Japan – One of Malaysians' Favourite Travel Spots, Now More Muslim-Friendly Than Ever
Kathrine
09-June-2025

 

As most Malaysians know, Japan is always a top pick when it comes to travel. But for Muslim travellers, it used to be a bit tricky – especially when finding halal food and prayer spaces.

The good news? Things have improved a lot over the years. These days, it’s much easier to find halal options and Muslim-friendly facilities, especially in the bigger cities.

Here at Tabigo Japan, we’d love to share some useful info to help our Muslim friends travel with peace of mind.

Travel

In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, halal-certified restaurants are becoming more common. You can find all kinds of food – from Japanese dishes to Malaysian, Turkish, Indian, Indonesian, and more.

If you’re exploring outside the city, the easiest way to look for halal food or prayer spaces is through online platforms and apps.

Stay

There are also many Muslim-friendly hotels and ryokans across Japan. Some of these places provide amenities such as Muslim-friendly meals, prayer mats, qibla direction indicators, and even information about nearby mosques. A few ryokans also offer private onsen (hot spring) baths that you can reserve for personal use — perfect for those who prefer privacy.

Meal

When it comes to food, it’s important to know that most restaurants in Japan don’t cater to special dietary needs unless you make a reservation or request in advance. While Japanese food may look halal-friendly, ingredients like mirin (a sweet cooking sake) are commonly used. On top of that, gelatin or animal-based fats like butter may be found in bread, snacks, or desserts.

For peace of mind, it’s best to eat at places that are halal-certified. You can check reliable restaurant guides made for Muslim travellers — and we personally found that the “Ingredient Scan” feature on the Halal Gourmet Japan app is super useful!

If you're planning a trip to Japan but feeling unsure about the halal situation, don’t worry. Tabigo Japan offers customised halal-friendly tours to make your trip smooth and stress-free — no need to figure everything out on your own. More questions? Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re more than happy to help!

Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helps you plan your next journey to Japan!