Vegan Food And Sweets In Kyoto! Dining At AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO

An Oasis of Delicious Vegan Dishes at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO

AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO (AIN SOPH.) is a vegan restaurant offering delicious and nutritious options to all. Part of the popular AIN SOPH. group of restaurants in Tokyo, this Kyoto location opened in March 2018. Near Nishiki Market and the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades, it is a convenient choice for anyone hungry for something healthy and satisfying.

The staff here can communicate in English, and there is an English menu, making it easy to enjoy a meal regardless of Japanese ability.

Continue reading to learn about the matcha-flavored vegan pancakes, deluxe plant-based hamburgers, and other dishes to try, and what makes this Kyoto restaurant so special.

How to Get to AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO

The charming restaurant building is easy-to-spot once you are on the correct street. There are signboards outside with photographs of some of the offerings, enticing people passing by to come inside.

The restaurant is located down this side street (pictured above), near the Shinkyogoku shopping street area in Kyoto. Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station is about a five-minute walk away, and other major landmarks, like Nishiki Market and Gion, are nearby, making it a convenient location for a meal or dessert. From Kyoto Station, it takes around 20 minutes via subway or bus.

Matcha Pancakes, Savory Burgers, and Other Delights

AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO is open for lunch and dinner, offering a varied menu of hamburgers, curry, sides, and desserts.

In addition to the fun, colorful dishes, the portion sizes are large enough to satisfy all diners––vegan or not––hungry after a morning or afternoon of exploring Kyoto. The restaurant also serves drinks and alcoholic beverages, like beer and organic wine.

Allergens contained in the dishes are displayed with an easy-to-understand pictogram, and certain menu items are suitable for guests avoiding the five pungent spices and roots.* If you have any allergies or ingredients you are avoiding, be sure to notify an employee.

*Certain disciplines of Buddhism follow "oriental vegetarianism," and do not consume shallots, leeks, chives, garlic, and onion.

Some of the most popular menu items are the hamburgers, which come with a side of excellent French fries. Pictured above is the cutlet burger (1,450 yen without tax), made with a soy ham breaded cutlet and sansho pepper-infused Worcestershire sauce. It is available only at the Kyoto location.

The fresh burger bun, cutlet, and refreshing sauce create a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It is the ideal choice for anyone craving something hearty and nutritious. This is also an option made without the five pungent roots and spices.

For something sweet, order the matcha pancakes (1,800 yen without tax). Gluten-free and covered in a sweet, white chocolate and matcha sauce, this decadent dessert is as much as a treat for the eyes as it is for your tastebuds. The gluten-free matcha-flavored pancakes are slightly dense, but with a fluffy, light texture that melts in your mouth.

Add extra sweetness to the pancakes with red bean paste, creamy vanilla bean ice cream, and whipped cream. Slightly tart berries and berry sauce on the side, along with granola, create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The decorative flowers are edible.

AIN SOPH. has pancakes at other locations, but the matcha selection is exclusive to Kyoto. Diners in the mood for ice cream can try the seasonal parfait––another exclusive dessert option.

Pictured above is the yellow pineapple cream soda (880 yen without tax), one choice from the intriguing beverage menu. The sweet pineapple flavor and small fruit chunks combine with the richness of the soy vanilla bean ice cream, making a one-of-a-kind beverage. Be sure to mix soda, ice cream, and fruit well before you enjoy it! The delicate flower on top is also edible.

Relax in Kyoto in a Cozy, Traveler-Friendly Environment

There are two floors at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. The first floor contains table seating (pictured above). Guests will feel at home the minute they walk inside, with the restaurant's warm wooden interior. Come have a leisurely, memorable meal with friends, family, or someone special.

Near the front cash register are cookies and treats you can take home. Pictured above are original AIN SOPH. cookies in caramel and coconut flavor.

There is a map where diners can mark where they're from––take a look to see how global the customers are at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO, and be sure to add your location, too.

On the upstairs level is a comfy couch, ideal for relaxing in and conversing, and more seating. With the soft lighting and quiet atmosphere, you'll want to linger in this calming space before heading back into the bustle of downtown Kyoto.

A Meal Everyone Can Enjoy in Kyoto

One of AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO's major goals is to help guests better understand and create the version of themselves they want to be, along their own personal journey.

This desire is clearly communicated through the delicious, nutrition-filled plant-based food and relaxing atmosphere here. With every sip and bite, you will perhaps find yourself feeling more self-reflective.

Take in the best of Kyoto, and stop by for food to satisfy your appetite and heart at this oasis-like restaurant in the ancient capital.

AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO

〒 Shinkyogoku, 53 Nakanocho Nakagyo Ward Kyoto City Kyoto Prefecture...

Made in cooperation with AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO