How do you handle a peanut allergy in Japan? Thinking about a trip and honestly a bit intimidated
Hey everyone, hoping to learn from people who've actually done this. Quick honest context: I don't have a peanut allergy myself, but my partner has celiac and we've spent the last couple of years traveling Europe in our campervan, so I know the specific kind of stress that comes with trying to explain a serious dietary restriction in a language you don't speak. In Europe we've kind of found our rhythm, but Japan is on our list next and it feels like a completely different challenge, so I wanted to ask the people who know peanut allergy best.
A few things I keep going back and forth on:
How real is the cross-contamination risk in everyday Japanese food? My understanding is peanuts aren't in everything the way they can be in some cuisines, but I've read that peanut oil and things like satay-style sauces or certain snacks and desserts show up in ways you wouldn't expect. Is that your experience?
Did you rely on written translation cards, an app, or an actual allergy card printed in Japanese? What actually worked when you handed it to staff?
Were konbini (convenience stores) and chain restaurants easier or harder than small local places? I'd assume packaged food with labels is safer but I genuinely don't know how readable the labels are.
Anything about the 'seven mandatory allergens' labeling law I should understand? I've seen it mentioned but I don't know if peanut is included or how much you can trust it in practice.
And the big one: did you feel comfortable eating out at all, or did you mostly self-cater?
I'm not looking for anyone to tell me it's fine and stop worrying — I'd rather hear the real, unfiltered version, good and bad. If you've traveled there with a peanut allergy, what do you wish you'd known before you went?
Thanks so much, and safe travels to everyone out there navigating this. Philipp 💙