Gluten-Free Japan Top Picks

Hi! I’m Megan and I recently traveled to Japan! I found many safe spots to eat while managing a gluten intolerance and shared them on the Spokin app—they are also all featured in this guide. One of my favorites was Benitsuru, where I had the fluffiest Japanese souffle pancakes! A fun thing to do if you are in Japan is to view a sumo training at a sumo stable! Follow me on Spokin @gfmeg to see all of my gluten-free reviews and on Insta @sayimafoodie!

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Soranoiro Nippon

Location: Chiyoda City, Japan

“Located in ramen alley in the basement of Tokyo Station, this ramen shop offers a gluten-free ramen bowl made with brown rice noodles. It comes with chicken, egg and some vegetables. The texture is a bit different from your typical ramen but it was still a flavorful, comforting, filling meal.”

Chocolate Bank

Location: Kamakura, Japan

“Gluten-free flourless chocolate cake. Super decadent! I scanned the menu with my Google Translate app. This cafe is all about chocolate!”

Everysoy

Location: Kyoto, Japan

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

Togetsutei

Location: Kyoto, Japan

“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!”

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篝Kagari

Location: Kyoto, Japan

“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.”

here Kyoto

Here Kyoto

Location: Kyoto, Japan

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

Kyoto Engine Ramen

Location: Kyoto, Japan

“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.”

Kushikura

Location: Kyoto, Japan

“Traditional yakitori restaurant—you dine at a table low on the ground. They can cook certain skewers with just salt so that 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.”

Teuchi Toru Soba

Location: Kyoto, Japan

“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!”

Sugarhill Kyoto

Location: Kyoto, Japan

“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 staff speaks 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.”

Togetsu

Togetsu

Location: Kyoto, Japan

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

Gluten Free T’s Kitchen

Location: Minato City, Japan

“If you’re gluten-free, you can’t go to Tokyo without eating here! 100% gluten-free restaurant that has all your favorite Japanese foods but gluten-free: takoyaki, tempura, fried chicken, gyoza, okonomiyaki, beer. I was in heaven. Everything was super tasty!”

Canelé et Crème Glacée

Location: Nagoya, Japan

“Gluten-free matcha canelé—it has a custardy inside and caramelized outside. They also serve ice cream (gluten-free).”

Comeconoco Gluten-free Laboratory & Cafe

Comeconoco Gluten-free Laboratory & Cafe

Location: Osaka, Japan

“100% gluten-free bakery! Matcha lattes, Japanese toast with ice cream, cakes, pastries, cookies, and more! This is a must in Osaka!”

Shibuya Stream Hotel

Shibuya Stream Hotel

Location: Shibuya, Japan

“Breakfast buffet—some gluten-free options. Ask staff, I used my best judgement (fruit, yogurt, veggies, salad, eggs).”

Shimbu Sakiya Ramen

Location: Shibuya City, Japan

“Gluten-free ramen AND fried chicken?! Now that’s gluten-free heaven. Check out this ramen shop in Tokyo—they use brown rice noodles, and their menu is labeled with the gluten-free options. You order on the kiosk outside, then give the staff your ticket. They seat you, and then your food is ready shortly after. This was such a warm, comforting meal my first night in Tokyo.”

Benitsuru

Location: Taito City, Japan

“This is THE spot for gluten-free fluffy pancakes in Tokyo, Japan. They are made from rice flour, so there is no gluten. You can choose different toppings for your pancakes and watch as they make it in front of you. It tastes just like the real thing—my family (who is not gluten-free) loved them! Make sure to get there before they open to make a reservation (it requires a deposit) and then return for your scheduled time.”

Yansando Yakiniku Ueno-ekimae

Yansando Yakiniku Ueno-ekimae

Location: Taito City, Japan

“Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ); ask for meat with just salt, no marinade. Use a separate grill from other diners to avoid cross-contact. Not sure if the salad dressing or side dishes are gluten-free (I’m intolerant, not celiac, so I was ok). I recommend asking the server. My mom is Japanese, so she communicated for me.”

Otaco

Location: Taito City, Japan

“100% gluten-free bakery serving chiffon cakes! They’re so light and fluffy and a great snack or breakfast on the go! Lots of flavors to choose from.”

Suzukien Asakusa Matcha Gelato

Suzukien Asakusa matcha gelato

Location: Taito City, Japan

“Different levels of intensity of matcha ice cream plus some other flavors. No gluten or nuts in matcha levels flavors.”

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