Exploring the Delights in Ishikawa and Toyama, for Muslim Travellers | JAPAN Welcome Guide for Muslim Visitors / English

Exploring the Delights in Ishikawa and Toyama, for Muslim Travellers

Introduction



We will introduce two Muslim friendly prefectures in Hokuriku region.



Hokuriku region, encompasses the center northern prefectures of Honshu
Island, offering a captivating blend of cultural heritage and
breath-taking landscapes along the western coast of the Sea of Japan. This
region, part of the New Golden Route in Japan, has witnessed a
transformative shift in accessibility with the advent of the Hokuriku
Shinkansen line, rendering it an easily reachable gem for travellers
seeking rich traditions and natural allure. For Muslim travellers in
pursuit of traditional Japanese culture, historical landmarks, and
seamlessly integrated Muslim-friendly experiences, the enchanting
prefectures of Ishikawa and Toyama present a captivating and immersive
travel.



Below, we’ve gathered a list of special places tailored to welcome Muslim
tourists, offering a chance to explore Japan’s cultural treasures while
enjoying Muslim-friendly services and hospitality.



Ishikawa

Ishikawa




Located in the Chubu region of Japan, Ishikawa is a captivating
destination calling out to Muslim travellers. Its capital city, Kanazawa,
is known for blending tradition with modern comforts, making it perfect
for exploring cultural gems.



Most of travellers focus on Kanazawa, the city boasts the stunning
Kenrokuen Garden, a place of timeless beauty, and the historical Nagamachi
District, originally home to samurai residences nearby Kanazawa Castle,
offering unique experiences tailored to the preferences of Muslim visitors
that would like to experience old Japanese city vibes. Whether admiring
beautiful gardens or immersing in captivating performances, Ishikawa
promises an enriching adventure blending tradition and modernity for
Muslim travellers seeking memorable experiences.



Muslim friendly KOMATSU declaration store




Komatsu is situated in southwestern Ishikawa Prefecture, bordering the Sea
of Japan to the east and Fukui Prefecture to the south. To travel to
Komatsu City from Kanazawa, you have several options. The quickest and
most convenient way is by taking the Limited Express Thunderbird train,
which takes approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus
from Ekinishi Godochosha-mae to Komatsu Airport, which takes about 40
minutes.



The “Muslim Friendly Komatsu” initiative was created with the aim of
revitalising the region by attracting foreign visitors to the area, as a
response to the need for a diverse religious and cultural programme,
including the recognition of “Wafu” or Japanese style cuisine as a UNESCO
Intangible Cultural and Social Heritage Site. The city has created a
website as shown in the link below, which focuses on welcoming Muslims to
visit the area.



Travellers can find essential details about each establishment, including
prayer room availability, ablution facilities, and English-speaking staff.
The website acts as a practical resource, ensuring that Muslim travellers
have the information they need for a comfortable and enriching experience
in Ishikawa.



Muslim Friendly Store In Komatsu

1. Kenrokuen




Nestled in the heart of Ishikawa and within Kanazawa City, Kenrokuen
emerges as a masterpiece of nature and artistry, offering Muslim
travellers an exquisite haven of tranquillity and cultural richness.
Revered as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen invites
visitors on a Muslim-friendly journey through meticulously landscaped
grounds and iconic tea houses.



Kenrokuen, hailed as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan,” stands as
a quintessential example of a traditional forest spring strolling garden
from the Edo period. This exceptional destination, alongside Okayama’s
Korakuen and Ibaraki’s Kairakuen, showcases the timeless beauty of each
season.



Kenrokuen




In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the landscape in a vibrant display, while
autumn transforms the scenery with a riot of coloured leaves. Even in
winter, the garden takes on a serene charm with snow delicately hanging
from branches. Renowned for its ability to captivate visitors year-round,
Kenrokuen offers a constant spectacle of nature’s wonders, ensuring a
breathtaking experience regardless of the season.



Kenrokuen also unveils a remarkable facet beyond its botanical splendour –
a thriving habitat for diverse wild birds throughout the year. From the
graceful glide of ducks to the majestic presence of Gray Herons, the
garden hosts an array of feathered residents. Keep a keen eye out for the
lively Wagtails, the vibrant Redstarts, the distinctive Japanese Pygmy
Woodpeckers, and the melodic Warblers, all contributing to the rich
avifauna of Kenrokuen.




Address: No. 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture



Access:





  1. Downhill Maki Kanazawa Zhou Playbus: Kanazawa Station and Rokusou
    (formerly Higashiguchi) runs every 15 minutes every day from the 6th
    collar.





