japan for muslim travellers

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Check out Recommended Travel Plans, Sightseeing Destinations, and Other Useful Tips for Muslims to Have a Fun, Pleasant Experience in JAPAN.

Read up on Tips and Useful Information on How to Enjoy JAPAN’s Traditional Culture, Nature, Must-See Spots, and Lovely, Lesser-Known Towns.

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A Traveler’s Guide to Miyagi and Iwate: Muslim-Friendly Delights in the Tohoku Region

Shizuoka and Kanagawa A Muslim-Friendly Travel Destination Reachable from Tokyo

Looking for an Unbelievable Cherry Blossom Experience? Come to the Muslim-friendly City of Sendai!

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From Sightseeing Odaiba to Tasting Halal-certified Wagyu in Asakusa. How to Make the Most Out of Tokyo in 1 Day

Learn About a Variety of Travel Plans and Sightseeing Destinations That Muslims Can Choose from to Have an Unforgettable Trip to JAPAN.

Read Three-Day Reports Written by Muslims Who Traveled to Tokyo and Osaka.

Before You Go

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Prepare for JAPAN.

Find Your Experience

Find Useful, Muslim-Friendly Information on Food, Prayer Spaces, Shopping, and Frequently Asked Questions for a Comfortable Trip to JAPAN.

Useful Muslim-Friendly information to enhance your comfortable trip in JAPAN. From dining, prayer, shopping and the frequently asked questions.

Basics for Muslim Travelers in Japan

While Japan has only a very small percentage of Muslim residents, the number of Muslim tourists has been increasing considerably in recent years. Japanese in general are very tolerant towards different religions , including Islam, but there is a wide lack of understanding of the religion and a shortage of services and facilities for Muslim travelers. However, with the increasing number of Muslim visitors, tourist associations and businesses have ramped up efforts to improve the situation to better cater to Muslim tourists.

This boom in Muslim-friendly services, such as prayer rooms and halal food options, is making it easier for Muslims to travel in Japan. However, without centralized direction, like a halal certification agency, services such as restaurants largely have to figure things out on their own. As a result, it is difficult to maintain a consistent standard of permissible goods and services as restaurants seek certification from a variety of different bodies.

Availability of halal food

Currently, there are only a small number of halal food producers and halal restaurants in Japan. Many halal restaurants in Japan serve alcohol , as it is difficult for restaurants here to survive without doing so. There are some restaurants that label themselves as "halal" or "Muslim-friendly" and offer a halal menu in addition to their regular menu; however, their dishes were likely prepared in the same kitchen as non-halal dishes. Visitors should exercise personal discretion when dining at such places as the businesses may not be halal in the true sense.

Halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants can be found at major airports and a few leading large hotels , but note that some of them require prior reservations of at least a few days for the preparation of halal meals. Non-Japanese restaurants offering Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Malaysian, Moroccan, Pakistani and Turkish cuisine along with some vegetarian restaurants may also have halal food options. The Halal Gourmet Japan website features a large searchable database of halal restaurants.

Outside of the major cities, halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants are even more difficult or impossible to find. For visitors who prefer preparing their own meals, some supermarkets in major cities offer halal products; however, they tend to be mainly frozen halal meats rather than ready-to-eat foods. The average supermarket in Japan does not sell halal products.

For visitors who are concerned about non-halal foods, it is worth noting the recent increase in availability of short-term apartments and hotel rooms with kitchenettes which allow visitors to cook their own meals. Even at regular hotels and ryokan, hot water is almost always available in the room in a hot water dispensers, making the preparation of instant noodles a relatively easy option. Visitors concerned about non-halal foods are advised to consider bringing their own food and cutlery to Japan.

Japanese cuisine

Common Japanese dishes and prepared convenience foods, while seemingly halal, may contain ingredients that may not be permissible under Islamic law. Popular Japanese foods like sushi , may have rice wine (mirin) mixed in with the rice . Ramen and various meat dishes contain ingredients like non-halal meat (including pork), soy sauce , miso , various additives and preservatives, rice wine (mirin and/or sake) and animal fat.

In addition, vegetable dishes like pickles , soups, bread, snacks and some desserts may be mushbooh as they may contain alcohol, gelatin, animal fat based margarine or other haram ingredients. As such, it may be difficult to enjoy a halal Japanese meal without compromising the ingredients and way of cooking. Some establishments will have a detailed list of the ingredients they use for allergy purposes. Ask the staff for this list when ordering if applicable.

Prayer rooms and mosques

To better cater to Muslim visitors and residents alike, prayer rooms with arrows pointing towards Mecca have been added to a handful of public facilities such as major airports and a small number of Muslim-friendly hotels . Areas surrounding the larger mosques usually contain Muslim-friendly shops which may also cater to visitors in this regard.

Mobile apps are available with timetables and compasses to assist in finding the direction of Mecca. It is advisable to make sure these apps work abroad, and to prepare an internet access arrangement ahead of visiting Japan. It is also recommended for visitors to bring their own praying rug and clothing as they are not easily available. Mosques can be found in most major cities for those who wish to visit one on their trip.

With the recent boom in Muslim tourism, there has been an increasing number of travel companies offering Muslim friendly tours to those who find navigating Japan on their own too daunting. The tours that are offered cater specifically to Muslims and make all the necessary food and lodging arrangements.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Japan travel guide for muslim visitors, halal media japan, halal gourmet japan.

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The Ultimate 7D6N Muslim-Friendly Tokyo-Osaka Itinerary For Your Next Trip To Japan

Qistina Bumidin  •  Oct 27, 2022

Everyone who has been to Japan will tell you that Tokyo and Osaka are the top few cities you must visit! Get a taste of metropolitan Tokyo before heading to the magical city of Osaka ✈️ It’s been two years since we travelled to the Land of the Rising Sun, and we know that your itinerary is probably already filled with all the places you missed, but we’ve added new things to do in Japan that you can’t miss! ?  Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates:  https://bit.ly/3LnFN1F

Getting around

Travelling from Haneda/Narita Airport to your hotel

Arrival at Narita airport

• Konnichiwa Japan! You've officially touched down at the Land of the Rising Sun ✨ If the airplane food left you feeling hungry, swing by KINEYAMUGIMARU , a halal-certified udon eatery at Terminal 1 for a quick refuel  ?

Pick up your JR Pass Whole Japan 7-Days

• You will first receive a Mail Exchange Order (MCO) when you purchase a JR Pass outside of Japan. You will then need to present the Exchange Order with your passport and Temporary Visitor stamp/sticker for validation in Japan at a JR Rail Office to receive your JR Pass ?
• The information on the Exchange Order MUST reflect that of your passport. Failure to do so will result in an invalid Exchange Order, and you won’t be able to get your JR Pass. Check out the full list of places to collect your JR Pass here . 
• Alternatively, you can also pick up your JR Pass at the JR East Travel Service Counter at Narita Airport, located on B1 floor in both terminals, or JR East Japan Travel Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Arrival Hall in Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport.  Do note that the JR Pass can be exchanged between 6.30 am and 9.45 pm.
• Note : The JR Pass cannot be used for travel on NOZOMI, and MIZUHO trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

Pick up your Tokyo Subway Pass

• With the JR Pass in your arsenal, you'll need the Tokyo Subway Pass to get around Tokyo. You can purchase the pass for either 24, 48 or 72 hours!
• If you book on Klook , you'll get instant confirmation of your purchase PLUS convenient pick-up at the airport ?
• To use it, insert the card into the slot at the ticket gate and retrieve it when it pops out again!

Check-in at Keio Plaza Hotel

• Situated in the heart of Shinjuku, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is perfect for all travellers!
• Whether you're travelling with kids, a large group or your other half, you're in for a great stay, given its spacious rooms and awesome location.
• The best part? The hotel offers free shuttle bus services to Disneyland ? 
• Plus, it’s only a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Board the Narita Express with your JR Pass and drop off at Shinjuku Station. The train journey takes about an hour, so ample time for you to rest up before continuing your itinerary ?

Dinner at Yakiniku Panga (1h)

• Grab your buddies and end your first night in Japan with a grill fest at Yakiniku Panga!
• Sink your teeth into tender, halal wagyu beef that's been grilled to perfection ?

Halal Wagyu Yakiniku Panga (Okachimachi) Halal Status : While all the meats served are from halal-certified suppliers, alcohol may be served in the establishment. Do dine with discretion. The average price of main dishes : JPY4900-8500 for wagyu Opening hours : Tues-Thurs, Sat; 11.30AM-2PM, 5PM-10.30PM, Sun-Mon, Fri; 5PM-10PM Address : 3 Chome-27-9 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan Contact : +81 3-3839-8929 or reserve via Hotpepper Instagram

• Disney fans, rejoice! Here's where you can unleash your inner child, hop on thrilling rides and meet your favourite Disney characters ?
• Skip the endlessly long queues and book your admission tickets in advance on Klook ! Completely hassle-free, you'll even get instant confirmation of your purchase, which gives you more time to spend on your favourite rides and attractions!
• Enjoy utmost convenience with no printing required - just scan the QR code, get your re-entry stamp, and enjoy ?

• Do note that Fastpasses are not available until further notice. Currently, it’s being replaced by Disney Premier Access, which only offers expedited access to Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast in Tokyo Disneyland and Soaring: Fantastic Flight in Tokyo DisneySea.
• The charge for each Disney Premier Access pass is ¥2000, about $15 USD. Guests can purchase one Premier Access pass per ride, each day. Premier Access purchases must be made in the official Tokyo Disney Resort app. The cost does include the park ticket. For more information, check out the official website of Tokyo Disney Resort . 

• Grab a spot 30-45 minutes before the parade starts! If you see people sitting in the middle of nowhere, chances are, they're probably waiting for the parade to start.
• Stock up on the most adorable character merchandise! From popcorn buckets, soft toys, collectables to hats, you'll need a piece of extra luggage just to bring these home ?
• Plus there are new attractions to discover too! Another attraction in Tokyo Disneyland's Tomorrowland in September 2020 is The Happy Ride with Baymax, which will surely be a huge hit for all the Big Hero 6 fans out there!

• There is a prayer room at the Main Street House (Disneyland) or Guest Relations (Disneysea). Do ask the friendly staff to guide you to these places! Prayer mats and garments are not provided so do remember to bring your own!
• Stay till the end for a fantastic fireworks display, no one does it better than Disney ✨

P.S. Klook will be running their Travel Fest from 29th October to 30th October, where you can get the chance to score 1-for-1 flash deals . Plus, if you’re travelling to Japan between now till Jan 2023, you can get your JR Whole Japan Pass Exchange Orders printed onsite at the Klook Travel Fest! Do note that it’s limited to the first 100 visitors per day, and all printed JR Passes must be redeemed between 29th Oct 2022 to 26th Jan 2023. Mark your calendars and head down to Suntec City on the dates !

Toyosu Market (2h)

• Try to make time during your trip to catch the tuna auction at the new Toyosu site and visit the Outer Market that remains at the old Tsukiji location.

• The tuna auction takes place daily from about 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Do come early to grab a good spot at the upper-floor observation windows! 
• If you really want to be a part of the experience (and avoid seeing nothing but a bunch of people’s heads), the best spot to view the auction is from the special deck on the lower floor. However, you do need to sign up for a spot via this link . Applications open for about a week each month for a spot the following month. 

• The shift of the auction and inner wholesale market from Tsukiji to Toyosu was to accommodate the growing tourist demand to watch the auction. 
• The brand-new Toyosu site is equipped with a dedicated observation deck and 70% more space so you can catch the auction without getting lost in the crowd. 

• If you're a sentimental traveller who wants to visit the original site, you'll be glad to know that the Tsukiji Outer Market of sushi restaurants, street food and more remains there! It’s only a 17-minute train ride from Toyusu Station, or a 40-50 minute walk ?
• Note : We cannot confirm the halal status of individual eateries at the Outer Market, and at Toyosu Market. We advise that you purchase food there at your discretion.
• Directions to Toyosu Market: Take the JR Yamanote Line one station from Tokyo Station to Yurakucho From Yurakucho, take the Yurakucho Subway Line to Toyosu. Finally, take the Yurikamome to Shijo-mae Station in the centre of Toyosu Market. 

Get lost in the wonderful world of art with this hands-on digital experience (2h)

• teamLab Planets is conveniently located next to Shin-Toyosu Station and offers a more intimate interaction with the collective's signature digital art. 
• They offer a more sensorial and immersive experience than the teamLab Borderless Museum nearby. 
• The museum is home to just nine installations, but they are spread across a full 10,000sqm, giving them lots and lots of space each. 

• #HHWTip : Here’s the interesting part: in some places (we won’t share where ?), you’ll be wading through knee-deep waters! We highly recommend wearing something above the knee, or something that can be rolled up! Do note that shoes are not allowed in the museum. 
• They are open until 8pm, one of the few museums in Tokyo that open later. The museum will be opened until the end of 2023, so there’s still time for you to add this to your itinerary ?

