Table of Contents for the Cruise Guide
Page headings
- Port of call days for families with children
- Vegetarian/Vegan
- Gluten-free and food allergy-friendly
- Halal (for Muslims)
- Example card (in Japanese)
- Also worth reading
- FAQ
- Source/Reference Information
Cruise Guide
Key points of this page
- If you're traveling with children, ports with aquariums and parks nearby are a great option. Many train stations and department stores also have clean nursing rooms.
- Vegetarians and vegans should be careful with "dashi" (fish broth). It may contain meat or fish even if it doesn't look like it.
- If you're going gluten-free, be careful with soy sauce (which contains wheat). It's reassuring to carry a card with a list of foods you can't eat written in Japanese.
- Halal options are becoming more common, especially in large cities, with an increasing number of restaurants and prayer spaces offering them.
Last verified: October 1, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
The most reliable way to tell the staff what you can't eat is to write it on a card in Japanese and show it to them! The staff will be able to prepare your order with peace of mind.
Port of call days for families with children
Places to enjoy near the harbor
| Port | Places that children can enjoy |
|---|---|
| Osaka Port | Near the Tempozan Passenger Ship Terminal is the Kaiyukan Aquarium, known for its whale sharks. |
| Nagoya Port | Facilities such as the Nagoya Port Aquarium are located at Garden Pier. |
| Shimonoseki Port | The Karato area includes the Karato Market and the Kaikyokan Aquarium. |
| Yokohama Port | Yamashita Park is right next to Osanbashi Pier, where the Hikawa Maru ship is moored. |
| Numazu Port | The Numazu Port Deep Sea Aquarium exhibits deep-sea creatures from Suruga Bay. |
| Sendai Port | Near the port is the "Sendai Umino Mori Aquarium". |
| Motobu Port | A port close to the popular Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. |
Movement and equipment
- Nursing rooms: Many are available at train stations, department stores, and shopping malls, and some have hot water, microwaves, and diaper changing tables. Some are also located in port terminals (e.g., Hakodate Cruise Terminal).
- Strollers: Some trains have carriages with spaces for strollers and wheelchairs. Strollers can sometimes be rented for free or at a low cost at theme parks, large parks, aquariums, and airports. Some stations do not have elevators, so a baby carrier is convenient.
- Avoid crowds: Trains are extremely crowded during morning and evening rush hours.
- Dining: Family restaurants offer affordable prices and child-friendly menus, making them a great option for families.
- Fares: Trains and buses have child fares. Check with each company for age-based rules.
If there's an aquarium near the port, even a short port call can be enjoyable for the whole family!
Vegetarian/Vegan
- Many Japanese dishes use "dashi" (broth). Dashi is often made from bonito flakes (fish), but it can also be made from shiitake mushrooms or kelp.
- Even if there's no visible meat or fish, it might be present in the soup or sauce. When ordering, be sure to specify, "Please do not use meat, seafood, or broth/soup."
- Shojin ryori is a type of plant-based cuisine traditionally eaten in Buddhist temples, made with soy products such as tofu and seasonal vegetables (dairy products may also be used).
- If you're looking for a rice ball from a convenience store, options include those with pickled plums or kelp.
Gluten-free and food allergy-friendly
- Most soy sauce contains wheat. Be aware that soy sauce is used to flavor many dishes, sauces, and broths.
- Tempura batter, udon noodles, ramen noodles, and okonomiyaki all use wheat flour.
- Allergy labeling is mandatory for packaged processed foods sold in Japan. This includes allergens such as wheat, eggs, milk, shrimp, crab, buckwheat, peanuts, and walnuts, and the information is written in Japanese in the ingredients section.
- The most reliable method is to prepare a card listing the foods you cannot eat in Japanese and show it to the restaurant staff. If you have severe allergies, be sure to inform the ship's dining facilities in advance.
Halal (for Muslims)
- The number of halal-friendly restaurants is increasing, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
- Japanese seasonings commonly include cooking sake, mirin (sweet rice wine), and soy sauce. Bread and sweets may also contain gelatin or animal fats.
- Even if a restaurant is labeled "Halal-friendly," it doesn't necessarily mean the kitchen is separate. It's best to look for restaurants in a Muslim-friendly restaurant guide.
- Prayer spaces are increasing in major airports, tourist destinations, and hotels that cater to Muslims.
Example card (in Japanese)
This is an example of the text you can use on a card in your store. The Japanese text on the right will remain in Japanese even on the English page. You can also save it to your smartphone and show it there.
| Things I want to convey | Japanese |
|---|---|
| I cannot eat meat, fish, or broth. | 私は肉、魚介類、だし（かつおだし等）を食べられません。 |
| I cannot eat wheat. | 私は小麦アレルギーです。小麦、しょうゆ、天ぷらの衣などが入った料理は食べられません。 |
| I cannot eat pork or drink alcohol. | 私はムスリムです。豚肉、豚由来の食品、アルコール（料理酒・みりんを含む）は食べられません。 |
Also worth reading
- Tips for exploring ports of call independently without using a cruise ship tour.
- Practical information for Japanese cruises (tipping, power outlets, cash, duty-free)
- Monthly weather and clothing
FAQ
Q1 Which ports are easy to visit with children?
Ports with aquariums located very close by offer enjoyable experiences even during short port calls. Osaka Port has the Kaiyukan Aquarium near the Tempozan Passenger Terminal, Nagoya Port has the Nagoya Port Aquarium at Garden Pier, and Shimonoseki Port has the Kaikyokan Aquarium in the Karato area. Yokohama Port has Yamashita Park right next to Osanbashi Pier.
Q2 I'm a vegetarian; are there any foods I can eat in Japan?
Yes, it is possible. However, many Japanese dishes use "dashi" (fish broth), so meat or fish may be present even if you can't see it. When ordering, it's best to specify "no meat, fish, or dashi" and show a card listing the foods you cannot eat in Japanese. Shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) is made using only plant-based ingredients.
Q3 Can I have a gluten-free diet?
Caution is advised. Common soy sauce contains wheat, which is used to season many dishes. When eating out, show the restaurant a card listing any foods you cannot eat in Japanese. Packaged processed foods are required to display allergen information, including wheat.
Q4 Are there halal meals and places of worship available?
Halal-friendly restaurants are increasing, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Prayer spaces are also becoming more common in major airports, tourist destinations, and hotels catering to Muslims. Since Japanese seasonings often include cooking sake and mirin, it's recommended to look for restaurants that serve halal-friendly options in Muslim-friendly restaurant guides.
Source/Reference Information
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) “Traveling With Children”
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) “A Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Japan”
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) “Muslim Travelers”
- Consumer Affairs Agency "Quick Guide to Food Labeling" (Allergy Labeling)
- For information on facilities near the port, please refer to the respective port pages on cruisefun (with their sources listed).
Last updated: October 1, 2026. If you have severe allergies, please consult your doctor or the cruise line.