  2. Kanazawa Light Up Bus: Kanazawa Station and Rokusou (formerly
    Higashiguchi) runs every 15 minutes every day from the 6th collar.






Website: https://kenrokuen.or.jp/?stt_lang=en




2. Ichirino Kogen Hotel ROAN




With astonishing view of mountain range and serene nature, Ichirino Kogen
Hotel ROAN is conveniently situated just an hour away from Komatsu Station
via car. Located near Ichirino Ski Resort and Hakusan National Park, this
hotel offers an immersive experience for Muslim visitors worldwide,
boasting Muslim-friendly options, private baths, prayer spaces, and a
hospitable English-speaking team.



Roan




Joining the initiative by Komatsu city, the management are commited to
provide Muslim-friendly options, private baths, prayer spaces, and
English-speaking staff, the hotel offers an inclusive and immersive
experience for Muslim visitors from around the world. Hence, guests can
reserve a private outdoor bath and unwind on the terrace overlooking the
picturesque garden to enjoy Japanese hot bath experience with complete
privacy. Please contact the management beforehand so they can cater to
your needs with food and hotel facilities.



Address: CHI-70-4, Ozo, Hakusan City,
Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan 920-2333



Access:





  1. Direct bus service from Komatsu Station and Komatsu Airport to the
    hotel is available.



    • Charge: 1,900 yen one way / 3,800 yen round trip.


    • Prior notice required (in principle, please contact the hotel by
      e-mail or telephone at least 5 days in advance).





  2. For other alternative, take a taxi to the hotel. It will cost about
    ¥10,000 by taxi from Kanazawa Station to Ichirino Kogen Hotel Roan for
    almost 1 hour journey.






Website: https://ichirino.jp/blog/muslim/



3. Kajisuke




At Kajisuke, the main attraction is their special meals called kaiseki
courses. These meals show the different seasons through their ingredients
and how they’re beautifully served. But what’s also amazing about this
place is the wonderful collection of Kutani porcelain they use for these
meals. They have different ways for you to enjoy your meal – you can sit
at the counter or book a private dining room for even a big group of fifty
people or a cozy dinner for two.



For Muslim guests, this is treatment they can offer:




  • They can cook with Halal meat.




  • They use only Halal seasonings.





  • If you prefer disposable dining ware, they have that.





  • You can ask for a space to pray and they can set it up for you.





  • They have a place to wash before prayer and they can lend you towels.





  • They offer an English menu and have staff who can speak English.





If you need anything special, it’s best to contact them beforehand so they
can arrange it for you.



Address: 923-0952 141 Yamato, Komatsu City,
Ishikawa Prefecture



Access: Just 10-minute walk from JR Komatsu
Station on the Hokuriku Main Line




Website: https://www.kajisuke.co.jp



Toyama




Toyama prefecture, located at next to Ishikawa prefecture in Chubu region.
Nestled between majestic mountains and serene coastlines, it’s about 2.5
hours away from Tokyo by bullet train. This unique destination blends
nature’s beauty with cultural heritage, inviting Muslim travelers to
discover rich traditions and warm hospitality.



To enhance the experience for Muslim visitors, the Toyama prefecture has
developed an informative multilingual website dedicated to serving as a
comprehensive guide for travellers during their stay in this captivating
region. This website serves as a guide to fin Muslim-friendly restaurants,
offering valuable insights to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay in
Toyama prefecture.



Toyama Muslim Guide:

http://toyama-muslim.jp/



1. KUROBE GORGE RAILWAY

Kurobe Gorge Railway




Nestled within the scenic embrace of Toyama, the Kurobe Gorge Railway
unfolds as a gateway to awe-inspiring natural beauty and breathtaking
landscapes. This iconic railway journey is not merely a mode of
transportation but a mesmerizing voyage through one of Japan’s most
stunning gorges.



As the train winds its way through lush mountains, dramatic cliffs, and
vibrant foliage, passengers are treated to an immersive experience that
reveals the enchanting allure of Toyama’s untamed wilderness. Take a
journey aboard the Kurobe Gorge Railway, where the rhythm of the tracks
harmonizes with the symphony of nature, creating an unforgettable chapter
in the narrative of Toyama’s scenic wonders.




Address: 11 Kurobekyokokuguchi, Kurobe City,
Toyama 938-029



Access:





  1. By car/taxi: From Toyama Airport, head
    towards Toyama IC and Kurobe IC, then finally reach Kurobe Gorge Railway
    (Unazuki Station)





  2. By train: From Toyama Airport, take the bus
    from Dentetsu-Toyama Station to Unazuki Onsen Station, then walk to
    Kurobe Gorge Railway (Unazuki Station)






Website: https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/


2. Unazuki Onsen Enraku




Within the captivating landscapes of Toyama, ENRAKU Unazuki-Onsen emerges
as a haven of relaxation and cultural immersion. It is a charming hot
spring town surrounded by nature’s beauty and a breathtaking gorge.
Enraku, a historic ryokan in Unazuki-onsen, invites you to enjoy
traditional Japanese cuisine and soak in the finest hot springs.




