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15 Kid-Friendly Places In Tokyo For Your Fun-Filled Family Trip

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Myra Mahyuddin •  May 16, 2016

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Credit: Jeffrey Friedl

Big, bustling, buzzing, bright -- welcome to Tokyo. And in a city the size of Tokyo, it’s easy to feel a little claustrophobic at times. But you might be surprised when I say it’s actually very child-friendly. My husband and I (along with our then two-year-old toddler Noah) were lucky enough to have experienced the sights and sounds of Japan’s capital city twice in the span of three months. Our verdict? Tokyo gets our nod of approval for a perfect destination for families!

[P.S. Before you embark on your Tokyo adventure, here are some Japanese phrases every Muslim traveller should know]

Credit: Giphy

If you're travelling anywhere with kids, you know that it’s essential to plan ahead. We’ve done some of the homework for you (including these 11 tips on conquering the country with kids in tow) so you have fewer things to worry about.

Ready to see what Tokyo has to offer the little ‘uns other than Disneyland? From retro steam engines to jungle gyms, here’s our pick of places that might interest you and the kids.

[We've already got you covered for the perfect trip to Tokyo Disneyland, and not forgetting Disneysea!]

1. Robot Park (Oji 6-chome Children's Playground )

Robot-Park

Tucked away in the suburbs of Roppongi is a small but well-designed gem of a park for kids. Robot Park is a playground featuring several colourful slides, robot-designed spring-riders, a tall totem pole, and Noah’s favourite: a long rolling-pin slide built into the hill. Most of the playground is covered with rubberised mats so kids can run and climb without getting seriously hurt.

Robot-Park2
Robot-Park is located right behind Roppongi Hills, where there is an art museum and more than 200 shops and eateries under one roof.

#HHWT Tip: Grab a bite at DIYA, which is a halal Indian restaurant located in Roppongi Hills, or venture into the surrounding neighbourhood to find Hiroo Mosque and the Arabic Islamic Institute Tokyo (less than a 10-minute walk from Robot Park).

Address: 6-16-46 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6108

Opening Hours: All day

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Minokichi – Ikebukuro branch (around 14 minutes drive) - traditional Japanese multi-course meals

2. Origami Asakusa (around 22 minutes drive) - shabu-shabu

3. Yoshitomoan Soba (around 21 minutes drive) - soba noodles

2. Niko Niko Park

NikoNikoPark
Discovering Niko Niko Park on one of our trips felt like striking gold because it’s refreshing to see a spacious outdoor playground in a densely populated city like Tokyo. Although there’s an admission fee, the affordably-priced tickets can be bought from vending machines at the entrance.

Here comes Noah!
Here comes Noah!

Niko Niko Park is divided into a few sections, from a general play area which has climbing towers, a trampoline, a sandpit, and even a small flying fox; to a man-made hill where more adventurous kids can slide, climb and crawl; to a rest area where parents can sit around with a hot cuppa.

Address: 1-7-5 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061

Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm daily

Entrance Fees: 300 JPY for adults and 100 JPY for children

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka (around 6 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

2. Menya Kaijin (around 9 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi (around 10 minutes drive) - yakiniku

4. Gyu-Kaku – Akasaka Branch (around 10 minutes drive) - yakiniku

3. The Railway Museum

Credit: @chai23hm on Instagram

If you have a child who’s mad about trains, why not take a trip to The Railway Museum? Located just a short train ride to the north of Tokyo, the museum has actual models of trains used in Japan through the years – even including the carriage first used by the Japanese royal family – right up to the Shinkansen bullet trains today.

Credit: @ansi050812 on Instagram

There are 36 full-size train cars and engines – most of which have interactive displays for kids to learn more about Japanese railway. In another section, you can watch miniature trains travelling on a vast cityscape. The play area is probably the most fun space for kids as this is where they can get their hands on toy trains and put together train tracks around the room.

#HHWT Tip: Equally interesting is the museum’s cafeteria which provides great views of trains in service passing by.

Address: 3-47 Onari-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama 330-0852

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm (last admission 5.30pm). Closed every Tuesday and New Year's holidays.

Entrance Fees: 1000 JPY for adults, 500 JPY for elementary-high school students, and 200 JPY for preschool children 3 years old and up.

Website

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Kappou Yama (around 21 minutes drive) - a variety of Japanese selections

2. Minokichi – Ikebukuro branch (around 38 minutes drive) - traditional Japanese multi-course meals

4. Ghibli Museum

Credit: Giphy

Are you a big fan of Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, or any of the other films produced by famed Japanese animation filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki? Then you cannot skip the Studio Ghibli Museum!

