11 Best Muslim-Friendly Halal Japanese Food Restaurants In Tokyo (2022)
Looking for the best Muslim-friendly halal Japanese food in Tokyo, Japan? This is the ultimate list of authentic Japanese food restaurants catering to Muslims.
Japan can be challenging for Muslims to find the right places to eat and pray.
Tokyo is home to more Michelin-starred eateries than other cities. It’s a must-visit destination for foodies. In recent years, places are becoming more Muslim-friendly by serving halal food and even preparing prayer rooms.
Sadly, many did not survive the pandemic and border closure.
These are the best restaurants in 2022 to eat halal Japanese food in Tokyo!
11 Best Muslim-Friendly Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo (2022)
1. Kineya Mugimaru
2. Asakusa Sushi Ken
3. Ayam-YA Halal Ramen Tokyo
4. T’s Tantan
5. Gyumon Yakiniku
6. KO-SO CAFE Biorise
7. Halal Ramen Honolu
8. Tendon Itsuki Ginza
9. SOJIBO Halal Soba
10. Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi
11. UOSHOU
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1. Kineya Mugimaru
Certified halal by Japan Halal Association (JHA)
If you’re arriving in Japan via Narita Airport, your gourmet tour of halal Japanese food in Tokyo begins here! Kineya Mugimaru is a self-service joint located within Narita Airport’s Sky Food Court. It’s well-known for thick, toothsome Sanuki udon noodles.
Don’t discount airport food just yet. Some eateries in airports here offer great meals unlike those in other parts of the world. I remember my Japanese colleagues used to look forward to arriving in/departing from certain airports just to enjoy a meal they’ve been craving for!
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photo by Kineya Mugimaru.
Kineya Mugimaru is one such spot with its halal status certified for Muslim travelers! Keep it light with a kitsune fried tofu udon for ¥460 (USD3.50) or get hearty with niku beef udon at ¥640 (USD4.50).
I’m sure both will hit the spot and warm your tummy after/before a cold flight. Do as the locals do and perhaps add tempura on the side?
Alcohol is served here, from a dispenser in disposable glasses, separate from the kitchen.
✓ English menu
✓ Kids & babies-friendly food court
✓ Muslim prayer space in Narita Airport
Kineya Mugimaru | 杵屋麦丸
Address: 5F, Narita Airport Terminal 1, 1 Furugome, Narita, Chiba
Business Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm | Opens daily
2. Asakusa Sushi Ken
Certified halal by Japan Halal Foundation
What’s a trip to Japan without sushi? Asakusa Sushi Ken is a well-loved Edomae sushi restaurant in Tokyo. It serves fresh, delicious halal-certified sushi at inexpensive prices.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by Asakusa Sushi Ken.
As with most restaurants in Japan, lunchtime offers the best value for money! Try Asakusa Sushi Ken’s affordable 10-piece nigiri set for only ¥1,100 (USD8). Or splurge on its 7-course sushi dinner from ¥6,600 (USD42) onwards, if you feel like treating yourself.
Do note that this restaurant serves alcohol. Its halal certification applies only to food.
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
✓ Muslim prayer space
Asakusa Sushi Ken | 浅草すし賢
Address: 1F, Matsu Royal Bldg, 2-11-4 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours:
Lunch 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Dinner 5.00pm – 10.30pm
(Sunday & Holidays 5.00pm – 10.00pm)
Closed on Wednesday and New Year’s Day
How To Go To Asakusa Sushi Ken
Board the Tsukuba Express train line to Asakusa Station (direct from Akihabara Station) and take Exit A1. Then walk for 1 minute to Asakusa Sushi Ken.
If it’s easier to board the Tokyo Metro Ginza train line (from Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza, Ueno, etc), get off at Tawaramachi Station and take Exit 3 then walk for 6 minutes.
