Dietary Requirements in Japan
Complete guide for eating with restrictions
Eating in Japan with dietary restrictions can be challenging but is definitely possible with the right knowledge and preparation. This guide helps you navigate Japanese restaurants while maintaining your dietary requirements.
🎯 What this guide covers:
- • Vegetarian & Vegan options and hidden ingredients
- • Pork-free & Halal dining solutions
- • Allergy management and communication strategies
- • Safe restaurant chains with reliable options
Dietary Categories & Challenges
Vegetarian & Vegan
ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン
Complete guide for vegetarian and vegan options in Japanese chains.
Main challenges:
- Dashi (fish broth) in many dishes
- Sauces containing animal ingredients
- Limited but growing options
Pork-Free & Halal
豚肉不使用・ハラル
Pork-free options and halal information for Japanese restaurants.
Main challenges:
- Pork very present in Japanese cuisine
- Limited halal certification
- Possible cross-contamination
Allergies & Intolerances
アレルギー・不耐性
Managing food allergies and intolerances in Japanese restaurants.
Main challenges:
- Complex ingredient lists
- Language barrier
- Hidden allergens in sauces
Practical Navigation Tips
Learn Key Japanese Words
- ベジタリアン (Bejitarian) = Vegetarian
- 豚肉なし (Butaniku nashi) = No pork
- アレルギーがあります (Arerugii ga arimasu) = I have allergies
- 魚の出汁なし (Sakana no dashi nashi) = No fish broth
Use Translation Cards
- Prepare cards in Japanese explaining your restrictions
- Include specific ingredients to avoid
- Show cards to restaurant staff
- Keep digital copies on your phone
Research Before You Go
- Check restaurant websites for allergen information
- Look for international chains with consistent policies
- Read reviews from people with similar restrictions
- Have backup restaurant options ready
Recommended Safe Chains
Vegetarian-Friendly
Saizeriya
Many pasta and salad options without meat
Mos Burger
Veggie burger available
Sushiro
Vegetable sushi options (cucumber, inari)
Hanamaru Udon
Plain udon with vegetable tempura
Pork-Free Options
Yoshinoya
Beef bowls (gyudon) without pork
Sukiya
Beef and chicken bowls available
KFC Japan
Chicken only, no pork products
Sushiro
Fish and seafood focus
Allergy-Conscious
McDonald's Japan
Detailed allergen information available
Subway Japan
Customizable with visible ingredients
Starbucks Japan
English menu and allergy info
Gusto
Family restaurant with ingredient lists
Essential Translation Cards
Vegetarian
私はベジタリアンです。肉、魚、鶏肉は食べられません。野菜だけの料理はありますか？
Watashi wa bejitarian desu. Niku, sakana, toriniku wa taberemasen. Yasai dake no ryōri wa arimasu ka?
I am vegetarian. I cannot eat meat, fish, or chicken. Do you have dishes with only vegetables?
Vegan
私はヴィーガンです。肉、魚、卵、乳製品、蜂蜜は食べられません。動物性食品を使わない料理はありますか？
Watashi wa vīgan desu. Niku, sakana, tamago, nyūseihin, hachimitsu wa taberemasen. Dōbutsusei shokuhin wo tsukawanai ryōri wa arimasu ka?
I am vegan. I cannot eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. Do you have dishes without any animal products?
No Pork
私は豚肉を食べられません。この料理に豚肉は入っていますか？豚肉を使わない料理を教えてください。
Watashi wa butaniku wo taberemasen. Kono ryōri ni butaniku wa haitte imasu ka? Butaniku wo tsukawanai ryōri wo oshiete kudasai.
I cannot eat pork. Does this dish contain pork? Please tell me dishes that don't use pork.
Food Allergies
私は[アレルゲン]にアレルギーがあります。この料理には[アレルゲン]が入っていますか？
Watashi wa [arerugēn] ni arerugī ga arimasu. Kono ryōri ni wa [arerugēn] ga haitte imasu ka?
I am allergic to [allergen]. Does this dish contain [allergen]?
Emergency Situations
If you have a severe allergic reaction:
- • Call 119 for emergency services
- • Use your EpiPen if available
- • Show prepared medical card in Japanese
- • Ask someone to call for help: "救急車を呼んでください" (Kyūkyūsha wo yonde kudasai)
Essential emergency phrases:
- • Help me: 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai)
- • I need a doctor: 医者が必要です (Isha ga hitsuyō desu)
- • Allergic reaction: アレルギー反応 (Arerugī hannō)
- • Hospital: 病院 (Byōin)