Muslim-friendly Japanese Cultural Experiences in the Kansai Region

Looking to do more than just sightseeing on your trip to Japan? Instead of just tasting the local cuisine, you can try making it. Instead of appreciating local culture from afar, you can immerse yourself in it. Adding cultural activities to your itinerary will make it even more memorable, especially if they accommodate the needs of Muslim tourists. Here are a few Muslim-friendly culinary and cultural activities in Kansai to include in your trip.

Osaka: Muslim-friendly Japanese cuisine 

At Japanese Food Restaurant MATSURI, enjoy delicious Muslim-friendly Japanese dishes, including local favorites, using separate serving dishes and utensils. The restaurant has an English menu. There is also a prayer space and wudu area.

Japanese Food Restaurant MATSURI
Address: 3-27-17 Yoshino, Fukushima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
TEL: +81-669-40-6633
Open: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Last order: 8:30 p.m.)
Closed: Weekends and public holidays
Access: From JR Osaka Station, take a train to Noda Station (approximately 5 minutes), then 5 minutes by foot to Japanese Food Restaurant MATSURI

Nara: Sushi-making experience

At Umemori Sushi School in Nara, you do not have to be a seasoned chef to make sushi. Classes allow you to experience making the Japanese national dish from scratch, including preparing shari (sushi rice) by mixing vinegar with rice. Muslim-friendly soups and other side menu items can be included in the course with at least 1 day’s notice. Afterwards, participants get to dig into their own delicious creations and are awarded a certificate of completion.

The school is close to Todaiji Temple and the famous deer sanctuary, Nara Park. This makes Umemori Sushi School a great option for people who want to get the most out of Nara on the same day.

Umemori Sushi School Nara Campus
Address: 221 Hokkeji-cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken
Access: From JR Nara Station West Exit, take a bus to Nara Shichomae Bus Stop (approximately 7 minutes), then 6 minutes by foot to Umemori Sushi School Nara Campus
Open: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Umemori Sushi School Nara Campus

Kyoto: Kimono and yukata experience

（C)YUMEYEKATA

If you have ever wanted to walk down the streets of Kyoto in a traditional Japanese kimono, you can have your wish granted at Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata. With advance notice, they can even provide wagara (traditional Japanese patterns) hijabs to match your kimono, giving you a uniquely Muslim makeover. Note that a separate fee is required for the wagara hijab. They also have a prayer space that can be used if you request it when booking your experience.

（C)YUMEYEKATA

There are lots of quaint alleys and streets lined with traditional wooden houses in the area that make for great settings for your elegant outfit. Wearing a kimono as you walk around the old city might just give you a new perspective.

Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata
Address: 353 Shiogamacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
Access: From JR Kyoto Station, take a train to Gojo Station (approximately 2 minutes), then 3 minutes by foot to Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata
Open: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Last entry 4:00 p.m.)
Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata

Ninja experience

Ninjas were covert agents of feudal Japan, most active around the fifteenth century. They were said to be masters of espionage and remain popular icons to this day. Ninja-Do in Osaka offers an all-round ninja experience for tourists. Dress up as a ninja and learn the unique way they walk, hold their swords, and use weapons such as shuriken (throwing stars). The VR experience is highly recommended if you want to put your ninja skills to the test and battle against a virtual samurai.

Make a reservation at least 1 day in advance. A prayer space with prayer mats and qibla compass can be provided with prior notice. Nearby is the bustling Dotonbori shopping district and Osaka’s famous Tsutenkaku, which has an observatory deck that overlooks the entire city. 

Ninja-Do
Address: 4F Wakaba Building, 1-1-18 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
Access: From JR Osaka Station, take a train to JR Shin-Imamiya Station (approximately 15 minutes), then 2 minutes by foot to Ninja-Do
Open: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ninja-Do

The Kansai region has so much to offer with its vibrant culture and constant new attractions, giving you something new to discover with each visit. Experience Japan in through these attractions for an unforgettable trip.