Last updated: 27 November 2022

Disclaimer: This article should be used for information purposes only. Please verify all information prior to making your travel arrangements..

Japan– Land of the Rising Sun

We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and did a day trip to Hiroshima.

Travels in Tokyo

In Tokyo we visited the world’s largest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya, did a day trip to Mount Fuji and indulged in a private onsen(hot spring) bath.

Travels in Kyoto

In Kyoto my wife dressed in the traditional Kimono dress and then we traversed the Bamboo forest on a carriage , thereafter we did a scenic and romantic train trip through the mountains. We were too late for the last river cruise on the day.

We did a day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto with the bullet train.The bullet train eases travel between cities and is comfortable and clean.

Hiroshima is a city of hope. Modern and clean like the rest of the country the city was rebuilt with A-dome serving as a reminder of the horrific bombing. The memorial hall stories were narrated by individuals who either witnessed it or came to assist.

Travels and Jummah in Osaka

We also visited Osaka, the food and fashion city where we witnessed the youth subtly challenging the norms of Japanese culture. 

We made Jumuah in Chibune, a suburb in Osaka . The Imam was from Pakistan and delivered his lecture in Arabic, Urdu and Japanese. Alhamdullilah it was evident that Jumuah is treated with the accord it’s meant to be associated with. Fathers come with their families as they live a distance from the masjid. The khutbah was about the rights of Allah swt and the rights of man and how the latter paves the way to Jannah.

After Jumuah we had a hearty Pakistani meal with Naan bread, breyani, chicken curry ,lassi and thereafter Zardo (sweet rice) and chai.

In Osaka I went to the public onsen which was located on the eighth floor in the city. They pipe the hot springs to these communal baths and you can hop from jet springs to pot and other baths. Hygiene standards are amazing. My wife had a massage which they do with your clothes on. We also had foot massages as these outlets were on the walkways and welcoming after a day’s long walk.

The cities are built around the rail network. Every station has a shopping mall attached to it. We would explore the city at random . Given its safety and ease of travel we would randomly visit the many cities like the skytree, Tokyo tower, the market in Kyoto and Dotonbori in Osaka. 

Halaal Food

They have a variety of food options but we avoided many as pork is almost always an option. In certain areas like Shinjukun you will find Halaal food trucks.

What did you enjoy, what made this place special to you?

Respect for humanity, self respect , advanced transport system especially rail network which was easy. 

Salaah in Japan

We attended a masjid in Chibune in Osaka . Making salaah was not an issue. Given their hygiene you could salaah almost anywhere . There are numerous salaah khanas and if you need to pray you could at any tourist information centre and they will oblige. We frequently asked the clothing outlets for space and they would allow us to read salaah in the fitting rooms Alhamdulillah.

There is a Turkish Mosque in Shibuya Tokyo too. In Shibuya and Shinjuki there are Lebanese shawarma food trucks. 

Shopping in Japan

Shopping was not our focus. Western brands don’t dominate. They have a unique Japanese outlook.

About the local people of Japan

The people are friendly, proudly Japanese and masked all the time. Ladies are modestly dressed. Ironically they may be predominantly Shintoists but they exude Islamic values which we can aspire to. They will go out of their way to assist where they can.

I loved the accessibility of the hot springs, train hopping from bullet to metro to subway. Daily coffees on the run. It was great fun.

About the transport system in Japan

The rail is the best. When you land at Haneda airport in Tokyo you will be prompted to download the Japan tour guide and rail and bus network.

WiFi and data in Japan

WiFi is available at the Airport. We purchased a data package that lasted for our journey. We also bought the Pasmo card which you can get in the terminal. In addition we bought a seven day Japan Rail pass that we activated when we left Tokyo for Kyoto. This gives you unlimited access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) all Japan rail buses and trains. There are other subway  lines you can use to crisscross the city. 

Where would you advise to stay in Tokyo

In Tokyo I would stay in Shibuya, Shinjuku alternatively Shinagawa 

I must stress I only used the taxi twice, once to look for a halal outlet and the second to get to hotel which was 500 metres away but I struggled with directions and my google maps on that day.

Best time to Travel to Japan

I thought October was best and the weather was perfect for us. Average temperature was between 16 and 22 degrees. Autumn foliage was beautiful. We had a downpour once for about half hour in Kyoto. 

I understand the cherry blossom period is also stunning. 

How long do you think is enough time to spend in Japan?

I prefer overseas journeys to be about 12 days so 2 weeks is enough.

We met tourists who come and spend a month in Japan. 

Advice to anyone planning on travelling to Japan

Read the bloggers or watch the videos that they post on YouTube about Japan. 

About the author: This article was written by Nazir and Zeenat Parker from Cape Town, South Africa. They love travelling and engaging with other cultures, especially from an Islamic perspective. They especially relish making sujood all over the world as it signifies the the Glory of Allah S.W.T and serves as a witness that our beloved prophet Muhammad S.A.W conveyed the message of Islam around the world.