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Miyagi and Iwate prefectures are located in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. They are known for their scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. Both prefectures have a number of Muslim-friendly facilities and services available to make your trip more comfortable.
Miyagi
The city of Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, located approximately 305 kilometers north of Tokyo.
Miyagi Prefecture can be accessed by Shinkansen (bullet train), the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Tokyo. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station. The journey takes around 2 hours or less, depending on the type of Shinkansen.
Miyagi has diverse attractions from beautiful Matsushima Bay with its iconic pine-covered islets, to castles, historical buildings, and modern cityscapes.
Miyagi Prefecture offers Muslim-friendly services, including dining options and facilities that cater to your specific needs. Miyagi aims to help people of all nationalities and faiths feel at home during their travels. To help Muslim visitors enjoy Miyagi worry-free, you can read Halal Miyagi, a guide to establishments which cater to the needs of Muslim travelers.
Zuiganji Temple
Established in 1609 by the feudal lord Date Masamune (1567–1636), Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima is an impressive complex. The main temple building has ten intricately designed rooms. Each room is decorated with paintings and sculptures that harmonize with specific thematic elements, and each room features a distinct decorated ceiling that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.
The main hall of Zuiganji Temple was designated a National Treasure in 1953, in recognition of its historical and artistic value. Since 1985, a comprehensive restoration effort has been underway for the rooms within the main hall, faithfully returning each to its original splendor. An exception to this restoration initiative is “The Ink Brush Painting Room,” which has been preserved in its authentic state, offering visitors a glimpse into the temple’s historical evolution.
This commitment to preservation underscores Zuiganji Temple’s dedication to maintaining its architectural authenticity and ensuring a profound experience for those exploring its hallowed halls.
Zuiganji Temple
Address: 91 Aza-Chonai, Matsushima, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi-ken
Access: From Sendai Station, take a train to JR Matsushimakaigan Station (approximately 45 minutes), then 10 minutes by foot
Zuiganji Temple
Sendai Agricultural & Horticulture Center Midori-no-Mori
Experience Miyagi’s botanical riches at the Sendai Agricultural & Horticulture Center Midori-no-Mori. Visitors can connect with the seasons and learn more about agricultural practices in the area.
The center provides opportunities to participate in the cultivation process, buy fresh produce, and try fruit picking and other activities. These initiatives aim to kindle a genuine interest in agriculture through hands-on experiences.
Midori-no-Mori is located near the coast to the east of Sendai Station. It is about 30 minutes by car from Sendai Masjid, which is the central hub and administrative headquarters for the Islamic Cultural Centre of Sendai (ICCS).
Catering to the Muslim community in Sendai, Sendai Masjid offers a comprehensive range of religious and cultural activities. These include daily congregational prayers, Friday prayers, and special events during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
Sendai Agricultural & Horticulture Center Midori-no-Mori
Address: 13-1 Kirishinden, Arai, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken
TEL: +81-22-288-0811
Open: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Access: From Sendai Station, take a train to Arai Station (approximately 15 minutes), then a bus to Agriculture Engei Center Mae Bus Stop (approximately 10 minutes), then 5 minutes by foot
Sendai Masjid / Islamic Cultural Centre of Sendai (ICCS)
Address: 7-7-24 Hachiman, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken
TEL: +81-22-226-2625
Access: From Sendai Station, take a bus (approximately 25 minutes) to Yahata 7-chome bus stop, then 5 minutes by foot. Alternatively, from Sendai Station, take a train (approximately 18 minutes) to Kuzuoka Station, then 20 minutes by foot
Islamic Cultural Centre of Sendai (ICCS)
Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
Shiogama is renowned for sushi, making it an essential destination for foodies with a penchant for fresh seafood. At its center, the Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market offers delicious ways to explore Miyagi’s seafood cuisine.
Visitors can enhance their culinary experience by creating their own kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), choosing the finest fresh seafood from a variety of options. This interactive approach makes Shiogama a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic gourmet experience.
The stalls at the market sell a range of seafood, including fresh catches, dried products, and prepared items sourced directly from the nearby Shiogama Port. For Muslim visitors, the market provides an opportunity to indulge in an array of fresh seafood options.
We recommend that you bring your own halal-certified condiments to ensure that your dietary requirements are met while enjoying the food options in the market.
Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
Address: 1-20-74 Shinhama-cho, Shiogama-shi, Miyagi-ken
Access: From Sendai Station, take a train to Higashi-Shiogama Station (approximately 30 minutes), then 15 minutes by foot. Alternatively, take a Shionavi bus from Higashi-Shiogama Station (approximately 5 minutes)
Iwate
Iwate Prefecture is also located in the Tohoku region of Japan, to the north of Miyagi Prefecture. Iwate’s capital city, Morioka, is approximately 460 kilometers north of Tokyo and about 160 kilometers north of Sendai.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Iwate Prefecture is by Shinkansen. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of Shinkansen.