• Just last year, the museum introduced an onsite vegan ramen restaurant, Vegan Ramen Uzu as well as a new indoor/outdoor Garden Area with two additional installations!
• Note : While there is no meat in the ramen, alcoholic beverages may be served on the premises. Do dine with discretion. 

• When you book your admission tickets via Klook , you’ll enjoy 1-hour parking free at Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu! You must show your Klook voucher at the parking lot in Lalaport Toyosu to claim free parking! 
• P.S. Klook is running a 1-for-1 deal for teamLab Planets entry tickets at their travel festival on 30th October as well!
• Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu is located nearby and is home to over 180 stores, such as Tokyu Hands, Muji and more; perfect for you to shop till you drop !

Have a taste of olden-day Japan at Asakusa (3h)

• Discover Asakusa like never before while riding in a traditional rickshaw ! Pulled by a friendly, English-speaking guide, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like Kaminarimon, Geisha Town and the Tokyo Skytree ?
• Available on Klook , the ride is 30 minutes - 2 hours long, depending on the package PLUS you can customise the tour! We'd recommend starting at Asakusa station and end the tour at the Sensō-ji area.

Visit Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise Street while wearing a traditional kimono

• Rent a kimono via Klook and walk around the oldest temple in Tokyo for the full Japanese experience! Remember to snap photos of the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) at the outer gate of the temple!
• Once you’re done exploring, head to Nakamise, a shopping street near the second outer gate. Splurge away on unique souvenirs, halal local snacks and more!

• Head on to Hyobando (found at the start of the street) to stock up on okaki or traditional Japanese rice crackers. Yummy flavours include seaweed, red pepper and matcha ?

#HHWTip : As you stroll along Nakamise, do look out for Kameya, which makes ningyo-yak i – tiny baked doll cakes stuffed with red bean! Plus, you get to watch them being baked. Definitely one of our favourite Japanese snacks ?

Lunch at Sushiken

• The first halal sushi restaurant in Japan, this eatery uses only the finest ingredients and like many of the restaurants here, it's cheaper to dine here during lunch ?

#HHWTip : There's a prayer room on the second floor, with a wudhu area and prayer mats provided! Halal Status : Halal-Certified The average price of main dishes : JPY1300-1800 (rice bowls), JPY2400 (sushi sets) Opening hours : Open daily; 12PM-10PM (closes on 31st December yearly) Address : 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan Contact : +81 03-5246-6547 Website | Facebook | Instagram

Shopping break at Ginza (2-3 hours)

• This area takes the cake when it comes to being a high-class shopping district ?️
• While in the area, visit the largest shopping complex, Ginza Six! The complex not only offers designer brands of cosmetics and apparels such as Chanel and Dior, but also other forms of cultural entertainment.
• The building in its entirety has a picturesque interior design that'll make you whip your phone out for an Instagram picture. You’ll also be intrigued to find Yayoi Kusama’s legendary polka-dot art hanging from the ceiling of the building ?

• If you still have some time to kill, why not check out the newly reopened Art Aquarium Museum ? Here, you can view thousands of goldfish swimming in glass vessels of all shapes and sizes, and they are illuminated with moving projections and multicoloured lights ?

• You’ll find both rare and common goldfish on display across the museum’s nine exhibition spaces, including the Origamirium, the Goldfish Bamboo Grove and the Goldfish Corridor.
• Plus, it makes for a good IG feed too ?
• Book your admission ticket via Klook here !

End your night at Akihabara (2-3 hours)

• A trip to Tokyo is almost incomplete without a stopover at the centre of otaku culture ?
• Get in touch with your inner geek and be dazzled with the selection of anime, manga, and electronics!
• Check out Don Quixote , also known as Donki, a huge discount store for normal and odd things ?

Day 4: Visit the top 3 neighbourhoods of Tokyo 

Get your shopping done in harajuku (plus sightseeing spots) (3h).

• Harajuku - also known as the capital of cute (or kawaii ?) in Tokyo. You may think that it's just a place to get your kawaii and Lolita fashion fix but there's so much more to Harajuku than what meets the eye!

Peaceful morning start at Meiji Shrine 

• Start your morning on a quieter note by visiting Meiji Shrine. 
• A peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling Tokyo, Meiji Shrine, (also known as Meiji Jingu) is sheltered by a forest of 100,000 trees, donated from all parts of Japan and planted by about 110,000 volunteers. 
• Being Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine, this is definitely one of the tourist sights you mustn't miss ?

• Located just next to Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo's largest city parks. Its wide lawns, ponds and forested areas make it the perfect place for a picnic or resting between your shopping adventures ?

• On Sundays, you'll find musicians, artists, sports enthusiasts and cosplayers, especially when the weather's good! If you're up for some exercise, you can rent a bicycle to cycle around the park. Or just soak up the atmosphere and relax on the lawn ?

• #HHWTip : If you're in Tokyo during the Cherry Blossoms season or Autumn, drop by Yoyogi park for a picnic beneath the beautiful foliage.

Shop till you drop at Takeshita Street!

• A trip to Harajuku isn't complete without visiting the iconic Takeshita Dori, also known as Takeshita Street ? 
• This busy pedestrian-only street is lined with fashion boutiques, trendy stores, cafes, crepe stands and more. 
• Brace yourself for the crowd if you're visiting on a weekend because this is also a popular hangout for the local teenagers!
• Check out our essential guide to the best spots to shop in Takeshita Street and nearby spots !

Lunch at Kebab Box J

• While we try to have local food as much as possible, it is tough to find halal Japanese food in Harajuku. 
• Kebab Box J is the perfect place to stop for a halal kebab after exploring Takeshita Street. 
• They even have a shawarma bento ?

Explore Shinjuku (2-3 hours)

Escape the bustling city life at shinjuku gyoen national garden.

• Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most famous attractions in Tokyo, and it's not hard to understand why. The grounds are a combination of 3 types of gardens that create a beautiful display throughout each season ?
• The Japanese Traditional Garden consists of ponds dotted with smaller islands, bridges, and pavilions that create a tranquil space amongst the wild nature. 
• The French Formal Garden, is more symmetrical in its layout, with rose beds and sycamore groves that line its walkways.
• And finally, the English Landscape Garden is a sprawling field with an open lawn surrounded by flowering trees that create bright spots of colour year-round. 
• There's also a greenhouse showcasing more tropical plants and various rest stops throughout the park for you to take a break ?

Pop by Matsumoto Kiyoshi

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi is one of the best places to go shopping in Shinjuku, especially for makeup and skincare lovers. This one-stop shop is known for its cosmetic products and local beauty items ?
• Stack up your essentials with some makeup products and other related stuff. Go around and find different foundation brands, blush, lipsticks, eyeliners, eye shadows, mascara, and such!
• They also have plenty of cute nail polish and skincare products like cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and face masks. Don’t forget to add to your cart some famous Japanese sunscreens, including ANESSA, Biore, and NIVEA ?
• #HHWTip : If you spend at least 5000 yen, you can enjoy tax-free shopping - and save 10% ? Remember to bring your passport along, your purchase (must be on the same day!) and the receipt to get the refund from the tax-free counter available in the store!

P.S. Looking for more activities to do in Shinjuku? Check out our Muslim-friendly guide, which includes places to savour delicious food! 

End your day at Shibuya (2-3h)

Catch the sunset at shibuya sky .

• Make your way to Shibuya Sky , an observation deck that sits right at the rooftop of this building. Since the Shibuya Scramble Square is the tallest building in Shibuya, you can expect an unobstructed view of this bustling business centre ?
• The journey begins when you step off at the 14th floor where the Shibuya Sky ticketing counter is located. While you can purchase your ticket at the counter, we recommend buying in advance. Klook offers great discounts for admission tickets !
• Once you have a ticket in hand, take the elevator that'll lead you straight to the 45th floor. Then, you're only an escalator away from the 46th floor where you'll find yourself at the Shibuya Sky's Sky Stage ?

• The moment you reach the Sky Stage, THIS is the sweeping city view that awaits you! While you're taking it all in, spot popular landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium and, of course, the Shibuya crossing! If you're lucky, you can see the magnificent Mount Fuji on a clear day too ?
• The Sky Stage also has a helicopter rooftop landing that is decked out with faux grass. Most visitors would lie down and admire the fluffy clouds that pass them by. We recommend doing the same because you can't get closer to the sky than the tallest building in Shibuya.

• If you can't find a comfortable spot at the rooftop landing, the Sky Stage also has a long stretch of hammock that allows you to sit back and chill. While staring at the sky, listen to your favourite music and let the tunes drift your worries away ?
• Remember to catch the sunset views backed by the mellow horizon in Tokyo at the Sky Edge! Besides being a great vantage point, Sky Edge is a corner that provides a good place to capture an Instagram-worthy snapshot ?

Dinner at Gyumon (1h)

• The perfect place for an authentic yakiniku dinner after a day’s worth of exploring the best of Tokyo! ?
• Choose the cut you prefer and they’ll serve it to you raw and lightly seasoned for you to grill on the charcoal stove. The beef tenderloin, grilled to medium rare, is just perfect! ?

Halal status : Halal ingredients are used but do note that alcohol is served in the establishment. We advise you to dine at your own discretion. Average price of main dishes : JPY3000-4000 Opening hours : 5PM-12AM, daily Address : 3 Chome-14-5 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan Contact : +81 03-5469-2911 Website | Facebook | Instagram

Last shopping trip in Shibuya 

• Home to one of the world's most busiest pedestrian crossings and huge departmental stores, Shibuya is every shopaholic’s dream ? 
• Must visit stores include the flagship Uniqlo store, Tokyu Hands and the Loft. For more stores, check out our ultimate guide to shopping in Tokyo !

Onwards to Osaka (3-4 hours)

• Time to head to the magical city of Osaka! Take a shinkansen with your JR pass, which will take around 3-4 hours, depending on which train you take!
• However, do note that JR Pass holders are only allowed on Hikari and Kodama trains. The JR Pass does not cover the Nozomi/Mizuho fast trains. 
• Please include a tip that you can reserve the tickets in advance using the JR Pass so you’re guaranteed a seat. There’s also some size restrictions for luggages on the Shinkansen, so please highlight that as it’s useful info.
• Osaka is largely divided into 2 main areas: the Umeda area, called “Kita” and the Nanba/Tennoji area, called “Minami”.  The subway pretty much covers the whole city area, the JR Osaka Loop Line which circles the central districts, as well as other connecting private railways.
• With the 2 day Osaka Amazing Pass , you'll get unlimited rides on buses, trains and private railways PLUS free access to over 30 sightseeing spots in the city ? You can easily get this pass on Klook (at a discounted price!) and receive your e-voucher instantly ? You can exchange the voucher for the pass at Osaka City Air Terminal (JR Namba Station).

P.S. Want to score even more discounts? Come down to Klook’s Travel Fest on 29th October and 30th October and enjoy 1-for-1 flash deals and promo codes up to $280 off for your next trip ! Hint: This Osaka Amazing Pass will be one of the MANY 1-for-1 flash deals you can score!

Lunch at Matsuri (1h)

• The city's first ever halal takoyaki restaurant , you can savour popular Japanese dishes like takoyaki , okonomiyaki and ramen at pocket-friendly prices ?

Halal status : Halal ingredients used, no non-halal meat or alcohol is sold in establishment Prayer room: Available Opening hours : Sat-Sun (11AM-2PM; 5PM-8.30PM);  Fri, Mon-Tues (5PM-8.30PM); closed on Wed and Thurs Address : 3 Chome-27-17 Yoshino, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0006, Japan Contact : +81669406633 Website | Facebook | Instagram

Sight-see (for FREE!) using the Osaka Amazing Pass (3-4h)

• Enjoy FREE entrance to top attractions like Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, and the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museu m!

Catch panoramic views from Osaka’s tallest building as the sun sets (1h)

• If we know one thing, Japan promises breathtaking views, and Osaka is no exception!
• Witness the breathtaking view of Osaka from Harukas 300 observatory deck at heights of 300m ?

• Head to the 60th floor and get a panoramic view of Osaka from a 360° glass observation deck, called the Celestial Corridor! 
• If you’re up for some shopping, drop by Abeno Harukas with a range of luxury stores to choose from, and enjoy tax returns on the spot!
• You can book your ticket via Klook here ! It’s best to get your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as it does get crowded! 

P.S. If you come down to Klook’s Travel Fest on 29th October , you get the chance to purchase a 1-for-1 flash deal for the Osaka Amazing Pass! ?

Check out the night scene at Dotonbori (2h)

• Take in the lively sights of Dotonburi, and swing by Shinsaibashi, which is the go-to place in Osaka for all things shopping !

• Hop on the Tombori River Cruise (P.S. The ride is FREE with the Osaka Amazing Pass !)
• Alternatively, you can book a 90-minute cruise experience through the popular Dotonburi Cruise and discover Osaka from a different perspective! You’ll even get a chance to be close to observing the opening and closing of the bridge floodgate ?

