumn foliage season
  • And, so much more!

Is This Trip Right For You?

Japan is an incredible destination, but it’s also unique in its pace, culture, and way of traveling. This itinerary is active and includes a fair amount of walking, time on your feet, and navigating train stations, often on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are a must. We’ll primarily use Japan’s efficient public transportation system, including trains and the bullet train, which is part of the experience but does require being comfortable moving through stations and handling your luggage. Packing light is highly recommended.

Accommodations in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are typically compact, and while they are clean and thoughtfully designed, space may be more limited than what you’re used to. Japan also has a deeply respectful culture, so being mindful of local customs, like keeping noise low on public transport or removing shoes indoors, is important.

large group of travelers holding a black sign that says veggies abroad vegan travel in thailand
  • women walking through the old town of kyoto
  • large temple complex in tokyo
  • large platter of small vegan japanese dishes
  • a ton of mini waving japanese cats in japan

Ready to Join the Adventure?

Secure your spot today with a $500 deposit — Japan is calling, and you don’t want to miss this unforgettable plant-powered journey. 

Trip FAQ’s

Yes, the single supplement is $810. We can also try and room you with another single passenger if you’d like to save you some cash.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage. It’s also best to get the policy after making the deposit, especially if you want to include coverage for a pre-existing health issue or cancel for any reason coverage. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

We prioritize ensuring that vegan options are the focus for all included meals. Many places will have non-vegan options but those would be available to them at an additional cost. There are also a few meals that aren’t included and your friend could choose whatever they like then!

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due by August 3, 2027. Final payment for the trip is due August 16, 2027.

– Round-trip international airfare
– Airport ground transportation
– Additional activities that aren’t included
– Additional meals that aren’t included
– Beer/wine/cocktails
– Gratuities
– Travel insurance

Unfortunately, this itinerary isn’t suited for young kids. The age requirement is 16 years old and up.

This will be a small group of only 16 passengers plus a guide(s) throughout the trip. Yes, there is a minimum, we must have at least 6 passengers for the trip to keep the pricing as is.

We do our best to ensure that all trips are confirmed; however, if we’re unable to meet the minimum number of travelers, you’ll have the following options:

  • Re-evaluation: If the group is close to the minimum, we’ll review the pricing and let everyone know of any changes. You’ll then have the choice to move forward or opt out.
  • Private Departure: Continue with a private trip for you and your travel companion(s). There may be adjustments to the itinerary or pricing, but we’ll do our best to keep it as close to the original experience as possible.
  • Transfer Your Deposit: Apply your deposit toward another Veggies Abroad trip.
  • Refund: If none of the above options work for you, we’ll happily refund your deposit.

Final Balance:
Final balance is due by August 16, 2027.

Cancellation by the traveler:
Cancellation before August 16 will only incur the $500 non-refundable deposit. If additional trip payments were made prior to August 16, they are refundable, less administrative fees.
Cancellation after August 16 the full trip is non-refundable.
No shows will be treated as a cancellation and are non-refundable.