These Three Theme Parks are Perfect for Fans of Japanese Culture

Thrilling experiences and authentic culture for the avid Muslim traveler.

Visiting one of Japan’s numerous theme parks is on the bucket list for many travelers, especially those piqued by immersive experiences and fantasy elements. They are the ultimate playgrounds for children and adults alike and a great place to spend quality time with family and friends.

More than the hugely popular options like Universal Studios Japan and Disneyland Tokyo, Japan offers so much more when it comes to theme parks. From ninjas to anime, one can find amazing gems created in tribute to Japan’s culture.

If you are a Muslim traveler who is planning a trip to visit Japan’s theme parks, we got you. Here’s a list of 3 unique theme parks in Japan with Muslim-friendly food options and tips!

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

Travel back 400 years to the Edo Period at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura. This cultural park reenacts everyday life in a Japanese town during the Shogunate Period (1603–1868). Rub shoulders with ordinary townsfolk, interact with samurais hanging out in taverns, and wave hello to graceful Oiran walking down the streets. You might even spot a ninja sneaking on the rooftops!

Do not miss the mesmerizing Oiran Parade where courtesans dressed in traditional attire glide through the streets, showing off their elegant footwork. Photo Credit: ©EDO WONDERLAND

The town is realistically created with the usual Japanese exceptional attention to detail. Alongside interactive exhibits, the park educates visitors on Japan’s history and life during the Edo period. Children can enjoy free experiential activities such as learning the techniques of popular Edo-era professions while adults can have their share of fun at the Ninja Training Hall and test their wit in the “escape-room-style” Ninja Karakuri Mansion game.

Train to be a samurai and engage in swordsmanship experiences at the Samurai Training Institute. Photo Credit: ©EDO WONDERLAND

For those wanting a more immersive experience, rent an Edo period costume (there are 20 to choose from) to stroll the streets. Remember to grab a map and activities timetable so you won’t miss a live performance! Some highlights include the Mizugei-za water illusion show and the spectacular ninja action show at the Ninja Theater.

Check out this Muslim-friendly spot:

The scenic mountain town of Nikko is a good destination for Muslim travelers, with some prayer spaces and hotels that offer Muslim-friendly menus. If you seek tranquility and heritage, a great choice is Nikko Kanaya Hotel. This beautiful classic resort hotel has a rich history that dates back 150 years and still retains the charm of the Meiji era (1868 – 1912).

Luxuriate in the calming space of Nikko Kanaya Hotel where the beauty of Japanese architecture blends with the functionalities of Western furniture. Photo Credit: KANAYA HOTEL Co., Ltd.

Nikko Kanaya Hotel offers halal meals in the main dining room (with a prior 5-day reservation) and can also arrange for a prayer space in one of their meeting rooms upon request. Please note that cutlery, kitchen utensils, and kitchen appliances are not separated for halal use.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura (Website)

470-2 Karakura, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2524

How to get there: From Tobu Asakusa Station, take the direct Tobu Kinugawa Line for 8 stops and alight at Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes). Then, take a local bus from bus stop No. 3 to Edo Wonderland (about 15 minutes) or a taxi for about 10 minutes.

Alternatively, there is a free shuttle bus from JR Nikko Station. Please check the official website for the shuttle bus schedule.

Nikko Kanaya Hotel (Website)
1300 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1401
How to get there: From Tobu Nikko Station, take the hotel’s free shuttle bus. Please check the shuttle bus schedule here. Alternatively, from Tobu Nikko Station, take a 5-minute ride on the local bus, alight at Shinkyo bus stop, and continue walking for 3 minutes. 

Sanrio Puroland

Home to beloved Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, KUROMI, and gudetama, Sanrio Puroland theme park is bursting with cuteness. Although it is located in the Tokyo suburb of Tama City, this four-level whimsical theme park is a must-visit for fans of Sanrio characters and lovers of all things cute. Regardless of age, be prepared to be enveloped in a sense of childlike happiness from the moment you step in!

The cutest Sanrio characters spring to life at Sanrio Puroland indoor theme park. Photo Credit: © 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ

Character greetings are a highlight of the theme park. Look forward to rubbing shadows with playful characters at Puro Village. You can also get up close and personal with your favorite characters with photo opportunities at various attractions.

The other main draw of Sanrio Puroland is the live performances and musical shows, with one of the most popular ones being the Miracle Gift Parade. Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, My Melody, and other Sanrio characters from the Strawberry Kingdom appear on colorful floats, inviting everyone into a whimsical world where miracles happen. 

