Dealing with allergies in Japan

A stay in Japan is very much an adventure, especially for first time travelers. Many aspects such as attending a study program, working for a national company, completing an internship at an institution or simply traveling shall show different aspects of life in Japan and the Japanese culture.

However, one of the many reasons why people decide to spend either a long term stay or a short term stay in Tokyo or Kyoto, is the unique delicacies of the Japanese cuisine. And there’s no better way to enjoy the local culinary delights than to go visiting restaurants, bars and cafe.

Eating out can be an entire adventure on itself, but it is best to do so safely. If you have any allergy or medical related issues that need to be taken into account, it is best to inform the restaurant staff accordingly to avoid any potential health problems later on.

Here are a few phrases and words you may find useful to enjoy your meal without worries.

私はアレルギーがあります。
(Watashi wa arerugi ga arimasu)
I have an allergy.
⇧
This phrase shall let them be aware of what you shall be mentioning next.

申し訳ありませんが…
(Mōshiwake arimasen ga…)
I am sorry but…
⇧
Since the shop/restaurant may need to make changes to their regular menu for you, it is nice to show politeness. Follow the above phrase with any of the ones below.

…が一切食べられません。
(…ga issai taberaremasen)
I can not eat any …
⇧
Insert any of the below food products in the “…” section of the above phrase to inform what you are unable to eat.

魚介類 (Gyokairui)・Seafood

貝類 (Kairui)・Shellfish

甲殻類 (Kōkakurui)・Crustaceans

エビ (Ebi)・Shrimp

カニ (Kani)・Crab

肉類 (Nikurui)・Meat products

牛肉 (Gyūniku)・Beef

豚肉 (Butaniku)・Pork

鶏肉 (Toriniku)・Chicken

卵 (Tamago)・Eggs

魚類 (Gyorui)・Fish

落花生/ピーナツ (Rakkasē/Piinatsu)・Peanuts

くるみ (Kurumi)・Walnuts

カシューナッツ (Kashūnattsu)・Cashew nuts

ナッツ (Nattsu)・Nuts

乳製品 (Nyuseihin)・Dairy products

麦 (Mugi)・Wheat

そば (Soba)・Buckwheat

大豆 (Daizu)・Soybeans

ごま (Goma)・Sesame seeds

ゼラチン (Zerachin)・Gelatin

辛い物 (Karaimono)・Spicy things

甘味料 (Kanmiryo)・Sweetener

いちご (Ichigo)・Strawberries

りんご (Ringo)・Apple

オレンジ (Orenji)・Orange

もも (Momo)・Peach

キウイフルーツ (Kiwi furūtsu)・Kiwi fruit

For drinks, you may use the phrase below:
…が飲めません。
(…ga nomemasen)
I can not drink…
⇧
Insert any of the below in the “…” section in the above phrase to inform your condition.

酒類/お酒 (Shurui/O sake)・Alcohol

牛乳 (Gyūnyū)・Milk

If you would like to clarify that any of the above products is OK for you to consume, you can simply add them to the “…” section of the phrase below:
⇩
…は大丈夫です。
(…wa daijobu desu)
… is OK.

It is also important to keep be aware of your allergy or food restriction while purchasing products in Japan. Ingredients are written in the back of the products, but its writing may vary from the above words, so make sure you know how to identify your allergies in Japanese.

Alternatively, you can always ask our SAKURA HOUSE staff for help. We like to extend our support to all foreign travelers beyond just accommodation services at our Apartments, Share Houses and Guest Houses. Our goal is to provide everyone with a successful trip and a great amount of unforgettable memories.