Shizuoka and Kanagawa: Muslim-Friendly Travel Destinations Near Tokyo

Shizuoka is around 90 minutes southwest of Tokyo by Shinkansen. This attractive destination is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, tea fields, and delectable culinary offerings.

Closer to Tokyo, Kanagawa is renowned for its waterfront, multicultural ambiance, and an array of attractions that cater to diverse interests. Kanagawa’s capital city is Yokohama, which has traditional and modern architecture, a vibrant Chinatown, and dazzling night views. Getting to Yokohama takes less than an hour by train from Tokyo.

Both prefectures are making extra efforts to provide Muslim-friendly arrangements for visitors. Read on for destination highlights, and amenities and services that cater to the needs and preferences of Muslim visitors.

Shizuoka

Shizuoka is a green haven where tranquil tea fields meet the dynamic energy of vibrant urban centers. It is suitable for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of tradition, scenic landscapes, and Muslim-friendly experiences.

Shizuoka is a destination that combines gastronomy and adventure, while providing an increasingly accommodating environment for Muslim travelers.

While visiting destinations in Shizuoka region, you can indulge in delectable local foods. To cater to Muslim visitors, Shizuoka Prefecture has created a guide to Muslim-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and convenient prayer rooms.

Visit the following link for more information on Muslim-friendly restaurants and facilities in Shizuoka:

Halal Portal (Shizuoka)

Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay Ferry

At the heart of Shizuoka, Mt. Fuji stands tall as the nation’s loftiest peak, drawing visitors to experience its iconic beauty.

Ascending the mountain is a rewarding, if formidable challenge, but there are also plenty of breathtaking viewpoints for non-climbers. These vantage points present visitors with an array of stunning photo opportunities, capturing the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji.

Suruga Bay Ferry operates ferry services along Route 223 (phonetically pronounced as “fu-ji-san” in Japanese). This distinctive “road” crosses picturesque Suruga Bay between Shimizu Port and Nishi-Izu Toi Port, with a transit time of approximately 75 minutes.

Passengers are treated to an awe-inspiring panorama that includes World Heritage sites such as the iconic Mt. Fuji and the scenic Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Grove. Passengers can take in the views while relaxing in the ferry’s opulent lounge. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise over the open sea.

It is also good to note that during prayer times, you can take a 30-minute ride by taxi or rental car from Shimizu Port to the nearby Shizuoka Masjid.

Shimizu Port
Address: 3F Marine Terminal Building, 10-80 Hinode-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken
Access: From Shimizu Station take a free shuttle bus (approximately 10 minutes) to the Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, take a local bus (approximately 10 minutes) to Hatoba Verkehr Hakubutsukan-mae bus stop, or a taxi (less than 10 minutes)
Suruga Bay Ferry

Shizuoka Masjid
Address: 5-14-5 Hirono, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken
Access: From Shimizu Port, take a taxi or rental car (approximately 30 minutes) to Shizuoka Masjid. From Shimizu Station, take a train to Mochimune Station (approximately 20 minutes), then 17 minutes by foot.

Gyokuro no Sato

The Asahina area in Okabe-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a haven for connoisseurs of high-quality green tea (gyokuro) and matcha teas, rivaling those esteemed varieties produced in Uji, Kyoto, and Yame, Fukuoka. The area is about a 10-minute drive from the Fujieda-Okabe IC of the Shin-Tomei Expressway.

The enclave’s crown jewel is Gyokuro no Sato, a captivating destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of high-quality tea amidst scenery of verdant tea fields and majestic mountains. Its picturesque surroundings makes Gyokuro no Sato a popular tourist spot that attracts bustling crowds, particularly during holiday seasons.

This vibrant hub offers a sensory journey into the world of premium Japanese teas, providing a harmonious blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for tea enthusiasts and sightseers alike.

Gyokuro no Sato
Address: 1214-3 Shinshu, Okabe-cho, Fujieda-shi, Shizuoka-ken
Access: From Shizuoka Station, take the Shizutetsu Just Line Bus (approximately 45 minutes) on the Chubu National Highway Line to the Fujieda City Hall Okabe Branch Office bus stop. Then transfer to a Fujieda City Bus (approximately 15 minutes) to Gyokuro no Sato bus stop
Gyokuro no Sato

Gotemba Premium Outlets

Gotemba Premium Outlets is a popular shopping destination in sight of majestic Mt. Fuji. Based on the concept of a “town in the forest,” the outlet mall offers visitors a unique shopping experience set against a backdrop reminiscent of a charming western-style town.

Beyond its reputation as a premier shopping destination, Gotemba Premium Outlets is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, making it a prominent viewing spot for the iconic mountain. Notably, the Yume No Ohashi (“Bridge of Dreams”) is considered one of the top Mt. Fuji viewing spots in the area. The views from the bridge and other vantage points within the complex add to the enjoyment of exploring Gotemba Premium Outlets. 

