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10 Halal Japanese Eateries Near Tokyo’s Most Stunning Cherry Blossom Spots

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Faruq Senin •  Feb 27, 2018

Tokyo during cherry blossom season can be an overwhelming experience, with throngs of travellers and locals all wanting to soak in the beautiful sight of sakura. I mean, who can blame them? Japan’s cherry blossoms are truly a sight to behold and Tokyo has some of the best places to view them! If you want to get the best out of the sakura season, remember to check out Japan’s cherry blossom forecast for 2018.

While you’re busy searching for the best accommodations and planning your itinerary, we’ve taken one thing off your mind: halal food.

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To make your experience a sweeter one, we’ve compiled this handy guide of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom spots and halal restaurants near them! We guarantee, this will be a life-saver during your cherry blossom chase?

#HHWT Tip: With all the travelling that you’ll be doing in Tokyo, we recommend getting the Tokyo Subway Pass which gives you unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.

P.S. Plan ahead and skip the queues by purchasing your attraction tickets and passes on Klook! For travellers from Singapore, use the promo code <CHERRY18> to enjoy $36* off your purchases while Malaysian travellers can get a discount of RM116* by using the promo code <CHERRY58>. Indonesian travellers can use the promo code <CHERRY188> to enjoy RP376RB* off your purchases!

Shinjuku Gyoen

With more than 1,000 cherry trees and dozens of varieties, Shinjuku Gyoen is undoubtedly one of the best spots to catch cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Lay your picnic mats on the spacious lawns or join hundreds of locals and travellers in marvelling at the breathtaking views.

Credit: Jitsupa Sawatmoon on Facebook

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka

Lucky for you, Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka is just nearby! This halal ramen bar gives you the full ramen dining experience as your ramen would be served with grilled chicken and yakitori. The unique thing about this ramen is that it also comes with a bowl of rice, which you have to eat with the remaining broth of your ramen. This is called ochazuke and it’s definitely oishii!

Credit: @ramen.ouka_shinjuku on Instagram

Did we tell you that you can also personalise your ramen just the way you like it? Have your pick of various spiciness levels or upsize your ramen if you’re feeling extra hungry!

#HHWT Tip: As Ramen Ouka is a small eatery, do call them to make a reservation if you’re travelling in a large group!

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Opening Hours: Mon to Thur, 2 – 10pm, Fri, 5 – 10pm, Sat to Sun, 12.30 – 10pm

Address: 1 Chome-11-7 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

Contact: +81 3-5925-8426

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is another go-to park for hanami in Tokyo. It might be more crowded and noisier here but it’s the perfect opportunity for you to soak up the festive atmosphere with the locals. The Sakura Matsuri festival is also held at Ueno Park so you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture while admiring the cherry blossoms. The best part – Ueno Park is also a good spot to see lanterns light up in the evening!

Credit: @lokchunwen on Instagram

P.S. Update your Instagram or Facebook on the go with Klook’s pocket WiFi router. Conveniently pick up the router from any airport in Japan!

2. Coco Ichibanya Curry House

If you’re at Ueno Park for hanami, you have to make your way to Coco Ichibanya Curry House in Akihabara. It’s the chain’s FIRST EVER halal-certified outlet! Tuck into a piping hot plate of their tender beef curry rice or whet your appetite with the crispy chicken cutlet?

Credit: @mohammadazry on Instagram

Opening hours: 11am – 10.30pm daily

Address: 16 Kanda Matsunagachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0023, Japan

Contact: +81 3-6260-8667

P.S. While you’re in Akihabara, the otaku paradise of Tokyo, why not dress up in cosplay costumes and explore downtown Tokyo in a go kart?

3. Ayam-ya Okachimachi

Another halal restaurant near Ueno Park is Ayam-ya Okachimachi. Indulge in a yummy bowl of halal ramen in rich white chicken soup which is just what you need after a whole day of cherry blossom chasing. You can also opt for a spicy version if you feel like it. Other than ramen, Ayam-ya also serves tsukemen (cold dipping ramen) and rice bowls.

