Traveling with food allergies in Japan requires more preparation than in many Western countries. While Japan's packaged food labeling is thorough and reliable, restaurants have no legal obligation to provide allergen information. The language barrier adds complexity, and even if you can say "I'm allergic to peanuts" in Japanese, the nuances of cross-contamination and hidden ingredients require deeper communication.
The good news is that Japan takes food safety extremely seriously, and most restaurant staff will genuinely try to help once they understand your situation. This guide covers the labeling system, communication strategies, and practical tips for eating safely across Japan.
Japan's Mandatory Allergen Labels (2026)
Japan requires packaged foods to clearly label the following allergens. As of 2026, the mandatory list includes 9 items after recent additions:
Walnuts (ใใใฟ) became mandatory for labeling in March 2023, with the transitional period ending March 2025, so all packaged foods must now list walnuts. Cashew nuts (ใซใทใฅใผใใใ) were added to the mandatory list in 2025. Pistachios have been added to the recommended (not mandatory) list. Japan's allergen regulations are actively expanding as tree nut allergies increase significantly.
How to Communicate Allergies
Print or save on your phone a card listing your allergies in Japanese. Free templates are available from JustHungry.com, AllergEats Japan, and various travel blogs. Include both the allergen name and "I will have a severe allergic reaction" (ใขใฌใซใฎใผใง้็ฏคใชๅๅฟใๅบใพใ).
Present your card to the server immediately when you sit down, before ordering. Say "arerugii ga arimasu" (I have allergies) and show the card. Most staff will take it seriously and consult with the kitchen.
Point to each item you want to order and ask "kore wa [allergen] ga haitte imasu ka?" (Does this contain [allergen]?). Even with the card, confirming each dish provides a safety net.
Major chain restaurants (CoCo Ichibanya, Saizeriya, Gusto, McDonald's Japan) provide detailed allergen charts, either as printed menus or on their websites and apps. These are the safest option when you cannot communicate effectively.
Always carry your EpiPen or antihistamines. Make sure your travel insurance covers allergic reactions. Know the Japanese emergency number: 119 for ambulance. Hospital emergency rooms (ๆๆฅ, kyuukyuu) in major cities usually have English-speaking staff.
Key Allergen Words in Japanese
Specific Allergy Strategies
Wheat/Gluten: The hardest allergy in Japan. Soy sauce contains wheat (use tamari as a substitute, which is wheat-free). Tempura, udon, ramen, and breaded items all contain wheat. Rice-based dishes (sushi, onigiri, donburi without sauce) are your safest options. Some restaurants now offer gluten-free soy sauce.
Shellfish: Relatively manageable if you avoid obvious seafood and ask about soup stocks. The word "ebi" (shrimp) and "kani" (crab) are well understood. Watch out for shrimp crackers (ebi senbei) which are common snacks.
Tree Nuts: Less common in traditional Japanese cuisine but increasingly found in modern desserts, breads, and fusion dishes. With walnuts and cashews now on the mandatory labeling list, packaged foods are safer. In restaurants, specify each nut by name.
Useful Apps and Tools
โ Allergy Tools for Japan
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Allergy FAQ
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