If you are a Muslim tourist who is thinking of coming to Japan, rest assured that you will be able to find delicious restaurants for you to dine out.
Lately, the number of Halal restaurants has been increasing in Japan, but it’s not so many as a whole. In a non-Muslim country like Japan, it is difficult to be 100% Halal / Muslim compliant, so each restaurant has a different degree of commitment.
In the current situation, it is extremely hard to find a source which summarises the information systematically, so it is assumed that many Muslim people who visit Japan would often go through the anxiety.
So, summarised in this article is such information in a concise and simple manner. If any of you happen to be a Muslim and plan to visit Japan, please refer to this information by all means.
Also Read: How to Travel Tokyo on A Budget in 2015
Note: This information is accurate as of September 12, 2014. Please double-check before you go in case of any potential changes.
1. Malaychan (Ikebukuro)
Image credits: tabelog.com
Malaychan is the only restaurant in Japan that has earned its halal certification by the Malaysian government. It is a Malaysian Chinese restaurant in Ikebukuro.
Image credits: blog.livedoor.jp
Address: 3 Chome-22-6 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Mondays: 5PM-11PM
Tuesdays-Thursdays: 11AM-12:30PM (lunch); 5PM-11PM (dinner)
Friday-Saturday: 11AM-12:30PM (lunch); 5PM-midnight (dinner)
Sunday: 11:00AM-11:00PM
Price:
Lunch: ~ JPY 900 (approx. SGD10)
Dinner: Starting at JPY1000 (approx. SGD11)
Website (Japanese only): http://www.malaychan-satu.jp
*Its sister restaurant, Malaychan dua, a Malaysian-style Bak kut teh (Chinese soup) restaurant in Higashi-Ikebukuro, is not halal certified.
Local halal certified restaurants
“Local halal certification” is a certificate that can be obtained through the Malaysia Halal Corporation (MHC), which works to develop the halal industry in non-Muslim countries like Japan.
With the rise in number of Muslims visiting Japan, such as embassy officials, government officials, tourists, students and businessmen, increased economic and cultural ex-changes between Islamic countries and Japan has been observed. It is estimated that the population of Muslims living in Japan has reached around 100,000.
2. Sumiyakiya (Roppongi)
Image credits: foodrink.co.jp
A local halal certified restaurant in Roppongi. A must-try for people who love yakiniku!
Image credits: foodrink.co.jp
The fourth prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad, has been to this restaurant!
Address: 3-29-16, Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 11:30AM-3PM (lunch); 6PM-11:30 (dinner)
Saturday: 6PM-11:30PM
Closed Sundays and national holidays
Price:
Lunch: Starting at JPY1,000 (approx. SGD11)
Dinner: Starting at JPY4,000 (approx. SGD44)
Website (Japanese and English): http://www.sumiyakiya.com/halal
Also Read: 11 Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo That Leave You Craving for More
3. Gyumon (Shibuya)
Image credits: mhalalc.jp
A local halal certified yakiniku restaurant in Shibuya. A perfect place to stop by for dinner on your way home from shopping!
Image credits: shop.plaza.rakuten.co.jp
Address: 3 Chome-14-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 5PM-4AM:00-28:00
Sunday and national holidays: 5PM-11PM
Price: Starting at JPY3000 (approx. SGD33)
Website (Japanese only): http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13091850
4. Hanasakaji-san (Shibuya)
Image credits: hanasakaji-san.jp
A local halal certified shabu shabu restaurant in Shibuya. A perfect place to try shabu shabu during your travels!
Image credits: japan-food-kitchen.com
Address: 3 Chome-14-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to B1F
Hours:
Weekdays: 10:30AM-3PM (lunch); 5PM-midnight (dinner)
Saturday and Sunday: 5PM-midnight
Price:
Lunch: Starting at JPY2500 (approx. SGD27)
Dinner: JPY4000-18500 (approx. SGD44-200)
Website (Japanese and English): http://hanasakaji-san.jp/halal
5. Kappou YAMA (Saitama)
Image credits: kappou-yama.jp
A local halal certified Japanese restaurant in Saitama. They offer dishes like yakitori and ramen.
Their catering, bento, and side dishes are also halal. If you find yourself in Saitama, check this place out!
Address: 3-15-1 Uemine, Chuo-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 7PM-9PM. Reservations required by the day before.
Closed Mondays
Price: Starting at JPY2000 (approx. SGD22)
Website (Japanese and English): http://kappou-yama.jp
Muslim-friendly restaurants
While the restaurant itself isn’t halal certified, they have Muslim-friendly certification or a halal menu created with consideration towards the Muslim tradition. However, each restaurant has different levels of support, so please confirm with the restaurant itself before you go.
6. Kappo Suruga (Chiba)
Image credits: japan-trip.com
A Japanese restaurant in Chiba City. You can enjoy genuine Japanese cooking here.
Certified as a Muslim-friendly restaurant by the Nippon Asia Halal Association.
Address: 1-12, Shin-machi, Chuo-ku, Chiba-ctiy, Chiba
Hours:
Weekdays: 11:30AM–2PM (lunch); 5PM-10:30PM (dinner)
Saturdays: 5PM-10PM17:00-22:00
Closed on Sundays and national holidays
Price:
Lunch: JPY2000-3000 (approx. SGD22-33)
Dinner: JPY4000- 10,000 yen (approx. SGD44-110)
Website (Japanese and English): http://www12.plala.or.jp/kp-suruga/halal.html
7. Kusumoto (Nishi Azabu)
Image credits: Kusumoto
You can eat genuine washoku at this Nishi-Azabu restaurant that has a halal menu. If you want to eat there for lunch, you can only order their beautiful bento boxes as delivery.
