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Vegan-friendly
Ovo
Japanese
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. A simple "mom & pop"-style family restaurant, providing traditional Japanese food. Has a separate vegetarian menu with vegan options. You can either sit on tatami mats at a low Japanese-style table, or at the counter where you can watch Hiroshi prepare your meal. English spoken. Max. capacity 12 persons. Tables max 4 people. Reservations via website. Closed Tue. Last orders 8:00pm.
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- Reservations required
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 30 Apr 2026 by HiroshiFuruta
Update business info -
Added by Dean on 09 Nov 2011
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124 Reviews
First Review by Dean
VivyShmueli
Points +39
Excellent choice - Edit
Very nice atmosphere and food. Friendly and nice food and people.
Read moreGuest
Eileen17
Points +128
Petit restaurant typique très agréable - Edit
Accueil plus que chaleureux, et plats savoureux!
Read moreN’hésitez pas à tirer la porte même si celle ci est fermée, même si c'est pour réserver pour plus tard.
Pros: Accueil chaleureux, Nourriture de qualité, Typique
Guest
nomeathagrid
Points +69
Wonderful restaurant - Edit
Lovely little restaurant. Very small so go early to avoid disappointment. Went there with my parents (who eat meat) and they loved it too. Vegetarian section in the menu. I had the yaki tofu which was great and a tasting sake set. They brought extra stuff we didn't order too. They knew about vegetarian and vegan and Buddhist requirements as well as allergy requirements like gluten and peanuts. Great service.
Read moreGuest
SachaG
Points +50
Great food, vegan friendly - Edit
I'would have put 5 stars but i can't. This restaurant is awsome, i ve had the best time. The staff is very friendly, and the food is very good. As it is "vegan friendly", it was so hard to decide between meals because there are so many options ! (Im not used to it haha ). I have ordered a meal for 1000 yen (rice with mushroom sauce and tofu ) as well as a black sesame soy milk pudding (delicious) but they offered me some tea, an apetizer (local vegetables), a soup (vegan), and a dessert (vegetable jelly flavored with coffe in soy milk). It is so worth it !
Read morePros: many vegan options
Guest
ViCao
Points +77
Best in Japan - Edit
This place was the highlight of all the meals we've had in Japan. Home-style meals which we ordered one dish from the owner's father's recipe. The restaurant has been running since 1963 and each time we came they were fully booked out. It's a small restaurant because they focus on serving quality food to their guests rather than quantity. Great service with friendly smiles and conversation. Owners are husband and wife and you can tell they share a love of food. The wife is also a dietician so they are very knowledgeable on what they are serving. They cater for vegans and have a separate menu, many options available. The appetisers were amazing along with everything else we ordered which were miso based ramen, teriyaki tofu, tofu curry and black sesame pudding. Wish I could come back for more.
Read morePros: Everything!
Cons: Always booked out
Guest
misery_chic
Points +66
oishiiiii!! - Edit
The owners were so kind and welcoming!! Free starters of local delicacies (and edamame) and the vegan/vegetarian menu was great! I got the fried rice with tofu Takeaway and it was delicious!
Read morePros: easy to read menu in English, vegan dessert! , tAkeaway near the station
Guest
AniaP
Points +71
Five stars! - Edit
We stayed two nights in Takayama, dined here twice and got another set of food to-go for our onwards train journey. Having read all the glowing reviews, I was a bit apprehensive about this place: it couldn’t possibly live up to the high expectations the reviews built up. But it did, and more! Firstly, the basics were covered: picture menu allowing you to easily explain what you eat and don’t eat; separate menu pages for veggie food; many dishes with optional egg so you can easily make them vegan; the owners’ understanding attitude to veggie diet and very good English. Secondly, the food was plentiful and delicious, served with additional small dishes (appetiser, soup, tea!), careful explanations and a smile. Last but definitely not least, Naoko and Hiroshi are warm, welcoming, friendly hosts who made dining here an unforgettable experience.
Read moreGuest
Cocacate
Points +80
Don't miss this place when traveling to Takayama! - Edit
We stayed in Takayama for three days during our trip to Japan and had dinner at Heianraku twice. We would have had dinner three times if not on our first night this small little gem had been fully booked already!
Read moreIt was by far the BEST experience we had food wise. The owners are lovely, they take very good care of you, they explain everything and the meals and drinks are so, so delicious! Best gyoza we had, best homemade umeshu we tried, best dessert... They even taught me how to cook the dessert by myself, when I asked about it. I could go on forever about how much we loved our time there!
The restaurant itself is also very cosy. We felt relaxed and welcomed the second we entered. There are also many postcards from all around the globe - you can easily tell how much loved this restaurant is. Don't miss out on Heianraku!
