Japan

Tokyo

Last traveled · March 2025
City Snapshot
Best Months
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Ideal Stay
5–7 days
Best For
Food, culture, temples
GF Friendliness
7/10
Language
Japanese
English
Limited
City Size
Massive
Currency
Yen (¥)

Where to Stay

Recommended
Tokyu Stay Aoyama Premier
Where I stayed

Tokyu Stay Aoyama Premier

Aoyama · Omotesando area
Why Stay Here
Located in the stylish Aoyama-Omotesando area with easy walking access to Shibuya and Harajuku. Some rooms include washer-dryers and mini kitchenettes — perfect for travelers who want to prepare some meals. Steps from multiple subway lines.
Kitchenette Washer-Dryer Central Location
Book on Hotels.com
View from The Okura Tokyo
Where I stayed

The Okura Tokyo

Toranomon · Minato area
Why Stay Here
One of Tokyo's most iconic luxury hotels, beautifully rebuilt in 2019. Stunning blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort. Walking distance to Roppongi's GF restaurant cluster (T's Kitchen, Sushi Korin, Cafe Komaya, Otsuna Sushi). Multiple on-site restaurants with staff accustomed to dietary requests.
GF Breakfast Options Spa & Pool Near GF Restaurants
Book on Hotels.com

Gluten-Free Survival Guide

Easy
Key Phrases in Japanese
グルテンフリー Guruten Furī — Gluten free
小麦アレルギーがあります Komugi arerugī ga arimasu — I have a wheat allergy
醤油は使わないでください Shōyu wa tsukawanaide kudasai — No soy sauce please
セリアック病です Seriakku-byō desu — I have celiac disease
Safe Local Foods
  • Sashimi (plain, no soy sauce - or bring your own!)
  • Onigiri (my personal fav, but check for soy sauce-based fillings)
  • Yakitori with salt (shio), not tare sauce
  • Edamame
  • Mochi (check ingredients — most are GF)
Danger Foods
  • Regular soy sauce (koikuchi) — contains wheat
  • Tempura — wheat batter
  • Regular ramen — wheat noodles
  • Japanese curry — usually contains flour
  • Tonkatsu — breaded pork
  • Gyoza — wheat wrappers
Grocery Stores
Natural Lawson is your best bet for GF-labeled snacks and meals. Regular convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) have some safe options like onigiri and edamame, but label reading is essential — most labels are in Japanese only.
GF Score Breakdown
Dedicated GF restaurants
Menu labeling
Staff knowledge & safety
Density of GF dining
Grocery availability
7 / 10 — Easy
Tokyo has an impressive number of dedicated GF restaurants — more than most cities worldwide. The language barrier is the biggest challenge, but a celiac dining card in Japanese goes a long way. Soy sauce and rice vinegar (which often contains barley malt) are the biggest hidden dangers.

GF Friendly Restaurants

20 spots
GF Score 5/5 4/5 3/5 Closed Hotel

Gluten Free T's Kitchen

100% GF
Ramen / Gluten-Free
Went here
GF Score
Safety Notes
Dedicated GF kitchen, GIG certified (international standard). Dedicated fryer and equipment. Small venue (~12 table seats, 8 bar). Some ingredients from facilities processing wheat. Quality can be inconsistent — divisive reviews.
What to Order
GF sesame and corn ramen, fried chicken (orange chicken or Chinese vinegar sauce), tempura, gyoza, spring rolls. Gluten-reduced beer available (Kirin Nodogoshi Nama).
Location
Shibuya
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free
Gluten Free T's Kitchen

Gluten Free Kushiage Su

100% GF
Kushiage / Gluten-Free
Went here
GF Score
Safety Notes
100% dedicated GF facility. All seasonings, sauces, coatings, oils are GF. Rice flour breadcrumbs, rice oil for frying. Chef prepares everything in front of you at the counter. Only 6-8 seats — reservation required, books 1 month in advance. 5.0/5 on FMGF (43+ reviews). Closed Mondays.
What to Order
Multi-course tasting menu only. Lunch (Fri-Sun): 7 kushiage skewers + appetizers + dessert (¥4,200). Can accommodate pescatarian with advance notice in reservation notes. Described as "the best meal of my entire life" by multiple celiac diners.
Location
Roppongi
Kushiage at Gluten Free Kushiage Su

