REISEFÜHRER Muslim Travelers in Japan Japan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Muslim travelers

The recent boom in Halal tourism is partly because citizens of Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are generally exempt from obtaining visas if they hold an ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards.

The majority of Muslim visitors to Japan are from these countries. Other reasons for a boost in halal travel in Japan include an increase in Muslim-friendly and halal-accredited restaurants and facilities, mosques and tours. Japan is tolerant of different religions and becoming more attuned to the needs of Muslim visitors. Muslim travelers should be aware, however, there is no central agency for halal accreditation. That said, many Muslim-friendly resources exist. These include: the Japan Welcome Guide for Muslim Travelers , Japan Guide for Muslim Visitors , Halal Gourmet Japan , Halal Media Japan and HalalJapan.jp .

An increasing number of hotels in Japan offer facilities and services for Muslim visitors. These range from halal restaurants, to prayer mats and Mecca-facing spaces in individual rooms or common areas. Sometimes, concierge staff are knowledgeable about local halal restaurants and mosques. Most of these services and facilities are in major cities.

Alternative accommodations such as rental apartments, or hotel suites with all-inclusive kitchenettes, are further Muslim-friendly options for travelers wanting more reassurance over the preparation of halal meals.

For Muslim visitors traveling to Japan, halal-certified groceries and food products in Japan refer to ingredients (mostly frozen) meat, and spices as opposed to ready-to-eat-meals. The average supermarket does not stock halal products, but some so-called "ethnic" grocery stores have prepared Indian or other halal curry meals.

At first glance, Japanese cuisine seems halal-friendly as rice, seafood, plant foods and soybean products such as tofu comprise a large part of the traditional diet. However, cooking sake and a sweetened cooking sake known as mirin are used in many Japanese dishes. Such alcohol can also be found in some kinds of miso unless it is additive-free and labeled "mu-ten-ka" (無添加). Gelatin and animal fats such as butter may also be present in breads, snacks and sweets.

Even in restaurants that call themselves halal-friendly, food may not be prepared in a separate halal-only kitchen. Also, be aware that alcohol is served in the majority of Japanese restaurants. Muslims in search of eateries serving halal-certified food are best advised to consult a local restaurant guide catering specifically to Muslim visitors.

Prayer rooms and mosques are mostly found in Japan's larger cities. Most major airports, tourist hotspots and Muslim-friendly hotels are increasingly offering places for Muslims to pray.

A popular and stress-free way for Muslim visitors to travel within Japan is by joining a halal-friendly tour. Such tours typically allow members to see Japan's most famous sightseeing spots, guide them to reliable halal-friendly restaurants and schedule time for visiting mosques and praying.

Before traveling, make sure to do all the relevant research on visa information for Japan .