Eating Gluten-Free in Japan

Several of you asked me to include gluten-free restaurants in this guide, and I completely understand why. Eating gluten-free in Japan can be more complicated than it first appears.

Many dishes look naturally gluten-free because they are based on rice, fish, meat or vegetables. However, wheat can be hidden in soy sauce, marinades, broths, curry, dressings and seasonings. Even soba noodles are not always made from 100% buckwheat.

I do not personally follow a gluten-free diet, so I want to be completely honest: I have not tested every restaurant in this section myself. I carefully researched each place and selected restaurants that clearly offer gluten-free dishes or specialise in gluten-free cooking.

Inside this guide, I will mark the difference between fully gluten-free restaurants and places that only offer gluten-free options in a shared kitchen. If you have coeliac disease or a severe allergy, I strongly recommend contacting the restaurant before your visit, as menus and preparation methods can change.

I created this section to save you hours of research and help you enjoy Japanese food with a little more confidence - without feeling that you have to miss out on ramen, pancakes, curry or traditional Japanese dishes.

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Tokyo

1. Gluten Free T’s Kitchen:

This would be one of the first places I would recommend to a gluten-free friend visiting Tokyo. The restaurant specialises in gluten-free Japanese comfort food, including dishes that are usually difficult to find without wheat.

You can try dishes such as ramen, gyoza, karaage, okonomiyaki and desserts. It is a great choice when you want to experience Japanese food without constantly worrying about hidden soy sauce or wheat-based seasonings.

The restaurant does not use wheat, barley or rye in its dishes. However, people with a severe allergy should still check the latest information directly with the restaurant before visiting.

Category: Dedicated gluten-free restaurant

1. Gluten Free Kushiage Sû

A special gluten-free omakase experience in Ginza

I would save this restaurant for a special evening in Tokyo. It is a tiny restaurant in Ginza that serves a gluten-free kushiage course - different ingredients fried on skewers and served one after another.

There are only a few seats, so the experience feels very personal and intimate. This is not a casual or inexpensive meal, but it is a wonderful option for travellers who want something more refined than a regular gluten-free café.

Booking in advance is essential.

Category: Dedicated gluten-free restaurant
Price: $$$
Good to know: Reservation required

1. Riz Labo Kitchen

Gluten-free Japanese fluffy pancakes

This is the place I would save when you want to try Japan’s famous fluffy pancakes without gluten.

The pancakes are made with rice flour and have the soft, airy texture that Japanese soufflé pancakes are known for. It is a lovely option for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon dessert while exploring the Omotesando area.

Because the café is popular and seating may be limited, I would check its current opening hours and reservation system before visiting.

Category: Gluten-free café
Best for: Breakfast, brunch and desserts

1. Ain Soph. Ginza

A vegan café with several gluten-free choices

Ain Soph. is a useful place to know when you are looking for vegan food with gluten-free options in central Tokyo.

The restaurant is not completely gluten-free, but some dishes can be suitable for people who avoid gluten. Depending on the current menu, you may find gluten-free pancakes, burgers or desserts.

Because the kitchen is shared, I would recommend this place more for people with a gluten sensitivity or preference rather than anyone who needs to avoid even small traces of gluten.

Category: Gluten-free options in a shared kitchen
Best for: Vegan meals, brunch and desserts

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Gion Soy Milk Ramen UNO YUKIKO

Gluten-free ramen in the heart of Kyoto

Ramen is one of the dishes gluten-free travellers often have to skip in Japan, so this restaurant is especially useful to know.

The restaurant serves ramen made with rice noodles, gluten-free soy sauce and a creamy broth based on soy milk, vegetables, mushrooms and kombu. The food is also vegan, making it a good option for travellers with several dietary restrictions.

I would save this place for lunch or dinner while exploring Gion and central Kyoto. Check the current menu because additional gluten-free dishes may also be available.

Category: Gluten-free and vegan restaurant
What to try: Soy milk ramen

1. CHOICE

A peaceful gluten-free and vegan café in Kyoto

CHOICE is a good place to visit when you want something lighter and healthier after several days of rich Japanese food.

The menu is plant-based and gluten-free, with dishes such as pancakes, bowls, noodles, desserts and house-made vegan cheese. It feels more like a relaxed wellness café than a traditional Japanese restaurant.

I would recommend it for breakfast, brunch or an easy lunch, especially for vegan travellers or anyone looking for a calm place to take a break.

Category: Dedicated gluten-free and vegan restaurant
Best for: Breakfast, brunch and healthy meals

1. Cafe & Bar Maru

A small gluten-free restaurant for dinner and drinks

This is a lovely option when you want a proper gluten-free dinner rather than only pancakes or café food.

Cafe & Bar Maru serves Japanese-style dishes prepared without gluten, including fried food and other comfort dishes that can normally be difficult for gluten-free travellers to find in Japan.

The restaurant is small, so I would check whether a reservation is possible before visiting. It also works well for a relaxed evening with food and drinks.

Category: Dedicated gluten-free restaurant
Best for: Dinner and drinks

1. Waco Crepes

Gluten-free rice-flour crepes near Kiyomizu-dera

I would add this place to a day exploring Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama area.

The crepes are made from fermented rice flour and come in both sweet and savoury versions. Vegan choices may also be available. It is a convenient stop when you want a snack or light lunch without sitting down for a full restaurant meal.

The café is small, so it may be better to visit outside the busiest sightseeing hours.

Category: Gluten-free café
Best for: A snack, dessert or light lunch

1. Kyoto Italian Kappa

Italian food with gluten-free options in Kyoto

This restaurant can be useful when you want a break from Japanese food and feel like having an Italian-style meal.

The restaurant offers dishes made without wheat flour, but the kitchen is not completely gluten-free and cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will never happen.

I would recommend it for travellers who avoid gluten as a preference or have a mild sensitivity. Anyone with coeliac disease or a severe allergy should contact the restaurant before booking.

Category: Gluten-free options in a shared kitchen
Important: Cross-contamination is possible

1. Kyoto Engine Ramen

Popular ramen with a gluten-free noodle option

Kyoto Engine Ramen is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, but it may be useful for travellers who want to enjoy ramen together with friends who do not follow the same diet.

Gluten-free noodles may be available, but you should also ask about the broth, sauces, toppings and preparation method, as replacing the noodles alone does not always make the entire dish gluten-free.

I would only recommend this restaurant after confirming your needs clearly with the staff.

Category: Gluten-free option in a shared kitchen
Important: Confirm the full dish before ordering

Labels to use inside the guide

Dedicated gluten-free restaurant
The restaurant specialises in gluten-free food or has a fully gluten-free menu.

Gluten-free options in a shared kitchen
Gluten-free dishes are available, but other food containing gluten is prepared in the same kitchen.

Check before visiting
The restaurant may offer suitable dishes, but ingredients and preparation methods should be confirmed directly with the staff.