Credit: Rajawali Bintang on Facebook

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Opening Hours: 11.30am – 4pm, 5 – 10pm daily

Address:  Chome-10-1 Taitō, 台東区 Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0016, Japan

Contact: +81 3-3834-6656

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is possibly the most crowded location to view cherry blossoms but its proximity to Shibuya is what makes it so accessible. It’s perfect if you’re looking for somewhere central and despite the large crowds, the many varieties of cherry blossoms here still makes it a prime spot.

#HHWT Tip: Do arrive early to get your spot at Yoyogi Park!

4. Gyumon

Gyumon’s where you can savour some authentic halal yakiniku (grilled meat). This is definitely the ideal place once you’re done shopping and jostling through the crowds in Shibuya. Choose the cut of beef you want and they’ll serve it to you raw. The raw beef is lightly marinated with salt and pepper, giving you a chance to get the fine taste of the tender beef slices. All you have to do is grill the meat on the charcoal stove and you can have the perfect juicy grilled meat ?

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Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am daily

Address: 3-14-5 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Contact: +81 3-5469-2911

5. Hanasakaji-san

Hanasakaji-san is the ONLY halal shabu-shabu restaurant in Tokyo which serves authentic Wagyu beef all the way from Miyazaki prefecture. Dip your beef into the warm soup and watch it cook in seconds! The restaurant also prides itself on serving halal washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) and each set comes with a variety of dishes like tempura and grilled mackerel. Hope we haven’t set your stomach rumbling that much! ?

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Website

Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 12am, Sun, 11.30am – 4pm, 5 – 11pm

Address: Sakura Building B1F 3-22 Sakuragaoka Shibuya Tokyo 150-0031 Japan

Contact: +81 3-3496-7777

Chidorigafuchi Park

Located at the Imperial Palace area, Chidorigafuchi Park lets you experience cherry blossoms in a different way. Here’s where you can admire cherry blossoms while rowing your boat along a moat. The picturesque views of sakura and the water is something that you won't want to miss?

#HHWT Tip: The queue for the boats can get really long so do plan to go early if you want to avoid the crowd. The boat pier opens at 9.30 am.

6. Akasaka Saryo Ouka

The sister shop of Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka, Akasaka Saryo Ouka is the first Japanese-styled café in Tokyo. The restaurant serves Japanese traditional desserts and matcha pancakes.

Credit: Halal Café & Sushi Akasaka Saryo Ouka on Facebook

That’s not all – Saryo Ouka also serves sushi platters and wagyu beef rice. It’s just what you need to fill your tummy after all that rowing?

Credit: Azman Buang on Facebook

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Opening hours: 12.30 – 3pm, 6 – 9pm daily

Address: 1 Chome-9 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 107-0052, Japan

Contact: +81 3-5544-8455

Sumida River

Take a stroll along Tokyo’s Sumida River which is home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees. The breathtaking view of the gorgeous blooms and the Tokyo Skytree will make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos ?Sumida River is also in close proximity to Asakusa – where you can experience life in Edo period Japan and have authentic Japanese cuisine. And while you’re there, why not don a rented kimono to truly experience Japanese culture?

#HHWT Tip: Get $5 off your first purchase on Klook when you use the promo code ‘TRAVELHHWT’.

7. Asakusa Sushi Ken

Finding halal sushi in Japan is not an easy task but Sushi Ken is the first halal-certified sushi eatery in the country. All of the ingredients used to make the sushi - from its soy sauce, vinegar to its meat - is halal, so you can eat to your heart's content!

Sushi Ken creates every dish with only the finest ingredients and the freshest seafood. If you’re a die-hard sushi fan, this is a restaurant you must not miss!

Credit: @agung_erwan on Instagram

#HHWT tip: Just like most eateries in Japan, dining here during lunch is much cheaper with lunch sets ranging from ¥1,300 to ¥1,800!

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Opening Hours: Mon to Sat, 11.30am – 11pm, Sun, 11.30am – 10pm

Address: 2-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Contact: +81 50-3184-0547

8. Naritaya

Here’s another ramen place in Tokyo that’s worth a visit! The broth for the ramen at Naritaya is chicken-based and the noodles are made fresh at their own factory. You even get to order your ramen through a vending machine placed just outside the entrance, just like any other Japanese ramen stall. That’s one way to get an authentic experience ? And if you are a fan of spicy food, don’t forget to add the chilli paste provided into your ramen!

