Gluten-Free Kyoto: A Celiac Traveler's Complete Guide
Japan's ancient capital is famous for tofu, temples, and traditional kaiseki β and it's more celiac-friendly than you'd think. Here's how to eat safely while exploring Kyoto.
Always verify before visiting
Restaurant menus and staff change. Always confirm GF options when you arrive or call ahead. The information below is based on community reports and is updated regularly β but your safety requires direct confirmation.
Why Kyoto Works for Celiacs
Tofu capital of Japan
Kyoto is famous for premium tofu and yuba (tofu skin) β both naturally gluten-free. Many restaurants specialize in tofu-based cuisine that's inherently safe.
Kaiseki = planned meals
Kyoto's signature kaiseki dining is prepared by reservation. Call ahead to discuss celiac needs and the chef will plan a completely safe multi-course meal.
Temple cuisine (shojin ryori)
Buddhist vegetarian temple food uses simple, natural ingredients. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free β request GF soy sauce substitutions when booking.
Watch Out: Hidden Gluten in Kyoto
Common traps:
- β’ Soy sauce β in almost everything, made from wheat
- β’ Mirin β sweet cooking sake, often contains wheat
- β’ Miso soup β unless made with GF miso
- β’ Unagi (eel) β coated in wheat-based sauce
Surprising no-gos:
- β’ Nishiki Market stalls β cross-contamination risk
- β’ Sushi vinegar β may contain malt
- β’ Tempura β wheat batter (even veggie tempura)
- β’ Omelettes β often contain dashi with soy sauce
Celiac-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
Gion Soy Milk Ramen (UNO YUKIKO)
100% vegan and gluten-free ramen shop in the heart of Gion. Creamy soy milk broth with rice-flour noodles and gluten-free soy sauce. A must-visit for any celiac traveler.
Multiple locations (Gion, Sanjo). English-speaking staff. Reservations recommended.
Teuchi Toru Soba
Owner stone-grinds buckwheat flour daily and handmakes 100% pure buckwheat soba. The chef is knowledgeable about celiac disease and provides gluten-free dipping sauce.
Tiny shop (6-7 seats), single chef. Cash only. Hours: 11:30 AMβ3:00 PM. One of Japan's most respected GF soba spots.
Tousuiro
Traditional Kyoto tofu kaiseki restaurant offering dedicated gluten-free kaiseki sets with advance booking. Experience Kyoto's signature cuisine safely as a celiac.
Book at least 3 days in advance for GF meals. Two locations: Kiyamachi (main) and Gion.
Sugarhill Kyoto
Owner is highly knowledgeable about celiac disease. Multiple gluten-free options including steak, sashimi, and teriyaki. Dinner only, near Kamo River.
Reservations recommended β limited seating. 8 min from Kyoto Station. Dinner only (5 PMβ10:30 PM), closed Sundays.
Choice
Entirely gluten-free vegetarian and vegan restaurant on Sanjo-dori Street. English menu available. Staff are highly aware of celiac needs.
Great option for plant-based celiac travelers. Central location.
Yak & Yeti
English-speaking staff who understand dietary requirements. Many curries can be prepared gluten-free. Large restaurant near Nishiki Market.
Not dedicated GF β communicate celiac needs clearly. Good option for curry lovers.
Know a restaurant we're missing? Submit a review
Best Neighborhoods for GF Dining
Gion
Traditional geisha district. Home to UNO YUKIKO GF ramen and Tousuiro kaiseki. Best for dinner and traditional atmosphere.
Sanjo / Nakagyo
Central hub with Choice (100% GF) and Teuchi Toru Soba. Modern, walkable, great for daytime dining.
Arashiyama
Famous bamboo grove area. Some temples serve GF tofu set meals (shojin ryori) by reservation. 30 min from central Kyoto.
Kyoto Station
Convenient for arrival/departure meals. Sugarhill Kyoto is 8 min walk. Department store basement food floors have packaged GF options.
Celiac Survival Tips for Kyoto
Tofu is your best friend
Kyoto is Japan's tofu capital. Tofu (and yuba/tofu skin) is naturally gluten-free and featured in many traditional dishes. Seek out tofu specialty restaurants for naturally safe meals.
Skip Nishiki Market for eating
Kyoto's famous Nishiki Market is NOT celiac-safe due to widespread soy sauce use and cross-contamination at stalls. Great for photos, risky for eating.
Book kaiseki in advance
Kaiseki restaurants prepare each course individually by reservation. This actually works in your favor β call 3+ days ahead to discuss GF needs and they'll plan a safe menu.
Bring your own tamari
Carry portable tamari (GF soy sauce) packets. Most restaurants only have regular wheat-based soy sauce. Tamari transforms plain rice, sashimi, and grilled dishes.
Use a Japanese allergy card
Show our printable allergy card at restaurants. It explains celiac disease in Japanese and lists hidden gluten sources like soy sauce, mirin, and miso.
Convenience stores save the day
7-Eleven and FamilyMart stock plain onigiri, boiled eggs, yogurt, SOYJOY bars, and fresh fruit. Check labels with Google Translate's camera feature.
Plan Your Kyoto Trip
Find Hotels Near GF Restaurants
Stay in Gion or Sanjo for the best access to celiac-friendly restaurants. International hotels understand dietary needs better than traditional ryokan.
Browse Kyoto hotels βTraditional Ryokan with GF Meals
Some ryokan can accommodate GF meals with advance notice. Contact them directly before booking to discuss celiac requirements.
Browse Kyoto ryokan βLinks above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting to Kyoto
From Tokyo
- β’ Shinkansen Nozomi: 2 hrs 15 min (~Β₯14,000)
- β’ Shinkansen Hikari: 2 hrs 40 min (JR Pass OK)
- β’ Highway bus from Tokyo Station: ~7 hrs (~Β₯4,000)
From Osaka
- β’ JR Special Rapid: 29 min (Β₯560)
- β’ Hankyu Railway: 40 min (Β₯400)
- β’ Many visitors combine Kyoto + Osaka trip
GF tip for train travel: Station bento boxes often contain hidden gluten. Stock up at convenience stores before your journey β onigiri, boiled eggs, and fruit are safe options.