Allergy-Friendly Kyoto Travel Guide

From the thousands of red torii gates to the gold leaf covered temple, Kyoto is the picture perfect destination! Our Top-Rated Kyoto Guide features the safest spots across the city! See reviews highlighting vegan Japanese fried chicken, nut-free matcha mochi, gluten-free soba noodles and soy sauce, a fully nut-free restaurant, and more! If you’re looking for more spots across Japan, see our Tokyo and Osaka Guides.

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AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO

AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO

“Really enjoyed my meal here! I tried the heavenly pancakes and vegan karaage (Japanese fried chicken), which were both amazing. The menu has allergens labeled, but we made sure to ask again since the photo of the pancakes had nuts on top. The staff made sure to leave them off and also checked in with us about cross-contamination. It’s fully vegan, so there is no dairy, egg, or seafood.”

@amandayoung03, who manages peanut, tree nut, dairy, egg, and shellfish allergies

Coco Hana

Coco Hana

“Lovely spot near Kinkakuji temple—also was a nice meal when we were craving a break from Japanese food. The hotel called in advance for us, and the restaurant said they don’t currently use any nuts. Had both vegan and non-vegan options—the author wrote a book and mentioned wanting to make sure people with allergies or other dietary restrictions can eat together!”

@amandayoung03, who manages peanut, tree nut, dairy, egg, and shellfish allergies

Gion Komori/ good matcha ice cream

Gion Komori

“Got to try warabi mochi here—it was delicious! The staff pointed out which menu items would be safe when we explained our allergies. Warabi mochi is typically vegan and nut-free (coated in roasted soybean powder and served with brown sugar syrup, although we tried the matcha version!), but some of the other desserts had dairy.”

@amandayoung03, who manages peanut, tree nut, dairy, egg, and shellfish allergies

京都焼き鳥木下(Kyoto Yakitori Kinoshita)

京都焼き鳥木下(Kyoto Yakitori Kinoshita)

“Loved dining here! It’s a small yakitori restaurant where the chef prepares the food on a grill right in front of you. Not great for cross-contamination with meat, but the skewers are all seasoned with very basic ingredients (either salt, plum sauce, ponzu sauce, or sweet soy sauce) so should be safe for dairy, egg, and nut allergies.”

@amandayoung03, who manages peanut, tree nut, dairy, egg, and shellfish allergies

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

“I had contacted the staff to check on allergies prior to arriving. When I checked in, they already had this information and confirmed the nature of allergies and tagged my son’s breakfast coupon with an allergy sticker.
When we went for breakfast, one of the staff confirmed the allergies we had, and walked through the entire buffet and validated each item that was ok to eat.
Further, each item has allergy labels for a couple of the allergies. They took it seriously and were always available to support as needed. Most friendly staff.”

@arunsiyer, who manages celiac and peanut, tree nut, chickpea, sesame, and wheat allergies

Teppan Tavern Tenamonya

Teppan Tavern Tenamonya

“Best experience ever!! What I dream every restaurant experience is like, especially when I am feeling on high alert traveling. The husband/wife owners walked through the menu with me and confirmed the only dish they have is with pine nuts (which is actually ok for me).”

@atrabucchi, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies 

Taku Sando Kyoto

Taku Sando Kyoto

“A cute little sandwich shop with two creative vegetarian options—nothing I love more! As I ordered, the chef came out and said the potato fritter sandwich was safe for my allergy. I liked it so much I got it twice!”

@atrabucchi, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

Noodle shop Rennosuke

Noodle Shop Rennosuke

“Incredible! Cooked in front of us, and the chef confirmed sesame was ok for me and that there were no nuts.”

@atrabucchi, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Ace Hotel Kyoto

“Our hotel in Kyoto included breakfast, and I had avocado toast each morning! I let them know of my allergies and felt safe to have a big breakfast each morning before exploring for the day.”

@atrabucchi, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies 

Cooking Sun

Cooking Sun

“Such a fun cooking class, and I made them aware of my allergy, but don’t think nuts were used anyway.”

@atrabucchi, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

Gokago

“Double matcha goes crazy omg. And one of the few cafes in Japan that has oat milk options!”