Certified as a Muslim-friendly restaurant by the Nippon Asia Halal Association.
Address: 3-23-5, Nishi-Azabu, Minatoku, Tokyo
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 6PM-11PM
Closed Sundays and national holidays
Price:
Lunch (Delivery Bento): JPY1800 (approx. SGD20) and JPY3800 (approx. SGD42)
Dinner: JPY10,000-18,000 (approx. SGD110-198)
Website (Japanese and English): http://www.tokyomuslim.jp
8. Takaraya (Chiba)
Image credits: facebook.com
This traditional Japanese restaurant in Kisarazu, Chiba, opened in 1987. It is about an hour away from Narita Airport. They use halal-certified ingredients and prepare halal dishes using the proper kitchen utensils, such as knives and cutting boards. They also offer gender-separated private prayer rooms. This special regard for religious beliefs sets this restaurant apart from the rest.
Address: 2-3-4, Chuo, Kisarazu-city, Chiba
Hours:
Weekdays and Saturdays: 11:30AM2PM (lunch); 5PM-10PM (dinner)
Sundays and holidays: 11:30AM-2:30PM; 5PM-9PM (dinner)
Closed every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
Price:
Lunch: JPY2000-3000 (approx. SGD22-33)
Dinner: JPY5000-7000 (approx. SGD55-77)
Website (Japanese only): http://takaraya.awk.jp
9. Minokichi Tobuikebukuro (Ikebukuro)
Image credits: r.gnavi.co.jp
A Kyoto kaiseki restaurant in Tobu Ikebukuro. They offer a Muslim-friendly “Halal Gozen” menu. How does enjoying the taste and feeling of Kyoto while relaxing after shopping at the department store sound?
Certified as a Muslim-friendly restaurant by the Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs.
Address: Spice Ikebukuro Tobu 15F, 1-1-25, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Weekdays and Saturdays: 11:00AM-11:00PM
Sunday and holidays: 11:00AM-10:00PM
Closed New Year’s Day and the 3rd Wednesdays of February and August.
Price: Average JPY5000 (approx. SGD55)
Website (Japanese only): http://www.minokichi.co.jp/profile/shop31/index.html
*Information about the Yokohama branch is here: MINOKICHI Yokohama LANDMARK PLAZA BRANCH
Restaurants within the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – Mejiro
The restaurants around the Chinzanso Garden that are incredibly popular with foreign tourists offer halal menus as well as vegetarian and non-alcoholic options.
10. Japanese Stone Grill Mokushundo (Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo)
Image credits: http://bit.ly/1goluSo
Address: 2-10-8, Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Weekdays: 11:30AM-2:30PM (lunch); 5PM-10PM (dinner)
Weekends and holidays: 11:30AM-3PM (lunch); 5PM-10PM (dinner)
Price:
Lunch: Starting at 5500 yen
Dinner: Starting at 8000 yen
Website (English): http://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/mokushundo
11. Japanese Restaurant Miyuki (Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo)
Image credits: hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com
Address: 2-10-8, Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00AM-10:00AM
Lunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM
Dinner: 5:30PM-9PM
Price:
Breakfast: Starting at JPY3100 (approx. SGD34)
Lunch: Starting at JPY3800 (approx. SGD42)
Dinner: Starting at JPY10,000 (approx. SGD110)
Website (English): http://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/miyuki
In Chinzanso, outside of Japanese food, there is the French restaurant Camellia and the Italian restaurant Il Teatro, so you have various options depending on your mood!
Addition
This isn’t Japanese food, but there are many Turkish restaurants in Japan that use halal meat.
*These restaurants are not necessarily certified, so people who are concerned should contact the restaurant in advance.
12. Uskudar (Shinjuku)
Image credits: r.gnavi.co.jp
Image credits: r.gnavi.co.jp
This is a Turkish restaurant in Shinjuku that uses halal meat.
Address: Komiya Bldg.2F, 3-35-1 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
Hours:
Weekdays: 11:30AM-3PM (lunch); 5PM-11:30PM
Weekends and national holidays: noon-3PM (lunch); 5PM-11:30 (dinner)
Price: Starting at JPY2800 (Course) (approx. SGD31)
Website (Japanese only): http://www.uskudar.jp
13. Cankaya (Shinjuku)
Image credits: tabelog.com
Image credits: tabelog.com
This is another Turkish restaurant in Shinjuku that uses halal meat.
Address: Nishiguchi Life Building 3F 1 Chome-15-7 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Lunch: 11:30AM-3:00PM
Dinner: 5PM-11:30PM
Price: Average JPY3500 (approx. SGD39)
Website (Japanese only): http://www.cankaya.jp
14. Carthag0 (Nakano)
Image credits: iiiida.com
Image credits: bento.com
An Arabian / Turkish food restaurant in Nakano.
Address: 3 Chome-34-3 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Thursdays-Tuesdays: 6PM-10PM
Closed Wednesdays
Price: JPY3000-4000 (Course) (approx. SGD33-44)
Website (English): http://carthago.a.la9.jp/newpage13.html
While there are still few halal restaurants in Japan, they are gradually increasing in number. As we find more restaurants, we plan to keep updating this article.
A part of content of this article is made by referring to the Japan Muslim Guide. For people who would like to know more, please check this website.
Also read: How to Travel Istanbul on a Budget in 2015
Want more options? Be sure to check out Part Two of 10 Must-Try Halal Restaurants in Tokyo.
Contributed by tsunagu Japan.