SUSHI KORIN Nishiazabu

GF Options
Sushi / Omakase
Went here
GF Score
Safety Notes
Chef is very careful and always prepares GF sushi first with separate utensils, bowls, and brushes. I recommend sitting at the sushi counter so you can see the preparation firsthand - plus, it's just really cool to see his talent up close! His wife serves as the sake sommelier, speaks fluent English, and they both couldn't be any friendlier!
What to Order
A MUST VISIT! Full omakase (20-25+ courses of seasonal sushi) with sake pairings available. Was the dining highlight of my Japan trip and will visit every time I return to Tokyo in the future! You truly cannot miss it.
Location
Nishiazabu
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free
Sushi at SUSHI KORIN Nishiazabu

Cafe Komaya

100% GF
Café / Gluten-Free
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
100% dedicated GF café — no wheat ever enters the kitchen. Owner is a California native, speaks fluent English. Staff proactively warns about supplier items that process wheat. Was undergoing renovation (Oct 2024) — verify open before visiting. Closed Sundays.
What to Order
Croissants (universally praised), curry, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, muffins, apple pie. Geisha Coffee (Ethiopian). Frozen bread and pastries available for takeout.
Location
Akasaka
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Jiyugaoka Bakery

100% GF
Bakery / Gluten-Free
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Dedicated gluten-free bakery. No wheat on premises.
What to Order
GF breads and pastries — everything is safe.
Location
Jiyugaoka
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

NachuRa Gluten Free Cafe

100% GF
Bakery / Gluten-Free
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Dedicated gluten-free bakery and café. 100% GF facility.
What to Order
GF cakes and baked goods — all safe.
Location
Shibuya
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Shochikuen Cafe

100% GF
Bakery / Vegan / Gluten-Free
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Dedicated vegan and gluten-free bakery in Asakusa. Everything is plant-based and GF.
What to Order
Vegan GF bakery items — all safe for celiacs.
Location
Asakusa
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

genuine gluten free Where is a dog?

100% GF
Restaurant / Gluten-Free
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Dedicated gluten-free restaurant. Everything on the menu is safe.
What to Order
Full GF menu — all items are celiac-safe.
Location
Tachikawa
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Itamae Sushi Hanare

GF Options
Sushi
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Celiac-aware. Has gluten-free soy sauce available. Showed dining card and staff understood. Sashimi is the safest option — rice may contain vinegar with additives.
What to Order
Sashimi is amazing and the safest bet. Ask for GF soy sauce.
Location
Akasaka
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Otsuna Sushi

GF Options
Sushi
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. Can do a GF tasting menu with advance notice. Contact ahead to arrange.
What to Order
Book the GF tasting menu in advance — they need notice to prepare.
Location
Shibuya
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Hokkaido Sapporo Ramen

GF Options
Ramen
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. Has vegan and GF ramen options but operates in a shared kitchen.
What to Order
GF ramen options available — ask staff to confirm.
Location
Shibuya
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

BREIZH Café Crêperie

GF Options
Crêperie
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. Buckwheat galettes are naturally GF. Shared griddle — cross-contamination possible.
What to Order
GF buckwheat crêpes (galettes). Specify GF when ordering.
Location
Omotesando
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free
Buckwheat galette at BREIZH Café Crêperie

Rizlabo Kitchen

GF Options
Café / Pancakes
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. Known for GF fluffy Japanese pancakes. Also has GF crêpes on different days — check schedule.
What to Order
GF fluffy Japanese pancakes — apparently incredible and a must-try. Check which days they serve crêpes vs pancakes.
Location
Omotesando
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Rizriant

