Beyond sushi: Japan expands veggie options to tempt tourists

Customers dining at the Vegan Izakaya Masaka restaurant in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. - AFP

TOKYO (AFP): Even on a weekday, there's a queue at Tokyo's vegan Izakaya Masaka, including many tourists eager to try meat-free versions of Japanese classics like fried chicken and juicy dumplings.

While millions of visitors have happily savoured Japan's fish- and meat-heavy cuisine, options for vegetarians and vegans are harder to find.