Dinner at Ramen Honolu

• Slurp up a piping hot, hearty dinner at Ramen Honulu to end your day ?

Halal status : Halal-Certified The average price of main dishes : JPY1000 Address : 2 Chome-5-27 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan Opening hours : 11:30AM–2PM, 5PM–9PM daily; closed on Tuesdays Website | Facebook | Instagram

Check in at MIMARU Osaka Namba North

• This newly-launched hotel has huge family rooms and is just a short walk away from JR Namba Station!

Address : 1-chōme-2-3 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan Contact : +81-6-6645-7111

Day 6: Be a wizard for a day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) 

• No trip to Osaka is complete without visiting USJ! As the park is super popular (and crowded), you don’t want to risk not being able to get your tickets or the express pass when you reach the ticketing counter. Remember to book your USJ admission ticket in advance on Klook to get instant confirmation!
• Since you’re already there, do consider getting the USJ Express Pass and shorten your waiting time! You’ll also get the best views of the amazing parades with the special Express Pass holder viewing areas
• Note : The Express Pass is an addition to the USJ admission ticket (which is a separate purchase) to enter the park.

• All aboard the Hogwarts express! Time to live out your childhood dream of going to Hogwarts and proudly don your house colours ?

• Complete your Hogwarts student experience with a frothy mug of Butterbeer (non-alcoholic of course ?) while wondering around Hogsmede!

• Visit popular attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Flying Dinosaur, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and more ?

• There are new attractions such as the Super Nintendo World, which brings Nintendo’s most iconic locations, including the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s Castle, and Bowser’s Castle to life! You can race alongside your friends in Mario Kart, or hop on Yoshi and as you search for Captain Toad on a treasure hunt ?
• Depending on the time you’re in Japan, don’t forget to check out the limited-time events! Anime fans would love the 4D Jujutsu Kaisen experience . Running from now till July 2023, watch the fierce battle between Itadori and friends, and a Cursed Spirit ?

• Meet your favourite mascots, catch the free parades and splurge on character merchandise like adorable soft toys and popcorn buckets ?
• Hop on thrilling 4D rides based on popular animes like Evangelion XR Ride, Godzilla, Attack on Titan and Monster Hunter!

P.S. Klook will be running their Travel Fest from 29th October to 30th October , where you can get the chance to score 1-for-1 flash deals for top activities such as Universal Studios Japan and even up to $280 off promo codes ! Don’t you love even MORE discounts?!

Lunch at Azzurra di Capri

• Have a slice of delicious vegetarian pizza ?
• Note : Do note that this eatery is not halal-certified, however, vegetarian options are available. We advise that you dine at your own discretion.

#HHWTip : For those staying late till dinner, there's a Muslim-friendly menu at Red Lobster, just outside USJ.

• You can request a room at Family Services to fulfil your prayers before leaving the park!

Dinner at Tsuki No Odori

• Rejoice if you're a chicken lover! Tsuki no Odori, known for their chicken dishes has a halal menu. They've taken great care to ensure that the halal dishes served meets their standards and diners' expectations.
• Be sure to try the succulent yakitori ?
• Note: It's best to make a reservation before visiting, especially if you're going in a group of 4 or more, as although they do have halal meals on hand, the number of servings is limited.

Halal status : Halal ingredients are used, and alcohol is served in the establishment so do dine at your own discretion. Average price : JPY3000 Opening hours : 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5.30PM - 10.30PM daily Address : 2 Chome-26-13 Kujominami, Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0025, Japan (〒550-0025 大阪府大阪市西区九条南２丁目２６−13) Contact : +81 6-4393-0088 Nearest subway station : Kujo (exit 1/2) Facebook | Instagram

Time to head home ?

• Say sayonara to Osaka and take the shinkansen back to Tokyo using your JR Pass

Dinner at Narita Airport

• Have one last meal at KINEYAMUGIMARU, a halal-certified udon eatery at Terminal 1!

We hope this itinerary will inspire you to revisit your favourite Japanese cities soon! We know we can’t wait to head back there again! ? As you’ve seen in the itinerary, Klook does help to bring great discounts to all your favourite attractions, so why not head down to Suntec City from 29th October to 30th October , where you can get the chance to score 1-for-1 flash deals and up to $280 promo codes available for all tourist destinations in Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and more ?! ? If you come early and are among the first 100 visitors daily with a Entrance Pass *, there are free goodie bags with extra promo codes and hidden golden tickets up for grabs as well! This would definitely excite you: if you get a goodie bag with a golden ticket hidden inside, you’ll get to enjoy a 2N Resorts World Cruises Voucher (Balcony Deluxe Cabin) for 2 worth $1977 EACH ?There’s only 1 per day, so you have to make your way down here and try your chance in getting this golden ticket ? Don’t forget the dates - 29th October and 30th October 2022 from 11am to 9pm, at Suntec City West Atrium! This article is brought to you by Klook.

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TOKYO MUSLIM Travelers’ Guide 2024-2025

• Comprehensive Guide
• Accommodation
• MyFirstTokyoTrip
• All Tokyo Metropolitan Areas
• All 23 Wards
• All Tama Areas

The Tokyo Muslim Travelers’ Guide is designed to make your visit to Tokyo as comfortable, enjoyable, and meaningful as possible. The restaurants, lodgings, places of worship, and shops in this guide do their utmost to accommodate the lifestyles and customs of Muslim guests. This guide also presents you with opportunities to experience Japan’s traditional culture and cuisine. Even establishments which primarily cater to Japanese customers are often able to accommodate the needs of Muslims. Staff may be able to make changes such as menu substitutions, so please feel free to ask if you need anything at all. We wish you, our Muslim friends, an enjoyable and truly memorable stay in Tokyo!

The flyer is available by a PDF file.

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Tokai explorations - where hidden gems are located!

*This article is based on the information as of November 2022 and the latest status may have changed.

Many of us might not know where the Tokai region is. But believe me, Tokai has a lot to offer! Follow me and my comprehensive itinerary for 5 days of Tokai exploration in this 4-article series 

Tokai region consists of four prefectures: Shizuoka , Aichi , Gifu , and Mie , and is located in the subregion of Chubu and Kansai that runs along the Pacific Ocean. The Tokai region is known for its rich history as well as densely populated cities. Despite its with economy thriving on the manufacturing industry, the region remains abundant with untouched nature.   

Check out the overall itinerary!   

Day 1: TOKYO - Matcha experience → Asakusa → Roppongi  Day 2: AICHI - Nagoya castle → Sakae → Osu shopping district  Day 3: GIFU – Shirakawa-go → Wada House  Day 4: GIFU - Hida-Furukawa → Keta-Wakamiya Shrine  Day 5: AICHI - Kimono experience → Inuyama Castle → Honmachi-dori

In this article, I would like to share with you the first two days of the Tokai exploration itinerary. It's a great start for us since we will be starting from the Tokyo area as a gateway!  

Day 1: Exploring matcha and halal ramen in Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the most populated metropolis in the world. Consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, Tokyo is home to 14 million people. Despite its large population, it still offers abundant nature and tradition as well as a rich history.   

I have always wanted to experience a tea ceremony, or try matcha in a real setting in Japan. It finally came true when I visited Jidaiya at the heart of Tokyo, in Asakusa . I learned so much about tea ceremonies here, such as the rules and the history of the tea ceremony. I also got a chance to try making the tea myself. I was so impressed by how different and delicious the tea was using the technique taught in the tea ceremony! I believe you should try it too, at least once in your life!  

After that, I went straight to Nakamise Street at Asakusa. Asakusa is very famous for Nakamise Street and Sensoji Temple. Built 1400 years ago, this temple has a fittingly rich history. The temple had been destroyed several times before by natural disasters as well as war, but it had been rebuilt again with almost the same architecture and design. Nakamise Street which is located in front of Sensoji Temple is home to many merchants, where you can find many souvenirs, street sweets like manju, as well as a perfect spot for photos!  

Next, I went to a Halal ramen shop, Ayam-Ya, also in the Asakusa area. Actually, it is quite challenging to find Halal ramen in Japan because most ramen recipes in Japan usually use pork as its main ingredient in making the broth, but facilities like Ayam-ya swaps the recipe using ingredients that are safe for Muslims to eat. If you happen across a shop that offers Halal ramen, do not miss your chance to try it! I tried Chicken Miso Shio Ramen and it was so delicious! If you like spicy ramen, you could try Chicken Miso Spicy Ramen too!      (※ Ayam-ya’s Halal certificate is issued by local private halal certification organization, Japan Halal Foundation.)  

After filling my stomach, I went to Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. Tokyo Midtown is very famous for its illumination and ice-skating rink during winter, and its beautiful garden during other times of the year. For Muslims, there are prayer spaces available as well in the mall.   

After strolling in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, it was the end of Day 1. My hotel for the night was the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Shinagawa. The hotel was very spacious, and near to Shinagawa station. It was so convenient!

Stay tuned for my Day 2 exploration in the next article!  

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Home > Highlighting JAPAN > Highlighting Japan June 2019 > Toward a Multicultural Symbiotic Society

Highlighting JAPAN

The Door to Multicultural Coexistence that Halal Initiatives Open

The number of Muslim travelers visiting Japan is increasing gradually. Welcoming travelers with diverse religious and cultural customs goes beyond hospitality and opens wide the door of multicultural coexistence.

In 2003, the Japanese government formulated the Visit Japan Campaign, aiming to double the number of foreign visitors to Japan, then at about 5,21million, by 2010. Subsequently, a goal of 40million visitors by 2020 and 60million by 2030 was set in 2016. As of the end of 2018, that number had increased to 31,19million. Of those, about 86% were travelers from Asia. Growth is expected especially in visitors from Malaysia and Indonesia, countries with large Muslim populations. There are as many as 1.6 billion Muslims (as of 2010), making up 23% of the world population. Thanks to relaxed visa regulations in 2013 and other measures, the number of visitors from Malaysia and Indonesia has increased from about 65,000 from each country in 2003 to about 470,000 and 400,000, respectively, in 2018. The government aims to create an environment where Muslim visitors can not only worship as normal, but also enjoy Japanese food with peace of mind, as well as expand the number of Muslim visitors, which is why they formulated the Action Plan for Receiving Muslim Visitors to Japan in 2018. Recently, major airports, railway stations and other public facilities have been equipped with prayer rooms for Muslims having Qibla pointing out the direction for worship. The number of “halal-certified” products has also increased. Halal means that which is legal or allowed according to Islamic law. Hitomi Remon, chairperson of NPO Japan Halal Association, is one person who has worked to spread this halal certification. She took up employment in Malaysia in her 20s and became a Muslim there. After spending five years in Malaysia, she started a company in Dubai, and returned to Japan after the financial crisis in 2008. “Muslims are not allowed to ingest pork, non halal meat which is not slaughtered according to Islamic law, or alcoholic drinks. When I first came back to Japan, the supermarkets didn’t sell any meat that I could eat. So I started working with halal certification so that supermarkets can have halal sections where Muslims can find ingredients without the need to worry.” She gathered supporters who could convey correct information about Islam and halal, and founded NPO Japan Halal Association in 2010 as a nonprofit organization. They invited lecturers from the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), and the association staff studied together about the functions of halal certification bodies that conform to international standards as well as internationally acknowledged halal certification. Halal applies to the method of animal slaughter and to a wide variety of products, including food additives, health foods, and other food products, as well as cosmetics and medical supplies. They have gathered teaching materials about this and currently hold monthly two-day courses for people interested in halal and companies that want to halal-certify their products, alternating between Tokyo and Osaka. In 2012, the Japan Halal Association was mutually recognized by JAKIM, and Japanese products certified by the association could now be exported to Malaysia. For example, in the case of Japanese traditional condiments like miso and soy sauce, halal certification was difficult due to the small amounts of alcohol produced during the manufacturing process. Remon informed JAKIM about how they are made and what they contain, and export become possible when they agreed that “natural alcohol coming from natural fermentation is not considered impure. Moreover, this is not just about exports, as the number of products with the halal certification mark that Muslim residents and travelers in Japan can safely purchase is increasing as well. Remon explains that, “In the future, living together with people from other countries will be the norm, so I hope that Japanese children can get interested in Islam too. I want to contribute to the building of a foundation for coexistence with diverse peoples and cultures by the time they grow up. I feel I have responsibility for that.” The association visits elementary schools, high schools, and universities to tell students about the lifestyle of Muslims, as well as invite adherents of other religions to social events, keeping busy with creating a diverse range of opportunities. The halal-related ideas of Remon and the activities of the association are not just for Muslims, but it goes without saying that they are important also in the sense that they enrich multicultural coexistence in Japan.

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© 2009 Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

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Resources, support grow for Japan’s Muslims

Renewing focus on their faith and spiritual life, Muslim communities around the world have spent the past month fasting and praying during Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The end of this period is marked with a joyous celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, which means “the Festival of Breaking the Fast” in Arabic. This year it will be observed from sundown on May 1, with celebrations generally lasting two to three days, depending on the country.