3. Ayam-YA Halal Ramen Tokyo
Certified halal by Japan Halal Foundation
In the Malay and Indonesian languages, “ayam” means chicken. As its name suggests, this pork-free restaurant specializes in chicken-broth versions of the beloved Japanese ramen.
Having tasted many types of authentic ramen, I can promise you that chicken-based ramen can be just as rich, flavourful and delicious as standard tonkotsu ramen. Ramen is such a staple in Japanese cuisine that you shouldn’t miss this experience in Japan!
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by Ayam-YA.
Just like most ramen restaurants in Japan, you can choose your preferred broth type: shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt). Ayam-YA’s signature dish is the noukou tori soba, smooth flat noodles in extra rich chicken broth – limited to 20 bowls a day.
Hours are spent extracting rich chicken essence and collagen from chicken bones. That’s why this halal Japanese food in Tokyo so highly rated even among locals.
Ramen prices start from ¥850 (USD6) with a free upgrade to larger portions!
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
✓ Muslim prayer space
✓ Nearby As-salaam Mosque
Ayam-YA Halal Ramen | あやむ家
Address: Shato Motoasakusa, 3-10-3 Motoasakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: Opens daily
Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner 5.00pm – 10.00pm
How To Go To Ayam-YA Halal Ramen
Board the Tokyo Metro Ginza train line (from Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza, Ueno, etc) to Inaricho Station and walk 10 minutes to Ayam-YA Halal Ramen Tokyo.
Alternatively, take the Toei Oedo train line (from Roppongi, Tsukijijo, Yoyogi, Shinjuku, etc) to Shin-okachimachi Station and walk for 7 minutes.
4. T’s Tantan
In 2020, T’s Tantan was ranked top 10% of restaurants in the world.
T’s Tantan is a well-known plant-based restaurant that uses no meat, fish, eggs or dairy on its menu. It caters to vegans and Muslims looking to eat halal Japanese food in Tokyo.
Enjoy their specialty dish tantanmen, a Japanese take on the Chinese Szechuan dandan noodles (担担面) characterized by sesame or soy flavors in a spicy broth.
Tantanmen is a personal favorite of mine, especially on a cold day. While it’s a lesser-known Japanese dish compared to sushi, tempura, ramen and such, it’s addictive!
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by T’s たんたん.
The golden sesame tantanmen is recommended for ¥1,100 (USD8). It’s a crowd-favorite with a wonderfully creamy, nutty broth topped with fresh vegetables. Try it out at T’s Tantan’s stores located within these major train stations: Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Tokyo.
Do note that alcohol is served here and some dishes contain mirin, a sweet seasoning that has a small amount of alcohol. Check with their friendly staff before ordering.
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
T’s Tantan | T’s たんたん
Address: 1F, GRANSTA TOKYO, JR Tokyo Station, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Business Hours: 7.00am – 11.00pm | Opens daily
How To Go To T’s Tantan
Located within JR Tokyo Station, walk towards the Keiyo line platform to find GRANSTA TOKYO (Keiyo Street Area). T’s Tantan is located at the end of the row. Please note that you’ll need to have a platform ticket to access the area.
If you’re entering Tokyo Station from the outside, it’s best to enter from the Marunouchi North Gate (Marunouchi Kita-Kaisatsuguchi) or Marunouchi Central Gate (Marunouchi Chuo-Kaisatsuguchi).
5. Gyumon Yakiniku
Certified halal by Malaysia Halal Corporation (MHC)
Yakiniku is a Japanese-style barbeque where each table gets its own shichirin charcoal stove for you to grill your favorite cuts of beef. Japan serves one of the tastiest beef in the world, making this halal food in Japan experience a must in your itinerary.
Gyumon Yakiniku ensures its juicy, tender halal yakiniku beef is prepared following Shariah guidelines and adheres to Muslim needs.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by 牛門.
This restaurant is popular among locals, giving you a truly authentic yakiniku experience in Japan with its casual, lively atmosphere set in a heritage house.