#HHWT Tip: Naritaya has a prayer space so you can fulfil your prayers in peace while travelling!

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Opening Hours: Mon to Sat, 11am – 10pm, Sun, 11am – 9pm

Address: 2 Chome-7-13 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Contact: +81 3-4285-9806

P.S. Immerse yourself and enjoy a tour of the well-preserved streets of Asakusa by hopping on a rickshaw tour!

Megurogawa River

Megurogawa River is the perfect spot for you to have a picturesque view of cherry blossoms which are neatly lined along the river. The best part is that it’s located just a station away from Shibuya, so that makes a great balance for travellers who want to escape the city for a bit! If you’re worrying about where to find halal food, fret not as we have you covered ?

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9. Honolu Ebisu

Head over to Honolu Ebisu to enjoy various types of chicken ramen. You can savour chicken ramen in whatever way you like – be it spicy, with soy sauce or fried chicken. The thick and rich taste of the chicken broth will leave you wanting more. Other than the ramen, you can also order some light bites like gyoza and takoyaki!

Credit: Japan Ryoukou on Facebook

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Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5 – 10pm daily

Address: 1 Chome-23-1 Ebisuminami, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0022, Japan

Contact: +81 3-5734-1667

Inokashira Park

This 100-year old park has long been a favourite for cherry blossom sightings. Located just 30 minutes away from downtown Tokyo, Inokashira’s lake and shrines make cherry blossom viewing even more pleasurable. Rent a mini boat to have a relaxing time on the lake. After you’re done exploring the park, visit one of the many hipster cafes around the area to recharge yourself!

Credit: Sarah Sutter on Facebook

Mount Takao

Take your cherry blossom sighting up in the mountains at Mount Takao – a sacred spot in Tokyo’s Hachioji district. Many locals visit the mountain all year round to visit its shrines. Located just an hour away from downtown Tokyo, this is the spot to be if you miss the sakura season in the city as temperatures are relatively colder here. The hike up to the summit is not a tough one and the view of cherry blossoms amidst the mountains will keep you occupied. Plus if you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to spot Mount Fuji from Mount Takao!

Credit: Mark Loueis Garcia on Facebook

10. Japan Halal Kitchen

With Japan Halal Kitchen’s bento set lunch, you no longer have to limit your cherry blossom chase to downtown Tokyo alone. Make your choice from the extensive menu which includes Teriyaki Beef, Karaage Chicken and even Malaysian food like Satay and Beef Rendang.

To order a halal bento set, send Japan Halal Kitchen a direct message on Facebook or email them ([email protected]) and it will be delivered straight to you. It’s THAT simple.

#HHWT Tip: Remember to quote ‘HHWT’ to get 10% off your total bill

Bring your delicious halal bento sets with you as you explore other cherry blossom spots in Tokyo’s outskirts. They will provide you with views just as amazing (or even better!) as those we mentioned above. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore Tokyo’s suburbs especially if you’re there for only a short period of time.

If you’re travelling outside of Tokyo or to other cities in Japan during your trip, get the unlimited Japan-wide JR Pass. That way, you can tap in and tap out at any JR rail station without any hassle.

P.S. No visit to Tokyo would be complete without heading to Tokyo Disneyland/Disneysea. Visiting the ‘happiest place on earth’ will definitely make your cherry blossom chase even more fulfilling ?

There you have it, 10 halal options near Tokyo’s cherry blossom spots for you to soak in the best of what the season has to offer! Have comfort in the fact that wherever you are in Tokyo, it’s not difficult to find halal food? You can now rest your worries and enjoy the cherry blossom chase to your heart’s content (:

P.S. Get your money’s worth by purchasing your attractions tickets and passes on Klook! For Singapore travellers, use the promo code <CHERRY18> to enjoy $36* off your purchases while Malaysian travellers can get a discount of RM116* by using the promo code <CHERRY58>. Indonesian travellers can use the promo code <CHERRY188> to enjoy RP376RB* off your purchases!

This article was brought to you by Klook.