The past two years of the pandemic have been challenging for Japan’s international residents, many of whom have found it difficult to travel to visit loved ones in their home countries. Against this background, sharing and celebrating special times takes on even greater significance and the members of Japan’s Muslim community have been looking forward to connecting with one another during Eid.

Tokyo Camii is Japan’s largest mosque and has been a cornerstone of the Muslim community since 1938. Located in Shibuya Ward, this striking domed structure was rebuilt in 2000 and features a 48-meter-high minaret. In addition to serving as a center for worship, the mosque operates a halal market and online store, along with various outreach activities.

Of particular note is the Tokyo Camii Young Muslim Club, organized for and by younger people in the community. Members include Muslims born and raised here, as well as Muslims of Japanese nationality, who collectively represent the up-and-coming face of Islam in Japan. The club organizes regular study groups and gatherings to allow Muslim youth to learn more about their faith while interacting with one another. Non-Muslims with an interest in the club’s activities are welcome to join, too.

Despite the difficulties of dealing with the pandemic, growing resources for Muslims in Japan means there is plenty to celebrate. Sakura House and Sakura Hotel have been welcoming international visitors since 1992, with a variety of accommodation choices for both short- and long-term stays. Moreover, the bilingual staff go the extra mile to support international guests in navigating daily life in Japan, while also arranging events and gatherings to help newcomers make connections.

In recent years an increasing number of considerations have been factored into the facilities at Sakura House and Sakura Hotel to specifically cater to the needs of Muslim guests. These include accommodations exclusively for use by Muslims and equipped with prayer rooms, as well as friendly staffers who are well-versed in the needs of the Muslim community.

“During the pandemic, we have continued efforts to ensure we are always ready to welcome newcomers and those coming back to Japan. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many Muslim residents and guests who have stayed with us over the past few years. We consider them to be like family, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back as Japan gradually opens up,” said General Manager Masayo Namiki.

Opened in November 2020, the Fujikawaguchiko Masjid (mosque) is in close proximity to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. The area also has halal food options, making it an ideal getaway for Muslim visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Japan up close.

The Japan Halal Certification Promotion Organization and the Muslim community collaborated to convert a former capsule hotel into the mosque, creating the beautiful and welcoming space you see today. Facilities at the mosque include a cafe serving halal foods, including the ever-popular kebabs.

“With the opening of the first-ever mosque in Fujikawaguchiko, we hope that the Islam community will grow and more Japanese people will come to understand and accept Islam,” said Abdul Qudir Kato of the JHCPO.

While Japan is still closed to tourists for the present, it seems likely that we will continue to see more Muslim-friendly resources and facilities, which will be welcome news for both residents and visitors alike. In turn, this will help promote awareness of Islam among the Japanese population, resulting in deeper mutual understanding.

https://www.sakura-house.com/

http://fujikawaguchiko-masjid.jp/

Download the PDF of this Eid al-Fitr S pecial

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Japan embraces Muslim visitors to bolster tourism

Japanese entrepreneurs see lucrative opportunities in attracting Muslim tourists.

Tokyo, Japan –  While the United States debates the feasibility of closing its doors completely to Muslim immigrants and visitors, Japan has quietly been adopting the opposite approach and rolling out the welcome mat for Muslims. It sees Muslim tourists as an opportunity to boost its economy.

This blossoming of Japanese hospitality towards Muslims stands in direct contradiction to widely circulated internet rumours among US conservatives claiming that Muslims are not even allowed to enter Japan.

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Tourism is one area where the “Abenomics” policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have undeniably found the success that has so far eluded much of the rest of the programme. 

When Shinzo Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party returned to power in December 2012, the value of the Japanese Yen was at about 85 to the US dollar.

His government’s push for monetary easing devalued the Yen sharply, so that it now stands at about 120 Yen to the US dollar. One result of this is that it has now become much more affordable for overseas tourists to visit Japan.

The Abe government had initially set a target of attracting 20 million tourists each year by 2020.

But the acceleration in numbers has far outstripped expectations, meaning that the 20 million figure may be met this year – five years ahead of schedule. Now the government has revised its target upwards to 30 million tourists by 2020.

Muslim hospitality handbook

Muslim tourism, led by Malaysians and Indonesians, is a major part of this wave.

According to the figures compiled by the Japan National Tourism Organization, by the end of October 2015 the number of Malaysian inbound tourists had risen by 18.2 percent over last year’s figures. The one-year jump in the numbers of Indonesians visiting Japan was even more dramatic at 30.8 percent.

When the total numbers are calculated, it appears that something like 270,000 Malaysian and just under 200,000 Indonesians will have visited Japan this year. Naturally, smaller numbers of Muslim tourists are visiting from other nations as well.

Japanese local governments and businesses have been responding proactively to this new set of customers arriving on their shores. 

For example, Aichi Prefecture in central Japan recently published a Japanese-language Muslim Hospitality Handbook to teach the Japanese how they should behave when Muslim customers enter their shops.

With its cartoon illustrations, this handbook covers a lot of ground in its 15 pages – outlining basic Muslim beliefs and global demographics, common difficulties that Muslims face when visiting Japan, the facilities that Muslims need in order to pray, the locations of the local mosques, the food Muslims can eat, and wi-fi services that Muslims visiting Japan might find helpful.

Muslims searching for halal restaurants can now find online lists, and Japanese businesses have been moving to enter the halal food market with an eye towards expanding agricultural exports.

Catering to the tourists

Some Japanese travel agencies now offer special programmes aimed specifically at Muslim travellers.

For instance, a small start-up called Travelience now offers a one-day Tokyo Tour for Muslim Tourists.

The company’s chief executive, Naoaki Hashimoto, explained to Al Jazeera how the creation of the package was led by customer demand.

Originally Hashimoto’s company offered only a standard lunch tour, but he and his staff quickly observed that the Muslims who joined the tour wouldn’t eat any of the food served to them. Japanese staff felt sorry watching their Muslim customers go hungry, so Hashimoto began to investigate what kind of food he could serve to his Muslims.

Together with other local business owners, he organised study meetings to learn about halal food and where it could be found in Tokyo.

Based on this, Hashimoto designed his special tour package for Muslims, which includes the standard tourist venues, such as the Tsukiji fish market, the Hamarikyu gardens, and the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, but also lunch at a halal restaurant and mosque visits for midday and early afternoon prayers.

RELATED: Japan’s newest mosque 

Hashimoto reports that his Muslim customers are overwhelmingly from Malaysia and Indonesia, but that he has also had some from further afield, such as Saudi Arabia.

Finding halal food

Japan is making rapid strides in developing its approach to Muslim tourism, but based on interviews with ordinary Muslims at popular sites such as Tokyo Asakusa, there is still room for progress.

Hafiz Rivky, a young Malaysian travelling with two friends, spoke of difficulties communicating with the Japanese, finding places for prayer, and obtaining halal food.

READ MORE about Islam in Japan – past and present

He said that he was mostly surviving on onigiri with seaweed which he was buying from convenience stores.

On the other hand, other Muslims who did some online research before their visit said they had few difficulties in finding halal food and that all the necessary facilities for Muslims exist in Tokyo as long as you know where to look for them.

The Japanese are as exposed to negative portrayals of Muslims as any other nationality, but unlike in much of the rest of the world, they are opening their arms to Muslim tourists.

Follow Michael Penn on Twitter: @ShingetsuNews

11 Countries Muslim Travelers Will Feel Welcomed And Safe

Muslim travelers seeking countries in which they can feel welcome and safely travel have many options. Here are 11 of those destinations.

Ayah A. • Apr 12, 2021

Muslim travelers seeking countries in which they can feel welcome and safely travel have many options. From majority Islamic nations where the call to prayer echoes through the streets, to non-Islamic countries with Muslim -friendly facilities like halal restaurants and mosques .

Here are 11 destinations where Muslims can safely and comfortably travel. (Some of them may surprise you!)

Travel blogger, Ren, “The Travelette” , has visited over 35 countries worldwide. Her top choice is one she says accommodates all cultures, religions, social groups, tastes, and mentalities.

“Usually when we talk about safe countries for Muslim travelers we automatically think of other Muslim countries like Turkey. For me, that country was Spain .”

With more than 90 mosques and an abundance of halal food options, Japan is another Muslim-friendly destination.

“Japan is known for its respectful culture and polite locals,” says blogger Kareemah Ashiru . “There are many aspects of the Japanese culture that resonate with the Islamic way of life, one of which is cleanliness. I find it fascinating that although Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is the world’s largest metropolitan areas, it ranks high for being very clean. In both the Japanese and Islamic lifestyles, cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

“A Muslim traveler would be pleased to find out that in Japan, the majority of their toilets have high-tech bidets with different pressure and temperature levels to purify oneself. The Narita international airport and even some cafés have meditation rooms that Muslims can pray in.”

Sometimes we visit a country for sun and fun, but end up finding much more. This is exactly what happened to nurse Molly Sowe her first time in The Gambia .

“I am an American convert to Islam. Although, I had begun dabbling in Islamic theory and culture, I was still very much unacquainted at the time.”

Upon her arrival, Molly was greeted with smiles and kindness by everyone, and says she found a serenity in the Gambia she had never experienced before. 

Angabin Naqvi and Sayed Sajjad Haider couldn’t help but feel nervous about their first visit to Pakistan.

“We were worried about security, so we tried to stay discreet about being foreigners. Little did we know, Pakistan would soon conquer our hearts— that was the first of many trips back.”

The husband and wife blogger duo felt safe, comfortable, and inspired in Pakistan, where they found cities rich in culture with plenty of flavorful halal cuisine.

“Lahore is our favorite city because of its vibrant history, a lot of it still remains intact today! You can see architectural masterpieces, tombs, mosques, and ancient cities inspired by the Mughal Era. It’s fascinating to see how they’ve preserved the history of the city while also continuing to advance surrounding areas with highly impressive malls and restaurants.”

“Islamabad, the capital, is nestled between green mountains and large hills. Most foreigners choose to go up north in Hunza Valley to see the most beautiful mountains and lakes of the country.”

With it outdoor hot springs, ice caves, waterfalls, and miles and miles of semi-frozen and green countryside, Iceland offers much to explore.

Her first experience outside the country as an adult, photographer Maymunah Kelly felt very comfortable in Iceland .

“Aside from the chilling winds and short daylight hours, Iceland is a beautiful country. When you do come into contact with locals they’re nothing but sweet.”

“I noticed they’re often shy, but there was never hostility over the questions of my scarf, my garments or anything towards me or my companions; only questions out of curiosity.”

Religious freedom is celebrated in Tanzania, where people of various religions live in harmony. It’s no wonder that Muslims feel so content when visiting.

Tanzanians are extremely friendly, hospitable, and welcoming to foreign visitors. Halal food is plentiful, and modest dress is observed even by non-Muslim natives. Muslims will feel at home in gorgeous Zanizbar, Tanzania’s Muslim-majority island.

With waterfalls, deserts, vibrant cities, and mountains, Morocco is a destination that’s at the top of many travel bucket lists.

“It’s a beautiful North African Muslim country with both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline,” says Breaking Borders author Adil Ismaaeel .

“No matter what city that’s visited, Muslim travelers feel a sense of familiarity. Morocco is filled with culture and has a rich and diverse Islamic history Muslims can appreciate.”

South Korea

We’ve all heard stories of South Korea and the curious and sometimes intrusive stares many foreigners receive while visiting. However, Malikka Moreaux , author of Kintsugi , reminds us to never judge a place based upon someone else’s experience.

“As a Black Muslim woman, I felt incredibly safe during the several weeks I spent in South Korea. I even spent the second half of Ramadan and Eid there, and it was an unforgettable experience.”

“The Itaewon district, also known as the foreigner district, has a plethora of halal options as, well, so I always felt there was plenty to eat during my time there.”

Turkey is home to several Islamic museums and some of the world’s most breathtaking mosques.

“It’s a beautiful Islamic country that is welcoming to Muslims and non-Muslims from all over,” says Mohammed Alnajjar .

“There is safety, security, and stability, little racism or discrimination, and mosques everywhere. It’s also quite affordable, so definitely a country worth visiting.”

Known for being an extremely hospitable and welcoming country, travel blogger Mutmainah Adeyemi , says Mexico is one of the safest countries she has visited as a Black Muslim hijabi.

United Arab Emirates

Muslims from all over visit the United Arab Emirates to marvel at its stunning Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. In addition to the more than 9,000 mosques spread throughout the seven Emirates, prayer rooms can be found at many business establishments, including malls and hotels.

A highly multicultural city, Dubai offers halal food of various different international cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Lebanese, Philippine, and of course, traditional Emirati dishes such as balaleat and al machboos. Dubai is also home to many malls and boutiques, where Muslims can shop for Islamic items, such as books, clothing, and decor.

