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In the recently concluded Halal In Travel Global Summit 2023, Japan held its sixth spot among 138 countries in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023. Held in Singapore on June 1, 2023, this remarkable summit created a platform for various national tourism organizations and travel industry stakeholders to discuss the potential of the ever-growing global Muslim travel market. This impressive ranking signifies Japan’s escalating importance and popularity as a preferred destination among Muslim travellers.

One of the pivotal reasons behind this heightened interest is the diligent efforts from different regions of Japan to accommodate Muslim travel requirements more effectively. The Hida Takayama Muslim Friendly Project is a shining example of such initiatives. Nestled in Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City, despite its modest population of 80,000, managed to attract over 35,000 tourists, primarily from Malaysia and Indonesia. The city is keen to offer Muslim tourists a comfortable journey, with easily accessible information about Halal-friendly restaurants and adequate prayer space.

An essential attraction for Muslim visitors in this area is the charming town of Hida Furukawa, known for inspiring the scenic setting for the acclaimed animated movie “Your Name,” or “Kimi no Na Wa.” Moreover, the city provides convenient access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-Go. To explore more about Takayama City’s project, click here.

In Kobe, another city renowned for its extensive Muslim-friendly facilities, the experience for Muslim tourists is further enhanced. The city, which houses the oldest standing mosque in Japan, the Kobe Mosque, also offers exquisite culinary delights like the Halal-certified Kobe beef. Built-in 1935, the mosque withstood the test of time, surviving air raids in 1945 and a significant earthquake in 1995. During the cherry blossom season, Kobe attracts throngs of tourists who flock to sites like Ikuta River Park and Sumaura Park. The city is easily accessible, just 20 minutes by train from Osaka.

Other prefectures in Japan are following suit and improving their Muslim-friendly resources. Shizuoka Prefecture, famous for its gastronomy, has revamped its portal to provide information about Halal-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and other relevant facilities. On the other hand, Toyama Prefecture has seen increased popularity thanks to the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). The updated Toyama Muslim Guide is an excellent resource for Muslim travellers seeking helpful guidance.

Japan’s persistent efforts to provide better facilities and a more welcoming environment for Muslim travellers are paying off. The nation’s sixth-place ranking in the GMTI 2023 is a testament to these endeavours. With Japan’s tourism industry continuously evolving, it is clear that the country is going above and beyond to ensure that Muslim travellers have a remarkable and comfortable experience within its borders. As Japan continues its dedication to accommodating the global Muslim travel market, halal tourism’s future looks promising.