Hop onboard the delightful Sanrio Character Boat Ride to meet all your favorite Sanrio friends! Photo Credit: © 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ

Did we also mention that the theme park is fully indoors? Don’t worry about the weather and let your inner child take over for a delightful day!

Check out this Muslim-friendly spot:

After an exciting day at Sanrio Puroland, return to central Tokyo and look forward to a sumptuous protein-packed meal at Gyumon Halal Yakiniku. This renowned eatery is a halal-certified grilled meat chain restaurant with five outlets in Tokyo. 

Indulge in high-quality halal Wagyu beef grilled to perfection over charcoal.

Gyumon Halal Wagyu Yakiniku is Japan's first halal wagyu beef yakiniku restaurant and has been welcoming hungry diners all around since 2007. Diners are in for a treat as they specialize in high-quality BMS12, halal-certified Wagyu beef grilled over individual charcoal stoves. Think juicy well-marbled meat that is buttery rich and smoky, dipped in a handmade sauce.

Muslim-friendly tip: All ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods are halal-certified.

Sanrio Puroland (Website)

1-31 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo 206-8588
How to get there: From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line Express to Keio-Tama-Center Station, and walk for 9 minutes.

Gyumon Halal Wagyu Yakiniku (Website)

3-14-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
How to get there: Walk 5 minutes from JR Shibuya Station.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

As the only Jidaigeki (period drama) theme park in Japan, Toei Kyoto Studio Park allows people from all over the world to experience the immersive world of Japanese period drama through elaborate film sets and themed attractions. Toei Kyoto Studio Park combines a live film set and theme park into one and is operated by one of Japan’s largest production studios, Toei Company.

Open to the public, the town of Edo is an open film set where regular live TV and movie filming are carried out.

The film set viewing area comprises Edo Town and Meiji Street, where visitors are instantly transported to ancient Japan with its realistic Edo period streets and architecture. With more than 2,000 movies, including Netflix's "Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san," and 9,000 TV drama episodes have been shot there. There is a chance that visitors may get to observe an actual filming!

Besides film sets, there are many attractions for everyone to enjoy. Horror movie fans can get a good scare at the Haunted House, dubbed “the most terrifying Haunted House in history” (created and presented by the Toei art team and their actors). Ninja enthusiasts can encounter revolving doors, secret passages and other traps. Can you escape the Ninja Mystery House? There are also street performances showcasing traditional arts, costume rental services, and shops that sell all kinds of Edo period memorabilia, making it a one-stop attraction for all ages.

Take a ride on Evangelion Unit-01. Photo Credit: Evangelion Kyoto Base ©khara

In commemoration of the release of the new Evangelion movie, the Evangelion Kyoto Base opened in 2020. The gigantic 15m-tall Evangelion Unit-01 is the world's first rideable Eva, and has become popular with overseas visitors.

Muslim-friendly tip: Toei Kyoto Studio Park has a prayer room for Muslim visitors.

Check out this Muslim-friendly spot:

After spending a day immersed in Edo culture, it is time to experience Japan’s food culture. Take a quick bus ride to Honke Tankuma Honten, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto that serves authentic Kyoto cuisine. This Muslim-friendly restaurant specializes in traditional dishes that bring out the natural flavors of specially selected ingredients using refined culinary techniques. To sample their delectable halal menu (available at JPY 33,000*, exclusive of service charge), please call to make reservations two days in advance to be sure.

Satiate your meat cravings with this luxurious halal Wagyu beef and halal Japanese chicken 9-course meal.

Masjid Kyoto, located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, is conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto. The mosque is open from Monday to Saturday between 12pm to 6pm. For prayer facilities after opening hours, visitors can contact the office for arrangements. They also serve as the Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs and hold activities to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the Islamic world and Japan.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Website)

10 Uzumasa Higashihachioka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture  616-8586

How to get there: From JR Kyoto Station, take the Sanin Line for 6 stops and alight at JR Uzumasa Station. Continue walking for another 5 minutes.

Honke Tankuma Honten (Website)

168 Izumiya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture  600-8014

How to get there: Walk 5 minutes from Gion-Shijo Station on Keihan Railway.
Reservations can be made through Table Check.

*Price is accurate as of February 21, 2025.

Masjid Kyoto (Website)
92 Miyagaki-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0853
How to get there: Walk 10 minutes from Jingu-Marutamachi Station on Keihan Railway.

No other country does theme parks quite like Japan. From big-name theme parks to uniquely-themed ones, there is a happy place for everyone. With our Muslim-friendly recommendations and tips in hand, buckle up and gather your travel buddies for a fun-filled adventure on your next trip to Japan!