Do you offer vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals?

Do you offer vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals?

We understand that when choosing a study abroad destination, especially for long-term stays, meals are more than just about taste—they’re about safety, trust, and personal well-being. For students with food allergies or dietary restrictions, eating safely and confidently is essential to fully enjoying daily life in a new country.

At 3D ACADEMY, we do not operate an allergen-free or vegetarian-exclusive kitchen, but we do our best to accommodate individual dietary needs whenever possible—especially when students inform us in advance.

Whether you have a shellfish allergy, are vegetarian for religious or health reasons, or simply wish to avoid certain ingredients, we encourage you to communicate your needs early. With preparation, we can often arrange solutions that make your stay both enjoyable and safe.

Can you accommodate food allergies, such as shellfish?

Yes, we can accommodate certain food allergies, including shellfish allergies, as long as we are informed ahead of time. While our kitchen uses a variety of ingredients in daily meal preparation, shellfish such as shrimp and crab are only used in specific dishes, not across all meals.

If you notify us before your arrival, we can:

• Avoid using shellfish in your meals when possible

• Prepare alternative dishes if shellfish is on the main menu

• Alert our kitchen team and service staff to your allergy

• Recommend the buffet meal option, which gives you control over what you eat

Please note:
We cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination, as our kitchen is not a certified allergen-free environment. However, we do take care to clean equipment thoroughly and to separate ingredients where possible.

Why is buffet recommended for students with allergies?

If you have a food allergy, especially one that can cause serious reactions (such as anaphylaxis), we strongly recommend choosing the buffet-style meal plan instead of the lunch box (bento) plan.

Why buffet is safer:

• You can visually inspect each dish before placing it on your plate

• You can avoid dishes that look suspicious or unfamiliar

• You can choose plain or simple foods like steamed vegetables, rice, or fruits

• You control your own plate—no unwanted surprises

• If you have questions, staff are available to assist

Why lunch boxes are riskier:

• Meals are pre-packaged with a set menu, and cannot be altered at the last minute

• You may not be able to identify ingredients easily just by looking

• You cannot remove individual items that may contain allergens

• You have to rely entirely on the kitchen’s internal controls

That’s why, for students with shellfish, nut, or egg allergies, buffet is generally the safer and more flexible option.

Can you offer vegetarian or vegan meals?

We do not provide a dedicated vegetarian or vegan meal plan, but vegetarian-friendly dishes are frequently available, especially in the buffet.

These may include:

• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables

• Rice or noodles with soy-based sauces

• Tofu or egg-based dishes

• Fresh salads and fruits

• Simple soups (occasionally miso or vegetable broth)

For strict vegetarians or vegans, options may be limited on certain days. We encourage you to speak with staff or request guidance on which dishes to choose. If your dietary restrictions are very specific or require religious certification (e.g., Jain, vegan, etc.), we recommend consulting us in advance or considering self-catering options in hotel-type dorms with shared kitchens.

What kind of preparation do you require?

To help us support your dietary needs, please follow these steps:

1. Declare all allergies or dietary restrictions clearly at the time of application

2. Complete a health and allergy questionnaire if provided

3. Submit information no later than 2 weeks before arrival

4. Include details like:

   • Type of allergen (e.g., shrimp, peanuts, gluten)

   • Severity (e.g., stomach upset, rash, anaphylaxis)

   • Whether contact, smell, or trace amounts cause a reaction

   • Emergency instructions, if applicable

The more we know, the better we can prepare. Last-minute notifications or arrival-day declarations may result in delayed or limited support.

Can you provide special meals?

If the standard meal options (buffet or bento) do not meet your dietary needs, we may be able to prepare special meals for you on request.

This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and depends on:

• The severity of your allergy or restriction

• The type of food you cannot eat

• The availability of alternative ingredients

• The kitchen’s capacity during your stay

Important: Special meals require advance notice. We cannot guarantee special preparation if you request it after arriving. It’s also important to understand that we cannot accommodate every possible restriction, especially those involving multiple allergens or strict preparation environments (e.g., no shared utensils or equipment).

Are allergens labeled in the buffet?

We try to provide basic labeling and staff support, but we do not have a complete allergen labeling system in place. Some dishes may include sauces or processed ingredients that contain allergens not visible at first glance.

If you have a severe allergy, we strongly recommend:

• Choosing the buffet plan

• Avoiding mixed or creamy dishes unless confirmed safe

• Consulting our staff before eating unfamiliar items

• Bringing an allergy card in English or Japanese for communication

What if I have multiple allergies?

We can evaluate multiple allergies on a case-by-case basis. Students with multiple severe allergies are advised to:

• Choose the buffet (for control)

• Bring personal snacks or emergency food if needed

• Consider staying in a hotel-type dorm with a shared kitchen, so you can prepare some of your own meals

• Inform your teachers and roommates as a precaution

Our priority is your health and safety, and we’ll work with you to create a manageable dining experience—within our limits.

Summary: Our approach to dietary support

Final note: Communication is key

At 3D ACADEMY, your well-being is our priority—but we can only help if we know your needs. Please be proactive in telling us about your allergies or dietary requirements before arriving. Our Japanese and English-speaking staff are here to help you stay safe and feel comfortable throughout your stay.

If you have any concerns, questions, or unique situations, feel free to contact us anytime before your departure. We’ll do our best to work with you.

Your safety begins before you even get on the plane—let’s work together to make your study abroad experience both safe and delicious.