Gluten-Free Guide to Japan Local & Street Food

Get safe dining tips, essential phrases, and guidance on local gluten-free options.

Local Foods

Cities

Filtered results are based on automated analysis of common food data. This is for general guidance only. Ingredient variations, preparation methods, cross-contamination risks, and data accuracy can differ significantly. Always verify all information directly with vendors before consumption, especially for allergies or strict dietary needs. See full disclaimers for filtered results.

Cross-contamination with wheat-based products is possible. Always confirm preparation methods and ingredients.

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Essential Phrases

I have celiac disease/gluten allergy

私はセリアック病/グルテンアレルギーがあります

Watashi wa seriakku-byō/guruten arerugī ga arimasu

Indicates medical need for gluten-free food

No wheat, barley, or rye please

小麦、大麦、ライ麦を使わないでください

Komugi, ōmugi, raimugi o tsukawanaide kudasai

Specifies specific gluten-containing grains to avoid

Watch Out For

Soy sauce (contains wheat)
Regular ramen noodles
Tempura batter
Imitation crab (often contains wheat)

Safe Options

Sashimi (without soy sauce)
Tamago (Japanese omelette - confirm ingredients)
Onigiri with safe fillings (avoid those with soy sauce)
Grilled fish or meats (without marinade)

Important Notice

Gluten-free dining in Japan is challenging as soy sauce (which contains wheat) is ubiquitous. Carry gluten-free soy sauce packets and focus on simple grilled foods and rice dishes. Major cities now have some gluten-free specialized restaurants.

Show This to Your Server

私は重度のグルテンアレルギーがあります。小麦、大麦、ライ麦を含む食品を摂取すると深刻な健康問題が生じます。醤油、麺類、パン粉、天ぷら粉、麦芽などを含む料理は食べられません。米、純粋なそば粉、じゃがいも、野菜、肉、魚（小麦を含む調味料なし）は大丈夫です。

I have a severe gluten allergy. Consuming foods containing wheat, barley, or rye causes serious health problems. I cannot eat dishes containing soy sauce, noodles, breadcrumbs, tempura batter, or malt. Rice, pure buckwheat, potatoes, vegetables, meat, and fish (without wheat-containing seasonings) are safe for me. Thank you for your understanding.