Alishan Cafe: Tasty Vegetarian Dining Near Tokyo

A Mecca for Vegetarians West of Tokyo

In recent years, awareness for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been spreading globally.

Likewise, a vegetarian lifestyle is getting a second look due to its direct connection to food sustainability. As a result, there's been an increase in people choosing vegetarianism as a modern-day lifestyle, which is popular in Europe and America.

Back in 1987, vegetarian food was not common in Japan. But in that same year, a couple named Jack and Fay relocated to Saitama Prefecture, which neighbors Tokyo to the north and west. There, the two began importing and selling organic and vegetarian food items.

Their shop is called Alishan and focused primarily on mail orders for individual customers in the beginning. They later expanded operations by providing wholesale services to grocery stores and restaurants. Since then, the business has successfully continued for over 35 years.

Alishan Cafe opened its doors in 2001 in Hidaka City, Saitama. Devout fans from across Japan come here searching for organic food items, dishes prepared with organic vegetables, and homemade sweets.

Next, we'll introduce Alishan Cafe's popular menu and access details.

Access to Alishan Cafe

Alishan Cafe is located in Hidaka City, which can be reached in about one hour from Tokyo. With an exterior that resembles an American-style barn, the cafe has an eye-catching appearance.

When coming by train, take the train on the Seibu Chichibu Line to Koma Station, then walk ten minutes to the cafe. If you're leaving from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station, board the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and transfer at Hanno Station. The one-way travel time is 60 minutes.

By car, it's an 11-kilometer drive to the cafe from the Ken-O-Expressway or Ken-O-Tsurugashima Interchange. There's even a parking lot, so we recommend day trips from Tokyo.

Enjoy Lunch on the Comfortable Terrace

While visiting, our writer was offered a seat on the spacious terrace, which is ideal on sunny days. The open, expansive wooden deck is one of the cafe's attractive features. Customers can enjoy a leisurely lunch here.

A Healthy Menu Featuring Carefully Selected Ingredients

Mapo Tofu with Omni meat (vegan meat substitute). Picture courtesy of Alishan Cafe

Veggie Burger from Amy's Kitchen with seasonal veggies. Picture courtesy of Alishan Cafe

At lunchtime, the extensive menu includes favorites such as Mapo Tofu with Omni meat (1,350 yen), Veggie Burger from Amy's Kitchen with seasonal veggies (1,500 yen), and the Pizza of the day (2,000 yen). The menu also features a daily special.

Our writer ordered the Vegan Chicken Pita Sandwich with Soup (1,100 yen). A vegan meal neither contains any meat or fish nor does it incorporate any dairy products, eggs, or honey.

Photo by Pixta

Despite being a vegan dish, seeing the word "chicken" in the entree's name was surprising. The staff use a meat substitute made from soy beans.

Also known as soy meat, fast-food restaurants often serve it. In recent years, soy meat has also become a common sight in many supermarkets.

Our writer is actually a meat lover. Though she was worried that a vegetarian sandwich might not fill her up, those concerns were quickly put to rest.

This pita sandwich is both delicious and filling thanks to the vegan chicken. It's very healthy and not fatty like meat, so you won't get too full.

The organic vegetables are tasty and bring out the freshness and flavor of the sandwich. You'll immediately feel a bit healthier!

The freshness of the tomatoes featured in the soup really stands out. This hearty lunch will satisfy your stomach alongside your heart and soul!

Drinks That Careful Considered SDGs

We also ordered a lemonade (550 yen), but this is not your typical zesty lemon drink.

This conceptual drink is called LEMON + AID. Seven yen from the sale of each bottle is donated to developing countries and activities related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Once the beverage is consumed, the bottle can be reused in various ways. The bottle becomes a soap or oil dispenser by attaching a pump or cap.

Hats off to the cafe for their efforts to upcycle (creatively reuse) products that were once considered trash!

Products That Are Gentle to the Environment and Your Body

Be sure to check out the grocery corner next to Alishan Cafe. This space is packed with a variety of interesting products, including Alishan brand organic grains and nuts, organic vegetables, and confectioneries.

All of these carefully selected items are gentle to your body and the environment. The packages are also eye-catching. You'll soon want to buy everything in sight!

Thinking about the Future of Food

Today, the diversity of lifestyles also means there are more dietary options.

At Alishan Cafe, visitors are not limited to just having a delicious meal. They can access the latest global food trends, such as the meat substitute featured in today's article. On this visit, our writer could genuinely experience the future potential of food.

Near the cafe, there's also a famous spot called Kinchakuda, a large field that gets covered in red spider lilies ieach fall.

Why not plan a leisurely day trip here from the city to enjoy a healthy, original lunch?

Alishan Cafe

185-2 Komahongo, Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture 350-1251