Food for vegetarians (in Japan!)

So, as a vegetarian myself, I find it hard to find food while in Japan.Mostly because they eat a LOT of meat, and apparently fish doesn't qualify as meat. (I know, it annoys me too that they think that! But whatever. Go on! Read! I have some stuff in here that you probably don't know!)

You may want to know the history of vegetarianism in Japan, so here it is.

In 675, the use of livestock and the consumption of some wild animals (horse, cattle, dogs, monkeys, birds) was banned in Japan by Emperor Tenmu, due to the influence of Buddhism.[48] Subsequently, in the year 737 of the Nara period, the Emperor Seimu approved the eating of fish and shellfish. During the twelve hundred years from the Nara period to the Meiji Restoration in the latter half of the 19th century, Japanese people enjoyed vegetarian-style meals. They usually ate rice as staple food and beans and vegetables. It was only on special occasions or celebrations that fish was served. Over this period, the Japanese people (particularly Buddhist monks) developed a vegetarian cuisine called shōjin-ryōri which was native to Japan. ryōri means cooking or cuisine, while shojin is a Japanese translation of virya in Sanskrit, meaning "to have the goodness and keep away evils". During the Meiji restoration, and the opening up of Japan to Western influence, Emperor Meiji lifted the ban on red meat.

So that's the history, but here is thee reason why most of them don't eat meat. A long time ago in Japan, meat was fairly expensive. People didn't have the money to buy it, and since they didn't, people thought they were poor. If a restaurant didn't have meat, it was a bad restaurant. People still sort of think that, so ya.

Well, now to the food! Here are my top 5 things to eat in Japan! (As a vegetarian, so things vegetarians can eat that are really good, in Japan!)

1. Mitarashi-Dango, or Rice Dumpling things

They are Rice Dumplings with NO MEAT, just sweet sauce and sticky rice balls on a stick

2. Sweets or Candy!

Delicious food that tastes like sweet SUGAR! I probably eat more of this in a trip to Japan then I do in 6 months! (Hey I can't say a year...) Well everyone probably already has seen this but I will show it to you guys again!

3. Miso Soup!

Just order this with some tofu (or none!) and ask for no meat! Sometimes it has it, so just make sure they know!

4. Udon Noodles! Super good!

Just thick noodles, usually in soup. Delicious!

5. Edamame, obviously!

mmm so salty and good :)..

Well thats it peoples! Come visit Jenna Travels again soon! Also, make sure to msg me for new content and subscribe! It keeps me motivated! Thanks again guys!