Guest
MrMcBlaster
Points +44
WOW - Edit
We had lunch here today. What a truly beautiful experience, way more than just eating a meal. The husband and wife are simply lovely and she has a good grasp of the English language to boot. As soon as we walked in we felt welcome, you can tell this pair take huge pride in their food and establishment. This felt like a very traditional experience with a couple of welcoming locals taking the time to explain the dishes and help show us the correct way to enjoy our meals. They have a good array of vegetarian and vegan options and their menu has dedicated sections for us folk. We ordered some saké and got a lovely surprise when the husband came over with 3 huge bottles of local saké to sample so we could choose while he gave a little history on each. Complimentary miso and tea was another nice little touch with our meals. And the food you ask? Incredible! The dumplings were impossibly soft and the 2 dishes the wife recommended were faultless, a miso dish she substituted miso for the egg and a teriyaki one. Between the station and the market makes it easy to find and they were open pretty early for lunch too which was very convenient if you’re on a busy schedule seeing Shirakawa etc that day. So far the best food experience I’ve had in a week across Japan.
Read moreGuest
AaronKinney
Points +18
Best experience in Japan so far! MUST GO! - Edit
The couple who run this restaurant are so effusively, contagiously sweet and joyful, eating at their small family restaurant (it was opened 50 years ago by his father) is about more than dinner, it's about meeting two wonderful friends who you wish could come with you after you leave. The food is delicious (best tofu I've tasted - so light and fresh); the menu comes with a cute pictorial reference so you can quickly show others in Japan your dietary preference. The hostess will fawn over your designation as a vegetarian and go to great lengths to explain how each item she brings you has been prepared. They brought us many items over and above what we ordered, including appetizers, plum wine to taste, and even a small gift (cookies!) which the chef raced out into the snow to present to us as we were saying our goodbyes. I ordered the vegetarian teriyaki which was divine, along with a sampling of three sakes which were all to my liking as well; my partner had vegetable noodles which she promptly ordered a second serving of to go so she could enjoy it the next day for breakfast. But again: the food, as good as it is, is secondary to the welcoming, warm, unabashedly embracing atmosphere. I loved this restaurant - enough so I created a Happy Cow account specifically to sing its praises. If you're anywhere near the Takayama area, you have to make a point to go here. You will leave a better and happier person than you entered! Five stars!
Read morePros: Delicious Food, Convivial Hosts, Attentive, Caring Service
Cons: You won't want the meal to end
Guest
tabrill
Points +13
Would rate it 5 stars if the app let me!! - Edit
The husband and wife owners are beyond delightful and take special note of eat person’s dietary requirements. And the food..... oh lordy lord. Throughout the meal we were frequently offered to try extra dishes for free. The husband takes great pride in his cooking, and the wife his takes great pride in her husband. I can’t recommend Heianraku enough!!
Read moreGuest
ErikvH.
Points +1694
Lovely experience - Edit
For vegans and vegetarians visiting Takayama, this should be one of the main attractions in town. A lovely little place run by an enthusiastic lady who loves to chat and her husband. This traditional looking Japanese place may not be all-veg but the options are plenty and the food (mostly Chinese inspired) is A-plus. I would recommend the appetizer dumplings and the excellent deep fried tofu. Hey Happy Cow, give these folks the five stars they deserve!
Read morePros: English speaking
Cons: The place is small, but worth a wait.
Guest
TomerWald
Points +24
הארוחה הכי טובה ביפן - Edit
בפער הארוחה הכי טובה ביפן. שירות אדיב בצורה הלתי יאמנת .
Read moreמחיר סביר 3000 ין לארוחת ערב זוגית שכוללת 6 מנות.
ממש ממש ממש מומלץ
Pros: הם מבינים את המשמעות של טבעוני צמחוני והיא דוברת א
Cons: אין
Guest
MicalLex
Points +157
The nicest restaurant visit ever - Edit
The food was delicious, especially the potatoes and dumplings. The kind owner literally spoiled us by steadily bringing new side dishes for free. She also speaks English fluently.
Read moreVegetarian/Vegan menu is available, you can ask for it or just skim the menu card to the last pages, they are well prepared.
We were treated so kindly that we immediately decided to go there the next day. (We would have been there a third time, if we hadn't left Takayama that day). We haven't been disappointed by the second visit.
Pros: Very kind owners (who speak English), Great vegetarian/vegan options
Cons: Few seats, I have to recommend them, because they deserve it,, but if I'll go there again it might be too crowded
Guest
azygoh
Points +21
very clear and flexible on vegetarian options - Edit
This charming and cozy restaurant features heavily on local products, so you will be able to experience local flavor. The Ookami speaks English well, and the menu is clear on what to specify if you have specific dietary needs, I enjoyed my lunch here very much! Will definitely be back in my 3 day stay
Read morePros: clear menu, explains contents, English friendly
Cons: none
Guest
LakshPriya98
Points +91
Best restaurant in Takayama! - Edit
The service was amazing! The food was delicious and there were many vegan options. We really enjoyed our time at this place. We had dinner there twice. Hiroshi and Naoko are really kind and will do everything for you to have a perfect evening.
Read moreGuest
leftyeye
Points +61
Best restaurant in Takayama - Edit
We went for dinner and there was a sign that said that it was full, we entered anyway, and they were so friendly that told us to come back. The place is very cozy and there is a really friendly atmosphere.
Read moreThe owners are wonderful and very nice. I stayed a bit longer having a chat with Naoko and we had a really good time.
The food was really nice, not expensive and gave us free little dishes which were delicious.
If you go to Takayama dont miss this place! Itis better to make a reservation
Pros: Very friendly owners, the food is amazing, not expensive
Guest
ElissaGiordano
Points +15
Best experience in Japan so far - Edit
Very cozy, the food is delicious and they have options to almost all dietary restrictions. Hiroshi and Naoko are very very very nice and friendly. I would give 5 stars if it was possible :D
Read moreGuest
amyklaw
Points +132
5 STARS! - Edit
An Excellent meal. An excellent dining experience. Naoko and Hiroshi are warm, generous hosts, and the food they prepared for us was fresh and varied. Make reservations ahead of time as it is a small establishment and space is very limited. It is worth it as they are very attentive and engaging with each person. Domo Arigato Gozimas!!!!
Read moreGuest
jimprobable
Points +123
One of our favourites in Japan - Edit
I'll start by saying this goes beyond "veg-friendly".
Read moreOur food here was amazing, but the service was incredible! Apart from the English menu making everything clear, the food we were served (with a smile) was explained to us how it was made vegan and not only was that a comfort but it was a great insight into Japanese food.
We sat at one of the traditional Japanese tables, we served tea continually and had ramen and a veg noodles. But they also gave us appertisers and dumplings which left us feeling so full!
As we tried to leave we were called back in and given a rice snack that was delicious.
The cafe is so cute, the bar seating was full of locals all with a smile, and the service cannot be beaten!
Thankyou so much Heinraku!
Pros: Service, Tasty food, Cool decor
Guest
lavender25
Points +333
deserves 5 stars - Edit
Happy Cow won't let us give 5 stars to non-veg restaurants but this place is really amazing. The food is wonderful, the owners are wonderful, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is so nice. Our favorite restaurant in Japan. They even gave me a paper to take with me that shows what vegans can't eat, to use at other restaurants. We went for lunch and got the set meal for 2 people and left stuffed. The food was soooo good. Thank you so much Heianraku!!! ?
Read moreGuest
ChioOjeda
Points +131
Muy acogedor - Edit
Perqueño y muy acogedor. Sus dueños son muy amables y excelentes anfitriones. La comida estaba riquisima. Un gusto poder disfrutar de comida vegetariana en un autentico ambiente japones.
Read moreVery very good!
Guest
Haymehhker
Points +129
Awesome food, great people. - Edit
The owners go out of their way to take care of you and your dietary needs.
Read morePros: good options, cheap, freindly owners
Guest
IttySehgal
Points +131
Absolutely Superb service - Edit
This place is amazing. Run by a couple and they are absolutely lovely. Very good food. Especially service is amazing with a lot of personal touch. Its like visiting your own Aunt n Uncle.
Read moreGuest
alicel
Points +375
An authentic Japanese restaurant - Edit
It is very small and authentic Japanese restaurant. Very friendly and cheerful lady boss. The Miso Ramen is good (850 Yen). The price is very reasonable.
Read morePros: Able to accomdate different types of vegetarians a
Cons: Small place but cozy.
Guest
inkenmm
Points +254
Just what I was looking for :) - Edit
Perfect little restaurant with very friendly owners who talk about interesting things in good English.
Read moreThere was a great menu for everybody and I had many choices. They even thought about me as a vegan with extra soup as an appetizer and told me about the banana bread with an egg in it! Just very thoughtful, friendly and open people !!!
Also met other travelers!
I'd give 5 Cows haha
(if it would be possible)
Updated from previous review on 2016-05-13
Pros: Food, Environment, People
Guest
Knoepfchen
Points +665
Wonderful cozy restaurant - Edit
As tiny as it is charming, Heianraku embodies Japanese hospitality. The cozy restaurant sits about a dozen people at low tables on tatami mats or at the counter, where you can watch the chef work his culinary magic. The cuisine served at Heianraku is mostly Chinese. Heianraku offers great, homemade food in a traditional setting, but most of all, the owners welcome their guests as part of the family. Service is warm and personal, as you strike up a casual conversation with your hosts or fellow travelers, exchanging travel anecdotes and enriching your meal with stories. English is spoken, and an English menu is also available.
Read moreThe hosts are known to go the extra mile, accommodating individual requests to meet each guest’s demand, be these vegetarian, vegan or allergy-related. Pictures and postcards show the love and appreciation left behind by previous guests. Heianraku’s setting might be traditional, but its owners are curious, open-minded and kindhearted people who really care about their guests - from the first appetizers to accompanying you onto the street to see you off after a wonderful meal.
As Heianraku does not have room for a lot of guests at once, it is highly advised to reserve in advance.
Pros: Extremely lovely owners, Meals can be customized, Cozy setting
Cons: I want to give 5 stars
Guest
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