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• v.7(5); 2021 May

Assessing Muslim travellers' preferences regarding food in Japan using conjoint analysis: An exploratory study on the importance of prayer room availability and halalness

Ramadhona saville.

a Department of Agribusiness Management, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan

Akhmad Mahbubi

b Department of Agribusiness, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia

Associated Data

The data that has been used is confidential.

This study investigates the priorities of food preference attributes of Muslim travellers in Japan to identify Muslim consumers' willingness to pay for food at establishments that offer religion-related services and to divide Muslim travellers in Japan into consumer segments. A mixed methods approach combining a questionnaire survey (386 respondents) and semi-structured, in-depth interviews (12 respondents) was employed. Food preference priority attributes were examined using discrete-choice conjoint analysis, while willingness to pay was investigated via the incentive-compatible elicitation of a consumer's reservation price range, commonly known as ICERANGE, procedure. Muslim travellers were segmented via hierarchical clustering. The results indicate that Muslim travellers in Japan prioritise prayer room availability first and halalness second when dining out. Other attributes, which figure less strongly, include access, word of mouth, and price. Muslim travellers in Japan are willing to pay 1.4 to 1.7 times more than the average price of a meal when the establishment also offers a religion-related service such as a prayer room. Moreover, the study identifies four segments of Muslim travellers in Japan: prayer-room oriented, halal-label oriented, low-budget oriented, and high-end oriented. The study's findings offer valuable insights for business owners and managers who seek to target Muslim travellers in Japan.

Muslim travellers, Discrete-choice conjoint analysis, Willingness to pay, Muslim traveller segmentation, Prayer room, Halalness, Japan

1. Introduction

Muslims attract interest for their religious beliefs, practices, political views, roles in society, and involvement in geopolitical events, and the Muslim market is thriving in both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority countries ( Bergeaud-Blackler, 2016a ). Moreover, the joint effects of tourism and globalisation highlight the value of the massive Muslim market for businesses around the world ( Wilson, 2014 ). CrescentRating (2017a) estimated the number of international Muslim travellers at 121 million in 2016 and expected this number to grow to 156 million in the following five years. Furthermore, CrescentRating (2017a) projected that Muslim international travel expenditures would reach 220 billion USD by 2021 and 300 billion USD by 2026.

In Japan, both the size of the Muslim population and the number of Muslim travellers have increased significantly. In 2008, the number of Muslims living in Japan was estimated at 10,000; by 2017, this estimate increased to between 100,000 and 200,000 people, only 10% of whom are native Japanese ( CrescentRating, 2017b ). Over a similar period (2004–2016), Muslim tourist arrivals to Japan also increased from approximately 150,000 to 700,00, and this number was projected to surpass 1 million by 2018 ( CrescentRating, 2017b ). Noting the global Muslim population and the increasing trend among Muslims to travel internationally, both Samori et al. (2016) and Battour and Ismail (2016) highlighted the significant potential for halal tourism in Japan. Therefore, this study focuses on Muslim travellers in Japan whose presence could boost Japan's economy.

In 2016, 1.7 million, or nearly 60%, of Muslim travellers in Japan originated from ASEAN countries, with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore representing 27%, 23%, and 5%, respectively ( CrescentRating, 2017b ). These numbers, too, are expected to increase in the years ahead ( CrescentRating, 2017b ). The opportunity for visa-free travel to Japan, which Indonesians have enjoyed since 2014 and Malaysians have enjoyed since 2013, has likely contributed to this increase, as has the availability of low-cost carrier flights to Japan ( Japan National Tourist Organization [JNTO], 2018 ).

A preliminary study ( Saville, 2020 ) to the present investigation identified halal food and prayer room availability as the most significant issues for Muslim travellers. ‘Halal’ itself is an Arabic word from the Muslim holy book of the Quran, which is translated simply as ‘permissible’ according to the teachings of Islam ( Bergeaud-Blackler, 2016a ). Typically, the term ‘halal’ describes permissible food for Muslims. Muslims are known for abiding by halal food regulations ( Chaudry and Riaz, 2014 ), which deem foods other than pork and alcohol as halal. Several decades ago, Muslims began to demand labels on halal foods imported to Muslim-majority countries ( Rosnan et al., 2015 ; Faridah, 2019 ) and halal foods served in Muslim-minority countries ( Bergeaud-Blackler, 2016b ). Since then, Muslims' awareness of halal-labelled food has increased ( Verbeke et al., 2013 ; Jamal and Sharifuddin, 2015 ), and the availability of halal food is among the key concerns of Muslim travellers when they visit Muslim-minority destinations ( Battour et al., 2011 ; Abodeeb et al., 2015 ). Because Muslims must pray at five set times each day and begin each prayer session with a ritual washing, another priority for Muslims is prayer room availability. Although Japan is known as a Shinto and Buddhist country and only four mosques operated there in the 1980s, the number of mosques in Japan exceeded 90 by 2017 ( Ambler, 2017 ; Tanada, 2019a ). In the last several years, prayer rooms have also become increasingly available in Japanese restaurants and shopping areas. Therefore, the magnitude of the influence of these two priorities – halal-labelled food and prayer room availability – on Muslim travellers' food preferences in Japan must be clarified.

While the increasing availability of halal food and prayer rooms and the exponential growth in the number of Muslim consumers underscore the immense potential of the halal market, the academic literature examining these topics remains sparse. Furthermore, Muslim consumer behaviour in Japan remains unclear; thus, efforts must be made to understand the defining characteristics of Muslim travellers ( Henderson, 2016 ). Several studies have targeted the mini-market form of halal food stores and their distribution channels ( Higuchi & Tanno, 1999 , 2000 ; Shimizu, 2007 ; Fahmida, 2012 ), but few studies have specifically investigated Muslim consumer behaviour, especially among Muslim travellers in Japan. Kojima (2012 , 2013) reported the frequency with which Muslims who live in Japan use halal shops and restaurants for their daily needs. However, Kojima's works solely targeted Muslims who live in Japan and not Muslim tourists in Japan. Moreover, Kojima's works were conducted several years before the rapid increase of Muslim-friendly establishments and Muslim consumers in Japan. Consequently, it remains necessary to investigate the consumer behaviour of Muslim travellers in Japan.

Several recent studies have examined the behaviour of Muslim travellers in South Korea, a neighbouring country of Japan which has also experienced an increase in Muslim travellers ( Kim et al., 2015 ; Han et al., 2019 ; Al-Ansi et al., 2020 ). Kim et al. (2015) reported that from the perspective of Muslim travellers, South Korea surpasses Japan in offering ‘access to Muslim culture’ and thereby satisfying Muslim travellers. Meanwhile, Han et al. (2019) identified halal-friendly attributes of Muslim travellers in South Korea which can be useful for tourism marketing. Finally, Al-Ansi et al. (2020) reported inconveniences Muslim travellers experienced in South Korea and thus offered insights for Korean tourism stakeholders to consider when addressing common issues afflicting this valuable tourist market. With these studies in mind, it is important for Japan to learn from South Korea as it engages in its own efforts to target Muslim travellers.

Examining Muslim travellers in other contexts, Syed (2001) and Al-Hamarneh and Steiner (2004) identified the mosque as among the most crucial facilities for Muslims. Mansfeld et al. (1995) stated that Muslim travellers in Israel tend to choose hotel accommodations based on their proximity to a mosque. A study by Mohsin (2005) suggested a similar tendency among Malaysian Muslim travellers in Australia. This choice of accommodations close to a mosque likely implies that Muslim travellers in Israel and Australia are not mobile and tend to participate in activities near their hotels. However, the studies were conducted decades ago, and the characteristics of travellers in Japan might differ from those in Israel and Australia. Travellers in Japan enjoy significant mobility via public transportation, including the JR pass, a rail pass for overseas visitors sold by the Japan Railways Group. This pass even includes the Japanese bullet train, the Shinkansen ( JR East, 2018 ), which enables travellers to make the 500-kilometre trip from Tokyo to Osaka in just two hours. Because there is no reason to suspect that Muslim travellers are any less mobile than other tourists in Japan, the mobility issues experienced by Muslims in Israel and Australia might not apply to the Japanese context. As with mosques, Muslim travellers also prioritise prayer room availability. Nevertheless, before the current study, an investigation of Muslim travellers' preferences and prayer room availability in Japan had not been conducted.

Another priority for Muslim travellers is halal-labelled food. Japan has witnessed a veritable boom in halal-labelled food since 2010 ( Adidaya, 2016 ). The 30 halal certification agencies operating in Japan in 2019 attest to this attribute's importance ( JHBA, 2019 ). For comparison, only four halal certification agencies were operating in South Korea in 2019 ( Seth, 2019 ). During the preliminary study, several business owners mentioned that halal certification, which is must be secured at least once every one to five years, is complicated and expensive ( Saville, 2020 ). Yamaguchi (2019) also reported the issues impeding halal certification. Counterfeit halal certifications pose an additional problem ( Adidaya, 2016 ), which further confuses business owners. Therefore, questions remain regarding the influence of halal-labelled food on Muslim travellers' preferences in Japan. For example, does the halal label truly influence Muslim travellers' selection of food service establishments in Japan, or does another factor, such as prayer room availability, word of mouth (WoM), or price, take precedence?

Pricing for food with religion-related services (halal-labelled food with a prayer room available) was among the issues mentioned by business owners and managers during the preliminary study ( Saville, 2020 ), as was the segmentation of Muslim travellers in Japan. Business owners further seek to determine the appropriate price threshold for Muslim travellers; in other words, willingness to pay (WTP) must be clarified. No previous study has quantified how much more than the average price of food Muslim travellers are willing to pay for food with religion-related services. To establish a niche target market based on customers' preferences, business owners and managers require this information and the segmentation of Muslim travellers ( Liu and Shih, 2005 ). As with WTP, however, no previous study has attempted to segment the market of Muslim travellers in Japan.

The objectives for this study are as follows: (i) to clarify Muslim travellers' preferences regarding food from the point of view of prayer room availability and halalness relative to other attributes, (ii) to identify the WTP of Muslim travellers for food with religion-related services in Japan, and (iii) to segment the market of Muslim travellers in Japan. By accomplishing these objectives, this study illustrates the characteristics of Muslim travellers in Japan, which can inform and improve the effectiveness of Japanese business owners' strategies.

2. Data collection and analysis methods

2.1. research design and process.

This study followed a systematic process comprising six stages to satisfy its research objectives. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the first stage entailed a preliminary study conducted from October 2018 to January 2019 in the Greater Tokyo and Greater Osaka areas ( Saville, 2020 ). The preliminary study involved a literature review; interviews with travellers, restaurant owners, and managers; and focus group discussions (FGDs) with experts from Food Diversity (the parent company of Halal Media Japan, a widely known media outlet in Japan and the first Japanese media outlet dedicated to halal- and vegan-related issues in Japan). The results of the preliminary study were used to design the questionnaire and interview in the second stage. Specifically, this entailed selecting attributes and designing items for the questionnaire and for the in-depth interviews.

Research design and process.

In the third stage, data was collected using a mixed method, namely the concurrent triangulation method. The fourth stage involved screening the collected data for validity ( Kish, 1965 ). To complete this comprehensive assessment of the statistical data, the study employed the Validation and Transformation Language (VTL; SDMX, 2018 ) and evaluated the margin of error. In the fifth stage, data analyses using discrete-choice conjoint analysis (DCCA), willingness to pay (WTP) analysis, and cluster analysis via hierarchical clustering were conducted. Finally, in the last stage, the results of data analysis were interpreted and applied to answer the research questions.

2.2. Data collection

Using mixed methods, the study integrated qualitative and quantitative data to clarify Muslim travellers' preferences and willingness to pay and to segment Muslim travellers. In particular, the study implemented the concurrent triangulation method by conducting the questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews simultaneously ( Creswell and Clark, 2011 ). Among the different types of mixed methods research, the concurrent triangulation method is the most common and well-known approach ( Creswell et al., 2003 ). Its advantages include the ability to directly compare quantitative statistical results with qualitative findings and to validate or expand quantitative results with qualitative data ( Greene and Caracelli, 1997 ). Moreover, mixed methods analysis offers social science researchers a richer understanding of the phenomena of interest through complementarity, insight, and expansion of the study scope ( Greene, 2007 ). A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods has also proven accurate in reflecting social science research phenomena ( Allan, 2002 ). Khoo-Lattimore et al. (2017) highlighted the use of mixed methods in numerous studies investigating phenomena in the tourism research sector. Among these, Al-Ansi et al. (2020) recently used mixed methods to clarify the inconveniences experienced by Muslim travellers in South Korea.

