Japan Travel Fixes
How do I find vegetarian, halal, or allergy-safe food in Japan?
Dedicated vegetarian/halal restaurants exist mainly in large cities and are best found through specialized map apps rather than general search, since 'vegetarian' dishes in Japan often still contain fish stock (dashi) unless specified otherwise.
Dashi (fish or bonito stock) is used as a base in many dishes that look vegetarian, including miso soup and some noodle broths, so 'no meat' on a menu doesn't always mean fully vegetarian or vegan.
Halal-certified restaurants and prayer-friendly spaces are concentrated in Tokyo, Osaka, and other large cities; look for halal certification logos or search apps specifically built for Muslim travelers.
For allergies, write down your specific allergens in Japanese before your trip rather than relying on a general phrase — the card below covers the most common serious allergens as a starting point.
Show this card to kitchen staff before ordering
アレルギーがあります。エビ、ピーナッツ、卵が食べられません。
Arerugii ga arimasu. Ebi, piinattsu, tamago ga taberaremasen.
I have allergies. I can't eat shrimp, peanuts, or eggs. (edit the list for your own allergens)