World Wide Vegan

In spite of the latest threat of earthquakes, Northern Japan is a breathtaking beauty this time of year. Northern Japan is largely farmland and small towns and villages. I was struck with how even the most mundane view was beautified in some way. Even the gray, sewer water running into a ditch is flanked by beautifully carved rock and elegant bridges that cross the otherwise unsavory ditch.

The landscape is endless shades of green, like a life-sized terrarium packed with countless varieties of foliage and tumbling little streams that gently slide off into fabulous waterfalls. Few people from around the world ever get the opportunity to see the "real" Japan. The unsurpassed beauty of it's countryside and the warmth and gracious people who supply the country with it's food.

However while staying in Northern Japan we stayed with a family in their home and eating out was a near impossibility. The vegetarians were able to let the host know that we didn't eat meat or fish, but asking them to also omit dairy and eggs would have thrown the chef into a tizzy. In Japan, all guests are treated like Gods. They even have a traditional saying that says that it is most important to treat any guest as if they were a god. So they desperately want to please you.

On the other hand, it is very difficult for the guest to ask for anything in particular because in an effort to please you, your host will mortgage their home in order to meat your request. for instance, In one home my youngest son was amazed at seeing a priceless, antique, samurai sword hanging in a place of honor in the living room. He told our host how awesome he thought it was, and before we could retract his statement our host took it off the wall and gave it to him. He tried to refuse, but doing so would have been a huge insult. He took the sword.

Tip:If you are planning a trip to visit japan I suggest that you first learn a few key phrases to help you in the grocery stores. Bring some of your own recipes that require Japanese type ingredients. Anything close to American foods is extremely expensive in Japan. Because Fruits take up so much room for so little gain fruits like watermelon and apples are rare and way too expensive to purchase. If you have a Japanese friend, have them write down a few phrases in Japanese that will come in handy in restaurants such as "I'm a vegan, I can't eat meat, seafood dairy or egg products. Can you prepare meals without these foods?"

In the country there are few places to go out to eat so plan to cook in your condo. However in Tokyo and some of the larger cities there are many places to eat vegan.

Tip:In Tokyo don't be intimidated by walking down alleys in order to get to your tiny second story eatery. This is common in large cities where eateries are shimmied into any available space.Tokyo is a very populated and tourist safe destination. If you are alone ask someone to walk with you to your destination.

One of the highest rated vegan eateries in Tokyo is It's Vegetable
It's Vegetable is about a one minute walk from the J at 4-1-9 Kinshi, Sumida-Ku (at Yotsumeitori)
Phone number: 03-36251245
They prepare vegan friendly and Taiwanese cusine for a moderate price
The really nice thing about It's Vegetable is that they offer over 100 menu items to choose from. They are ranked as having 3 out of 5 start for the overall restaurant experience but the vast choice makes it a for-sure, go-to place to eat. They open at 11:30 am but take a long break between lunch and dinner afterwards they stay open until 10pm.
To get there from the train, take the Sobu line train from Akihabara toward Chiba, Get off at Kinshicho whic is the third station, go out using the North exit, turn right following the railway tracks, cross the main road and continue to walk for another minute. The restaurant is on the right-hand-side under the tracks. It sounds difficult but it is really easy to get there and the experience will be worth it.

This photo shows one of four plates that were brought for breakfast each morning. Each plate has 2 servings of meats, one serving of something American and other Japanese traditional morning foods and soup - always soup. The have a deep seated belief that Americans eat gross amounts of food so they provide enormous meals. If you ask for no meat or eggs it will help you to better trust what you are eating.

Eating in Japan is a very different experience than in the US. There are very strict rules that I suggest you learn before you embarrass yourself in a crowded restaurant. In Fact, in a few days I'll post some of the most important etiquette standards that you should understand before leaving for your glorious trip.

Labels: how to, Japan, restaurants, Tokyo, traditions, Vegan, Vegetarian