A Guide to Food Allergies When Traveling in Japan | 29 Labeled Allergens, Allergy Cards, Restaurant Communication, and Emergency 119 Procedures

For those with food allergies traveling to Japan, learning to say "I don't eat this" is not enough. The Japanese word "nigate" (苦手) may only be understood as a personal dislike; what you truly need to convey is: eating this will trigger an allergic reaction, and even trace amounts, shared utensils, or shared deep-frying oil can cause a reaction.

There are four most practical preparations: carry a Japanese allergy card that lists your allergens and requirements regarding cross-contact; learn how to read food labels on packaged items; contact airlines, hotels, and restaurants in advance; and carry medication according to an emergency plan developed by your physician.

This article provides general travel information and cannot replace the diagnosis and personalized emergency plan from an allergy specialist. Labeling systems, food formulas, and restaurant procedures change; always re-verify when purchasing. In the event of a severe reaction, immediately follow your personal emergency plan and dial 119.

How to understand Japan's food allergy labeling system?

Japan lists certain allergens as mandatory "Specified Ingredients" (特定原材料), and another set as recommended "Ingredients Equivalent to Specified Ingredients" (特定原材料に準ずるもの). The infographic covers 29 items, including 9 mandatory and 20 recommended.

When the system adds new items, there may be a transition period where both old and new packaging exist simultaneously. Travelers should check the latest list from Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency rather than relying on past travel memories.

9 Mandatory Allergen Labels

Mandatory labeling mainly applies to compliant packaged processed foods; it does not mean that all restaurants, made-to-order food, bulk deli items, and market stalls must list them in the same way.

20 Recommended Allergen Labels

"Recommended labeling" does not mean businesses are guaranteed to list them. If your allergen is among these 20, do not assume safety just because it is not on the label; check full ingredient lists and confirm with the manufacturer.

Why you shouldn't rely solely on allergy icons on menus

Many chain restaurants in Japan provide allergen charts, but general restaurants do not follow a national standard, nor do they necessarily list all 29 items. Menus may only mark primary ingredients and fail to reflect:

• Hidden ingredients in broths and sauces.
• Shared deep-fryers, noodle boiling water, teppanyaki grills, or roasting nets.
• Shared knives, cutting boards, tongs, and gloves.
• Last-minute ingredient changes by suppliers.
• Cross-contact in factories producing semi-finished goods.
• Differences between seasonal menus and branch locations.

Those with severe allergies should directly state, "I cannot eat this even in trace amounts," and verify if the restaurant is equipped to handle the request safely. If staff are uncertain, do not treat a polite response as a guarantee of safety.

Correct phrasing: "Cannot eat" is not "don't like"

Don't just say "Nigate desu"

"Nigate" usually implies dislike, discomfort, or avoidance; the kitchen might assume it is sufficient to simply remove visible ingredients.

Clearly explain your allergy

• 〇〇アレルギーがあります。
  I have an allergy to 〇〇.
• 〇〇は食べられません。
  I cannot eat 〇〇.
• 少量でも症状が出ます。
  I have symptoms even with small amounts.
• 同じ油や調理器具も使えません。
  I cannot use shared oil or cooking utensils.
• 対応が難しければ、注文しません。
  If it is difficult to handle safely, I will not order.

What should a Japanese allergy card include?

An effective allergy card should be concise and specific, rather than just listing pictures of food.

Recommended Content

• Patient name and emergency contact information.
• The Japanese names of confirmed allergens.
• Whether you react even to trace amounts.
• Whether you cannot share oil, utensils, or boiling water.
• Possible symptoms.
• Where emergency medication is located.
• Call 119 in case of a severe reaction.

Example

私は卵と乳成分に重いアレルギーがあります。少量でも症状が出ます。同じ調理器具、揚げ油、トングを使わないでください。対応できない場合は教えてください。

Meaning: I have a severe allergy to eggs and dairy ingredients. I have symptoms even from trace amounts. Please do not use the same cooking utensils, frying oil, or tongs. Please tell me if you cannot accommodate this.

It is best to have the card verified by someone familiar with both medical terminology and Japanese to avoid errors in ingredient names caused by automatic translation.

What is cross-contact?

Cross-contact occurs when an allergen accidentally comes into contact with another food during preparation. For example, French fries may not contain shrimp, but they share the same deep-fryer as fried shrimp; white rice contains no buckwheat, but was handled with the same tongs as soba noodles.