Iwate Prefecture is known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, as well as a number of Muslim-friendly facilities and services available to make your trip more comfortable. The city of Morioka is gradually becoming more Muslim-friendly, with some restaurants and hotels offering Muslim-friendly food and facilities.
Hiraizumi
To the south of Morioka, Hiraizumi is a town with ancient temples and gardens that at one time rivaled Kyoto for its beauty. Some of Hiraizumi’s architectural and natural wonders were designed to represent an ideal world, following the principles of Pure Land Buddhism.
Hiraizumi has many temples and ruins on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including Chusonji Temple and its gilded Konjikido hall.
Hiraizumi Rest House is a tourist facility that is located conveniently close to the World Heritage sites of Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple and has a Muslim-friendly restaurant. Restaurant customers can access a prayer room at this facility (the space is available for groups of 4-5 people or more with advance reservations). The Hiraizumi Rest House is a convenient space for visitors to these historically significant landmarks.
Motsuji Temple Jodo Garden
Address: 58 Aza Osawa, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishi-iwai-gun, Iwate-ken
TEL: +81-191-46-2331
Open: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (November 5 to March 4)
Access: From Morioka Station, take a train to Hiraizumi Station (approximately 80 minutes). Alternatively, from Morioka Station take the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (approximately 40 minutes), then take a train to Hiraizumi Station (approximately 10 minutes). From there, approximately 7 minutes by foot
Motsuji Temple Jodo Garden
Konjikido of Chusonji Temple
Address: 202 Aza Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate-ken
TEL: +81-191-46-2211
Open: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closes at 4:30 p.m. during winter; November 4 – February 28)
Access: From Morioka Station, take a train to Hiraizumi Station (approximately 80 minutes). Alternatively, from Morioka Station take the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (approximately 40 minutes), then take a train to Hiraizumi Station (approximately 10 minutes). From there, take a taxi (approximately 5 minutes). Alternatively, take a Hiraizumi Runrun Loop Bus (approximately 10 minutes), (the bus operates on weekends and national holidays from mid-April to late November)
Konjikido of Chusonji Temple
Hiraizumi Rest House
Address: 10-7, Sakashita, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishi-Iwai-gun, Iwate-ken
Open: 8:40 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (April to November)
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (December to March)
Open year-round (Closed on certain days December–March)
Access: From Morioka Station take the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (approximately 40 minutes), then take a bus to Chuson-ji Temple (approximately 25 minutes). From there, 1 minute by foot
Hiraizumi Rest House
APPI Ski Resort
The APPI Ski Resort is a popular winter destination in the Tohoku region. Within the resort, Nanashigure is a restaurant at the ANA Crowne Plaza Resort APPI Kogen, offering authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant can prepare Muslim-friendly dishes with about 1 weeks’ notice.
APPI Ski Resort
Address: 117 APPI Kogen, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate-ken
Access: From Morioka Station, there is a direct bus service to the resort in winter (approximately 1 hour). Reservations are not required. Charter buses for hotel guests connect Morioka Station and the resort in other seasons. Contact the resort for details.
APPI Ski Resort
Morioka Castle Site Park and Morioka Masjid
Like the city of Sendai, Morioka had a castle commanding a view over the urban landscape. At Morioka Castle Site Park, visitors can see the remains of the castle and learn about the city’s heritage. The park is also a popular place to see cherry blossoms in spring, and colorful leaves in autumn.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Masjid Al Tawheed in Morioka, also known as Morioka Masjid, serves as a central gathering place for Muslims residing in Morioka and nearby cities. Beyond providing a space for daily prayers, Morioka Masjid actively organizes sessions like Friday prayers and Quran classes.
Morioka Castle Site Park
Address: 1-37 Uchimaru, Morioka-shi, Iwate-ken
Access: From Morioka Station, approximately 15 minutes by foot
Morioka Castle Site Park
Morioka Masjid
Address: 2-23 Abetate-cho, Morioka-shi, Iwate-ken
Access: From Morioka Station, take a bus to Tatesakabashi bus stop (approximately 5 minutes), then 10 minutes by foot. Alternatively, walk from Morioka Station (approximately 30 minutes)
Visiting Miyagi and Iwate as a Muslim traveler offers enriching experiences. For prayer needs, mosques and prayer spaces are available, with establishments like Sendai Masjid in Miyagi and Masjid Al Tawheed in Morioka (Morioka Masjid) catering to the Muslim community.
Experience the local culinary scene by savoring Muslim-friendly options. Ensure a seamless dining experience by confirming the ingredients used in dishes and exploring Muslim-friendly alternatives when necessary.
When venturing into historical sites and scenic spots, you can appreciate the cultural significance and beauty of the Tohoku region. Try exploring the well-preserved castle sites and relish the seasonal changes at attractions like Morioka Castle Site Park.
Check local guidelines and resources to make the most of your visit, with useful information at this link for Muslim-friendly information in Tohoku.
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