Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japanese soy sauce gluten-free?
No. Standard Japanese soy sauce (Shoyu) is made with wheat and soy. Travelers must look for 'Tamari' (usually GF, but check labels) or specifically labeled 'Gluten-Free Soy Sauce'.
How do I communicate my allergy?
We recommend carrying a 'Gluten Free Restaurant Card' in Japanese. A useful phrase is: 'Watashi wa komugi arerugii ga arimasu' (I have a wheat allergy) or 'Komugi o taberaremasen' (I cannot eat wheat).
Is sushi safe?
Sushi rice is mixed with vinegar, sugar, and salt, which is usually safe. However, the soy sauce provided, imitation crab (surimi), and eel sauce (unagi tare) often contain wheat. Always bring your own GF soy sauce packets if unsure.
Are soba noodles gluten-free?
Not always. While 'soba' means buckwheat, most cheap soba noodles in Japan are a mix of buckwheat and wheat flour (ni-hachi soba). Only 'Juwari Soba' (100% buckwheat) is gluten-free, but even then, cross-contamination is a risk.