GF Options
Bakery / French Pastry
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. GF French pastries in a shared facility.
What to Order
GF French pastries — check daily availability.
Location
Tachikawa
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Soranoiro - Nippon

GF Options
Ramen
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. Has GF noodle option for ramen. Caution: a GF blogger reported getting glutened here. Proceed carefully.
What to Order
Ask specifically for GF noodles. Be very clear about celiac needs.
Location
Marunouchi
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

FANCL BROWN RICE MEALS

100% GF
Health Food / Gluten-Free
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Entire menu is 100% GF despite being listed as "mixed" in some sources. Dedicated GF kitchen, dedicated fryer, dedicated pasta pot. 5.0/5 on FMGF (94 ratings). Staff proactively warns about unsafe items — one waiter was celiac themselves. Located in B1F of FANCL beauty store in Ginza. Seating fee ~¥500/person.
What to Order
GF pasta (consistently praised), risotto, bread, steak, desserts (cheesecake, tiramisu, tarts). GF beer and cocktails available. Set lunch and à la carte dinner menus.
Location
Ginza
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Casa De Sarasa

GF Options
Mexican
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Mixed safety. Mexican food with GF options. Shared kitchen.
What to Order
GF Mexican dishes — corn-based items are your best bet.
Location
Shibuya
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Comme'N Gluten Free

100% GF
Bakery / Sandwich
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Completely dedicated GF bakery — physically separate building from their regular (non-GF) Comme'N bakery across the street. Make sure you go to the right one. Take-out only (no seating). Very small space. Japanese-only labeling.
What to Order
The egg salad sandwich is legendary — "a work of art." Choose from 4 bread options and 4 egg preparations. Also try the custard bun, baguettes, and scones. "My non-GF husband said you can't tell it's gluten free."
Location
Meguro

KUROBOSHI SWEETS ASAKUSA

Looks to be Closed
Café / Sweets
GF Score
Safety Notes
Appears permanently closed as of recent reports. Was known for rice flour churros made in a dedicated GF fryer, but other menu items (crepes) were not GF.
What to Order
GF rice flour churros were the draw here — skip the matcha flakes topping (contained gluten).
Location
Asakusa
KUROBOSHI SWEETS ASAKUSA

Esoragoto Udon

Looks to be Closed
Udon
GF Score
Safety Notes
Appears permanently closed. Was a beloved dedicated GF restaurant using brown rice flour for udon, tempura, and fried chicken. Had 166 FMGF reviews at 5.0/5.
What to Order
Was known for GF udon noodles, brown rice flour tempura, and fried chicken.
Location
Omotesando

Getting Around

JR Lines

The Yamanote Line loops around central Tokyo, connecting major hubs like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ueno. Your most-used line.

Runs 4:30am–1:00am

Metro & Toei

13 subway lines cover every corner of central Tokyo. Google Maps is essential for navigating transfers between Tokyo Metro and Toei lines.

¥170–¥320 per ride

Suica / Pasmo

IC cards that work on all trains, buses, and at convenience stores. Load at any station kiosk. Tap on, tap off — no tickets needed.

¥500 deposit, refundable

Walking

Tokyo neighborhoods are incredibly walkable. Most attractions within a district are within 10–20 minutes on foot. Station corridors can be long though.

Free, obviously
Pro Tip
Get a Suica card at Haneda or Narita airport immediately upon arrival. It works everywhere — trains, buses, vending machines, convenience stores. Download Google Maps with Japanese offline for subway navigation.

Landmarks & Must-See Spots

9 spots

Sensō-ji Temple

Historic

Tokyo's oldest temple, dating to 645 AD. The iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Nakamise shopping street leading to the main hall are unmissable.

Asakusa

Imperial Palace

Historic

The primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, surrounded by moats and beautiful gardens. The East Gardens are free to visit.

Chiyoda

Meiji Jingu

Historic

Serene Shinto shrine set in 170 acres of forest, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Walk through the towering torii gate and see the consecrated sake barrels.