Halal yakiniku lunch sets start from ¥2,000 (USD14) for a mix of chicken and beef with a side of salad, rice and soup. Go all out for dinner with the 3-beef set that also comes with salad, rice and soup for ¥4,000 (USD28). Make sure to reserve ahead as it gets crowded at times.
Note that alcohol is served here and there’s a separate menu for non-halal beef.
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
Gyumon Yakiniku | 牛門
Address: 3-14-5 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: Opens daily
Monday 5.00pm – 12.00am
Tuesday to Sunday 12.00pm – 12.00am
How To Go To Gyumon Yakiniku
From Shibuya Station, just take the South Exit and walk across an overhead bridge for about 10 minutes to Gyumon Yakiniku.
6. KO-SO CAFE Biorise
Certified halal by Malaysia Halal Corporation (MHC)
KO-SO CAFE is a contemporary cafe in Tokyo’s Ebisu that focuses on healthy vegan dishes. Everything is made without any eggs, dairy, animal byproducts and artificial seasonings. Organic vegetables and homemade enzymes (made from 88 varieties of natural ingredients!) are the stars here.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by KO-SO CAFE Biorise.
Try their signature Vegetable Curry which prides itself in using 18 types of vegetables for ¥980 (USD7) at lunchtime. KO-SO CAFE’s take on the Taco Rice, a vegan version of the Japanese Okinawan rice bowl dish, is also popular. This lunch menu costs ¥1,200 (USD8.50).
If you’re not feeling hungry, drop by for tea alongside yummy vegan desserts like buckwheat pancake, chocolates cake and tiramisu. This cozy Japanese cafe also ensures its tableware and cooking utensils are reserved for halal food ingredients.
Please note that alcohol is served here.
✓ English menu
✓ Kids & babies-friendly
KO-SO CAFE Biorise | コウソカフェ ビオライズ
Address: 1F, Lions Plaza , 3-25-3, Higashi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11.00am – 8.00pm | Closed on Wednesdays
How To Go To KO-SO CAFE Biorise
Board the JR Yamanote or Saikyo train line (from Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc) to Ebisu Station and walk 5 minutes from West Exit to KO-SO CAFE.
Alternatively, take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya train line (from Akihabara, Tsukiji, Ginza, Roppongi, etc) to Ebisu Station and walk 5 minutes from Exit 1 or Exit 2.
7. Halal Ramen Honolu
Certified halal by Malaysia Halal Corporation (MHC)
Located in Nihonbashi and Ebisu, Halal Ramen Honolu is another noodle expert that goes to great lengths to welcome Muslims looking for halal food in Japan.
Besides a halal certification, they also source soy sauce, chicken and noodles from halal certified suppliers.
This Japanese restaurant’s main draw is its 6-hour slow-cooked broth made from Kagoshima Satsuma chicken, concentrated in mouth-watering flavor and collagen.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by Halal Ramen Honolu
Adventurous foodies rave about its delectable chicken ramen topped with spicy fried chicken for ¥1,580 (USD11). Personally, no ramen meal is really complete without gyoza dumplings! Try their tasty chicken gyoza side dish for ¥680 (USD5).
Halal Ramen Honolu is voted no.1 ramen by Halal Navi users. They don’t serve alcohol here and protect their tableware and cooking utensils from contact with non-halal ingredients.
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
✓ Muslim prayer space
Halal Ramen Honolu | 麺屋 帆のる
Address: 1F, America-bashi Bldg. 1-23-1 Ebisu Minami, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: Opens daily
Lunch 11.30am – 3.00pm
Dinner 5.00pm – 9.00pm
How To Go To Halal Ramen Honolu
Board the JR Yamanote or Saikyo train line (from Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc) to Ebisu Station and walk 8 minutes from East Exit to Honolu.