Credit: @celineeaureliaa on Instagram

It’s a treat right from the moment you step out of the train, where a ‘Cat Bus’ stands ready to take you to the museum. Once inside, you’ll get to see how the Studio Ghibli team creates the detailed worlds that the movies are based on; kids get to play in a big Cat Bus, and there’s also a special movie that you get to catch with each entry ticket.

Credit: @terepanjaipan on Instagram

And just before you go, make sure to visit the souvenir shop and the cafe for cakes and more!

Address: 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm (closed every Tuesday)

Fees: 1000 JPY (over age 19), 700 JPY (age 13 – 18), 400 JPY (age 7 – 12), 100 JPY (age 4 – 6), and free admission for children under 4. Tickets must be reserved prior to visits and for specific dates.

Website

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. CoCo Ichibanya Shinjuku outlet (around 26 minutes drive) - Japanese curry

2. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka (around 31 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. Akasaka Saryo Ouka (around 32 minutes drive) - sushi

4. Menya Kaijin (around 30 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

5. Tokyo Fire Museum

Credit: @nindita_r on Instagram

Hands up if your child has a fascination for emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances. At the Tokyo Fire Museum, kids can see beautiful vintage fire trucks that were used in the 1920s and “pilot” a helicopter, amongst other things.

Credit: @arhansip on Instagram

The third floor is where all the magic happens. There’s a huge diorama that uses lights, sounds, moving pieces and videos to show kids how the fire department deals with an emergency fire situation. The best bit, if you were to ask me, is the fact that kids can dress up as firefighters, sit in an actual fire truck and press buttons to set off the sirens. How cool is that?

Credit: @ebbby11 on Instagram

Admission is free (yay!) and while the info is presented mostly in Japanese, English pamphlets are available at the museum.

#HHWT Tip: Pack some lunch before visiting the museum. The Observation Room, which is on the 10th floor, is a nice place to eat your bento and has a great view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Address: 3 Chome-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0004

Opening Hours: 9.30am - 5pm (closed every Monday, and from 28 December – 4 January)

Website

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka (4 minutes drive or 10 minutes walk) - ramen noodles

2. Menya Kaijin (around 7 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi (around 12 minutes drive) -yakiniku

4. Gyu-Kaku – Akasaka Branch (around 12 minutes drive) - yakiniku

5. Akasaka Saryo Ouka (around 11 minutes drive) - sushi

6. Yoshitomoan Soba (around 11 minutes drive) - soba noodles

7. CoCo Ichibanya - Shinjuku outlet (around 11 minutes drive) - Japanese curry

6. Toy Museum

Credit: @dynamictoys on Instagram

Just around the corner from the Tokyo Fire Museum is another museum that’s worth checking out. Housed in a former elementary school, the three-storey Tokyo Toy Museum really is a hands-on playing field for kids. Apart from a room full of simple wooden toys that everybody is free to play with, there’s the Toy Forest, where kids can choose to play in a big dollhouse or jump into a sandbox-like area filled with more than 20,000 wooden balls.

Credit: @patchaooh on Instagram

On the third floor is where kids can play traditional Japanese toys and analogue games. It’s also where the Toy Factory is located and workshops are held every day to teach both kids and adults how to make handmade toys.

Credit: @textilehive on Instagram

Babies aren’t left out here. The Wooden Baby Room is fitted with slides, crawl tunnels and toys suitable for babies up to the age of 2.

Address: 4-20 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 160-0004

Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm (last admission at 3.30pm). Closed every Thursday, the New Year’s holidays and special holidays in February and September.

Entrance Fees: 800 JPY (adults), 500 JPY (6 months old through elementary school), and 1200 JPY (child + adult pair ticket).

Website  (Japanese only)

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka (around 3 minutes drive / 10 minutes walk) - ramen noodles

2. Menya Kaijin (around 7 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. CoCo Ichibanya - Shinjuku (around 10 minutes drive) - Japanese curry

7. Kiddy Land

Credit: @our.trio.travels on Instagram

A trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Kiddy Land – one of the best toy store chains in Japan. Their flagship store in Harajuku is five floors of toys, so don’t be surprised if you end up spending a lot of time and money here.

Credit: @gracie.julie on Instagram

The toys on display at Kiddy Land constantly change and they range from your usual Hello Kitty and Disney fanfare to limited edition toys that can only be found in Japan. It's best to visit on a weekday as the weekend crowd can be overwhelming for kids.

Credit: @febelinda888 on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: Although there are lifts, parents don’t have to push their strollers around Kiddy Land. Dedicated staff are always on hand to help keep strollers on the ground floor.

Address: 6-1-9 Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001

Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 10.30am – 9pm (Sat, Sun & public holidays)

Website

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka (around 12 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

2. Menya Kaijin (around 11 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. Honolu Ebisu (around 12 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

4. Gyumon (around 6 minutes drive) -yakiniku

5. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi (around 11 minutes drive) - yakiniku

[P.S. Thinking of dropping by a traditional ryokan (Japanese Inn) while you're there? Check out these beautiful 8 ryokans with private onsens (hot spring bath)!]

