Fluffy, soufflé-style pancakes with soy whipped cream, soy ice cream, fruits and nuts (Photo: Kim)

Shinjuku's Ain Soph Journey

A solid lineup of sweet and savory vegan eats

Fluffy, soufflé-style pancakes with soy whipped cream, soy ice cream, fruits and nuts (Photo: Kim)
Kim Bergström   - 2 min read

If you do any research on vegan eats in Tokyo, you're bound to come across the Ain Soph group of restaurants — they have several branches across the city, along with one in Kyoto for good measure. The Shinjuku branch location is referred to as Ain Soph Journey, and they serve up a variety of sweet and savory vegan dishes.

If you are visiting, one menu item I have to recommend is the aptly-named heavenly pancakes. They're super fluffy, soufflé-style ones, and come served with a range of seasonal fruit, nuts, soy ice cream, and soy whipped cream. You'll also find them on the menu at Ain Soph Journey in Kyoto if you're headed down that way.

If you'd prefer a savory meal option, you'll find plenty of those, too. Hayashi rice, Thai green curry, vegetable paella, and taco rice are just a few of the options available, and there are numerous side dishes if you want to grab a few smaller plates to share. It would be completely acceptable to come here just for coffee and dessert, too — both the gâteau chocolat and the New York cheesecake are delicious. A little pricey, perhaps, at JPY820 and JPY900 a slice respectively, but for the taste and the presentation (complete with flowers as garnishes!) I saw it as worth the cost.

Do note that the store takes a break in between their lunch and dinner sittings.

Weekday Hours

11:30am - 4pm (Last Orders at 3pm)

6pm - 8pm (Last Orders at 7.15pm)

Weekend & Holiday Hours

11:30am - 5pm(Last Orders at 4pm)

6pm - 8pm (Last Orders at 7.15pm)

Getting there

Ain Soph Journey is located just a minute on foot from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, which is served by the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. and the Toei Shinjuku Line.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