Visiting Narita for a trip to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and wondering if you'll find anything vegan-friendly to eat? You might be surprised — tucked away near Narita Station are a handful of restaurants dedicated to plant-based cooking, each with its own distinct character.
Whether you're fully vegan or simply looking for a fresh, veggie-packed meal, here are two spots we'd love to recommend.
Kominka Dining Waka
Just a 4-minute walk from Narita Station. Turn off the Omotesando approach leading to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, head down a side path, and you'll find yourself in "Roman Village Narita" — a quiet enclave where a Showa-era farmhouse suddenly comes into view through the bamboo grove and a small pond. That's Kominka Dining Waka.
Inside, original wooden beams and vintage Showa posters give the space a warm retro charm. It's the kind of place that looks great on Instagram, yet still feels genuinely cozy and nostalgic — like stepping into someone's beloved old home.
The kitchen's philosophy is simple: quality ingredients, balanced nutrition. The menu leans heavily on locally grown vegetables, with dishes changing to reflect the season. The signature lunch plate — a hearty set with three vegetable sides and soup — carries the warmth of a home-cooked school lunch, made with quiet care.
Vegan options are available, so feel free to ask the staff about that day's menu. The dessert menu also shines, with Japanese sweets like anmitsu and oshiruko making it a perfect stop for a rest after visiting the temple.
Kisetsu no Hakoniwa
A short walk from Narita Station, just off the path to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple along the backstreet known as Shinmichi-dori, sits a hidden gem you'll find by following the signs up a gentle slope. Kisetsu no Hakoniwa vegan buddha bowl is housed in an 80-year-old renovated kominka (traditional farmhouse), and as the name suggests, it's a fully vegan restaurant specializing in buddha bowls.
The interior is intimate — just a few counter seats and two tables. Regulars rave about how wonderfully sunny and warm it feels even in the depths of winter. Visitors often describe it as having "a Ghibli-like quality" or feeling like "a magical kitchen hidden in the forest." It's the kind of place that lifts your spirits just by walking through the door.
The signature dishes are the buddha bowls — Earth Bowl, Wind Bowl, and more — each plate packed with colorful vegetable sides and soy protein, generous in both portion and presentation. The menu rotates monthly, built around pesticide-free vegetables sourced from local farms in Narita and Tomisato. You might encounter Japanese knotweed, sowthistle, or zucchini blossoms — ingredients that even Japanese guests are tasting for the first time, making every visit a small culinary adventure.
The restaurant accommodates a wide range of dietary needs: fully plant-based, halal (alcohol-free at lunch), gluten-free, and free of the five pungent roots (gokun-nuki). All desserts are handmade and plant-based. With an English menu available and a steady stream of international visitors leaving glowing reviews, it's a welcoming spot for travelers from around the world.
Reservations are recommended given the small size. In the evenings, the same house transforms into Bar Suzunari, a macrobiotic bar — a great option if you'd like to pair your vegan meal with a drink.
As home to an international airport, Narita welcomes visitors from all over the world — each with their own food traditions and dietary needs. These two restaurants stand ready to greet every vegan and veggie lover who passes through. Next time you're in town for sightseeing or a temple visit, why not stop by?