Harajuku
Meiji Jingu shrine

Gōtokuji Temple

Historic

The "lucky cat temple" — filled with thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figurines. A peaceful, less-touristy spot.

Setagaya
Maneki-neko figurines at Gōtokuji Temple

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Iconic

The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Watch from the Starbucks above or just dive in. Best at night when the neon lights up.

Shibuya
Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Hachikō Memorial Statue

Historic

The famous statue of the loyal Akita dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya Station every day. A beloved meeting spot.

Shibuya
Hachikō Memorial Statue

Tsukiji Outer Market

Market

The original fish market's outer market still thrives with fresh seafood stalls, street food, and kitchen supply shops. Great for sashimi on the go.

Tsukiji

Tokyo Sky Tree

Historic

At 634m, Japan's tallest structure. The observation decks at 350m and 450m offer stunning city panoramas.

Sumida

Tokyo Tower

Historic

The 333m Eiffel-inspired tower, completed in 1958. Still iconic — especially beautiful lit up in orange at night.

Minato

Neighborhoods

Shibuya & Harajuku

Fashion · Nightlife · Youth Culture

The beating heart of Tokyo's youth culture. Shibuya has the famous scramble crossing and buzzing nightlife; Harajuku has Takeshita Street's quirky fashion and Meiji Shrine's peaceful forests. Several GF spots here including T's Kitchen and NachuRa.

Aoyama & Omotesando

Upscale · Cafés · Architecture

Tokyo's answer to the Champs-Élysées. Tree-lined Omotesando boulevard is flanked by luxury boutiques and stunning architecture. Great café culture — BREIZH Café and Rizlabo Kitchen are both here.

Asakusa

Traditional · Temples · Street Food

Old Tokyo at its finest. Sensō-ji Temple, traditional shopping streets, and the Sky Tree dominating the skyline. Shochikuen Cafe is a great GF find in this area — fully vegan and GF with an incredible rainbow cake.

Ginza & Marunouchi

Luxury · Business · Dining

Tokyo's upscale shopping and business district. Department stores, high-end dining, and Tokyo Station's beautiful redbrick facade. FANCL BROWN RICE MEALS and Soranoiro ramen are nearby.

Roppongi & Nishiazabu

Dining · Nightlife · Art

Known for its international dining scene and nightlife. Home to Sushi Korin (the GF omakase gem) and Kushiage Su. Mori Art Museum and Tokyo Tower are nearby.

Akasaka

Hotels · Government · Sushi

A mix of government buildings, hotels, and excellent restaurants. Itamae Sushi Hanare and Cafe Komaya are here. Close to the Imperial Palace gardens.

Shinjuku

Skyscrapers · Entertainment · Transit

Tokyo's busiest station area with towering skyscrapers, department stores, and the neon-lit Kabukichō entertainment district. A major transit hub for day trips.

Things to Do

Experiences

Sushi Making Class

Paid

Hands-on sushi making experience in Asakusa. Learn from a professional chef and eat your creations. #1 rated cooking class in Japan.

Asakusa
Book Experience

Cup Noodles Museum

Paid

Customize your own cup of instant noodles (not GF, but fun). Interactive exhibits on the history of instant ramen. Also has a location in Osaka.

Yokohama (day trip)

Tokyo Port Brewery

Paid

Sake brewery offering tours and tastings. Sake is naturally gluten-free — a safe bet for celiac travelers looking for local drinks.

Minato

teamLab Borderless

Paid

Immersive digital art museum where rooms of light, color, and projection flow into each other. Book tickets in advance — they sell out.

Azabudai
Book Tickets

teamLab Planets

Paid

Walk barefoot through water and immersive installations. A more physical, sensory experience than Borderless.

Toyosu
Book Tickets

What to Pack

Spring in Japan

Travel Tips

What I'd Do Differently
Have a tip or comment?
Found a great GF spot in Tokyo? I'd love to hear from you.
Send a note