HealthyTOKYO opens its first vegan restaurant at Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport now has its first plant-based cafe and shop, HealthyTOKYO. Located in Terminal 2 outside the security zone, the Japanese health and wellness provider will serve organic coffee, tea and matcha, organic and gluten-free baked goods, salads, sandwiches, lasagne, quiches and desserts. Local and American craft beer will also be available.

“We really wanted to make a cafe that everyone can enjoy,” said David Israelsson, head of operations at HealthyTOKYO. “While all of our offerings are plant-based, we have created dishes that will be loved by vegans and omnivores alike. Our menus are designed to appeal to the tastes of locals and the increasing number of visitors to Japan.”

A popular health resource and online retail shop since 2011, the physical store will feature speciality nut butters, cannabidiol oils, supplements and gifts in addition to their healthy vegan meals and drink selections.

Founded by US-native Michael Bobrove, who has lived in Japan for more than 30 years, HealthyTOKYO began as an expat-friendly healthcare directory with services from primary-care physicians, dental, plastic surgery and paediatrics before expanding to an information guide to healthy restaurants, fitness facilities and health food purveyors in Japan.

The opening is timely for an airport that welcomes over 80 million passengers each year, as Tokyo hosts the 2020 Summer Olympics. With plant-based diets growing steadily across Asia, the number of vegans and vegetarians in Japan has also been on the rise.