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The Hokuriku region offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes along the western coast of the Sea of Japan. This region is easy to reach from Tokyo and Osaka, thanks to the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. For Muslim travelers seeking traditional Japanese culture, historical landmarks, and Muslim-friendly experiences, the prefectures of Ishikawa and Toyama are ideal destinations.
Below, we have gathered a list of places where Muslim visitors can experience Japan’s cultural treasures, while enjoying Muslim-friendly services and hospitality.
Ishikawa
Ishikawa is a captivating destination for culture and natural beauty. Its capital city, Kanazawa, is known for blending tradition with modern comforts, and has an abundance of cultural gems.
Kanazawa is an ideal base to begin your exploration of the prefecture. The city’s stunning Kenrokuen Garden is a place of timeless beauty and is a must-see, along with the historical Nagamachi District, originally home to samurai residences near Kanazawa Castle. A stay in Ishikawa promises an enriching adventure that blends tradition and modernity.
Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden is a masterpiece of nature and artistry that opened to the public in the nineteenth century. Revered as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, it is a beautiful strolling garden with meticulously landscaped grounds and traditional tea houses. The garden is designed to showcase the beauty of each season.
In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the landscape in a vibrant display, while autumn transforms the scenery with a riot of colored leaves. In winter, the garden takes on a serene charm with snow-covered branches.
Kenrokuen Garden is also a habitat for diverse bird life. Keep a keen eye out for gray herons, wagtails, redstarts, Japanese pygmy woodpeckers, and melodic warblers that visit the gardens.
Kenrokuen Garden
Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa-ken
Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (approximately 15-25 minutes) to Kenrokuen Garden・Kanazawa Castle Park bus stop
Kenrokuen Garden
Ichirino Kogen Hotel ROAN
Located among greenery and mountain vistas, Ichirino Kogen Hotel ROAN is just an hour’s drive from Komatsu Station in Ishikawa Prefecture. The traditional inn is close to Hakusan Ichirino Ski Resort and Hakusan National Park. It has Muslim-friendly options including indoor and outdoor private hot spring baths, and prayer spaces.
Please contact the hotel at least 10 days before your stay so they can cater to your needs with food and hotel facilities.
Ichirino Kogen Hotel ROAN
Address: Chi 70-4, Ozo, Hakusan-shi, Ishikawa-ken
Access: A direct bus service from Komatsu Station and Komatsu Airport to the hotel is available in winter (December to late March). Prior notice required (please contact the hotel by e-mail or telephone at least 5 days in advance).
Alternatively, from Kanazawa Station, take a taxi to the hotel (approximately 1 hour). Contact the hotel at least 1 day in advance, and they will make the arrangements for you
Ichirino Kogen Hotel ROAN
Kajisuke
Kajisuke is a traditional Japanese restaurant in the city of Komatsu that specializes in kaiseki courses, composed of elegant dishes of seasonal cuisine. The food is served on a beautiful collection of Kutani porcelain. Enjoy your meal at the counter to watch the chefs at work or book a private dining room suitable for families and large groups or even a cozy dinner for two.
For Muslim guests, the restaurant offers Muslim-friendly dishes, halal seasonings, and disposable dining ware on request. A prayer room with a place for washing, and towels can be provided (prior notice required).
Be sure to contact the restaurant 3 days in advance if you need to make any special arrangements.
Kajisuke
Address: 141 Yamato, Komatsu-shi, Ishikawa-ken
Access: From Komatsu Station, approximately 10 minutes by foot
Toyama
Toyama Prefecture is located next to Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. Known for its majestic mountains and coastal scenery, Toyama is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Explore Toyama’s rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
To enhance the experience for Muslim visitors, Toyama Prefecture has developed an informative multilingual website for Muslim travelers. This website has a guide to Muslim-friendly restaurants and offers valuable insights to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay.
Kurobe Gorge Railway
Kurobe Gorge is carved through the Northern Alps in Toyama, and the Kurobe Gorge Railway provides access to its impressive natural scenery. The railway journey provides a memorable travel experience through one of Japan’s most notable gorges.
As the train travels through the mountains, passengers can experience the beauty of Toyama’s wilderness. A journey on the Kurobe Gorge Railway offers a unique way to appreciate Toyama's scenic landscapes.
Kurobe Gorge Railway
Address: 11 Kurobe Kyokoku-guchi, Kurobe-shi, Toyama-ken
Access: From Toyama Airport, approximately 1 hour by car or taxi. Alternatively, take a
bus from Toyama Airport to Dentetsu-Toyama Station and transfer to a train to Unazuki Onsen Station (approximately 2 hours total). Kurobe Gorge Railway is approximately 3 minutes by foot
Kurobe Gorge Railway
Toyama Castle Park
Located near the heart of the city, Toyama Castle Park is on the site of the former Toyama Castle. The castle was constructed in 1543 and served as the residence of the influential Maeda family during the Edo period (1603–1867). Today, the reconstructed main keep is a museum with exhibits that delve into the history of the castle.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom over the ramparts and the moat. Within the park, the Sato Memorial Museum of Art has a diverse collection of Asian art and artifacts.
For those seeking more information about Toyama and its cultural offerings, the Toyama Tourist Information Center within the park is a valuable resource. If you are looking for prayer room in the vicinity, the Toyama Muslim Centre is just 10 minutes away by car from Toyama Castle Park.
Toyama Castle Park
Address: 1 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama-ken
Access: From Toyama Station, approximately 10 minutes by foot
Toyama Castle Park
Toyama Muslim Center
Address: 3367 Gofuku, Toyama-shi, Toyama-ken
Access: From Toyama Station, take the Toyama City Tram Line to Toyama-daigaku-mae (approximately 14 minutes), then approximately 6 minutes by foot
Toyama Muslim Center
RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch
Explore the culinary offerings at RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch in Toyama. Located in the heart of the city, this well-known ramen establishment attracts both locals and visitors with its focus on quality and authentic flavors.
RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch is known for its careful preparation of each bowl of ramen. The menu showcases traditional Japanese noodle cuisine, featuring rich broths and well-textured noodles, crafted to provide a satisfying dining experience.
The restaurant is also recognized for its excellence, having won the Winning Product Award at the 2019 Toyama Muslim Recipe Contest Grand Prix. This award highlights its commitment to providing Muslim-friendly dining options.
Pork-free and alcohol-free meals are served upon request. RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch is a great place to savor Japan’s famous noodles.
RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch
Address: CiC Bldg. B1, 1-2-3, Shintomi-cho, Toyama-shi, Toyama-ken
Access: From Toyama Station, there is a direct connection to CiC Bldg
RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch
Ishikawa and Toyama are embracing and inviting Muslim travelers to explore their cultural and natural treasures. Both prefectures have made efforts to enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors, offering amenities and restaurants that cater to specific dietary needs and cultural preferences.
These regions offer more than just scenic landscapes and historic sites; they provide a welcoming environment where diversity is valued.
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