Navigating Japan with Celiac Disease: Safe Food
“Preparedness was key from the outset. Before departing, I crafted cards in Japanese explaining that both my son and I have celiac disease and must avoid gluten to prevent illness. These cards proved invaluable throughout our journey, facilitating clear communication with restaurant staff and ensuring our dietary needs were understood.
Language barriers were a significant challenge. While Japan is a welcoming country, English proficiency among locals can be limited, especially in more traditional or local establishments. Google Translate became our lifeline, helping us navigate menus and communicate with vendors at markets where English signage was sparse.”
“One memorable highlight was visiting Hakodate’s Morning Market, renowned for its fresh seafood. Here, we savored delicious salmon and tuna sashimi, confidently enjoying these naturally gluten-free dishes without worry. However, both in Hakodate and Tokyo there was an absence of gluten-free soy sauce.”
“This limitation required us to be selective with our dining choices, focusing on naturally gluten-free options and relying on our preparedness and communication skills to ensure safe meals. There definitely were many items we had to avoid, for example deep fried items including tempura, as well as many sauces.”
“Snacking also became an adventure in itself. Convenience stores like 7-11 were ubiquitous and offered a wide array of snacks, but finding gluten-free options proved challenging due to the lack of explicit labeling. Here again, Google Translate came to our aid, helping us decipher ingredient lists and make informed choices.”
“Reflecting on our journey, navigating Japan with celiac disease required careful planning, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. While challenges such as the availability of gluten-free soy sauce and the language barrier presented hurdles, the experience was ultimately rewarding. Discovering safe dining options and enjoying the hospitality of our tour guides enriched our trip and highlighted the importance of preparation when traveling with dietary restrictions.”
See also: Communication and collaboration made for smooth sailing for this celiac family!
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