Tokyo Vegan Ramen Center Harajuku Sohonzan — Restaurant in Tokyo

I had quite a few thoughts about this place, so I ended up writing a rather detailed review — mainly reflecting on how its pricing and branding align (or don’t) with the broader idea of veganism.

Pricing

In Tokyo, vegan-friendly ramen typically ranges around ¥1,000–¥1,600 (e.g., Ippudo ¥1,300; Kyushu Jangara ¥1,600; Ramen UZU is an exception at ~¥2,000 because it includes a digital art experience). By contrast, this venue prices a bowl at about ¥4,000, which feels notably high within the category. It raises a concern that the pricing may rely on the limited options available to visitors and diners with dietary restrictions, seemingly taking advantage of the recent surge in inbound tourism and the lack of accessible vegan dining choices in Japan.

Brand–Philosophy Alignment The shop’s communications emphasize “additive-free,” “safety,” and “health.” It doesn’t appear to actively advocate for core vegan principles such as non-violence toward animals or rights expansion. The positioning seems closer to a health-oriented restaurant than to a venue engaged with vegan activism.

Rationale for Pricing

While the restaurant cites “carefully selected ingredients” and “additive-free” as reasons for the price, its online shop lists a frozen “Kyoto White Miso Ramen” at ¥1,480 per serving. Even accounting for preparation, service, and location costs, the gap between retail and on-premise pricing feels insufficiently explained from a customer perspective.

Responses to Reviews

Replies to low-rating reviews include comments like “Please check prices beforehand” and “It’s called ‘Ramen’ but it’s a restaurant.” The emphasis seems to be on defending the pricing. More transparent communication about how value is built might reduce misunderstandings and dissatisfaction.

Overall

The focus on ingredient quality and additive-free cooking is commendable. However, there seems to be room to improve the balance between price and perceived value, the consistency between stated philosophy and brand, and the transparency of explanations. Those seeking a health-oriented, premium dining experience may appreciate it; diners expecting typical ramen pricing or looking for engagement with the social philosophy of veganism may find a gap between expectations...

If you’re in the Harajuku area or willing to come over here for a BEAUTIFUL and DELICIOUS arrangement of ALL VEGAN food, THIS IS IT!!!

The atmosphere in here is very beautiful, and apparently they just opened their official location 3 days ago (previously a food truck?)! Everything is clean, the presentation of the food was beautiful with fresh ingredients and I feel brought back to life, full, but so fulfilled and healthy eating this.

I really enjoyed the bento box and once it came out, I was so blown away with what was in front of me that I forgot MORE FOOD WAS COMING!!! The ramen!!! So good. I had to take breaks to eat it all and I still couldn’t finish everything.

The owner and staff were so friendly and grateful that I enjoyed their food. I definitely recommend the bento box & ramen combo if you want to try everything, but I was absolutely blown AWAY by the Karaage Tempeh. I have never liked tempeh before but this was AMAZING.

I’m happy I supported them and it was worth the price for a great meal in a quiet location. They also support local farmers and may have ingredients from their own garden in your food!

Great experience and I suspect I’ll be back at the...

We just came across this place in a google search. Our first time in Tokyo - we happened to be in the area and my goodness wow! Travelling as a vegan and a veggie plus a child this place delivered on every level! The super lovely waitress from the states who’s fluent in Japanese and perfect English, lovely and charismatic owner.

As you see the stairs to this place they have beautiful and colourful fake bowls on vegan ramen, I should have taken a picture! The music is great too!

Now most importantly the food! We have eaten a lot of greta food on our travels. This was so good we came back a second time! We had the karage, (the most delicious we have ever tasted) the bento box, and tried a Couple of the ramen options. The amount and variety of vegetables is phenomenal. Local? Fresh, delicious. As far as drinks go their fermented pomegranate drink was so refreshing on our two visits we also tried the strawberry matcha which was the most delicious I have ever had!...