Kosher in Japan: A Kosher Traveler’s Guide
Japan has been on our bucket list forever—and the good news is, it’s absolutely possible to keep kosher there. With a little planning, you can enjoy the best of Japan’s culture and food while still keeping kosher. Here’s how we did it.
Kyoto: Kosher in Japan’s Oldest City
Our trip started in Kyoto, a city full of history. The Chabad of Kyoto is a lifesaver for kosher travelers:
Meals: They cater takeout orders for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Shabbat: Beautiful communal meals hosted right in the Chabad.
It made exploring the city stress-free, knowing we always had kosher food waiting for us.
Tokyo: Kosher Dining in the Big City
From Kyoto, we took the bullet train up to Tokyo, where the kosher scene is a bit better.
• Chana’s Place: A kosher restaurant inside the Tokyo Chabad.
• Kosher Supermarket: Stocked with essentials and imports.
• Exciting News: A second restaurant is set to open soon, featuring kosher Kobe beef. It’s called David’s Deli.
Chabad Tokyo is really at the center of kosher life in Japan and makes the city surprisingly easy for observant travelers.
Beyond Chabad: What Else You Can Eat
Outside of official kosher spots, there are a few things you can safely enjoy (always confirm with your local Rabbi before eating something without kosher supervision):
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Excellent coffee
Traditional matcha tea
We also brought along a suitcase full of kosher food for backup. Since Japan uses the same electricity voltage as the US, we packed a small electric stove and pot to cook in our room—a huge help for quick meals.
Final Thoughts
Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world—modern and ancient all at once. Thanks to Chabad and a little preparation, it’s 100% possible to travel here while keeping kosher. Between Kyoto’s warmth, Tokyo’s growing kosher scene, and the chance to cook your own meals, Japan is a kosher traveler’s dream destination.