I am a vegetarian (or have special food requirements). Am I going to have a hard time in Tokyo?

In Japan, there is not the same level of awareness and acceptance of special food requirements as in some other countries. People with allergies, food intolerances, or vegetarian-vegan diets should not plan on a homestay, since Japanese families do not avoid foods. You are better off in a dorm, and you will need to be diligent about your food choices.

If you eat fish, you can find many eating options in Tokyo, but if you don’t, eating will be a challenge. Not that many restaurants in Japan that offer vegetarian food.

If you avoid certain foods, the dorm option without meal plan will be the best option for you. Do be sure to mention your food restrictions on your Housing Options form (Apply Now).

We suggest you obtain the Google Translate smartphone app (formerly Word Lens).  When in Tokyo, this will come in handy to translate food ingredients in shops or restaurants.