Gotemba Premium Outlets also provides prayer rooms for Muslim visitors near the Welcome Center in Hill Side area.

Gotemba Premium Outlets
Address: 1312, Fukasawa Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken
Access: From Gotemba Station, take a free shuttle bus (approximately 15 minutes) to Gotemba Premium Outlets. Shuttle buses depart every 15 minutes from Gotemba Station
Gotemba Premium Outlets

MOA Museum of Art

Perched atop a hill in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, the MOA Museum of Art is a captivating blend of art and nature. With the concept of an “art museum with a view of the sea,” it provides a stunning panorama of Sagami Nada Sea. The museum’s main lobby affords a sweeping vista of the islands of Hatsushima and Izu Oshima, creating a serene atmosphere. The museum is one of the premier attractions in the city of Atami, a renowned tourist destination in Shizuoka Prefecture.

The MOA Museum of Art has a collection of some 3,500 works of art and artifacts; some dating back to the fourth century. The collection includes National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and other significant art pieces. This rich and diverse collection encompasses a wide array of art forms with both artistic and scholarly significance.

Visitors can explore a curated selection of paintings, calligraphy, handicrafts, and statues originating from Japan, China, and other parts of East Asia, offering a comprehensive and enlightening journey through the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.

MOA Museum of Art
Address: 26-2 Momoyama-cho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka-ken 
Access: From Atami Station, take a local bus (approximately 7 minutes) to MOA Bijutsukan bus stop. Alternatively, take a taxi (approximately 5 minutes) to the museum
MOA Museum of Art

Kanagawa

Kanagawa, located south of Tokyo, is an attractive destination that holds special appeal with vibrant markets and picturesque waterfronts to explore. The prefecture is renowned for its iconic city, Yokohama, which is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown. Kanagawa is a hub for urban adventures and a gateway to scenic landscapes, historical gardens, and cultural attractions.

The Yokohama Official Visitor’s Guide includes Muslim Tourist Information in Yokohama, to help Muslim visitors explore the city and surrounding areas. You can refer to the website for tours and events to help plan daily itineraries, adventures, and sight-seeing.

There are two helpful guidebooks for Muslim travelers with details of restaurants and prayer spaces that you can download and save to your mobile devices. Download from the links below:

Yokohama Muslim Eats & Pray Guidebook

Yokohama Vegetarian Restaurants Guidebook

Minato Mirai 21: Urban Oasis

Minato Mirai 21 is a modern urban district in Yokohama that derives its name, meaning “harbor of the future,” from its transformation in the 1980s. Once a shipyard, the area was redeveloped as a vibrant center for shopping and entertainment, with towering structures. The tallest is the Landmark Tower (296 m), which was Japan’s tallest building until 2014. Adjacent to Landmark Tower, buildings including the three Queen’s Towers and Pacifico Yokohama Conference Center add to the striking skyline.

Beyond its visually striking features, Minato Mirai 21 is strategically located along the harbor, offering an array of attractions including shopping centers, hotels, a convention center, museums, an amusement park, a relaxation center with hot spring baths, and waterfront parks.

Minato Mirai 21
Address: Nishi-cho, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access: From Yokohama station, take a train (approximately 5 minutes) to Minatomirai Station
Minato Mirai 21

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Step back in time at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, and journey through the history and artistry of one of Japan’s most beloved dishes: ramen noodles. Part of the museum recreates the narrow streets and vibrant townscapes of a Japanese town in the mid-twentieth century, lined with authentic ramen shops.

The museum showcases the evolution of ramen from its humble beginnings to the globally celebrated dish it is today. 

A room for prayer with qibla compass and prayer mats is available in the museum. Please refer to the official website below, for more information.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Address: 2-14-21 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access: From Shin-Yokohama Station, 5 minutes by foot to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Yokohama World Porters

Visitors can enjoy shopping, entertainment, and cuisine at Yokohama World Porters, located near the waterfront. Muslim visitors can make use of their prayer room, which is equipped with multiple sets of qibla compasses and prayer mats, ensuring a comfortable and accommodating experience. The prayer room is available upon request from the information counter located on the second floor. Along with a wide range of shops and restaurants, there are pamphlets with travel information for international visitors at the information counter.

Yokohama World Porters
Address: 2-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access: From Minatomirai Station or Bashamichi Station, approximately 5 minutes by foot to Yokohama World Porters. Alternatively, from Sakuragicho Station, it takes 10 minutes by foot
Yokohama World Porters

Shizuoka and Kanagawa are two remarkable, Muslim-friendly destinations, showing that Japan’s charm extends to its bustling metropolises. Shizuoka’s serene landscapes, tea culture, and heartwarming hospitality invite you to immerse yourself in Japan’s rural beauty, while Yokohama’s mix of modernity and tradition ensures an unforgettable urban adventure.