Entitled tourist faces backlash complaining after about Japanese restaurant sign telling customers there are no vegan options or takeout: 'They are under no obligation to accommodate you'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Sep 28, 2024 4:00 PM EDT

Being a tourist can be a tricky balance to get right. While you may want to experience the very best of what your vacation destination may have to offer, being respectful is important—especially if the locals are sick and tired of the tourism industry and its downsides. In some places, simply having basic manners will put you head and shoulders above many other foreign visitors.

This is something that was disregarded by one tourist in Japan recently when he took to Twitter to complain about a restaurant with an English sign stating it didn't serve vegetarian, vegan, or halal options, or do takeout. It wasn't long before people were criticizing the audacious move to label the business as "another disgraceful example [of] not being welcoming to tourists". It has to be said, the restaurant seemed to be saving the time of numerous potential customers who may have special dietary needs.

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  • 01
    Callisto Roll ❤ @callistoroll Follow Another disgraceful example of businesses in Japan not being welcoming to tourists.
    via callistoroll
  • 02
    There is no No! Vegetarian menu No! Vegan menu No! Halal menu No! Take-out All menus include chicken and pork. Cash only!! 自由が丘
    via callistoroll
  • 03
    Warmaster @MrAnti Hero1 • 3d Replying to @callistoroll You are visiting their country. They are under no obligation to accommodate you everywhere you go. Get the yourself. over
    via MrAntiHero1
  • 04
    Christina Pushaw @Christina Pushaw Replying to @callistoroll Follow Are you kidding? First of all, it's not "disgraceful" if an establishment doesn't want to welcome tourists. But this one is very tourist friendly! They have a sign in English, and it gives people the information they need to decide whether or not they want to eat there.
    via ChristinaPushaw
  • 05
    . Ben @pundasdad • 4d Replying to @callistoroll Restraunts aren't supposed to be inclusive. They are supposed to curate an experience. Based Japan
    via pundasdad
  • 06
    HOLD THE LINE ChaoticNerd @nerds4nerds • 4d Replying to @callistoroll You can choose to leave. Sounds good to me! Let them choose their own menus they don't need to pander to tourists
    via nerds4nerds
  • 07
    Enrico Miguel @Enrico_Miguel .4d Replying to @callistoroll Why is it disgraceful? And how is it not "welcoming to tourist" when it's all already written in English?
    via Enrico_Miguel
  • 08
    parm @prmshra - 3d Replying to @callistoroll As a vegetarian I APPRECIATE being told this so I don't have to waste time talking to them and finding out I can't eat
    via prmshra
  • 09
    BrutalAce ⭑@brutalace1 .4d Replying to @callistoroll Not sure what's the problem here? Tourists need to adjust to the country they are visiting not the other way around. I am sure you can visit many noodle stores that offer veg-noodles which will satisfy both your veg and halal requirements.
    via brutalace1
  • 10
    Paul B/ Barbs @Geography Now .3d Replying to @callistoroll IF YOU ARE A TOURIST IT IS NOT YOUR COUNTRY AND THE COUNTRY OWES YOU NOTHING 3
    via GeographyNow
  • 11
    Kitty-Bit Games &... @kitty_bit_games Replying to @callistoroll Subscribe Food is at the heart of culture, it should be accepted and enjoyed as it was intended by the originators within said culture. If you don't want to immerse yourself and respect said culture, Japan has Denny's and their McDonald's even has unique stuff, they even have Taco Bell
    via kitty_bit_games
  • 12
    A Different Side of Ja... Follow @donnyjkimball Replying to @callistoroll We need more signs like this...
    via donnyjkimball
  • 13
    Pointed Commentary ✔ @RoyCalbeck Follow Replying to @callisto roll Then take your business elsewhere. Easy-peasy.
    via RoyCalbeck
  • 14
    miss all sunday @scuriiosa · 3d i actually think this is polite - they won't waste your time. before you even walk in the door, you'll know to find somewhere else to eat! also the sign is in English lol
    via scuriiosa
  • 15
    des @dotnetschizo⚫ 3d i think everywhere should be more unwelcoming to tourists
    via dotnetschizo
  • 16
    Jamie Kenney @LaComtesseJamie · 2d Firstly: this sign is incredibly helpful in a foreign but widely spoken language and therefore tourist friendly. Second: this was my favorite "let us help you out here... sign 10 オガン 「大人 姓名 小人 11 オオツキ 大人 名 小人 名 「感謝 12 炒4 13 オサダ 大人 2名 小人 14 从一 大人 名 小人 名 15 大人 名 小人 名 16 大人 名 小人 名 17 「大人 名 小人 名 18 大人 姓名 小人 名 It's mostly pork
    via LaComtesseJamie
  • 17
    3; Vins @silentschream .3d Locals have every right to keep tourist in check! Heres a sign i saw @ my hotel during last visit to japan hehe Want to photograph Mt. Fuji? Get out of here and die? Da
    via silentschream
  • 18
    Dan The Smooth Dork @TheSickDork Follow When you ask the waiter for your halal vegan takeout We serve food here sir.
    via TheSickDork
  • 19
    . Skullman @FilthySea Urchin 3d It is extremely thoughtful of them to write a note not even in their native language to tell people they simply don't have options for them, there is nothing wrong with this
    via FilthySeaUrchin
  • 20
    Finn @FinnsLane ⚫ 3d • Honestly I would love a food scene that's "You eat what we make or go somewhere else"
    via FinnsLane

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tourist twitter Twitter Thread restaurant tourism Japan Travel vegan food vegetarian entitled people meat
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