My Journey to Japan: A Muslim Traveller’s Perspective

Japan had been at the top of my bucket list for years. The neon lights of Tokyo, the peaceful temples of Kyoto, the mouthwatering sushi—I wanted to experience it all.

But as a Muslim traveller, I had some worries. Would I find halal food? Would I have trouble finding prayer spaces? Would I feel out of place?

It turns out that Japan had surprises waiting for me at every corner. And I fell in love with the country faster than you can say arigato!

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First Impressions of Tokyo

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The moment I landed at Narita Airport, I knew I was in a different world. Everything was insanely efficient. The airport staff? Polite to the point that I almost felt undeserving. The train into the city? So smooth and punctual, I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie.

And then, Tokyo hit me—hard. Shibuya Crossing was pure madness in the best way possible. Hundreds (maybe thousands?) of people moved in every direction, yet somehow, it wasn’t chaotic. It was like watching a perfectly choreographed dance. I stood there for a minute, just taking it all in.

The food situation: Easier than expected!

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I had read horror stories about Muslim travellers struggling to find halal food in Japan. But honestly? It wasn’t that bad. I had some of the best meals of my life!

My first halal meal was a steaming bowl of ramen from Naritaya in Asakusa. It was rich, flavourful, and exactly what I needed after a long flight. Then came halal yakiniku in Shibuya, where I grilled my wagyu beef (10/10, highly recommend). And when I wasn’t in the mood for meat, I survived on seafood sushi, tempura, and onigiri from convenience stores.

Some must-visit halal-friendly spots:

• Naritaya Halal Ramen (Tokyo & Kyoto) – Authentic ramen experience!

• Gyumon (Shibuya, Tokyo) – Halal Japanese BBQ heaven.

• Osaka’s Halal Street Food – Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) in Dotonbori.

HalalZilla Tip: The Halal Navi app is a lifesaver. It helped me track down halal spots near me without the guesswork.

Prayer spaces in unexpected places

Another pleasant surprise was how Muslim-friendly Japan had become. Many airports, malls, and train stations had prayer rooms with wudu facilities. Kansai International Airport’s prayer room was one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen!

But sometimes, I had to improvise. I once prayed in a quiet corner of a Kyoto park, surrounded by cherry blossoms. Another time, a kind restaurant owner let me pray in a small storage room. Japanese hospitality is on another level!

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Kyoto: A walk through history

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If Tokyo was all about the future, Kyoto was a step back in time. The moment I arrived, I felt a sense of calm. Wooden houses, narrow streets, and beautiful temples were everywhere.

Walking through Gion, I saw real-life geishas gracefully stepping into teahouses. Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine at sunrise was magical—the thousands of red torii gates stretching into the forest made me feel like I was in a movie.

Then there was Arashiyama Bamboo Forest—I swear, the way the sunlight filtered through the towering bamboo made the whole place feel magical.

HalalZilla Tip: If you hate crowds, wake up early. Kyoto is breathtaking at sunrise.

The kindness of Japanese people

Image credit: Osaka Station | Official Website

What truly made my trip special was the kindness of the people. Despite the language barrier, everyone I met went out of their way to help me.

• A train station worker in Osaka walked me to my platform when I looked lost.

• A ramen shop owner double-checked the ingredients for me after I asked about halal options.

• A local in Kyoto saw me struggling with Google Maps and offered to walk me to my destination.

It was these small acts of kindness that made me fall in love with Japan even more.

Mount Fuji: A dream come true

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Seeing Mount Fuji in real life had been a dream for as long as I could remember. So I took a day trip to Kawaguchiko, one of the best spots to see Fuji.

I was lucky—the sky was clear, and Fuji stood there in all its snow-capped glory. I sat by the lake, sipping a matcha latte (without alcohol-based extracts, of course), and just took it all in. No photos could do justice to the view in front of me.

HalalZilla Tip: Check the weather before visiting. Fuji loves playing hide and seek with the clouds!

What Japan taught me

Japan wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience that changed me in ways I didn’t expect.

• Respect & discipline matter. The way the Japanese people live—with politeness, patience, and mindfulness—was inspiring.

• Minimalism is powerful. Their simple yet thoughtful way of life made me rethink what I need.

• Adaptability makes travel easier. Finding halal food, prayer spaces, and adjusting to cultural differences? Way less stressful when I kept an open mind.

And let’s talk about cleanliness! No trash bins, yet no litter anywhere? I found myself carrying my wrappers in my bag—just like the locals do.

Check Out: Top 18 Must-Have Apps For a Japan Trip: Muslim-Friendly Picks For 2025

Saying goodbye to Japan

Image credit: Guide to Japan _ Official Website

As my plane took off, I felt a lump in my throat. Japan had welcomed me, fed me, and taught me lessons I didn’t even know I needed.

One thing was for sure: I wasn’t saying goodbye. I was just saying see you later, In shaa Allah.

Final thoughts for Muslim travellers

Japan is an amazing destination for Muslim travellers. With a little planning, you can easily find halal food, prayer spaces, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.

If Japan is on your bucket list, my advice? Go for it—you won’t regret it!