Common high-risk scenarios

• Deep-frying oil shared between tempura and other fried items.
• Noodle boiling water shared between ramen and soba.
• Roasting nets and tongs shared during yakiniku (Japanese BBQ).
• Knives, cutting boards, and gloves shared in sushi restaurants.
• Shared spoons and tongs at buffets.
• Airborne flour in bakeries and shared baking trays.
• Scoops shared for ice cream.

How to read "may contain"?

Labels may carry warnings like "本品製造工場では〇〇を含む製品を生産しています," indicating that products containing the allergen are produced in the same factory. This does not mean every item necessarily contains it, but those with severe allergies should judge based on physician advice and personal risk tolerance.

How to read packaged food labels?

First, look for the "Raw Materials" (原材料名) and "Allergen" (アレルゲン) sections, then pay attention to additives in parentheses or after slashes, and phrases like "contains a portion of 〇〇" (一部に〇〇を含む).

Common Labels

• 一部に小麦・卵・乳成分を含む： Contains wheat, egg, and dairy in some ingredients.
• 本品はえびを含む製品と共通の設備で製造しています： Produced on shared equipment with products containing shrimp.
• 原材料に使用していません： Not used as an ingredient, but does not guarantee zero cross-contact.
• コンタミネーション： Contamination/risk of accidental mixing.

Do I need to check every time?

Yes. Manufacturers can change formulas, factories, and suppliers; different flavors, sizes, or seasonal packaging of the same brand can also vary.

Common hidden allergens in Japanese cuisine

Soy Sauce

Most traditional soy sauce contains wheat and soy. Gluten-free travelers should not ignore soy sauce just because "only a small amount" is used.

Dashi (Broth)

Japanese dashi may contain bonito, mackerel, seafood, kombu, or mixed seasonings. Vegetarians, those with fish allergies, and those with religious dietary restrictions must check.

Curry

Curry roux can contain wheat, dairy, soy, beef, pork, fruit, and nuts. You cannot judge ingredients by color or spiciness.

Ramen

Noodles often contain wheat and egg; broth may contain pork, chicken, fish, shellfish, soy, or sesame; chashu (pork) sauce can also contain many ingredients.

Sushi

In addition to fish and shellfish, watch for egg, crab sticks, wheat-based soy sauce, mayonnaise, sesame, fish roe, and shared knives.

Wagashi (Japanese sweets)

May contain soy, yam, wheat, egg, dairy, sesame, walnuts, or other nuts. A simple appearance does not mean simple ingredients.

Soba Noodle Shops

Buckwheat allergies can be extremely severe. Even if ordering udon, the noodle preparation area, boiling water, and utensils may be shared; those with severe allergies should generally not rely solely on "switching to udon" to avoid risk.

How to shop safely at convenience stores?

Packaged foods are easier to check than unlabeled made-to-order items, but you must still read every item. Convenience store deli counters, coffee machines, oden, and fried items carry risks of cross-contact.

Purchasing Steps

1. Read the full raw materials and allergen list.
2. Check for "shared equipment" warnings.
3. Do not rely solely on past experience.
4. When in doubt, ask staff to check product information.
5. If staff cannot confirm, do not buy it.

Are buffets and all-you-can-eat restaurants high-risk?

Yes, cross-contact risk is usually high because guests may swap tongs, food may fall into other dishes, and labels may only list primary ingredients. Severe allergy sufferers can request that the kitchen provide a separate dish not placed on the buffet line, but restaurants may not be able to accommodate this.

If you cannot obtain a reliable answer, choosing a different restaurant is more reasonable than taking a risk.

How to pre-order airline meals?

Airline "special meals" do not necessarily cover all allergens and may not guarantee zero cross-contact. Apply according to the airline's deadline before departure and confirm again.

• Do not mistake vegan meals for a guarantee of being dairy-free, egg-free, or nut-free.
• Do not mistake gluten-free meals for a guarantee of no wheat cross-contact.
• Check customs and liquid regulations before bringing your own safe food.
• Keep emergency medication in your carry-on, not in checked luggage.
• Briefly explain your severe allergy to flight attendants after boarding.

How to handle hotel breakfasts?

Contact the hotel in writing before booking, listing your allergens and cross-contact requirements. Confirm upon check-in, but do not assume a reservation note means the hotel has accepted and guaranteed the request.

Questions to ask

• Is there an allergen chart?
• Can a separate meal be prepared?
• Is the frying oil, oven, knives, or tongs shared?
• Is breakfast a buffet or set menu?
• Can I use the in-room refrigerator to store my own food?

