Dietary Restrictions in Japan: What You Need to Know

Vegetarian & Vegan Travellers

This can be challenging in Japan, as dashi (broth made from fish flakes) is commonly used in soups, sauces, and even seemingly plant-based dishes.

Tips:

• Look for Buddhist cuisine called shōjin ryōri, served at temples and some restaurants.

• Use apps like HappyCow or Vegewel to find vegetarian-friendly spots.

• Learn key phrases (or carry a card) such as:"Watashi wa niku to sakana o tabemasen" – I don’t eat meat or fish.

  
  

Recommended Restaurants:

• T’s Tantan (Tokyo Station): 100% vegan ramen in a busy but welcoming setting.

• Ain Soph Journey (Shinjuku, Tokyo): Stylish vegan café with full meals and sweets.

• Shigetsu (Arashiyama, Kyoto): Temple restaurant offering traditional shōjin ryōri.

  
  

Gluten-Free in Japan

Soy sauce, miso, and many seasonings contain wheat, making gluten tricky to avoid, even in rice-based dishes.

Tips:

• Use gluten-free dining cards in Japanese explaining your condition.

• Stick to fresh, unseasoned grilled meats, sashimi, plain rice, or hot pot (shabu-shabu).

• Avoid sauces, fried foods, and wheat-based noodles unless clearly labelled.

  
  

Recommended Restaurants:

• Soranoiro (Tokyo Ramen Street): Offers gluten-free noodles upon request.

• Universal Bakes & Cafe (Setagaya, Tokyo): Fully gluten-free bakery and café.

• Choice Cafe (Kyoto): Vegan and gluten-free options with pasta and desserts.

  
  

Halal & Kosher Travel

Halal and kosher restaurants are rare, but Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have a small and growing number of options.

Halal Tips:

• Look for restaurants certified by the Japan Halal Foundation.

• Stick to seafood, vegetarian Japanese meals, or prepare your own food if strict observance is required.

  
  

Kosher Tips:

• No kosher-certified restaurants in Japan. Most travellers bring shelf-stable foods or self-cater.

• Some hotels and private chefs may be able to help with kosher-style meals by special request.

  
  

Recommended Restaurants:

• Gyumon (Shibuya, Tokyo): Halal yakiniku restaurant with English-speaking staff.

• Sekai Cafe (Asakusa, Tokyo): Multilingual café with halal meat and vegetarian options.

• Ganko Sushi (Kyoto – Pontocho): Offers halal-friendly bento sets upon advance request.

  
  

Food Allergies

Food labelling in Japan can be confusing, and allergens are often not listed on menus.

Tips:

• Carry a food allergy card in Japanese (download from sites like Just Hungry or AllergyUK).

• Be especially cautious with seafood, soy, sesame, wheat, and eggs — all common in Japanese cuisine.

• Convenience stores are better at labelling packaged foods than restaurants.

  
  

Recommended Restaurants:

• Crayon House (Omotesando, Tokyo): Organic restaurant with allergy awareness and a kids’ menu.

• AIN SOPH Ripple (Shinjuku, Tokyo): Vegan burger joint with clearly listed ingredients.

• Mominoki House (Harajuku, Tokyo): One of the oldest organic restaurants in Japan, known for catering to special diets.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Japan isn’t the easiest country for restricted diets, but with a bit of planning, it can still be a culinary adventure. The key is knowing what to look for, preparing ahead, and being clear about your needs, even if that means relying on translation cards or choosing self-catering options sometimes.

Want a Custom Food Itinerary that Meets Your Needs?

At Custom Japan Tours, we’ve helped travellers with all kinds of dietary needs explore Japan confidently without missing out on amazing meals. Whether you're gluten-free, vegetarian, halal, or kosher, we can work with your requirements to create a safe, delicious, and stress-free journey.

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Even Japan’s high-end supermarkets offer beautifully prepared deli salads, perfect for all dietary restrictions. Don’t underestimate how good supermarket food can be here!