Food Allergy Guides

Eat safely in Japan.
Know before you go.

In-depth guides on navigating Japanese food with allergies — labels, phrases, hidden ingredients, and more.

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Written for Real Travelers

Based on Japan's official 消費者庁 28-allergen database and practical experience eating in Japan.

All Guides

11 articles

How to Read Japanese Food Allergy Labels

A complete guide to decoding Japanese food packaging — the 8 mandatory allergens, the 20 recommended ones, and what the symbols actually mean.

⏱ 6 min readAllergy

Essential Japanese Phrases for Food Allergies

The exact phrases to say at restaurants, convenience stores, and markets in Japan when you have food allergies — with pronunciation guides.

⏱ 5 min readGuide

Hidden Allergens in Popular Japanese Dishes

Ramen, sushi, tempura, miso — the surprising allergy risks in everyday Japanese cuisine that many tourists don't know about.

⏱ 7 min readFood

Japan Medication Import Rules 2026: Complete Guide for Travelers

Everything you need to know about bringing medicine to Japan — banned substances, permit requirements, and how to check your medication before you fly.

⏱ 8 min readSafety

Can I Drive in Japan? IDP Requirements by Country (2026)

Find out if you can drive in Japan with your foreign license. Covers Geneva Convention IDP, JAF translation requirements, and country-specific rules.

⏱ 7 min readGuide

Japan Bicycle Laws 2026: New Fines Every Cyclist Must Know

Japan introduced on-the-spot bicycle fines in 2026. Learn the 15 violations, fine amounts, and how tourists are affected by the new cycling rules.

⏱ 7 min readSafety

Japan Food Allergy Card: Why You Need One and How to Get It Free

A food allergy card is essential for safe dining in Japan. Learn why verbal communication isn't enough and how to generate a free bilingual card instantly.

⏱ 7 min readAllergy

Japan Tax-Free Shopping Guide 2026: Everything Changes in November

Japan's instant tax-free system ends November 2026. Learn the new airport refund process, minimum spend thresholds, and how to maximize your tax savings.

⏱ 6 min readGuide

Eating Vegan in Japan: Hidden Animal Products to Watch Out For

Dashi, mirin, and bonito flakes lurk in surprising places. A practical guide to navigating vegan and plant-based dining across Japan.

⏱ 7 min readFood

Japan Convenience Store Food: Complete Allergen Guide

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson label their products differently. Here's how to read konbini allergen labels and what to watch out for.

⏱ 6 min readAllergy

First Time in Japan: 10 Safety and Compliance Tips Every Tourist Needs

From medication rules to cycling laws to food allergens — the essential safety checklist for first-time visitors to Japan.

⏱ 8 min readSafety