2.2.1. Quantitative approach

The data employed for the quantitative analysis were gathered from a random questionnaire survey distributed online via Food Diversity's social networking services (SNS), including Halal Media Japan's SNS (see Appendix for questionnaire form). The questionnaire survey was posted on Food Diversity's SNS six times from July 2019 to February 2020. Target respondents were Muslims who had travelled to Japan within the last five years (since 2014). The study used 2014 as the threshold because visa-free travel from Muslim-majority Southeast Asian countries began in that year ( JNTO, 2018 ). The questionnaire consisted of a demographic component as well as an assessment of Muslim travellers' food preferences and WTP.

To determine the number of respondents required for the questionnaire survey, this study employed the well-known Cochran's (1977) formula to calculate a representative sample for proportions. The equation can be written as follows:

where e is the margin of error (the desired level of precision), z is the z -value of the confidence level (the selected critical value of the desired confidence level, which can be derived from a z -table), p is the estimated proportion of an attribute that is present in the population, and n is the sample size. The sample size n can be represented as shown in Eq. (2) :

Aczel and Sounderpandian (1999) and Anderson et al. (2008) asserted that it is common in social scientific studies for margins of error to be no greater than ±5% at the 95% confidence level (here, z is 1.96). As for p , a number must be chosen assuming the optimum variability of p ( p - 1), which eventually equals 50%, or 0.5. Thus, the number of samples n must exceed 384 respondents.

2.2.1.1. Conjoint analysis design: selection of food attributes and levels

To analyse Muslim travellers' food preferences quantitatively, detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) was applied ( Louviere et al., 2000 ). This study used DCCA because the method is proven to conceptualise in a straightforward manner a product or service as a series of multi-level attributes (or factors driving consumers), including the importance of the attribute ( Orme, 2006 ; Anderson et al., 2008 ). The DCCA was conducted twice to ensure that the consumers were consistent in their preferences. Specifically, this study selected ramen restaurants and shopping malls as sample cases for the DCCA. The choice of ramen restaurants and shopping malls was based on a preliminary study ( Saville, 2020 ), which identified ramen as the first-choice Japanese food among Muslim travellers in Japan in recent years. For their part, shopping malls are recognised among the places Muslim travellers are most likely to visit in Japan, typically for dining, shopping for souvenirs (mostly food), or merely relaxing during their travels. In addition, Japanese shopping malls usually offer a variety of food options, which makes the shopping mall an important sample case to consider in the presents study.

The profiles of the ramen restaurants and shopping malls used in the questionnaire for the DCCA were based on the results obtained from the preliminary study ( Saville, 2020 ) and a review of the literature. Table 1 presents a summary of the selected attributes and their levels. The attributes for the ramen case are halalness ( Kojima, 2012 ; Takei, 2018 ; Han et al., 2019 ; Miyake and Onishi, 2019 ), prayer room availability ( Kojima, 2013 ; Sumi, 2018 ; Han et al., 2019 ; Tanada, 2019b ), WoM ( Park and Han, 2016 ; Saville et al., 2020 ), and price ( Ritson and Petrovici, 2001 ; Olya and Al-ansi, 2018 ), while the attributes for the shopping mall case are halalness ( Kojima, 2012 ; Takei, 2018 ; Miyake and Onishi, 2019 ), prayer room availability ( Kojima, 2013 ; Sumi, 2018 ; Tanada, 2019b ), and access ( Hackett and Foxall, 1994 ; Komura, 2019 ).

Table 1

Attributes and levels used in conjoint analysis design.

Halalness is as an important factor in Muslims' decisions regarding where to dine out ( Kojima, 2012 ; Takei, 2018 ; Han et al., 2019 ; Miyake and Onishi, 2019 ). After conducting the FGDs in the preliminary study, this study divided halalness into two levels: halal-labelled food and Muslim-friendly food. Halal-labelled food is defined as food that has formally received halal certification from an organisation, while Muslim-friendly food is defined as food that does not contain any pork or alcohol, or food that has itself been labelled as ‘Muslim-friendly’.

Prayer room availability, a daily need, is another important factor for Muslim travellers ( Kojima, 2013 ; Sumi, 2018 ; Han et al., 2019 ; Tanada, 2019b ). After conducting the FGDs in the preliminary study, this study divided prayer room availability into two levels: prayer room available in the food establishment and prayer room not available. Because WoM represents another factor influencing food choices ( Park and Han, 2016 ; Saville et al., 2020 ), this study also incorporated a WoM attribute, including electronic WoM via the Internet or social media. Based on the interview results from the preliminary study, the present study opted to divide WoM into two levels: mostly positive (reviews) and mostly negative (reviews).

In addition, price – a crucial element predicting customer behaviour before, after, and while using a product or service ( Ritson and Petrovici, 2001 ) – has also been reported as an important factor influencing Muslim customers' perceptions of and purchase decisions regarding halal products ( Olya and Al-ansi, 2018 ). Based on the FGDs and interviews, this study divided price in the ramen sample case into four levels: 7 USD/portion, 8 USD/portion (the average ramen price in Japan, according to J-cast [2018]), 11 USD/portion, and 13 USD/portion.

Finally, this study also included access among the attributes affecting the shopping mall's ability to attract customers ( Hackett and Foxall, 1994 ). Komura (2019) reported that access to shopping malls is especially important for foreign travellers, including Muslim travellers, in Japan. Thus, this study adapted Komura's (2019) work to divide access into two levels: easy access and not easy access. It defines easy access as a location within 10 min walking distance from the train station or bus stop.

Because the questionnaire survey entailed a large number of possible profiles – the ramen case with four attributes and several levels (2 × 2 × 2 × 4 = 32) and the shopping mall case with three attributes and two levels for each attribute (2 × 2 × 2 = 8) – a full factorial profile was not appropriate. Additionally, the study was deliberately designed to enable trade-offs and thereby encourage the respondents to think deeply about the main factors that influence their choice of food establishments in Japan. A fractional factorial trade-off profile design was therefore employed to test the effect of attributes on consumer preferences ( Harrison et al., 1998 ). The hypothetical trade-off ramen and shopping mall profiles used for the questionnaire survey are shown in Table 2 . For the quantitative analysis, 64-bit R software version 3.6.1 was used, while the conjoint R package library was implemented for the DCCA ( Bak and Bartlomowicz, 2018 ).

Table 2

Hypothetical ramen restaurant and shopping mall profiles used for the questionnaire survey.

2.2.1.2. Willingness to pay for halal food with prayer rooms available

This study sought to illustrate the WTP range of Muslim travellers in Japan when they can eat halal-labelled food while also accessing a prayer room in the restaurant or nearby. In general, WTP can be calculated via direct and indirect measurement, and both approaches have been shown to produce pricing decisions that align with real purchase data ( Miller et al., 2011 ). This study calculated WTP via the direct approach because the direct approach is simpler in both its questions and its interpretation ( Dost and Wilken, 2012 ; Steiner and Hendus, 2012 ; Hofstetter et al., 2020 ). In the ramen case study, moreover, the WTP range – rather than a single price point – was used because WTP varies based on several factors. To account for this variability, WTP is typically expressed as an aggregate number with a corresponding range of upper and lower limits rather than as a single price point ( Wang et al., 2007 ; Dost and Wilken, 2012 ).

In the questionnaire survey, this study implemented the incentive-compatible elicitation of a consumer's reservation price range (ICERANGE) procedure ( Wang et al., 2007 ), which is easy to interpret and capable of capturing actual price sensitivity ( Dost and Wilken, 2012 ; Hofstetter et al., 2020 ). The ICERANGE procedure involved three steps. The respondents were asked to (i) state the maximum price at which they would definitely buy the product (100% purchase probability), (ii) indicate the price level at which they would be indifferent to buying or not buying the product (50% purchase probability), and (iii) state the price at which there was only a small (10%) probability that they would purchase the product. Based on this information, the study computed the average WTP range at a 95% confidence interval.

Like the DCCA, this study used ramen restaurants as the sample case to measure the WTP range because ramen is among the most preferred Japanese foods for travellers, including Muslim travellers. Moreover, using ramen, which was also used for the DCCA, made the organisation of the questionnaire survey more straightforward and easier to understand for the respondents.

2.2.1.3. Muslim travellers' segmentation via cluster analysis

Customer segmentation – defined as the process by which the customers of a business are divided into groups according to their preferences, characteristics, and purchasing behaviours ( Qian and Gao, 2011 ) – is a common method of partitioning customers into externally distinct and internally uniform groups to create varied marketing strategies that target each group according to its characteristics (needs and wants). Segmenting customers into groups also enables marketers to be more efficient in their use of time, money, and other resources ( Cooil et al., 2008 ). By analysing large volumes of collected customer data, businesses can improve their marketing decisions based on customers' preferences ( Liu and Shih, 2005 ). Furthermore, a business entity can generate an optimum profit if, based on customer segmentation, it uses its resources thoughtfully to cultivate the most loyal and useful group of customers ( Zeithaml et al., 2001 ).

Recognising that the approach has proven an effective method for customer segmentation ( Namvar et al., 2010 ; Gaur and Gaur, 2013 ; Hung et al., 2019 ), this study applied hierarchical clustering with the agglomerative approach. Namvar et al. (2010) applied hierarchical clustering to a data set from an Iranian bank, which resulted in valuable management measures and suggestions. Similarly, Gaur and Gaur (2013) employed hierarchical clustering to analyse the transaction data from a supermarket and offer suggestions for management strategy. Meanwhile, Hung et al. (2019) implemented hierarchical clustering to segment e-commerce consumers. In this study, to define more precise consumer segments via the agglomerative approach to hierarchical clustering ( Rokach and Maimon, 2005 ), the preloaded ‘hclust’ function in the ‘stats’ R package library was employed. In determining the number of clusters, empirical judgement was exercised while also considering the heterogeneity measure for each cluster solution by applying the cubic clustering criterion ( Milligan and Cooper, 1985 ). To apply the cubic clustering criterion, the ‘NbClust’ in the R package library was used ( Malika et al., 2014 ).

2.2.2. Qualitative approach

To complement its quantitative approach and clarify the main factors affecting Muslim travellers' decisions regarding where to dine out in Japan, this study employed a qualitative approach (concurrent triangulation). Qualitative data was collected to understand these decisions – and the reasons behind them – more deeply than would be possible through a quantitative approach alone. The qualitative data was collected by conducting semi-structured, in-depth interviews that adhered to guidelines set out in Guion et al. (2011) and that aligned with the seven stages of Kvale's framework (1996) . The in-depth interviews were conducted in places popular with Muslim travellers, such as halal-labelled and Muslim-friendly restaurants and experience activities, a shopping area that provides halal food or prayer rooms, and so on. The target study areas for the interviews ranged from the north to the south of Japan, namely, the Hokkaido Prefecture, the Greater Tokyo area, the Greater Osaka area, and the Fukuoka Prefecture. These target areas were selected based on the preliminary study ( Saville, 2020 ), which identified regions popular with Muslim travellers. Twelve Muslim respondents were interviewed (three respondents in each target study area) to verify the credibility of the information gathered ( Guion et al., 2011 ). Respondents in each target area consisted of single men, single women, and families.

The in-depth interviews, which were conducted from July 2019 to February 2020, were then analysed using narrative technique analysis. Narrative technique analysis has several beneficial characteristics ( Riessman, 1993 ; McCormack, 2004 ). It is straightforward and easy to interpret, and it allows the respondents to tell their own stories in their own words, which enables researchers to gather more honest opinions from the respondents. Furthermore, it is useful because it seeks to discover what kinds of things are happening rather than to determine the frequency of predetermined issues. These characteristics were deemed ideal for this study, which relies on the analysis of frequency via a quantitative approach but which requires a qualitative approach to assess respondents' authentic opinions.

The in-depth interviews were characterised by freely flowing conversation that began when the interviewer asked respondents to identify their country of origin, the places they had visited or planned to visit while in Japan, and their favourite food in Japan. Next, Muslim travellers were asked to respond to the following key questions:

• 1) What do you think about halal- or Muslim-friendly products or services in Japan in general?
• 2) Where do you find halal- or Muslim-friendly information in Japan?
• 3) What is your priority when you wish to dine out and enjoy your favourite food in Japan?
• 4) What is your priority when you visit a shopping mall in Japan?
• 5) Do you have any suggestions to make Japan a more Muslim-friendly country?

Several additional questions assessed the respondents' WTP via the ICERANGE procedure. Throughout the in-depth interviews, which averaged 47 min, the respondents openly discussed their travel experiences and shared their concerns, suggestions, and opinions about their preferences regarding food in Japan.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. respondents' demographic characteristics.

After distributing the questionnaire survey, 393 responses were captured. However, seven respondents were excluded (for a total of 386 valid respondents) after data validation screening ( Kish, 1965 ). The respondents' demographic characteristics are summarised in Table 3 . Most respondents were female (68.1%) and from Southeast Asia (85%), and most respondents (82.4%) also had a higher education degree. This profile matches previous findings, including those from Gomes and Montenegro (2016) , who emphasised the increasing significance of women in the global travel market. CrescentRating (2019) reported that, globally, 63 million Muslim women travellers spent an estimated 80 billion USD in 2018. In general, these women are young, highly educated, and self-employed. In terms of age, 79.3% of the respondents were under 40 years old. Meanwhile, 40.4% of the respondents were single, 22% were married, and 37.6% were married with child(ren). Professionally, more than half of respondents (59.1%) were employed, and one third of the respondents (31.9%) were earning between 1,000 and 2,000 USD each month. Unsurprisingly, most of the respondents' destinations were concentrated in Japan's largest cities, especially the Greater Tokyo (36.5%) and Greater Osaka (33.5%) areas.

