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Vegan
Japanese
Organic
Delivery
Take-out
Café serving dishes such as taco rice and karaage bowl. Also offers baked goods such as muffins and chocolate cake. Meals are available any time during open hours. Four-minute walk from the traffic light in front of Himeji Castle. Reported September 2025 to be fully vegan. Open Mon-Tue 11:00am-8:00pm, Thu 11:00am-8:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:00am-10:00pm. Typically closed Wed but can open by reservation. Feel free to contact them via Instagram DM.
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Last update on 31 Dec 2025 by pommeruby@
Update business info -
Added by pommeruby@ on 28 Jul 2025
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17 Reviews
First Review by jemmasmith12
freifrauvonbleifrei
Points +160
Great meal, kid-friendly wait - Edit
Even at 2pm the place was quite busy, but the waiting time went by quicky with the toys and books provided by the friendly owner. Excellent tacorice and karaage!
Read morepommeruby@
Thank you very much for visiting and for your kind review.
Read moreWe are usually not so busy, so I’m sorry that you came at such a busy time. Thank you for waiting with your child.
I’m very happy to hear that you were able to enjoy your time with the toys and books, and that you liked the taco rice and vegan karaage.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
Guest
Howling_Giant
Points +139
Delicious! - Edit
Small place with Izakaya-Style seating. Owner is friendly and the food delicious.
Read morePros: Great Obanzai Selection, First time I had vegan Coffee Jelly, delicious!, Great spot for lunch after visiting the castle.
pommeruby@
We are very happy that you enjoyed the food, our obanzai side dishes, and even the vegan coffee jelly. Thank you for choosing Kotonaki for lunch after visiting Himeji Castle.
Read moreIn addition to counter seating, we also have table seats and a small private room area.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
Guest
tposch
Points +16
Delicious - Edit
Small but nice and tasty! We enjoyed the set menu with fried tofu. The owner was able to speak English.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-04-27
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for visiting and for your kind review.
Read moreI’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the vegan karaage set.
Our space is small, but I’m glad you found it comfortable.
I’m also happy that communicating in English was helpful.
Wishing you a wonderful stay in Japan.
Guest
FlyingSquirrel
Points +25
Delicious food and lovely staff - Edit
I really loved the food here. My partner and I both had the karaage set meal and it was really flavourful and came with lots of little side dishes. The yuzu sauce was particularly flavourful. The owner was also lovely - she explained what all of the components of the set meal were and put a lot of care into the food. The atmosphere is very calm and quiet, which was great. The stairs are quite steep, but manageable for most people. We returned later in the week and tried the taco rice and the coffee jelly - both were great, but the coffee jelly was fantastic!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-04-21
Pros: Great food, Calm atmosphere, Lovely staff
Cons: Steep stairs
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for climbing the stairs to visit us.
Read moreI’m truly happy you enjoyed the food, and your kind words are very encouraging.
Wishing you all the best, and I hope to welcome you again someday.
Guest
veganamy20
Points +230
Best meal in Japan - Edit
Most delicious traditional japanese food resturant. The karage set plate was divine. Perfect for children as the owner is incredibly accomodating ( made a small plate for my child). She has some toys and japanese books too. Daily muffin choices.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-03-31
Pros: karage is amazing , nice ambience , accomodating owner
Cons: Steep stairs to get up
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for your kind review.
Read moreI’m very happy you and your child enjoyed the meal and the time here.
Wishing you all the best and hope to welcome you again someday.
Guest
Folio
Points +280
Very tasty kara-age, optimal for take-out! - Edit
Hurrying up from the castle to the main station, we picked the same kara-age set to take-out and eat in the train. Tasty veggies plus vegan kara-age, all homemade. I wish I could have stopped at the restaurant, which looks very cute. It was nice to share the lunch-box experience with vegan lunch-boxes, thank you for making it possible!
Read moreNext time I'll try the kinako drink with soy milk. See you soon!
Updated from previous review on 2026-03-20
Pros: Very tasty vegan kara-age, all homemade food, perfect locationbetween the castle and the station
Cons: Maybe a bit pricey for take-out
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for your visit and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review.
Read moreWe’re really glad you chose our take-out while you were in a hurry, and that you enjoyed it on the train. It also means a lot that you noticed the atmosphere of the shop—next time, we’d love for you to relax and spend some time here.
We think you’ll enjoy the kinako soy milk drink as well, so please give it a try on your next visit.
Thank you also for your feedback regarding the pricing—we truly appreciate it and will take it into consideration.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Guest
valflts
Points +227
Delicious & peaceful - Edit
I had the karaage lunch set. The delicous meal is well proportionned you'll not feel hungry until next meal. The place is cute and cosy it's a really peaceful atmosphere ! The coffee is a drip coffee which adds to the atmosphere.
Read morePros: Delicious traditional food made vegan, The atmosphere, A lot of different side dishes
pommeruby@
Thank you so much for your kind review.