8. Muji at Shibuya Seibu

Muji-Main
Credit: Muji

Dads and moms love shopping, but what is a kid to do? Thankfully, the six-storey Muji outlet at departmental store Shibuya Seibu comes with a play area on the fifth floor and it’s filled with wooden toys. Younger kids will be happy here and parents would be able to shop for clothes, stationery and homeware in peace.

Muji

On the same floor, you’ll find a nursing/baby changing room, as well as a section selling maternity wear, baby and kids apparel, accessories, and wooden toys.

Address: 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042

Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm daily

Website

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka (around 14 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

2. Menya Kaijin (around 13 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. Honolu Ebisu (around 12 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

4. Gyumon (around 5 minutes drive / 15 minutes walk) - yakiniku

5. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi (around 10 minutes drive) - yakiniku

9. Ueno Zoological Gardens

Credit: @bushra_hasegawa on Instagram

The Ueno district is home to a number of museums and attractions, including the oldest zoo in Japan. Opened in 1882, Ueno Zoological Gardens is a sprawling 35-acre sanctuary that shelters almost 3,000 animals.

Credit: Giphy

Come face to face with some of the zoo’s popular residents (gorillas, giant pandas, Hokkaido brown bears and pygmy hippos), or let the little ‘uns pet okapis and ayes-ayes at the animal petting area.

Credit: @kahyjourney_ on Instagram

Don’t hurry off from the zoo; it’s situated in a beautiful park so take time to stroll through. If you’re lucky (or really good at planning), time your visit during cherry blossom season and you’ll be strolling one of the best spots in Tokyo for sakura blooms!

Address: 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711

Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5pm (closed every Monday, Tokyo Citizen’s Day on 1 October, and from 29 December – 1 January)

Entrance Fees: 600 JPY (age 16 – 64), 300 JPY (age 65 and above), 200 JPY (age 13 – 15), and free for children below 12 years old.

Website

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1- Naritaya - Asakusa (around 10 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

2. Yakiniku Panga (around 9 minutes drive) - yakiniku

3. Origami Asakusa (around 12 minutes drive) - shabu-shabu

4. Asakusa Nagomi (around 9 minutes drive) - shabu-shabu

5. Sushiken (around 9 minutes drive) - sushi

6. CoCo Ichibanya - Akihabara (around 9 minutes drive) - Japanese curry

10. Tokyo Disneyland & SEA

If you think all Disney parks are the same, you probably haven’t been to Tokyo Disneyland or its sister park Tokyo Disneysea. It might be the beautiful culture, the insane variety of merchandise, the people or just the fact that we love Japan and its amazing cuisine because the Tokyo Disney parks are our favourite! But we’ll leave that for another article ?

[P.S. Conquer Tokyo Disneyland and Disney SEA with these 10 essential tips]

Credit: @miho.disney on Instagram

Explore this fantasy-land with your kids for a magical adventure! With all your childhood characters coming to life, you might end up enjoying it more than the kids ?

[P.S. Check out our Muslim-friendly Tokyo 5 days 4 nights itinerary which includes Tokyo Disneyland!]

Credit: @mami_mu123 on Instagram

Enjoy the themed fun rides, explore the iconic Walt Disney castle, and stay back and enjoy the parade. Be in awe as all your (and your kid's) favourite characters come to life at this magical place ?

Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm daily

Website | Facebook | Instagram

NEARBY HALAL FOOD: check out our essential guide for Disney SEA and Disneyland for a comprehensive food guide! 

11. Legoland Tokyo Discovery Centre

Credit: @xy_peach on Instagram

Located in Odaiba, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is one not be missed if you have kids around 3 to 10 years old ?It's a world fo vibrant colours, creativity and fun. Enjoy a variety of experiences such as a LEGO ride, 4D cinema and LEGO classes!

P.S. If you're planning to get a LEGO set, the retail price there is 20% cheaper than outside stores.

Credit: @hulandancer_kahana on Instagram

You can also visit the amazing LEGO recreations of the Tokyo Skyline and other iconic landmarks. Let the young ones build cars at the LEGO Racers: Build & Test station or sing karaoke from Lego Friends! For the younger kids, there is also LEGO Maze, LEGO Miniland and the Merlin's Apprentice Ride ?

Address: Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 デックス東京ビーチアイランドモール 3階

Opening hours: Weekdays 10am - 8pm, weekends 10am - 9pm

Website | Facebook | Instagram

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi (around 14 minutes drive) - yakiniku

2. Gyu-Kaku – Akasaka Branch (around 14 minutes drive) - yakiniku

3. