Gluten-Free Tokyo: 16 Places to Eat that are 100% Gluten-Free

Welcome to gluten-free Tokyo!

Japan's capital is getting better and better for gluten-free travellers, and not only does every place on this list serve incredible food, but they're also 100% gluten-free. If you're celiac and travelling to Tokyo, you'll likely feel most comfortable sticking to completely gluten-free eateries, especially given the language barrier. You can confidently eat out at the bakeries, cafes and restaurants in this post and enjoy everything from cakes to pasta to tempura. Tokyo is also a great place to stock up on gluten-free food if you're venturing further afield while in Japan.

To help you plan an epic Tokyo itinerary, I've listed things to do near each place to eat.

So, let's explore the gluten-free food scene in Tokyo!

restaurants

gluten free t's kitchen

This small, popular restaurant in Roppongi was the first restaurant in Asia to be certified gluten-free by GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group). I recommend making a reservation, but it's worth the effort for the chance to eat gluten-free versions of traditional Japanese dishes. The menu includes gyoza, ramen, tempura, and okonomiyaki; comfort foods that gluten-free travellers usually miss out on. I'd been longing for tempura since going gluten-free so it was such a treat to be able to order a vegetable tempura rice bowl. 

If you have other allergies or dietary requirements you will be well taken care of here. Allergens are marked on the menu and there are several options for vegetarian and vegan travellers.

Address: 7-8-5 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 12:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 22:00, closed Tuesdays

Closest train station: Roppongi or Nogizaka

What's nearby?: Tokyo Midtown Shopping Centre, Suntory Museum of Art, Hinokichō Park, The National Art Center Tokyo, Nogi Shrine, Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo City View

where is a dog?

Where is a Dog? was the first 100% gluten-free restaurant I visited in Tokyo. Since then, it's moved from Shinjuku to trendy Kichijōji, where it enjoys a prime spot just a few minutes walk from the station. 

Where is a Dog? serve hearty meals to eat in or take away, and they have options for travellers following a vegan, dairy-free or soy-free diet. You can also buy gluten-free products in their shop, so this is a must-visit if you're self-catering. I can vouch for their excellent rice bread and bagels, but they also sell staples like rice flour pasta and Tamari. 

Address: 2-24-9 Kichijōji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo

Opening hours: 11:00 to 18:00, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Closest train station: Kichijōji

What's nearby?: Inokashira Park, Ghibli Museum, Harmonica Yokochō

fancl brown rice meals

I didn't know that FANCL is a cosmetics brand, so I was confused when I walked into a brightly lit store looking for a gluten-free restaurant. As it turns out, the restaurant is in the basement of the Ginza branch of FANCL and is a lot cosier than the store above. 

Brown Rice Meals focuses on Italian cuisine with pasta, bread and desserts made from their own blend of brown rice flour. This restaurant markets itself towards health-conscious people as well as those who can't eat gluten, so you'll find lots of salads, soups and vegetable side dishes on the menu. 

At lunchtime, BRM offers set meals which come with a selection of starters and a main dish, with the option to add a drink and dessert. At dinnertime, the menu is à la carte, and they also have a fairly extensive wine list. 

You can get a full and satisfying meal here, and BRM's location, less than 15 minutes walk from Tokyo station,  makes it the perfect place to go before or after a train journey.  

Address: 5-8-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo

Opening hours: Daily 11:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 21:00

Closest train station: Ginza

What's nearby?: Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, Hibiya Okuroji, Hama-rikyū Gardens

avan

Avan, a small restaurant decorated according to a Ghibli theme, is most famous for churros. Yes, you read that right; gluten-free churros! Before I get to that rare delight, I should mention that Avan also has a lunch and dinner menu. The dinner menu includes small dishes such as chips and salsa, gratin, fries, and taco rice.

I can't say any of the savoury dishes we ordered blew me away, but I was most focussed on the desserts anyway. We ordered a s'mores churro each - a plain churro with a chocolate and toasted marshmallow dip. It was everything I hoped it would be: sticky, sweet and decadent. I enjoyed every mouthful!

Address: 1-20 Shinsencho, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 to 21:00 (to 19:00 Monday to Thursday)

Closest train station: Shinsen and Shibuya

What's nearby?: Shibuya scramble crossing, Shibuya SKY, Mag's Park

kakurenbo

Way out in Arakawa-ku, this probably isn't somewhere you'll stumble across while sightseeing. It's worth making the journey to Kakurenbo, though, especially if you've been craving a big bowl of pasta. There are lots of pasta sauces to choose from, and they are all served with fresh rice flour noodles. 

Alongside pasta dishes, Kakurenbo's menu includes salads, hot and cold appetisers, meat dishes, desserts and gluten-free beer. You can have a real feast here! 

Address: 2-2-20 Machiya, Arakawa City, Tokyo

Opening hours: Monday 11:00 to 14:30; Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 22:30; Friday 11:00 to 14:30 and 17:30 to midnight; Saturday 11:00 to midnight; Sunday and public holidays 11:00 to 21:30

Closest train station: Machiya

What's nearby?: Yanaka Ginza, Nezu Shrine, Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Shitamachi Museum

cafes

nachura

NachuRa was my favourite gluten-free discovery of my most recent trip to Tokyo. The cafe is located on the corner of a quiet street close to Aoyama Cemetery and is well worth the detour from Harajuku or Roppongi.

NachuRa's dessert case is full of elegant patisserie, and they also sell cookies which are a great option for the road. I ordered my first mille-crepe here, a dessert that's very popular in Japan. It consists of layers of delicate crepes with a custard filling in-between. The flavour was subtle and vanilla-y, but bloody delicious!  

I was so impressed that I ordered cookies and a cheesecake from them soon after I returned to Hiroshima, and I've become a regular online customer. Their cookies are fantastic - buttery and full of flavour.  

NachuRa is also vegan-friendly, with two types of vegan cookies and soy milk for drinks. 

Address: 2-8-18 Minami Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00, closed Mondays

Closest train station: Aoyama-Itchome, Gaiemmae and Nogizaka

What's nearby?: Nogi Shrine, The National Art Centre Tokyo

tamakuchen

This cute cafe is famous for Baumkuchen and mini rice flour bread loaves. Baumkuchen is a traditional German cake that is very popular in Japan (I hadn't heard of it before I lived in Tokyo). It's so popular that you'll even find Baumkuchen in convenience stores - the Family Mart one is pretty good but sadly not gluten-free!

If you eat in, you can tuck into Baumkuchen served with cream and lemon curd. Or you can buy slices or whole Baumkuchen to take away. Other treats on offer are cheesecake, toasted rice flour bread (the chocolate one is excellent), and ice cream.

Tamakuchen is a little off the beaten track, but it's the perfect pitstop on a day of exploring one of Tokyo's best hidden gems, Todoroki Valley. 

Address: 3-20-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00

Closest train station: Futako-Tamagawa

What's nearby?: Todoroki Valley, Todoroki Fudōson Temple, Kinuta Park

riz labo

If you've been enviously eyeing up Japanese fluffy pancakes, get over to Riz Labo for a rice flour version. Their year-round flavours include matcha, chocolate, and berries, but you'll also find seasonal varieties, such as chestnut in autumn and peach in summer. The thick pancakes have that satisfying signature wobble and they're covered in generous toppings. 

Riz Labo have recently started doing sweet and savoury rice flour crepes on certain days of the week. I haven't had chance to try them yet, but I've been salivating over the Instagram pictures. 

Riz Labo is one of five eateries sharing an old building tucked away down a narrow street near Omotesandō. The entrance is a bit tricky to find - look out for the small sign at the end of the street and the large dry flower wreath on the door. 

Address: 4-15-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 12:00 to 17:00. Wednesday - Sunday: Pancakes. Monday and Tuesday: Crepes. Check their Instagram for the month's schedule. 

Closest train station: Omote-Sandō

What's nearby?: UNU Farmer's Market, Takeshita-dōri, Tōgō Shrine, Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park

cafe komaya

It was hard to choose from Cafe Komaya's wide selection of cakes, especially as one of them contained two of my favourite flavours, chocolate and hazelnut. In the end the mille crepe won out and I had zero regrets. 

Cafe Komaya's lunches also look delicious and coffee connoisseurs will be happy with the variety of blends on the menu. 

Address: 3-4-16 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 11:00 to 19:00, closed Sundays

Closest train station: Roppongi

What's nearby?: Tokyo Midtown Shopping Centre, Suntory Museum of Art, Hinokichō Park, The National Art Center Tokyo, Nogi Shrine, Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo City View

bakeries and shops

ken's cafe tokyo

This one is for the chocaholics. Ken's Cafe Tokyo make exquisite gateau au chocolat from only three high quality ingredients: chocolate, butter and eggs. You can eat the gateau chilled, at room temperature and warmed in the microwave. If you warm it up, it turns into a chocolate fondant with the perfect gooey middle.

One of my absolute favourite desserts is a chocolate fondant, so this really hit the spot. Having Ken's gateau in the fridge was like having a chocolate fondant on demand. Pretty much what my dreams are made of.

This delicacy doesn't come cheap, though. A 250g gateau au chocolat costs 3000 yen. It's also a little tricky to get your hands on. Ken's Cafe's main shop is in Shinjuku, but you have to reserve online using a Japanese form. You can also find the gateau in two department stores: Matsuya in Ginza and TOBU in Ikebukuro. I bought mine in Matsuya, the Ken's Cafe section is tucked away on the basement floor and was hard to find. If you're having trouble, show a photo or Google Maps entry at the information desk, and they'll be able to help you. 

Address: 3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 11:00 to 20:00

Closest train station: Ginza and Ginza-itchome

What's nearby?: Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, Imperial Palace, Hama-rikyū Gardens, Hibiya Park, Hibiya Okuroji

rice hack

This hole-in-the-wall rice flour bakery is tucked away down one of the trendy side streets near Omote-Sandō. Rice Hack sells rice flour bread, baguettes, savoury and sweet pastries, and delicious-looking pizzas. Their baguettes are some of the best gluten-free bread I've ever had - perfect for picnics or self-catering meals. 

You can take away or eat in the cafe next door, but as it's a separate business, you're required to order at least one drink. There's lots of English signage here, and staff are super friendly.  

Address: 5-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Opening hours: Typically open 11:00 to 17:00, but check their Instagram for opening hours for the month

Closest train station: Omote-Sandō and Meiji-Jingumae

What's nearby?: UNU Farmer's Market, Takeshita-dōri, Tōgō Shrine, Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park

Otaco

Otaco sells light-as-air rice flour chiffon cake slices in several delicious flavours. This small bakery is just around the corner from Sensō-ji, so it's the perfect place to grab a snack while exploring Asakusa. 

Otaco is popular, so it's best to get here early before they sell out. 

Address: 3-5-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 10:30 to 18:00, closed Sundays and Mondays

Closest train station: Asakusa

What's nearby?: Sensō-ji, Asakusa Jinja, Nakamise Shopping Street, Hoppy Street, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre, Miyamoto-Unosuke Drum Museum, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Museum

comme'n gluten free

This new gluten-free bakery is a very welcome addition to the Jiyūgaoka area. They sell a range of savoury and sweet baked goods and they can also make sandwiches to order. This is a real selling point as it's quite easy to find gluten-free sweets, but much harder to find sandwiches and other savoury options.

I went for a simple baguette-style ham sandwich and was really impressed with the quality of the bread. I was uncharacteristically not on the lookout for sweet things when I visited, but I did spot some very tempting brioche buns on the counter. Next time! 

Address: 7-19-12 Okusawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 07:00 to 18:00, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Closest train station: Kuhombutsu

What's nearby?: Todoroki Valley, Todoroki Fudōson Temple

Bon bon bake shop

Tucked away in an unassuming neighbourhood in Koto-ku, this bakery only recently came onto my gluten-free radar. As well as being 100% gluten-free, Bon Bon Bake Shop is 100% dairy-free with lots of vegan options.

You'll find all kinds of baked goods here, including muffins, cupcakes and cookies. I walked away with a seasonal strawberry muffin, a chocolate chip muffin and a pack of chocolate cookies, all of which were delicious. 

If you head a few minutes north of Bon Bon Bake Shop, you'll find a nice river-side area with benches to eat your goodies. 

Address: 2-11-12 Furuishiba, Koto City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 11:00 to 18:00, or until they sell out. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Double check their Instagram for the month's schedule. 

Closest train station: Etchūjima

What's nearby?: Naritasan Fukagawa Fudōdō Temple, Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, Kiyosumi Garden, Museum of Contemporary Art, teamLab Planets (until end of 2023)

kiji tora

This tiny shop in Gakugei-Daigaku sells pound cake by the slice, financiers, Baumkuchen and granola. Their cake flavours include lemon, chocolate and raspberry, and chestnut and black sesame. These are also excellent for picnics or days out when gluten-free options aren't guaranteed. I highly recommend grabbing a few flavours for the road. 

Address: 3-3-9 Takaban, Meguro City, Tokyo

Opening hours: Daily 11:00 to 18:00

Closest train station: Gakugei-Daigaku

What's nearby?: Rinshi no Mori Park, Naka-Meguro

kinnoho

Kinnoho is fairly off the beaten track, but if you find yourself on the Tokyu Meguro line, it's worth jumping off at Musashi-Koyama and grabbing some takeaway treats. I bought cheese and sesame bread, a buttery Viennese biscuit, and pineapple muffins. 

This is a very small shop, so I would aim to get here early. I went in the early afternoon and many things were already sold out. 

Although everything in Kinnoho is gluten-free, their website states that their food is produced in a factory that handles wheat.

Address: 3-2-6 Koyama, Shinagawa City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 11:00 to 19:00, closed Tuesdays

Closest train station: Musashi-Koyama

What's nearby? Rinshi no Mori Park, Hotel Gajoen

I hope this list of 100% gluten-free places to eat in Tokyo has got your mouth watering. As you can see, there are a lot of places to eat safely as a gluten-free traveller. Many of the places on this list are also conveniently located, so you can easily plan an action-packed gluten-free Tokyo itinerary.

Happy gluten-free travels! 

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