Table 3

Respondents' sociodemographic characteristics ( n = 386).

3.2. Muslim travellers' preference factors

3.2.1. food preferences with ramen restaurants as a sample case.

This study used ramen restaurants and shopping mall areas as sample cases to conduct the DCCA and ensure that the respondents were consistent in their preferences. A summary of the DCCA using the ramen sample case is shown in Table 4 , while Figure 2 presents the average importance of attributes for that case. The adjusted R-squared of the model evaluation is 0.7491, which indicates that the attributes in this study can explain approximately 75% of the variability in the response data around the mean. As Table 4 and Figure 2 demonstrate, the most influential factor affecting Muslim travellers' food preferences among ramen restaurants is prayer room availability (31.05%), followed by halal labelling (28.88%), WoM (21.85%), and price (18.22%). These findings indicate that Muslim travellers in Japan tend to choose ramen restaurants by considering the availability of a prayer room and halalness as their first and second priorities, respectively. The result might be related to previous studies of Muslim consumers' behaviour in other contexts. For example, Muslims in Malaysia tend to be more satisfied with a restaurant when a prayer room is available ( Ismail, 2012 ). Even the wide availability of mosques and prayer rooms in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, does not diminish the degree of satisfaction Muslims living in Malaysia derive from dining out at establishments that have prayer rooms available.

Table 4

Summary of the DCCA using ramen restaurants as a sample case.

Significance codes: ∗∗∗ <0.001.

Residual standard error: 45.24; multiple R-squared: 0.7699; adjusted R-squared: 0.7491; p -value: < 2.2e-16.

Average importance of attributes using ramen sample case.

The following interview response from an Indonesian Muslim tourist in his 30s who travelled to Tokyo with his wife and child further highlights the attributes influencing food preferences:

Having a prayer room makes it easy for us to pray rather than looking around for places to pray. So while eating, we can do prayer too. Even though it is not [halal-]labelled yet [i.e., it is Muslim friendly], but the owner must be thoughtful of his or her Muslim customers by providing prayer room. Of course, halal labelled is also my next priority when choosing food. It is perfect when there is a prayer room, and the food served is halal labelled. [The restaurant] having a positive reputation is an added bonus. At first, the price seems to be a bit high but to eat halal ramen once in a while and to have other services [the prayer room, etc.], the price is completely tolerable.

The response above exemplifies the DCCA result. In particular, Muslim travellers prioritise prayer room availability first because this access enables them to complete their prayer obligation while enjoying typical Japanese food. Meanwhile, their second priority is halal-labelled food. Considering the recent halal boom, the halal label's position as second among Muslim travellers' priorities is unsurprising. Perhaps more surprising, however, is the finding that Muslim travellers tend not to consider price when selecting their preferred establishments. Nevertheless, this finding may be explained by the respondents' relatively higher level of education. Among the respondents, 82.4% had completed higher education, which is generally known to increase income ( Tinbergen, 1972 ; Park, 1996 ; Carnoy, 2011 ). This explanation seems likely among Indonesian and Malaysian respondents, who comprise 44% and 32.9% of the present study's respondents, respectively. Previous studies have shown that consumers of both ethnicities tend to disregard food prices as their income increases ( Lee and Tan, 2006 ; Saville et al., 2020 ). Further discussions of price (WTP) are offered in Section 3.3 . Taken together, these findings suggest that rather than pursuing halal certification, business owners and managers should prioritise efforts to provide prayer rooms for Muslim travellers in Japan.

3.2.2. Food preferences with shopping malls as a sample case

Table 5 summarises the DCCA using shopping malls as a sample case, and Figure 3 presents the average importance of attributes. The adjusted R-squared of the model evaluation is 0.7389, which indicates that the attributes in this study can explain approximately 74% of the variability in the response data around the mean. Figure 3 clearly indicates prayer room availability as the most influential factor for Muslim travellers choosing shopping malls to visit in Japan (37.35%). Travellers' second and third priorities are halalness (32.35%) and easy access (30.3%), respectively. This result is similar to those of the previous ramen sample case, where prayer room availability was the first priority of Muslim travellers in Japan, and it underscores the importance Muslim travellers ascribe to their prayer obligations, which may distinguish Muslim travellers from travellers of other faiths. Cetin and Dencer (2016) found that compared to travellers of other religions and travellers who are atheists, Muslim travellers require additional facilities and services for praying. Thus, it is unsurprising that prayer room availability significantly affects Muslim travellers' choice of establishment to patronise in Japan. El-Adly and Eid (2017) found that Muslim consumers frequently leave shopping malls, shorten the duration of their shopping trips, or opt for more Muslim-friendly establishments to ensure that they can meet their prayer obligations, and Jeaheng et al. (2019) revealed that the provision of halal-friendly facilities contributes to high Muslim visitor satisfaction. Thus, malls with prayer facilities appear to add value for the Muslim consumer.

Table 5

Summary of the DCCA using shopping malls as a sample case.

Residual standard error: 44.32; multiple R-squared: 0.7418; adjusted R-squared: 0.7389; p -value: < 2.2e-16.

Average importance of attributes using the shopping mall sample case.

The following response from an interview with a Malaysian Muslim traveller in her 20s who travelled to Osaka with her friends complements the image of Muslim travellers' shopping mall preferences:

You typically spend a lot of time in a shopping mall to eat, buy some souvenirs and shopping, so you will definitely need a prayer room, which is very important. It would be so helpful for Muslims when prayer time is coming. It is perfect if we also have [halal-]labelled food in the mall, but as we know, since it is not Muslim-majority country, it is quite difficult to find the [halal-]labelled one. The option here is to find a restaurant that explicitly states Muslim-friendly food. [As a] last option, we can still order veggies/fruit salad or fish [from the] menu in the mall. Easy access is also the chosen one, especially when you are in a group like families or us maybe. Having easy access is good because most travellers like us don't have cars and depend on public transportation like train[s] and bus[es], so easy access is more favourable.

The response above exemplifies the DCCA result using shopping malls as a sample case. Muslim travellers prioritise prayer room availability first because they can complete their prayer obligations while having a meal and participating in other activities. The interview response also indicates that Muslim travellers typically spend a significant amount of time in shopping malls because these establishments offer a one-stop place to shop, eat, and complete other activities. This finding aligns with a recent report from Yokoyama (2021) , who stated that Muslims in Japan typically desire to spend hours in shopping malls. Thus, shopping mall owners might find it beneficial to accommodate these travellers' prayer room needs because in doing so, they encourage travellers to spend more time – and likely spend more money – at their establishments. Moreover, the interviewee's response above and the DCCA results underscore the secondary importance of halalness for Muslim travellers. While the halalness of food is an important factor among Muslim travellers, they may relegate it to a secondary position because many exhibit flexibility by consuming Muslim-friendly food or choosing vegetable-, fruit-, and fish-based foods.

Together, the results of the DCCA for both sample cases confirm the consistency of respondents' preferences: in choosing both ramen restaurants and shopping malls, Muslim travellers in Japan tend to consider prayer room availability as their first priority. Despite the recent boom in halal certification among Japanese establishments, the availability of halal-labelled food is secondary. After considering prayer room availability and halalness, the respondents also consider other factors, such as WoM, price, and access. Therefore, business owners and managers who seek to attract Muslim travellers in Japan must first ensure that a prayer room is available and then consider offering halal-labelled food. If, for example, a restaurant or retail establishment wishes to target Muslim travellers and the owners have already reviewed the ingredients of the products offered to ensure they meet the demands of Muslim travellers (i.e., to ensure that they are at least Muslim-friendly), the business would do well to provide a prayer room instead of obtaining halal certification.

3.3. Willingness to pay

In the questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews, the respondents were required to answer several questions to measure their WTP for food in Japan. As explained in the method section, this study again used ramen restaurants as a sample case to identify WTP for food. After gathering responses via the ICERANGE procedure, the average WTP interval range at the 95% confidence interval was computed.

The results reveal that the respondents were willing to pay more than the average price of food when Japanese establishments offered religion-related services. Specifically, they were willing to pay 11.56 to 14.22 USD for one serving of halal-labelled ramen at an establishment that also offered a prayer room facility. According to a survey conducted by J-cast (2018) , the average price of a single serving of ramen in Japan is 8 USD. This means that the respondents were willing to pay 1.4 to 1.7 times more than the average price when additional conditions were met, that is, when the ramen was halal labelled and the restaurant provided a prayer room facility. This finding supports previous study conducted by Verbeke et al. (2013) who stated that Muslim consumers are willing to pay higher prices for halal-certified products. This study's analysis of WTP also aligns with the DCCA results of the ramen sample case in the previous section, which indicate that the respondents tend not to care about price as long as they also obtain desired religion-related services. Like the previous findings, this result can inform business owners' efforts to target Muslim travellers in Japan by setting appropriate food prices.

3.4. Muslim travellers' segmentation

To segment the market of Muslim travellers in Japan and offer further insights for business owners, the study conducted hierarchical clustering with the agglomerative approach ( Rokach and Maimon, 2005 ). Cluster analysis identified three groups of Muslim travellers with different preference patterns. Tables  6 and ​ and7 7 summarise the average importance and utility estimate values for each Muslim traveller cluster in the ramen sample case and the shopping mall sample case, respectively.

Table 6

Average importance and utility estimate values obtained via cluster analysis for three Muslim traveller clusters using ramen restaurants as a sample case.

Table 7

Average importance and utility estimate values obtained via cluster analysis for three Muslim traveller clusters, using shopping malls as a sample case.

As indicated in Table 6 , Cluster 1 for the ramen sample case included 259 Muslim travellers (most, or 67.1%, of the total respondents) This cluster considered prayer room availability their first priority (with an average importance of 43.36%), followed by halalness and WoM; however, they did not consider price when determining their food preferences. Likely facilitating this cluster's decisions were mobile applications focused on halal food and restaurants, such as Halal Navi, which offer customer reviews and are popular in Japan ( Samori et al., 2016 ). Meanwhile, information remains limited regarding the accessibility of prayer facilities. Halalness was the most important attribute (42.34%) in Cluster 2, which included 91 Muslim travellers (23.58% of the total respondents), 70% of whom were older than 40 years. Cluster 2 was similar to Cluster 1 in that Muslim travellers in both clusters relegated price to the lowest level of priority. The only difference was in the order of their first and second priorities, namely halalness and prayer room availability.

In contrast to Clusters 1 and 2, price (30.29%) was the top priority for Cluster 3, which included the fewest respondents (9.32% of the total). Yet the importance of price among respondents in Cluster 3 – all of whom were younger than 25 years – is unsurprising because younger individuals also tend to exhibit lower annual income levels ( t -value = 5.2924, p -value = 2.472e-06) than other respondents. For this reason, the respondents in Cluster 3 may also have opted for low-budget travel packages among several available from Indonesia (e.g., Tour Japan, 2019a ) and Malaysia (e.g., Let's Go to Japan, 2019 ).

Table 7 summarises the segmentation of Muslim travellers' and the preferences of each cluster in the shopping mall sample case. Once again, Cluster 1 included most respondents (74.61%, or 288 Muslim travellers), and once again, these respondents ranked prayer room availability first, with an average importance of 44.75%. Next, they prioritised ease of access and, lastly, halal-labelled food availability. Halal-labelled food availability was the most important attribute (42.72%) in Cluster 2, which included 69 Muslim travellers (17.88% of the total respondents). Meanwhile, access was the top priority of the 7.51% of respondents in Cluster 3 (with an average importance of 36.37% and a utility value for recognising impeded access [‘not easy access’] of 18.1834). This situation suggests that respondents included in Cluster 3 wish to secure both prayer room availability and halal-labelled food availability even as they acknowledge the impediments to accessing such shopping malls. Further examining the characteristics of respondents in Cluster 3 also revealed that their annual income was significantly higher compared to the other respondents ( t -value = 7.3875, p -value = 5.621e-05). Thus, it may be that the respondents in Cluster 3 used high-end tours or chartered private cars, which allowed them to explore greater distances without worrying about access, while other respondents, who relied on public transportation, were more geographically limited. The availability of several high-end tours, such as Tour Japan (2019b) and Japan Private Tour (2019) , attests to the likelihood of this explanation.