Travel preparation for severe allergy sufferers

• Discuss travel plans with your allergy specialist before departure.
• Carry sufficient, unexpired prescription emergency medication.
• Keep medication in carry-on luggage and avoid high temperatures.
• Prepare doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and original medication packaging.
• Ensure travel companions know where medication is and how to use it.
• Purchase travel insurance covering pre-existing conditions and overseas emergency treatment.
• Download offline translation and save your accommodation address and 119.
• Arrange one backup spot each day where safe food can be purchased.

Can auto-injectors be brought into Japan?

Prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors should generally be kept in their original packaging with a prescription or doctor's note and stored in carry-on luggage. Quantity restrictions, needles, and airline security regulations should be checked with Japanese authorities and the airline before departure.

Do not put your only set of emergency medication in checked luggage, and do not store it in a hot vehicle or in direct sunlight.

What to do in case of an allergic reaction?

Follow the personal emergency plan created by your physician. If you experience difficulty breathing, throat swelling, voice changes, fainting, abnormal consciousness, or severe symptoms in multiple systems, it may be a severe systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

1. Stop eating immediately.
2. Use prescribed emergency medication according to your personal medical plan.
3. Dial 119 and state "Anaphylaxis no utagai" (疑似全身性嚴重過敏反應).
4. Have the patient maintain a safe posture according to medical advice; do not walk around alone.
5. Notify companions and accommodation/restaurant staff.
6. Even if symptoms improve, seek medical evaluation as instructed by professionals.

Do not rely solely on antihistamines while waiting for severe breathing or circulatory symptoms to disappear, and do not let the patient go to the hospital alone.

What to say when dialing 119?

• 救急です。食物アレルギーです。
  I need an ambulance, it is a food allergy.
• アナフィラキシーの疑いがあります。
  I suspect anaphylaxis.
• 呼吸が苦しいです。
  Difficulty breathing.
• エピペンを使いました。
  I have used an EpiPen.

JNTO Visitor Hotline

The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) from the Japan National Tourism Organization can assist visitors with illness, accidents, and disaster information. Phone numbers, languages, and service hours may change; check the latest JNTO official information before departure.

In critical situations, dial 119 directly; do not wait to be transferred through the general tourist hotline.

"Does not contain X" does not mean it's safe for everyone

Special notes for family travel

• Teach children not to accept snacks from strangers.
• Have children wear allergy identification cards or bracelets.
• Confirm emergency medication is with you before leaving every day.
• Do not mix medication with general stationery.
• All accompanying adults must understand the emergency plan.
• Provide written notice in advance for school trips or group activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Japanese restaurants always have allergen labels?

Not necessarily. The system for packaged food differs from restaurant menus, and many restaurants do not have a full 29-allergen chart.

How many mandatory allergen labels are there in Japan?

As of 2026, there are 9 mandatory and 20 recommended labels; for updates and transition periods, refer to the latest announcements from the Consumer Affairs Agency.

Is it okay to just say "Nigate"?

Not recommended. "Nigate" is often understood as a dislike; you should clearly say "Arerugi ga arimasu" (I have an allergy) and specify if you react even to trace amounts.

Does soy sauce contain wheat?

Most traditional soy sauce contains wheat and soy, but formulas vary; always check the label.

Can those with buckwheat allergies order udon at a soba shop?

Noodle areas, boiling water, and utensils may be shared. Those with severe buckwheat allergies should not assume safety just by switching noodle types.

Is convenience store food safer?

Packaged food is easier to check, but you must still verify formulas and shared equipment; hot deli items and fresh food also carry cross-contact risks.

What number should I dial for a severe allergy?

The emergency number for an ambulance in Japan is 119. Follow your emergency plan and seek help immediately.

Does travel insurance cover allergy-related medical care?

It depends on the policy, pre-existing conditions, coverage scope, and documentation requirements. Check in writing with your insurance provider before departure.

Conclusion: Allergies are not picky eating; clear refusal is safety

When traveling in Japan, the greatest danger is not misunderstanding every dish, but using vague language that leads staff to think it's just a personal preference. Clearly stating your allergens, reactions to trace amounts, and requirements regarding shared equipment allows the restaurant to honestly judge if they can accommodate you.

Preparing an allergy card, carrying enough emergency medication, re-checking labels every time, and accepting "this meal cannot be provided safely" are all reasonable options. Skipping a famous dish is far more worthwhile than taking a risk.