Read moreWe’re very happy you enjoyed the karaage lunch set and felt satisfied after your meal.
It also means a lot to hear that you liked the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, as well as our drip coffee.
We hope you continue to enjoy your time in Japan
Guest
MelissaKrafczyk
Points +52
Amazing - Edit
Very sweet lady, who tried very hard to speak english and is intrested in her clients.
Read moreFood was all home made, nothing special, but great to have some fresh salad and vegetables, and very tasty.
Definitely try the Kinako (soy bean drink) highly recommend it!
Pros: Welcoming, Friendly, Good
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for your kind review.
Read moreI’m happy to hear that you enjoyed our homemade food, fresh salad, and vegetables.
Thank you also for recommending the kinako soy drink — I’m glad you liked it.
Thank you for visiting.
Wishing you many good days ahead.
Guest
ElliotKeske
Points +6
I would go vegan for this! - Edit
The options were good and the elderflower soda is a must try! The muffins are amazing. I came in with my family and your guide and everything was good. She was accommodating to our family member with food restrictions. It’s like you’re eating in someone’s home! Everything is farm to table also. Please visit if you want to adventure around Himeji and like vegetarian or vegan options.
Read morePros: Many options, Friendly owner, Quick service
Cons: Cozy/small restaurant (get reservations!)
pommeruby@
Happy New Year.
Read moreThank you very much for visiting us and for your kind review.
We’re glad to hear you had a pleasant time with your family.
We hope you continue to enjoy your time in Japan.
Guest
Chiara🍃☘️
Points +697
Molto buono! - Edit
Per il momento uno dei miei posti preferiti qui in Giappone, il cibo è stato molto buono, c'erano solo due set a disposizione tra cui scegliere e la signora era gentile. Attenzione che si sale con una scala ripida e rispetto ad altri posti provati il servizio è un pochino più lento ma rientra nel normale.
Read morepommeruby@
Grazie per essere venuto. Mi scuso per l’attesa, poiché gestisco il locale da sola.
Read moreLa ringrazio per il suo splendido commento.
Le auguro un buon proseguimento di viaggio!
Guest
AnitaDollar
Points +5814
Fantastic cute cafe! - Edit
Lovely cafe with lovely owner - your definite must go when you're a vegan in Himeji!
Read morepommeruby@
Thank you so much for visiting and for the wonderful review! I hope to see you again soon!
Read moreGuest
Chapter1294
Points +22
Small family run business, great flavors, centers vegans - Edit
Great small business vibe. All food and drinks were freshly made (the chai was actually brewed from scratch) and delicious. Loved the vrgan coffee jelly and vegan muffins.
Read morepommeruby@
Thank you for your warm words. The chai is made from whole spices, so it takes a little time to prepare, but I truly appreciate your kind message. Have a wonderful trip
Read moreGuest
Ninchen
Points +113
Delicious - Edit
We had the Karaage Set, which was absolutely amazing and the service was super nice! If you're visiting the castle, we highly recommend stopping by here.
Read morePros: tasty, nice, cozy
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for your kind words.
Read moreWe’re glad to hear you enjoyed the Karaage Set and that our staff made your visit pleasant.
Wishing you wonderful days ahead.
Guest
shrvanessa
Points +125
so sweet! - Edit
the staff was absolutely friendly and helpful, the place itself was very sweet and the food was amazing. There are also many vegan options
Read morePros: friendly staff, tasty food and many vegan options, cozy place
pommeruby@
Thank you very much for visiting us. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at our little gem of a café. Wishing you wonderful days ahead!
Read moreGuest
tobiasG.
Points +200
Cute little café, must visit imo - Edit
Very nice, small café in an alley, appeared to be a family business, with very nice staff. The food was nothing short of amazing. We had the chocolate cake, vegan karaage set meal (pic 2), and the jelly coffee and a chai. they were all very tasty, and made right in front of our eyes behind the counter. very attentive, friendly staff, who helped us find our next train.
Read morePros: almost everything vegan, vegan lunch/dinner as well as sweet option, very friendly people
pommeruby@
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Read moreWe’re really happy you enjoyed the meal and desserts.
It means a lot to us that you felt welcomed here.
Hope you had a smooth trip to your next stop — please visit again anytime!
Guest
Moisti
Points +13
Small cosy place to relax - Edit
There are 2 main menu to choose from and both are delicious. The lady who runs it is super friendly and we talked with her for over 1 hour😄
Read morepommeruby@
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m very happy you enjoyed both menu options and had a good time chatting with me. It was a pleasure talking with you! I hope the rest of your journey is wonderful.
Read moreGuest
jemmasmith12
Points +138
A lovely restaurant with great food - Edit
I had the vegan lunch plate and it was good, the flavours were amazing. The lady who runs the restaurant is super friendly!
Read morepommeruby@
Thank you very much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the vegan lunch plate and the flavors. It was a pleasure serving you, and I hope the rest of your journey is wonderful!
Read moreGuest
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