Permissible under Jewish law — strictly kosher dining is rare; plan ahead.
Kosher in Tokyo
Strictly kosher dining is limited in Japan. Tokyo's Chabad house is the main reliable source of kosher meals and products, and some travellers rely on vegan or pescatarian options (fish with fins and scales) plus sealed certified items. If you keep strict kosher, plan ahead and contact venues directly.
What to watch for in Japan
- Shellfish, eel and squid are not kosher
- Meat must be certified; assume restaurant meat is not
- Mixing meat and dairy
FAQ
- Is Japanese food Kosher-friendly?
- Food prepared under Jewish dietary law. Fully kosher restaurants are very rare in Tokyo (Chabad provides options); many travellers manage with pescatarian/vegan choices and sealed certified products.
- What hidden ingredients should Kosher travelers watch for in Japan?
- Shellfish, eel and squid are not kosher / Meat must be certified; assume restaurant meat is not / Mixing meat and dairy
- How do I say I'm Kosher in Japanese?
- 「私はコーシャの食事を守っています。」(Watashi wa kōsha no shokuji o mamotte imasu.)
Show this card to staff
Kosher
すみません。食べられないものがあります。
Sumimasen. Taberarenai mono ga arimasu.
I cannot eat
- 豚肉butaniku · Pork
- 甲殻類・貝・いか・たこ・うなぎkōkakurui・kai・ika・tako・unagi · Shellfish, squid, octopus, eel
- 肉と乳製品を一緒にniku to nyūseihin o issho ni · Meat and dairy together
- 認証のない肉ninshō no nai niku · Non-certified meat
これらを使わずに作っていただけますか？よろしくお願いします。
Kore-ra o tsukawazu ni tsukutte itadakemasu ka? Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Could you prepare my dish without these? Thank you so much.
This is a dietary need, not a certified-allergy menu — please let me know if a dish isn't possible.