Unazuki Onsen




With a view of the Kurobe River from the open-air bath, experience the
authentic charm of a Japanese inn, where artists and scholars have been
welcomed for generations. Immerse yourself in the allure of Enraku’s baths
and delectable cuisine amidst this cultured hot spring town.



To accommodate Muslim visitors, the venue provides options for vegetarian
and pork-free meals. To ensure a Muslim-friendly dining experience, it is
recommended to make early reservations, specifically requesting the
necessary arrangements. Additionally, the venue offers the convenience of
renting prayer mats; however, it’s important to note that during peak
seasons, they may be unable to fulfil specific meal requests. Therefore,
careful planning of your visit, including timely reservations and
awareness of potential limitations during busy times, is advised for a
smoother experience.



Address: 347-1, Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe-shi, Toyama 938-0282, Japan



Access:





  1. A 3-minute walk from Unazuki Onsen Station on Toyama Chihou Railway





  2. A 20-minute ride on a free shuttle bus (reservation required) from JR
    Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station






Website:

https://www.enraku.com/languages/english/



3. Toyama Castle Park

Toyama Castle Park




Located at the heart of Toyama city, Toyama Castle Park stands as a
vibrant testament to the city’s historical legacy. Originally constructed
in 1543, the park occupies the grounds of the former Toyama Castle, once
the residence of the influential Maeda family during the Edo period
(1603–1867). Today, the reconstructed main keep serves as a captivating
museum, offering detailed exhibits that delve into the rich history of the
castle.



During spring, the park transforms into a picturesque haven as cherry
blossoms adorn the ramparts and the moat.Within the park, the Sato
Memorial Museum of Art awaits, showcasing a diverse collection of Asian
art and artifacts. Two traditional tea rooms within the museum provide an
immersive cultural experience.



For those seeking more information about Toyama and its cultural
offerings, the Toyama Tourist Information Center within the park serves as
a valuable resource. If you’re looking for prayer room nearby the
vicinity, you are in luck. The Toyama Muslim Centre is just 10-minutes
away by car from Toyama Castle Park. As an added convenience,
Muslim-friendly food is also served at the centre.




4. RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch




Embark on a culinary journey in Toyama as we explore the delectable world
of RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch. Situated in the heart of this vibrant city, the
renowned ramen establishment beckons locals and visitors alike with its
commitment to culinary excellence and authentic flavours.



Distinguished for its meticulous approach to crafting each bowl of ramen,
RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch offers a menu that reflects the artistry and
tradition of Japanese noodle cuisine. From rich and savoury broths to
perfectly textured noodles, every element is thoughtfully curated to
create a memorable dining experience.



What sets RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch apart is not only its culinary mastery
but also its recognition for excellence. The establishment proudly
clinched the Winning Product award at the 2019 Toyama Muslim Recipe
Contest Grand Prix, a testament to its dedication to providing
Muslim-friendly culinary experiences.



As a Muslim visitor to the establishment, they serve pork-free and
alcohol-free meals upon request. RAMEN IROHA CiC Branch will be a great
place to savour some of the best ramen that Japan has to offer.




Address: CiC Bldg. B1, 1-2-3, Shintomi-cho,
Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0002



Access: CiC Bldg. in front of Toyama Station
(underground passage)




Website: http://toyama-muslim.jp/en/restaurant/26-ramen-iroha-cic-branch/


Closing Note




Ishikawa and Toyama stand as beacons of inclusivity, actively embracing
and inviting more Muslim travellers to explore the treasures they hold.
Both prefectures have made strides in enhancing the travel experience for
Muslim visitors, offering a wealth of amenities and restaurants that cater
to specific dietary needs and cultural preferences.



In these regions, you’ll find more than picturesque landscapes and
historic sites; you’ll encounter communities that extend genuine warmth
and hospitality to all visitors, creating an atmosphere where diversity is
celebrated. The people of Ishikawa and Toyama take pride in ensuring that
their prefectures are not just destinations but welcoming spaces for
travellers from all walks of life.



As you embark on your journey through Ishikawa and Toyama, may you find
comfort in the knowledge that these prefectures are committed to making
your experience enriching, seamless, and memorable. From Muslim-friendly
accommodations to delectable cuisine, the amenities here are designed to
cater to your needs.



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