Take the Yebisu Sky Walk covered pathway from Ebisu Station’s East Exit, straight to Yebisu Garden Place where you exit, cross the bridge on your right, then turn right. The restaurant is just down this alley, parallel to Yebisu Sky Walk.
8. Tendon Itsuki Ginza
Certified halal by Japan Halal Foundation
Another halal Japanese food in Tokyo is light, crispy tempura rice bowls at Tendon Itsuki Ginza.
Tempura is a Japanese dish where fresh, seasonal ingredients like vegetables and seafood are battered, then deep-fried until perfectly crisp. It can be enjoyed on its own or topped on rice to make such satisfying tendon rice bowls.
Set in the luxurious district of Ginza, the affordable halal-certified Tendon Itsuki is a hit among locals and foreigners. Meal times are often busy with only 14 seats available in total.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by 天丼専門 銀座いつき.
Prices start from ¥1,000 (USD7) for Vegetable Tendon or Standard Tendon that comes with chawanmushi steamed eggs, miso soup and free-flow cabbage
Seafood lovers will love the Special Tendon with snow crab and anago eel alongside the standard shrimp, chicken, egg and vegetable tempura at ¥1,500 (USD10.50). End your classic Japanese meal with halal-certified fresh cream daifuku mochi with fillings!
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
There’s no prayer space in the Ginza INZ 1 mall. However, just a 5-minutes walk away is Matsuya Ginza department store where you’ll find a prayer room on its rooftop, with a wudhu area.
Tendon Itsuki Ginza | 天丼専門 銀座いつき
Address: 2F, Ginza INZ 1, 3-1, Ginza-nishi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: Opens daily
Weekdays
Lunch 11.00am – 3.00pm
Dinner 5.00pm – 11.15pm
Weekends & Holidays
11.00am – 11.15pm
How To Go To Tendon Itsuki Ginza
Tendon Itsuki is on the second floor of Ginza INZ 1 shopping mall. To access, board the JR Yamanote or Tokyo Metro Yurakucho train line to Yurakucho Station then walk 3 minutes.
Alternatively, take the Ginza train line to Ginza Station and walk for 5 minutes.
9. SOJIBO Halal Soba
Certified halal by Japan Halal Association (JHA)
SOJIBO is a Japanese restaurant serving the famed Shinshu soba buckwheat noodles of Nagano Prefecture, in a casual ambiance that takes you to cozy rural homes of the olden days.
This famous Japanese restaurant is memorable for its toothsome homemade soba noodles. Served hot or cold, the noodles are elevated by raw wasabi.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by 信州そば処 そじ坊.
What makes this soba restaurant different from others is 1) it’s pork-free 2) it’s certified halal 3) soba is served with freshly-grated wasabi, which is a rarity. You can’t go wrong with a classic zaru soba served cold, paired with jumbo shrimp tempura for ¥1,660 (USD12).
If you’re visiting the giant Gundam in Odaiba, make sure to eat at SOJIBO as the towering statue is right by DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
SOJIBO Halal Soba | そじ坊ダイバーシティ東京
Address: 6F, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm | Opens daily
How To Go To SOJIBO
SOJIBO is on the sixth floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall. To get to this mall, take the Rinkai train line (from Osaki, Oimachi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc) to Tokyo Teleport Station and walk for 5 minutes.
Alternatively, take the Yurikamome train line (from Toyosu, Tokyo Big Sight, Shimbashi, Shiodome, etc) to Daiba Station and walk 5 minutes to SOJIBO in DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
10. Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi
Certified halal by Japan Halal Foundation
The Gonpachi dining chain is well recognized globally for its Nishi-Azabu restaurant featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. Yes, that infamous fight scene with Lucy Liu.
Gonpachi is present in a few areas within Tokyo, but its Asakusa Azumabashi location is the first store that is halal-certified. However, do note that this is certification is only limited to selected items and an advance reservation is required (click for online booking!).
