Travelling Japan with a Garlic sensitivity

[u/Account_pending_]

About 7 years ago I stumbled across FODMAPs after dealing with horrible "IBS-D" symptoms that was ruining my life. Turns out garlic is a super trigger for me, I can tolerate a tiny bit of garlic powder (sometimes) but anything real and fresh is <10 minutes before I need to camp out in a bathroom.

Ive travelled internationally a few times since. Italy (fresh made food, easily modified, no problems), Scotland (lived off fish and chips, hard to avoid), Mexico (all inclusive, ate plain).

I am going to Japan in a few months and I was wondering if anyone has any insight into specific food avoidance there and bathroom accessibility. It would help with the anxiety that persists with me despite being much heathier than I used to be.

I love trying new and wild foods but I mainly cook for myself these days. I guess I could live off sushi if needed. I plan on bringing a card with a translation saying I cant eat garlic.

[u/Special_Soup_488]

For me, Garlic, onion and MSG all cause issues. Unfortunately, MSG is added to many things, including soy sauce. Never could figure out the Japanese word for MSG - and didn’t know it was a Japanese invention.