After conducting hierarchical clustering to clarify Muslim travellers' segmentation in Japan, this study identified four segments: (i) Muslim travellers who prioritise prayer room availability, (ii) Muslim travellers who prioritise halal-labelled food, (iii) Muslim travellers who prioritise low-budget products and services, and (iv) high-end Muslim travellers who seek prayer room availability and halal-labelled food without concern for price. The first segment, which represents most of the respondents (67.1% in the ramen sample case and 74.61% in the shopping mall sample case), considered prayer room availability their first priority. As the DCCA in the previous section does, these results suggest that business owners and managers can target most Muslim travellers by accommodating their prayer room needs first.

The second segment of Muslim travellers contains the approximately one fifth of respondents (23.58% in the ramen case and 17.88% in the shopping mall case) who prioritised halal-labelled food availability. The halal certification boom of recent years suggests that business owners are currently targeting this market segment – perhaps because they remain unaware of a much larger market segment that prioritises prayer room availability over halal-labelled food. In any case, these business owners would be advised to conduct an evaluation of their business strategy. While an opportunity to target this smaller market segment certainly exists, it would be much easier to target the majority in the first segment.

The third segment contains a small number of young (below 25 years of age) and low-income Muslim travellers (9.32% in the ramen sample case) who sought low-budget products and services as their first priority. Due to this market segment's relatively small size, its members are unlikely to find many establishments targeting their priorities. Business owners who do wish to target this market segment might do well to collaborate with existing low-budget travel agencies.

Finally, another small segment of Muslim travellers (7.51% in the shopping mall sample case) exhibited high income levels and sought all the attributes studied, that is, prayer room availability, halal-labelled food, and others, without concern for price. Again, this market segment's relatively small size suggests that business owners target it via collaborations with existing high-end travel agencies.

4. Conclusion

This paper highlights the food preferences of Muslim travellers in Japan by conducting a DCCA, WTP analysis, and consumer segmentation as well as in-depth interviews. Muslim travellers in Japan tend to consider prayer room availability their first priority when deciding where to dine out. They prioritise halal-labelled food availability second and then consider other factors such as WoM, price, and access. The WTP analysis indicates that Muslim travellers in Japan are willing to pay 1.4 to 1.7 times more than the average price for the same food when they are assured of the food's halal certification and can access a prayer room in the restaurant or nearby.

This study also highlights four segments of Muslim travellers in Japan. The first segment represents most of the respondents, who consider prayer room availability their first priority. The second segment, comprising approximately one fifth of respondents, prioritises halal-labelled food availability. Both the third and fourth segments are relatively small; while the former prioritises low-budget offerings, the latter group of higher-income respondents prioritises both prayer room and halal-labelled food availability.

In achieving its objectives, this study answers the questions Japanese business owners and managers raised in the preliminary study. Thus, its results offer useful insights and recommendations for business owners or managers who seek to target Muslim travellers. This study suggests business owners or managers should prioritise the provision of prayer rooms for Muslim travellers in Japan instead of pursuing halal label certification to target most Muslim travellers, despite the halal boom in the last several years. This study can also provide a point of reference when setting food prices when the food is offered with religion-related services.

To further develop these recommendations, future research would do well to investigate the information sources Muslim travellers use when deciding where to dine out. Additional studies might also (i) identify travel patterns among Muslim travellers in Japan, (ii) explore inconveniences afflicting Muslim travellers in Japan, and (iii) assess the economic impact of Muslim travellers in Japan, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Declarations

Author contribution statement.

Ramadhona Saville: Conceived and designed the experiments; Performed the experiments; Analyzed and interpreted the data; Contributed reagents, materials, analysis tools or data; Wrote the paper.

Akhmad Mahbubi: Analyzed and interpreted the data; Wrote the paper.

Funding statement

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Data availability statement

Declaration of interests statement.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

No additional information is available for this paper.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Food diversity (including Halal Media Japan) for their understanding of this research and their kind cooperation. We also wish to thank Mrs Raisa Nursaputri for the help and fruitful discussion about this study. This research was supported by Tokyo University of Agriculture under Grant Young Researcher Support Research Project 2019.

Appendix A. Supplementary data

The following is the supplementary data related to this article:

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Assessing Muslim travellers' preferences regarding food in Japan using conjoint analysis: An exploratory study on the importance of prayer room availability and halalness

Affiliations.

• 1 Department of Agribusiness Management, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.
• 2 Department of Agribusiness, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia.
• PMID: 34095572
• PMCID: PMC8165419
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07073

This study investigates the priorities of food preference attributes of Muslim travellers in Japan to identify Muslim consumers' willingness to pay for food at establishments that offer religion-related services and to divide Muslim travellers in Japan into consumer segments. A mixed methods approach combining a questionnaire survey (386 respondents) and semi-structured, in-depth interviews (12 respondents) was employed. Food preference priority attributes were examined using discrete-choice conjoint analysis, while willingness to pay was investigated via the incentive-compatible elicitation of a consumer's reservation price range, commonly known as ICERANGE, procedure. Muslim travellers were segmented via hierarchical clustering. The results indicate that Muslim travellers in Japan prioritise prayer room availability first and halalness second when dining out. Other attributes, which figure less strongly, include access, word of mouth, and price. Muslim travellers in Japan are willing to pay 1.4 to 1.7 times more than the average price of a meal when the establishment also offers a religion-related service such as a prayer room. Moreover, the study identifies four segments of Muslim travellers in Japan: prayer-room oriented, halal-label oriented, low-budget oriented, and high-end oriented. The study's findings offer valuable insights for business owners and managers who seek to target Muslim travellers in Japan.

Keywords: Discrete-choice conjoint analysis; Halalness; Japan; Muslim traveller segmentation; Muslim travellers; Prayer room; Willingness to pay.

© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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A guide to exploring tokyo and kyoto, japan.

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Yasaka Pagoda and Sannen Zaka Street in Kyoto, Japan.

Japan is a country that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience its rich history alongside its cutting-edge modernity. Two cities that epitomize this balance are Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo, the bustling capital, is a vibrant metropolis filled with skyscrapers, neon lights, and a nonstop energy. Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is a serene city known for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and picturesque gardens. Together, these cities offer a comprehensive glimpse into Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.

Exploring Tokyo

The Shibuya shopping district in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Shibuya, for instance, is famous for the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where travelers can witness the organized chaos of thousands of people crossing the street simultaneously. This district is also a hub for fashion, youth culture, and entertainment, with many shops, cafes, and nightclubs.

Senso-ji Temple, Asakua, Japan.

Just a short train ride away is the historic district of Asakusa, where travelers can step back in time and explore the city’s more traditional side. The highlight here is Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, which is approached via the bustling Nakamise shopping street. Here, you can purchase traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural history of Japan.

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The Sagamu food tour includes tastings of many local, traditional sweets.

For those looking to delve into Tokyo’s vibrant culinary scene, the Local Foodie Adventure Tour in Sugamo is a fantastic way to taste authentic Japanese cuisine. Sugamo, often referred to as the “Old Ladies’ Harajuku,” is a charming neighborhood known for its traditional shops and eateries. The tour guides visitors through local markets and food stalls, offering a taste of everything from street food to traditional sweets.

The teamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition in Tokyo.

Another unique experience in Tokyo is the teamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition. This immersive digital art museum blurs the boundaries between the viewer and the art, creating an interactive experience where you become part of the installation. The museum features rooms filled with vibrant projections, where the environment shifts and changes with your movements, offering a mesmerizing experience unlike any other.

Kayaking in Tokyo gives a different perspective of the city.

For a different perspective of the city, consider taking a kayak tour of Tokyo. This activity allows you to paddle through the city’s waterways, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. The route provides stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and iconic landmarks, giving you a chance to see the city from a unique vantage point.

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without exploring its pop culture—two hotspots include Harajuku and Akihabara. In Harajuku, you’ll find the latest fashion trends and quirky shops, while Akihabara is a paradise for fans of anime, manga, and video games.

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, in Tokyo, Japan.

While there are no shortage of hotels in Tokyo, the recently opened Hotel Groove Shinjuku centrally located in the vibrant district of Shinjuku, this contemporary hotel offers modern amenities and stylish rooms. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city, with easy access to Shinjuku’s bustling shopping and entertainment areas. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, JAM17, offers a delightful dining experience, blending Japanese and Western cuisines with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Exploring Kyoto

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan.

While Tokyo dazzles with its modernity, Kyoto captivates with its timeless beauty and cultural heritage. As Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples, shrines, and historic sites, each offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural history. One of the most famous is Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Another must-visit site is Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates that form a pathway up the mountain, creating a breathtakingly serene atmosphere.

Maikos walking on in Gion, Kyoto.

The historic district of Gion is another highlight of Kyoto. Known as the center of Kyoto’s geisha culture, Gion is filled with traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow streets that transport you back in time. It’s a wonderful place to explore on foot, particularly in the evening when the lanterns are lit, casting a soft glow over the streets.

Staying at Machiya Residence Rikyu-An offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese living. This beautifully restored machiya, or wooden townhouse, is located in the heart of Kyoto and provides an authentic and immersive experience. With tatami-mat rooms, sliding shoji screens, and a tranquil inner garden, Rikyu-An combines the charm of old Kyoto with modern comforts.

Food tours are popular excursions in Kyoto.

For food lovers, the Pontocho Evening Food Tour is a good option. Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most famous dining districts, known for its narrow alleys and traditional wooden buildings. The tour takes you to several local izakayas and restaurants, where you can sample Kyoto’s famous kaiseki cuisine, yakitori, and more. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local food culture while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Pontocho.

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

A popular activity for many tourists to Kyoto is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The Tea Ceremony at Camellia Teahouse is located in the heart of Kyoto, and provides an intimate setting where you can participate in a tea ceremony led by a skilled tea master. You’ll learn about the rituals and techniques involved in preparing matcha (powdered green tea) and have the opportunity to savor the delicate flavors of the tea along with traditional Japanese sweets.

Planning a tour to Japan

Most Japan tours start or end in Tokyo.

While some people prefer booking their travel ala cart (hotels, activities, train travel), others prefer to book with an agency. One option is InsideJapan Tours , which was founded by two Japanophiles, Alastair Donnelly and Simon King. Here’s how it works. The agency creates an itinerary based on the requests of the traveler. The itinerary can be in-depth and include hotels, activities, train tickets and more (with each day planned out from morning to night) or can be more a frame-work (with hotels planned and suggestions made in terms of activities).

When including activities in the itinerary, the agency can include Insider Experiences which range from video game tours, an insider’s look at the world of sumo wrestling, Tokyo’s Manga and Anime scene, Kyoto’s gardens tours and Gion’s geisha culture.

One of the key strengths of InsideJapan Tours is their deep knowledge of the country. Their team of experts includes both expatriates who have lived in Japan for years and native Japanese staff. The Insider Experiences are all led by native English-speaking guides, who are also fluent in Japanese and currently live in Japan.

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Evacuation ordered, power out, flights and trains canceled as typhoon approaches Japan

T housands of people in northern Japan were ordered to evacuate Friday because of the risk of flooding and mudslides from a powerful typhoon approaching in the Pacific Ocean.

Flights and train travel in the Tokyo area were canceled as warnings were issued for strong winds and heavy rainfall from Typhoon Ampil, expected to reach waters near Tokyo in the evening and then continue north, bringing stormy conditions to the northern Kanto and Tohoku regions on Saturday.

It had sustained winds of 101 mph with higher gusts Friday morning and was moving north at about 9 mph, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Ampil was not expected to make landfall and could weaken to a tropical storm by Sunday.

Power was out in more than 5,000 households, mostly in coastal Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, east of Tokyo, but also in Saitama to the north.

An evacuation order was sent to the more than 320,000 residents of the city of Iwaki in Fukushima prefecture. More than 30 shelters were set up in school gymnasiums and community centers.

Evacuation warnings were also sent to at-risk areas in the cities of Asahi and Mobarashi in Chiba. Ampil was expected to reach the waters off Chiba by Friday evening.

Tokyo Disneyland, usually open until 9 p.m., closed at 3 p.m. because of the typhoon. Yamato Transport, which makes Amazon and other deliveries in Japan, said no deliveries would be made in Tokyo and nearby affected areas Friday and Saturday.

Shinkansen bullet trains running between Tokyo and Nagoya were halted for the day, a common response to typhoons. Bullet trains serving northeastern Japan and some local Tokyo trains were halted or switched to a slower schedule.

Dozens of departing and arriving flights were canceled at Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda and Narita, as well as at Kansai, Osaka and Chubu airports. The flight cancellations affected about 90,000 people, according to Japanese media reports. Airports and train stations had been packed Thursday with people seeking to avoid travel disruptions from the typhoon.

Officials warned people to stay away from rivers and beaches and be wary of powerful winds.

“We foresee extremely fierce winds and extremely fierce seas,” said Shuichi Tachihara, the meteorological agency's chief forecaster.

Japanese TV showed residents of the island of Hachijojima boarding up windows. Ampil moved past the Hachijo group of islands south of Tokyo by midday as it headed northward.

Kageyama writes for the Associated Press.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .