A vegan meal in Shinjuku has never been easier to find. Just head to AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku in Shinjuku-Sanchome! The food is decent, but their desserts are even better – we recommend the pancakes and chocolate gateau.
AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku - image © Florentyna Leow
For vegans and vegetarians travelling abroad, having a list of restaurants where you’re guaranteed a ‘safe,’ animal-free meal is crucial. This is all the more true in Japan, where vegan options are still fairly limited. With very decent food and excellent desserts, AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku – or Ain Soph Journey for short – in Shinjuku-Sanchome is a great addition to your list.
The menu at Ain Soph Journey is pretty varied. They don’t serve burgers – for that, you’ll have to head to sister restaurant Ain Soph Ripple in Kabukicho – but there is much to whet the appetite. Try the soup lunch, vegetable paella, or the taco rice; the latter is a delicious vegan take on the Okinawan fusion classic.
They also serve a number of brown rice plates at Ain Soph Ripple, including a green spinach curry – their own take on saag paneer, replacing the cheese with hunks of tofu – and a mushroom-and-tomato hayashi rice. The hayashi sauce is savoury with a sweet edge, and hearty. In this case, it pairs perfectly with the brown rice, and makes for a much more substantial meal than might otherwise be the case.
AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku - image © Florentyna Leow
Where Ain Soph Journey excels though, is probably in the dessert category. Their vegan pancakes in particular are beloved by regulars, and it’s easy to see why. Light, fluffy, and generously apportioned, the whole affair is substantial enough that you could easily have pancakes for your main meal. There’s a reason they call it a “Heavenly Pancake”! Having plenty of soy ice cream and soy whipped cream on top doesn’t hurt either.
Out of all their desserts – including an astonishingly passable creme brulee and New York cheesecake – our personal favourite has to be the chocolate gateau. It’s astoundingly dense and fudge-like, all the more so considering its lack of dairy. The phrase ‘chocolate brick’ comes to mind. We especially love the cloud-like dollop of soy cream on top. Whether you avoid meat or not, you’ll probably have a “I can’t believe it’s vegan” moment while eating this.
All things considered, AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku is a very decent vegan restaurant. The Shinjuku-Sanchome branch is bright and spacious, with hanging plants decorating the interior. It manages to be at once cozy and filled with natural light, which we love. It’s a good place to relax and read a book or catch up with a friend, too.
English name:
AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku
Japanese name:
アインソフ ジャーニー 新宿店
English address:
3-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Japanese address:
〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿3-8-9
Opening hours:
11:30am-4pm, 6pm-10pm
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Subway: In front of exit C5 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines.
Train: 8-minute walk from the central east exit of Shinjuku Station.
Telephone:
+81-50-3503-8688
Website:
Official website (English)
Customer Reviews:
Read customer reviews of AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
AIN SOPH. journey Shinjuku is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
