Japan has made massive strides in welcoming Muslim travelers over the past decade. In fact, Islam is the fastest growing religion within Japan, which is probably a key reason why locals are being more accommodating. What used to require extensive planning and backup snacks now means walking into certified halal restaurants serving everything from ramen to wagyu beef. But if you’re wondering which Japanese city offers the best halal dining scene, the ever-iconic Tokyo wins by a significant margin.
Tokyo Has The Most Halal Options For Muslim Travelers
Tokyo hosts the largest concentration of halal certified and Muslim friendly restaurants in Japan. The city is home to over 200 halal dining options, ranging from tiny ramen shops to high end wagyu steakhouses. Before your trip, we encourage you to check out Japan Muslim Guide, which has a comprehensive, ever-expanding list of Japanese restaurants that are halal-certified.
Popular spots include Ayam-Ya for halal ramen, Sushiken Asakusa for Japan’s first halal sushi, and Ginza Itsuki for tempura over rice. These are just a few of the spots that are popping these days. Spend some time doing your research beforehand so you don’t get overwhelmed once you land.
The Shibuya Ward area houses Tokyo Camii, one of the largest mosques in Japan, which runs Tokyo Camii Halal Market with groceries and ingredients. Even if you’re not a Muslim, you should totally consider visiting the Tokyo Camii as it’s one of the most stunning locations in the entire city. It’s open for tourists, but please be respectful. Also, major supermarkets and convenience stores in Tokyo now carry halal products, something you won’t find as easily in smaller cities.
Osaka And Kyoto Trail Behind In The Halal Department
Osaka and Kyoto both have growing halal scenes, but the options are significantly more limited. Osaka has popular spots like Halal Yakiniku Zerohachi, while Kyoto offers scattered options near tourist areas. However, neither city comes close to Tokyo’s variety or convenience (Japan Travel).
If you’re leaving Tokyo to, for example, go to the country’s world-class Disney theme parks, you should 100% stock up on halal snacks. If you do venture out of Tokyo, do your research both online and by speaking with other Muslims travelers. And when in doubt, stick to a vegetarian or seafood-only diet.
After your trip to Japan, consider looking into hailing the high seas. These days, there are plenty of cruise lines that offer halal food.
