Recently, Halal tourism has experienced massive growth. Being that Halal tourism is new to the industry, there are not many options that cater to Muslim’s needs.
In 2015, the Japanese government decided to welcome more Muslim tourists. Japan soon opened halal facilities, provided halal services, and offered visa-free entry to most Muslim countries. Here are the 5 things you need to know about halal tourism in Japan.
Where are prayer rooms and mosques in Japan?
Many prayer rooms can be found in major airports, tourist hotspots, and Muslim-friendly hotels. There are also many masjids (mosques) in major cities such as Hokkaido, Fukuoka, Tokyo, etc.
There is a list that contains beautiful mosques in Japan that is worth visiting. Located right in Tokyo is the largest mosque in Japan – Tokyo Camii. Another famous mosque that is worth a look, is the oldest mosque in Japan- Kobe Mosque.
Where to eat halal Japanese food in Japan?
Before Japan opened up to Mulism tourism, many visiting Japan would bring their own food. Not being able to read and understand Japanese, lead to many, not understanding ingredient labels. However, nowadays Muslim-friendly restaurants can be found in major airports, leading hotels, and tourist hot spots.
Restaurants are serving halal Japanese cuisines that require prior reservations. There are also non-Japanese and vegetarian restaurants serving halal options. If you’re not comfortable with using in-restaurant utensils, you may also bring your own from home! There is one more thing you need to know about halal tourism in Japan- there are halal wagyu beef options too!
Are there Muslim-friendly stays in Japan?
There are many Muslim-friendly hotels in most city centers if that’s what you are worried about. In fact, most of them are located near restaurants serving halal food as well as train stations. The options vary from luxurious stays to those for people who would like to splurge more on Japan’s other experiences rather than on accommodations.
If you are looking to indulge in a 5-star stay, Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo, offers one of the most classy experiences with three in-house restaurants containing halal menus. Otherwise, you can also look at a more affordable hotel, Agora Place Asakusa, where you can dine-in at their café that serves halal-certified food disposable plates and utensils.
Are there halal tours in Japan?
As the demand for halal tourism in Japan increases, many travel agencies have been offering halal tours to Muslim tourists. About 30-40% of the guests that Japanese travel agencies have been receiving have been Muslim travelers.
These tours are designed to cater to all the needs of Muslim tourists and they usually include halal accommodations, mosques visits, and stops for halal food so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to Japan!
Where to get more information about traveling halal in Japan?
One of the most important things you need to know about the Japanese government itself has set up a section for Muslim tourists in their JNTO’s (Japan National Tourism Organization) official website. JNTO is an independent administrative institution of the Japanese government.
They have a comprehensive ‘Welcome Guide’ for Muslim tourists that has a few lists that relate to halal in different major cities in Japan! This could come in handy if you are Muslim and planning to create your own itinerary for Japan!
Now, going to Japan and living a halal life is not all that impossible with all these initiatives in place for halal tourism. Why go to Japan only as a tourist when you can go as an intern and experience Japan for longer? Check out the possibilities at Internships in Japan and apply today at Meiji Internships.
