Eating out with food allergies in Japan
How Japan's packaged-food allergen rules differ from restaurant practice, and why written allergy cards help.
At a glance
- How Japan's packaged-food allergen rules differ from restaurant practice, and why written allergy cards help.
- Verify wheat/gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, egg before ordering.
- Check the official source because rules and food-service practice can change.
- Log what staff said and what happened later so the next visit starts with better evidence.
The rules at a glance
As of the last review, Japan packaged food has 8 mandatory allergen items, including walnut as a recent addition, plus a longer recommended list. Restaurants are exempt from allergen labeling law.
Dining out relies on voluntary chain matrices and staff communication. Major chains are often strong at publishing allergen information, but that is voluntary restaurant practice rather than a restaurant labeling requirement.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Rules change; always verify with the Consumer Affairs Agency or another official source.
What this means at the table
Food allergy is a familiar concept in many Japanese chain restaurants, hotels, airlines, and packaged-food settings. Some staff may ask about allergies before ordering, especially in higher-service restaurants. Do not rely on being asked. Raise the allergy yourself and ask staff to check the kitchen or allergen matrix.
Carry a written allergy card in Japanese. The card should name the allergen and ask about sauces, broths, cooking oil, toppings, and shared equipment. Show it before ordering, not after the dish arrives.
Chain matrices can be very helpful in Japan. Use them to select a possible order, then confirm with staff at the location. Small independent restaurants may not have written allergen materials.
Useful Japanese phrases
Use these phrases as a starting point, and carry a verified allergy card for travel. Show the written text to the server so it can be taken to the kitchen.
私はピーナッツアレルギーがあります。
Watashi wa piinattsu arerugii ga arimasu. I have a peanut allergy.
この料理にピーナッツやピーナッツオイルは入っていますか。
Kono ryori ni piinattsu ya piinattsu oiru wa haitte imasu ka. Does this dish contain peanuts or peanut oil?
厨房に確認していただけますか。
Chubo ni kakunin shite itadakemasu ka. Could you please check with the kitchen?
ピーナッツソース、ピーナッツのトッピング、共用の調理器具は使わないでください。
Please do not use peanut sauce, peanut toppings, or shared cooking utensils.
Ingredients and dishes to ask about in Japan
- wheat/gluten
- soy
- fish
- shellfish
- egg
- dairy
- peanut
- tree nut
For peanut allergy, ask about curry roux, sesame-style sauces, dessert toppings, and imported sweets. Peanuts are not the only nut question: ask about tree nuts in cakes, parfaits, and bakery items.
For gluten or celiac disease, ask about wheat in soy sauce, ramen, udon, tempura batter, curry roux, gyoza wrappers, and fried items. A dish that looks rice-based can still use wheat in sauce or broth.
For shellfish allergy, ask about dashi, ramen broth, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, sauces, and toppings. Broths and sauces may be prepared before service, so ask whether the kitchen can verify the base.
Official resources
If something goes wrong
The ambulance emergency number in Japan is 119. Follow your personal action plan and ask your allergist about travel planning before you go.
Gulpp is free
Track your restaurant allergy history
Gulpp lets you log what you ate, what you asked, and whether symptoms showed up later. Your report can become the first evidence for the next diner.
Start a free logMedical disclaimer
This guide is general information for restaurant planning. It is not medical advice. For emergency symptoms, call local emergency services. For personal diagnosis, medication, or action-plan questions, talk with your allergist.
Read the medical disclaimer