Enjoy Japanese Hospitality and Cuisine via the “Peach Mark” in Muslim-Friendly Okayama

Okayama Prefecture is easily accessible from Osaka, taking about 1 hour by Shinkansen. With a warm and comfortable climate, abundant nature, and delicious food, Okayama is known as the “Land of Sunshine.” It is a prime area to enjoy seasonal views and gourmet dishes.

Okayama is also famous for the folk legend of Momotaro (“peach boy” in Japanese). Ask anyone who grew up in Japan, and they can tell you about it.

Okayama is strongly associated with the folk tale of Momotaro, the “boy born from a peach,” and has developed a helpful system for catering to Muslim tourists. A certification known as the Peach Mark is awarded to facilities that are Muslim-friendly. The Peach Mark was created for Muslim tourists to enjoy Okayama with complete peace of mind, marking facilities and products that have satisfied specific requirements for Muslims (such as the availability of English menus, dishes and products without pork, or no alcohol served). This mark is used in restaurants, hotels, and shops in the city of Okayama, as well as the town of Kibichuo and the city of Maniwa.

You can also refer to Okayama Muslim Tourism, a guide for Muslim tourists to learn more about the Peach Mark. The website has information in English and Indonesian.
Okayama is known for its warm Japanese hospitality, a concept dubbed omotenashi. It is a must-visit place for your itinerary in Japan. 

Okayama Muslim Tourism 

Download a PDF Guidebook

Enjoy celebrated seasonal views in Okayama Korakuen Garden

Okayama has many beautiful attractions. Okayama Korakuen Garden is considered one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan,” along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Kairakuen in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. Korakuen is next to Okayama Castle, which was once the residence of a feudal lord, so you can enjoy both attractions at the same time.

Okayama Korakuen Garden is a circuit-style garden, with garden paths and waterways that connect a wide lawn area, pond, tsukiyama (small hill), and tearoom. Simply following the route affords views of the impressive seasonal scenery. In the spring, cherry trees, azalea bushes, and tree peonies bloom in pink hues, while herbaceous peonies, Satsuki azalea, irises, and lotus flowers herald the coming of summer. Autumn is the season of colored leaves, and during this time we can see fiery maple and golden ginkgo leaves. Even in winter, you can admire the bright colors of camellia and narcissus and feel the coming of spring when plum buds begin to swell. Adding to this spectacle, you can also enjoy the gorgeous view of Okayama Castle from the garden. This garden was certified as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1952 and is known as a place of tranquility that welcomes domestic and international visitors alike.

Okayama Korakuen Garden
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken
Access: From Okayama Station, take a bus (approximately 10 minutes) to Korakuenguchi East Exit, then 10 minutes by foot. Alternatively, take a tram from Okayama Station to Shiroshita Station (approximately 5 minutes), then 10 minutes by foot
Okayama Korakuen Garden

Okayama, a Muslim-friendly gourmet destination

With its mild climate and geographical position facing the Seto Inland Sea, Okayama produces excellent meat, seafood, and fruit. You will have no trouble finding a Muslim-friendly restaurant from the wide variety of choices available.

For some good ramen, Okinoshima Ramen in front of Okayama Station is a must-visit. Using flying fish or shellfish for their dashi (soup stock), this ramen is free of any soy sauce or other ingredients of caution to Muslims. The mild taste of the mineral-rich seaweed salt (moshio) perfectly complements the delicious seafood flavor.

Hitorinabe Megu offers a special shabu-shabu dish for Muslim guests. Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish, usually consisting of thinly sliced meat and vegetables cooked in flavorful broth. Each visitor is served the shabu-shabu in individual pots, so you need not worry about having to share with other guests. Upon request, your meal will be prepared with Muslim-friendly ingredients and seasonings (reservations need to be made at least 1 day in advance). The utensils, dishes, and even the pot you are served with will come from a separate supply designated for Muslim customers only.

Okinoshima Ramen
Address: 2-23 Hon-machi, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken
Access: From Okayama Station, the restaurant is approximately 4 minutes by foot
Okinoshima Ramen

Hitorinabe Megu
Address: 2-1 Tenjin-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken
Access: From Okayama Station, the restaurant is approximately 14 minutes by foot. Alternatively, take a tram from Okayama Station to Yanagawa Station (approximately 5 minutes), then 5 minutes by foot
Hitorinabe Megu

Comfortable lodgings with Muslim-friendly amenities

In Okayama, hotels and lodgings also strive to be Muslim-friendly. Hotel Granvia Okayama has a prayer room on the second floor, equipped with a prayer mat and a qibla compass. The prayer room is also open to visitors who are not lodging at the hotel (please ask at the front desk staff if you wish to use the prayer room). The restaurant Dining & Bar Applause on the 19th floor can serve Muslim-friendly meals with at least three days’ notice.

At the hotel’s breakfast buffet, it is clearly indicated when pork or alcohol is used in the preparation of a certain dish, allowing Muslim guests to easily recognize and avoid as needed.

Hotel Granvia Okayama
Address: 1-5 Ekimoto-machi, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken
Access: From Okayama Station, the hotel is approximately 3 minutes by foot
Hotel Granvia Okayama

Dining & Bar Applause
Open: 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter brims with charm 

Visit the traditional townscape of the Kurashiki district to explore quaint streets and pretty waterways. The area is around 30 minutes away from Okayama Station: 15 minutes by train from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station, then 15 minutes by foot. Stepping into the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter steeps you in the atmosphere of traditional Japan: stroll past traditional white-walled storehouses, streets lined with willow trees, and quaint stores and restaurants.

In the past, the Kurashiki River running through the Historical Quarter was crowded with cargo-laden boats. Now tourists can ride a small pleasure boat to enjoy the riverside scenery from a different perspective, while traditionally dressed boatmen steer over the calm waters. Tickets for sightseeing boat trips are available from the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center.

The area has long been known for its flourishing textile industries, and is still famous for high-quality products such as Kurashiki canvas and Kurashiki denim. Sophisticated shops and stylish cafés are also a highlight of this area.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center

Thanks to the Peach Mark system and the many facilities that abide by it, Okayama is one of the most Muslim-friendly places to visit in Japan. Other activities to consider for your itinerary include fruit picking, especially peaches—(the specialty of Okayama and hence the origin of the Peach Mark idea)—and traditional hot springs.

There are plenty of reasons to make time for a side trip to this charming and sunny prefecture.