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Kyushu is one of Japan’s four main islands, located in the southwestern part of the country. Fukuoka on the northern tip of Kyushu, is its most populated prefecture. Next to Fukuoka is Kumamoto Prefecture, home to one of Japan’s largest active volcanos, Mt. Aso, with an elevation of 1,592 meters. The city of Beppu in Oita Prefecture is famous for its many natural hot springs. These areas are known for historical sites, popular sightseeing spots, and delicious cuisine, and all three areas have mosques, making them convenient destinations for Muslim travelers.
Trying a Muslim-friendly version of Hakata’s famous motsunabe hot pot and visiting Fukuoka Masjid
Among the many popular sightseeing spots in Fukuoka City is Fukuoka Tower, which is 234 meters tall. There is an observation deck about halfway up the tower, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The nature-filled Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins are also nearby.
While in Fukuoka, you can try motsunabe, a classic local dish. This rich hot pot is made with offal and is sometimes prepared with pork. Luckily, you can find Muslim-friendly motsunabe at Kiwamiya Fukuoka Akasaka, a restaurant that has received recognition from Fukuoka Masjid for preparing dishes using halal-certified ingredients. Reservations are recommended for groups of over 10 people.
Kiwamiya Fukuoka Akasaka
Address: 1-6-22, Akasaka, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken
TEL: +81-92-761-2929
Access: From Hakata Station, take a train to Akasaka Station (approximately 11 minutes), then 3 minutes by foot
Open: Weekdays 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Last order: 10:30 p.m.), weekends and holidays 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Last order 10:30 p.m.)
Closed: Irregular holidays; please confirm in advance
Kiwamiya Fukuoka Akasaka
Prayer Facility Details
Fukuoka Masjid is located a short walk from Hakozaki Station. It is convenient for visiting after exploring the city center.
Fukuoka Masjid
Address: 3-2-18 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken
TEL: +81-92-641-7022
Access: From Hakata Station, take a train to Hakozaki Station (approximately 5 minutes), then 2 minutes by foot
Experience dynamic nature in Kumamoto
Kumamoto has must-visit locations like the beautifully restored Kumamoto Castle and Tatsuda Nature Park with its tranquil atmosphere. You can also find the former residence of Japanese literary master Natsume Soseki (1867–1916). The highly active volcano Mt. Aso is another top attraction in the area. For an overnight stay, Hitoyoshi Ryokan is located less than 2 hours by car from Kumamoto. Their warm service and hot spring facilities provide the perfect close to a jam-packed day of sightseeing. Muslim-friendly meals can be prepared with advanced notice.
Hitoyoshi Ryokan
Address: 160 Kamiaoi-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi, Kumamoto-ken
TEL: +81-966-223-141
Access: From Kumamoto Airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus to Mashiki IC (approximately 20 minutes), then take a Rapid Kirishima or Nanpu bus to Hitoyoshi Station (approximately 80 minutes), then approximately 15 minutes by foot or 5 minutes by taxi
From Fukuoka Airport, take a train to Hakata Station Bus Terminal (approximately 10 minutes), then take a Rapid Phoenix bus (approximately 150 minutes) to Hitoyoshi IC Bus Station. From there, take a local bus to Hitoyoshi Station (approximately 6 minutes), then 15 minutes by foot, or take a taxi from Hitoyoshi IC (approximately 7 minutes)
Hitoyoshi Ryokan
Prayer Facility Details
Kumamoto Islamic Centre (Kumamoto Masjid) is easy to access from Kumamoto Station.
Kumamoto Masjid
Address: 5-5-2 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
TEL: +81-90-1345-9975
Access: From Kumamoto Station, walk to Kitaokajinja Shrine bus stop (approximately 3 minutes), then take a bus to Kurokami 5 Chome bus stop (approximately 27 minutes), then 1 minute by foot.
Exploring the hot springs of Beppu
Beppu City is renowned for its hot springs, in addition to what are known as its seven “hells”: awe-inspiring, vapor-spewing, bubbling bodies of water. One of the seven, the blue waters of Umi-jigoku (“Sea Hell”) looks quite refreshing, until you realize that the waters can actually reach up to 100 degrees Celsius. After a day of exploring the town, you can relax at one of the nearby private bathing facilities that draw water from natural hot springs. Advance reservations are recommended.
Prayer Facility Details
Beppu Masjid is easy to reach from Beppu Station and the fascinating hot springs of the city.
Beppu Masjid
Address: 10-19 Wakakusa-cho, Beppu-shi, Oita-ken
Access: From Beppu Station, take a bus to Mochigahama bus stop (approximately 8 minutes), then 1 minute by foot. Alternatively, take a taxi from Beppu Station (approximately 7 minutes)
It takes about 2 hours by plane or 5 hours by Shinkansen to reach Fukuoka from Tokyo. If you’re looking to visit a part of Japan with places to pray and restaurants that cater to Muslims, consider putting Kyushu on your list. We recommend traveling by train between Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Beppu, but express bus services and taxis are other options. Similar to Tokyo, Kyushu has a well-connected public transport network, which adds to the already long list of reasons to visit.
Visit the following link for more information on Muslim-friendly restaurants, facilites in Kyushu:
https://www.welcomekyushu.com/pamphlets/document/pamph_kyushu01.pdf
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