Tokorozawa City: A Place to Experience Nature and Culture, the Hometown of Totoro

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Located just an hour from central Tokyo, Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture is a destination rich in both nature and culture. Famous as the setting for the film My Neighbor Totoro, the city is surrounded by picturesque lakes such as Tama Lake and Sayama Lake. With the Chichibu Mountains nearby, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The city is home to numerous farms that produce fresh, locally grown vegetables, making it an appealing destination for vegetarian and vegan travelers.

Sayama Lake and Mt. Fuji

In recent years, Tokorozawa has actively promoted diversity in dining, with local restaurants developing and offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly cuisine. In this article, we introduce three outstanding establishments leading this movement while also showcasing the city’s unique charm.

Three Leading Restaurants for Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine in Tokorozawa

Kikusuitei: A Fusion of Nature and Vegan Chinese Cuisine

Situated on the shores of Tama Lake, Kikusuitei offers authentic vegan Chinese cuisine alongside spectacular lake views from every room. Their newly launched Suigyoku Course features innovative dishes such as Vegetable Crepe Beijing Duck Style and Vegan Sweet and Sour Pork with Black Vinegar, both of which have already become customer favorites.

Suigyoku Course at Kikusuitei

Head Chef Kamijo shares his thoughts on developing the vegan course:

“I wanted to create a menu that appeals not only to vegetarians but also to those who prefer healthy dining options. There is a common perception that vegetarian dishes lack depth in flavor, but I wanted to change that. My goal was to ensure that even a vegetable-based dish provides complete satisfaction. I hope our guests will enjoy these carefully crafted flavors.”

By incorporating traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) techniques that exclude gokun (five pungent vegetables), Kikusuitei has created a menu that offers deep, umami-rich flavors enjoyable by all. Their dishes reflect a desire to showcase the true potential of vegetables.

Sunset view from Kikusuitei overlooking Tama Lake

The restaurant’s spacious dining area provides a tranquil setting where guests can savor exquisite cuisine while gazing at the serene beauty of Tama Lake. The seamless blend of nature and fine dining creates a luxurious experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Kajimaya: A Unique Blend of Okinawan Royal Cuisine and Tokorozawa’s Local Flavors

Located in the Shintokorozawa area, Kajimaya is a rare restaurant specializing in Okinawan royal court cuisine. Owner Mrs. Negishi is an expert in traditional Ryukyu cuisine, having studied and taught its techniques at prestigious restaurants in Tokyo. Okinawan court cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Chinese influences, was once served to distinguished guests at the royal palace in Shuri.

By skillfully incorporating Tokorozawa’s specialty dishes and locally grown vegetables, Mrs. Negishi has successfully adapted royal court cuisine into vegetarian and vegan options. One of his signature dishes, Vegan Tokorozawa Yakisoba, is a plant-based version of Tokorozawa’s famed local stir-fried noodle dish, made entirely without animal products or gokun.

Vegan Tokorozawa Yakisoba

The name Kajimaya refers to a traditional Okinawan windmill and also symbolizes longevity, as it is associated with the age of 97 in Okinawan culture.

A visit to Kajimaya is not only about the food—it’s also about the conversation. Mrs. Negishi enjoys sharing insights into the hidden history and cultural connections between Okinawa and Tokorozawa. The combination of expertly crafted cuisine using local ingredients and warm hospitality makes for a truly enriching experience.

Mrs. Negishi and her son

YOT-TOKO (JINGA CAFE): Local Specialties with a Vegetarian and Vegan Twist

Located inside Tokorozawa City Tourism & Local Products Center YOT-TOKO, JINGA CAFE specializes in casual dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. One of their newest creations, Vegetable Pouch Dipping Udon, features fresh vegetables from local farms while avoiding the use of gokun. This dish is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly adaptation of Musashino Udon, a regional specialty, where a pouch stuffed with seasonal vegetables is served in a rich dipping broth, offering a uniquely Tokorozawa-style culinary experience.

Vegetable Pouch Dipping Udon

On weekends, YOT-TOKO hosts local farmers’ markets and food fairs, giving visitors the opportunity to interact with the community and purchase fresh produce at special prices. These events attract many travelers eager to experience Tokorozawa’s culinary heritage firsthand. Mr. Hisada, Secretary-General of the Tokorozawa Tourism and Urban Development Association, emphasizes the importance of this initiative:

“We want visitors to truly experience Tokorozawa’s rich nature and food culture.”

Tokorozawa City Tourism & Local Products Center YOT-TOKO

A Destination Embracing Food Diversity

With its abundant natural landscapes, farm-fresh local produce, and deep-rooted cultural traditions, Tokorozawa City is at the forefront of embracing food diversity. Restaurants such as JINGA CAFE, Kajimaya, and Kikusuitei each showcase a unique interpretation of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, delivering innovative flavors and memorable dining experiences.

Totoro Monument at Tokorozawa Station

Beyond its culinary delights, Tokorozawa offers breathtaking scenery, from Tama Lake and Sayama Lake to stunning views of Mount Fuji and the Chichibu Mountains. The warmth of the local community, combined with a commitment to sustainability, makes this city a destination that welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.

In Tokorozawa, food is more than just a meal—it’s a gateway to discovering local culture, embracing nature, and envisioning a sustainable future. The city continues to redefine the modern travel experience by celebrating inclusivity and innovation.

On your next journey, take the opportunity to explore Tokorozawa’s vibrant culinary scene and picturesque landscapes. Create your own unforgettable memories in this one-of-a-kind destination.