Dining Out in Japan: Japanese Phrases for Food Allergies and Gluten-Free

Eating in Japan can be challenging if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions such as being vegan or vegetarian. While we introduced some vegan-friendly restaurants in a previous blog post, this time we’re focusing on helping travelers who have specific food preferences, restrictions, or medical conditions.

We've prepared a list of essential Japanese phrases to help you communicate your needs more easily, so you can enjoy a safer, smoother, and more fulfilling journey in Japan if you have food restrictions or allergies.

Try our standard Japanese phrases when dining out in Japan! | Photo by Peter Mazur

I’ve divided this blog into two main sections:

(1) Useful templates you can use to communicate your dietary preferences or restrictions.

(2) Detailed translations of specific dietary preferences and allergies.

You may find it helpful to prepare a small note in advance to show to restaurant staff when needed.

You may also check out our vegan restaurant recommendations. | Photo by Peter Mazur

Part 1: Two Templates Frequently Used for Dietary Preferences and Gluten Free in Japan

1. I am ... I don't eat ... Could you please tell me if ... (dish) include ... (ingredients) ?

私は〇〇なので、〇〇は食べられません。 〇〇が入っていないか教えてもらってもいいですか？

For example:

I am vegetarian. I don't eat meat. Could you please tell me if this dish includes meat or not?

例：私はベジタリアンなので、お肉は食べられません。 お肉が入っていないか教えてもらってもいいですか？

(2) I am allergic to ... If I eat ..., I will have ... symptoms. Could you please tell me if ... includes ... or not? Thank you!

私は〇〇のアレルギーです。食べると〇〇のような症状が出ますので、 〇〇が入っているかどうか、教えてもらってもいいですか？ お願いします。

For example: I am allergic to shrimps. If I eat shrimps, I will have difficulties in breathing. Could you please if this dish includes shrimps or not? Thank you!

例：私はエビのアレルギーです。食べると息苦しくなるような症状が出ますので、 エビが入っているかどうか、教えてもらってもいいですか？ お願いします。

Part 2 Translations of Common Food Restrictions and Allergies in Japanese

It could frustrating if you have food restrictions in Japan. TOMOGO! is here to help! | Photo by Peter Mazur

The second part provides Japanese translations of common dietary restrictions and food allergies, written by native speakers to help international travelers enjoy a safer and more comfortable experience in Japan.

1. Dietary Requirements

- Vegetarian: No meat or fish. ベジタリアン：お肉やお魚は食べません。 - Vegan: No animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, etc.). ヴィーガン：肉、魚、乳製品、卵、はちみつなど、動物由来の食品を一切摂りません。 - Pescatarian: No meat, but fish and seafood are allowed. ペスカタリアン：肉は食べませんが、魚介類は食べます。 - Halal: Food prepared according to Islamic law; no pork or alcohol. ハラール（ハラル）：豚肉やアルコールは禁止されています。 - Kosher: Food prepared according to Jewish dietary law. コーシャ：ユダヤ教のルールにそって作られた料理です。 - Gluten-Free: Excludes wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. グルテンフリー：パンや麺に使われる小麦など、グルテンが入っている食材を避けています。 - Dairy-Free: No milk or milk-derived products. 乳製品不使用(デイリーフリー)：牛乳や乳製品を含まない。

2.　Common Food Allergies

- Peanuts: Can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). ピーナッツ：食べると強いアレルギー反応が出ることがあります。ひどい場合は命にかかわることもあります。（アナフィラキシー） - Tree Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc. ナッツ類：アーモンド、くるみ、カシューナッツなど。 - Eggs: Includes both egg whites and yolks. 卵：卵白・卵黄の両方を含みます。 - Milk: Often overlaps with lactose intolerance but includes immune response. ミルク：乳糖不耐症と似ていることもありますが、アレルギーの場合は体の免疫が反応してしまいます。 - Wheat (Gluten): May be allergy or part of celiac disease/gluten intolerance. 小麦（グルテン）：アレルギーまたはセリアック病・グルテン不耐症の一部。 - Soy: Found in many processed foods and sauces (especially in Asian cuisine). 大豆：多くの加工食品やアジア料理の調味料に含まれています。 - Fish: Allergy to finned fish (e.g., salmon, tuna). 魚：サーモンやマグロなどの魚類に対するアレルギー。 - Shellfish: Includes crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crab) and mollusks (e.g., clams, squid). 甲殻類：エビ、カニなどの甲殻類や、アサリ、イカなどの軟体動物を含みます。 - Sesame: Increasingly recognized as a common allergen. ゴマ：最近はアレルギーの原因としてよく知られるようになってきました。

Still Worried About Dining Out? Using Japanese Phrases for Allergies with TOMOGO!

You're not alone and TOMOGO! is here to help.

Navigating dietary restrictions in Japan can be stressful, especially with allergies or gluten free restrictions. That’s why we offer carefully curated food and vegan tours, guided by locals fluent in both Japanese and your home language.

Our experienced guides help bridge the communication gap, ensure your needs are understood, and introduce you to delicious, safe options that fit your preferences so you can enjoy your meals in Japan with confidence.

Let TOMOGO! make food exploration worry-free and full of flavor.

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