@floatingr0ck, who manages a milk allergy

Togetsutei

“Serene and relaxing ryokan to stay at. Communicated with the hotel ahead of time to ensure I had gluten-free meals, and they were super accommodating! Shabu shabu and a traditional Japanese breakfast!”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Everysoy

“Dairy-free, gluten-free cream puffs, tiramisu, sweets, and drinks! Everything is soy-based, and the desserts are gluten-free. Highly recommend the tiramisu!”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

here Kyoto

Here Kyoto

“They have 2 options for gluten-free “omelette”. It’s kind of like a crepe/pancake. I loved the one filled with matcha cream and red bean.”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Kushikura

“Traditional yakitori restaurant—you dine at a table low to the ground. They can cook certain skewers with just salt, so it’s gluten-free. The wagyu beef was the best! Our server was very knowledgeable about what was gluten-free and what could be made gluten-free. I recommend making a reservation.”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Teuchi Toru Soba

“100% buckwheat soba noodles at this one-man shop! He mills the flour and makes the noodles himself (they are gluten-free) and also offers a gluten-free version of the dipping sauce. Get there right when it opens because there are only 8 seats. It is so fresh and a must-visit if you’re in Kyoto!”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Togetsu

Togetsu

“Baked Japanese sweet potatoes (they have a hazelnut-like taste) with ice cream! Delicious gluten-free treat!”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Sugarhill Kyoto

“Gluten-free versions of Japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki, poke, and sashimi. My favorite was the teriyaki and poke—I love how they have gluten-free versions of the sauces. Super delicious!

Our waitress was super friendly and asked if anyone had allergies beforehand. Everything is prepared by itself. There is an English menu and the staff speak English well. Gluten-free options are labeled on the menu, and they do not use any nuts (my sister is allergic to peanuts).

Recommend making a reservation as it’s a small restaurant.”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Kyoto Engine Ramen

“This was some of the best gluten-free ramen I had in Japan. The staff speaks English. They have gluten-free ramen and vegan ramen too! The broth was so perfect—I could drink it if I wanted to. Not really traditional ramen, but it’s an awesome option if you’re traveling with dietary restrictions. There’s limited seating inside, and we waited outside in the rain.”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

篝

篝Cafe Kagari

“Went here with a private tour guide—they communicated to the restaurant ahead of time so they could make a gyudon with gluten-free soy sauce and sweet potato glass noodles.”

@gfmeg, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Café Agaru

“Such a delightful, tiny coffee shop on the banks of a creek. So peaceful and zen. Definitely recommend as a midday pick-me-up.”

@gfreebasicb, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Hello Dolly

“Such a cool tiny bar in Pontocho in Kyoto. The drinks are great—I recommend the Earl Grey gin-based cocktail. You may even spot a Geisha. No food.”

@gfreebasicb, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Kawaramachi

Maccha House Kyoto Kawaramachi

“Delicious matcha! I recommend the iced matcha with ice cream—super indulgent and delicious.”

@gfreebasicb, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Elephant Factory Coffee

“Delectable coffee. Wow. The Japanese know how to brew the perfect cup. They have food, but it’s not gluten-free. Worth a visit for the coffee and vibes.”

@gfreebasicb, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

“When I say this is tied for the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my life, trust me. It’s absolutely incredible. The hospitality of the staff, the freshness of the food, and the luxurious rooms. W O W. They had gluten-free bread and pasta for me (email in advance to tell them you have celiac), and were able to prepare many items safely without cross-contamination, including potatoes. They even organized a gluten-free candy-making class for me! HIGHLY and enthusiastically recommend.”

@gfreebasicb, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Enyuan Kobayashi

“Absolutely incredible one Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto with tempura kaiseki cuisine. They are able to accommodate celiac with advanced notice! Definitely recommend coordinating a reservation through your local hotel.”

@gfreebasicb, who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

Banana Juice Factory

“No tree nuts here at all! Just a lot of banana things. They understood the allergy card and had a whole manual of allergens to compare. We ordered a vanilla banana ice cream dish (the banana parfait), and it was one of the most creamy and delicious ice creams I’ve had in a while. Perfect for after a hike in the bamboo forest!”

@issarivereats, who manages tree nut allergies

Arashiyu, foot massage & foot spa

Arashiyu

“This was a very relaxing spa experience! All the drinks were safe for nut allergies, and I had the melon soda (I will warn you, it’s radioactive green), and it was really good! They had small pastries, but since there were no ingredients available, I avoided them. Still, I recommend it!”

@issarivereats, who manages tree nut allergies

Izakaya Maumu

“This is a super cute restaurant that is rubber ducky themed. They do not serve any nuts. We had wagyu beef, rice balls, tempura, and edamame. I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Kyoto.”

@kanders, who manages tree nut allergies

MOON and BACK Ramen Bar & Brunch Cafe

Moon and Back Ramen Bar & Brunch Cafe

“This ramen shop in Kyoto really caters to those with allergies (and gluten-free options). We had their signature wagyu beef ramen, which they cook right at your table!”

@noella, who manages peanut, tree nut, and coconut allergies

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