View Gonpachi’s Muslim-friendly menu in English here.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by 権八 浅草吾妻橋.
Melt-in-your-mouth premium beef is the theme of their halal menu. Think buttery Kobe beef, indulgent Wagyu beef and the luxurious Ozaki beef – savored in a modern, chic ambiance across beautiful views of Sumida Review.
Its kitchen isn’t halal exclusive, though separate sets of cookware and kitchenware are used for its halal menu. Tableware is shared, but they are happy to provide disposable glasses, forks, spoons and such by request.
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi | 権八
Address: 1F & 2F, Nakagawa Bld. 2-1-15 Kaminarimon Taitoku Tokyo
Business Hours: 11.30am – 11.00pm | Opens daily
How To Go To Gonpachi
It’s easiest to board the Tokyo Metro Ginza train line (from Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza, Ueno, etc) to Asakusa Station and walk a few seconds from Exit 4 to Gonpachi. Alternatively, take the Toei Asakusa train line to Asakusa Station and walk 1 minute from Exit A5.
11. UOSHOU
Certified halal by Japan Halal Foundation
The oldest fugu blowfish restaurant in Asakusa is now halal-certified, first in Japan!
Founded in 1902, UOSHOU opens its doors for Muslims to enjoy one of the most authentic, quintessential Japanese food – the (potentially) deadly fugu blowfish.
Halal Japanese Food In Tokyo : Photos by UOSHOU.
This rare delicacy requires Japanese chefs handling fugu pufferfish to undergo special training to thoroughly remove its fatal toxins. UOSHOU has been serving this delicate fish for generations, which should assure you of its safety. So thrilling!
UOSHOU’s halal certification only applies to a limited menu that needs to be reserved ahead:
· Fugu nabe hot pot ¥5,000 (USD35)
· Tempura set ¥2,200 (USD15)
✓ English menu
✓ English-speaking staff
✓ Kids-friendly
UOSHOU | 魚昇
Address: 5-10-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Closed Mondays
Lunch 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Dinner 5.00pm – 11.00pm
How To Go To UOSHOU
Board the Tsukuba Express train line to Asakusa Station (direct from Akihabara Station) and walk for 5 minutes.
Alternatively, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza train line (from Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza, Ueno, etc) to Tawaramachi Station or Asakusa Station and walk 15 minutes to UOSHOU.
Conclusion
There you have it, the best halal Japanese food in Tokyo!
So much has changed over the last few years during the pandemic. It saddens me to see so many eateries in this city close for good, but I’m grateful these Muslim-friendly halal restaurants in Tokyo thrived and continue to do their best to serve Muslims.
Exploring an exciting new country can be a rewarding experience when you get to partake in its authentic food culture. There is so much rich history in Japan’s food that you shouldn’t miss it.
Muslim friends, make sure to include these halal Japanese food spots in your Tokyo itinerary!
FAQ
Does Tokyo Have Halal Food?
Wondering if Tokyo has halal food? Yes! Japan is opening its doors to welcome Muslims in recent years. You can easily find halal Japanese food, Middle Eastern food, Indian food, Western food, and more all over Tokyo city. Many are certified halal and some even prepare prayer rooms in consideration of Muslim customers.
Does Japan Have A Lot Of Halal Food?
Japan does not have a lot of halal food at the moment, but it is getting there. Locals are slowly catering to the needs of Muslims. Currently, halal restaurants and food ingredients are concentrated in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Halal-certified food supplies and raw materials for home or commercial use in Japan are limited but available.
Is It Hard To Find Halal Food In Japan?
It is not hard to find halal food in Japan these days, for both visitors and residents. This is especially so in highly populated cities like Tokyo, where halal restaurants and food ingredients are increasingly accessible. It’s much easier to enjoy halal food from various cuisines in Japan now, compared to a few years ago.
What Is Halal In Japanese?
You can say halal in Japanese like this: ha-raa-ru , or ハラール in writing.
