Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
5 nights, Room Only
5 August 2021
From £883
Discover - Muslim friendly holidays in Japan
Japan, one of Asia’s most iconic destinations has become a must go to destination for Muslim travellers. So what has made Japan so welcoming to halal travel seekers? Apart from a well-preserved culture, history and some of the most dramatic scenery in the region, Japan has begun welcoming Muslim travellers by making finding halal food and places to pray easier to find in popular attractions.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan is a great place to start. The fast-paced city experience starts at Tokyo Station with the complex train system the best way to navigate the city. The Imperial Palace in the heart of the city is one of the highlights as is the bustling Asukasa and the gaming hub of Akihabara. Tokyo has a selection of wonderful Japanese halal restaurants from Ramen counters to Tempura stations, all with halal-certified credentials. Leaving Tokyo behind, head west to Hakone in the shadow of the majestic Mount Fuji where you can stay the night. Further west, the beautiful city of Kyoto, especially during the Sakura festival is the perfect base to explore Osaka, Hiroshima and even Nagoya.
Tour the vibrant streets and markets of Osaka, enjoying some Takoyaki at Dotonburi and shopping in the arcades. Visit the awesome deers in nearby Nara before heading on the train to nearby Kobe and visiting the oldest Mosque in the country. Head south and visit the castle in Himeji and continue on to the city of Fukuoka. For an exotic escape, fly onto the islands of Okinawa, home to beautiful beaches and spectacular turquoise waters. For the adventurous, visit the slopes of Hokkaido and Sapporo in the north with skiing that rivals that of North America and Europe.
Search holiday deals
Details
- Time Difference: GMT + 9 hours
- Capital: Tokyo
- Currency: Japanese Yen
- Visa: Not required for UK citizens
- Our Highlight: Enjoying a bowl of Ramen
Gallery
Ryokan, Japan
Hiroshima
Japan nights lights
Kyoto, Japan
Snow monkeys
Exploring Kyoto, Japan
Map
Highlights
We recommend spending at least a week (or ideally two) to explore Japan. It’s a large country with varied landscapes from the snow-capped mountains at Nagano in the north, to the beaches of Okinawa in the Pacific. For first-timers to Japan, begin your stay in Tokyo where the Shangri-La Tokyo enjoys an enviable location next to Tokyo Station and even offers halal dining when booked here on Rihaala. Tokyo is split into several districts and easily accessible via public transport. Trains are owned by different train companies, so it’s not difficult to buy the wrong ticket for a route. Not to worry, book your Japan Rail Pass here on Rihaala, and you can enjoy 7, 14 or 21-day access to the JR train network.
After exploring Tokyo’s eclectic sights including the Tokyo Tower, the Senso-ji temple and the Tsukiji Fish Market, head to the Camii mosque in Shibuya where you’ll find the largest mosque in Tokyo. The Tokyo Camii mosque is designed in a Turkish Ottoman style and the place to go for Jummah prayers. Once you’ve seen all Tokyo has to offer, head west to Kyoto. On the way, you can plan a stop at Hakone to explore the Mount Fuji region, or from Tokyo, you could do a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi which you can book here on Rihaala. Kyoto is one of Japan’s iconic cities, home to the district of Gion, with its cherry blossom trees that prettify the streets in late March. Gion is also the spiritual home of the iconic Geisha culture, and if you’re lucky you may spot a Geisha as the evening settles. The Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Kinkaku-ji Temple are all highlights when staying a few days in Kyoto.
A trip to Japan is complete with a visit to Hiroshima. The city will always be remembered for being the most heavily damaged city by an atomic bomb in World War II. The A-Bomb still haunts the city and is evident in the remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Hall. The sombre stories you can see at the Hiroshima Memorial is valued time spent understanding one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century.
Muslim Friendly Amenities
Finding halal food in Japan is not easy, however, with our handy Japan guide you’ll be able to find your way to some authentic Japanese culinary experiences. One of our favourite places to dine in Tokyo is Tendon Ituki, a tempura restaurant located a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station. In Kyoto, the Halal Ramen in Naritaya is a great place to sample Ramen in all sorts of guises. Check out our blog post for our guide to halal friendly Japan and places to dine in the country.
When it comes to finding places to pray, you’ll be surprised by the number of Musallahs that are now available at shopping malls and attractions. Tokyo Narita airport has prayer facilities and a halal restaurant (before security) called La Toque. Tokyo Haneda airport also offers prayer facilities and a halal certified Mrs Istanbul.
By respecting Japanese culture, in turn, they will be welcoming and respecting the Islamic faith. Do not take photos of people without their permission, especially monks and Geishas. Check out our guide to Japan for more information on do’s and don’t when in Japan.
When to visit
Recomended Hotels
Where to stay in Muslim friendly holidays in Japan
