Ask about capability
Instead of demanding a substitution, ask whether the restaurant can safely serve you. A clear refusal may be the most responsible answer.
Companion to Japan Food Before You Go
Eat with more confidence—and fewer assumptions
Use this page to prepare restaurant questions, dietary notes, payment options, and backup plans. Translation can help communication, but it cannot certify ingredients or prevent cross-contact.
Reviewed July 17, 2026
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Pre-trip checklist
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Write dietary restrictions in plain English and Japanese before the trip.
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Separate preference, religious restriction, intolerance, and medical allergy.
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For serious allergies, prepare an emergency plan with a qualified clinician.
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Research restaurants before arriving; small kitchens may not be able to modify dishes.
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Check reservation, cancellation, last-order, and one-order-per-person rules.
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Keep cash available even when a restaurant appears to accept cards.
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Expect broths, sauces, garnishes, and shared equipment to contain hidden ingredients.
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Save several nearby backup options instead of depending on one restaurant.
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Keep the restaurant name and address ready to show staff or a taxi driver.
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Use Pocket Japanese for ordinary requests, not as a medical safety guarantee.
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Decide, don’t just buy
A safer way to plan meals
Treat dashi as an ingredient
Stocks and sauces may contain fish, meat, soy, wheat, or other ingredients even when the visible dish looks suitable.
Packaged is different
Mandatory allergen labeling applies to certain packaged foods. Restaurant communication and cross-contact controls are a different situation.
Build a backup
Convenience stores, department-store food halls, supermarkets, and simple chain restaurants can provide alternatives when a planned meal fails.
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Primary sources
Check the current official information
Consumer Affairs Agency: Food labelingOfficial English food-labeling resources and allergy communication materials.↗CAA: Food allergy informationCurrent allergen-labeling information from Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency.↗CAA: Eating out with food allergiesOfficial guidance about communication and unintended allergen contact when eating out.↗JNTO: Cashless paymentsPayment options and the continuing usefulness of cash.↗JNTO: Staying Safe in JapanEmergency and medical-support information for visitors.↗
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Optional planning aids
What to look for
These are selection principles, not product endorsements. No affiliate links are active in this first version.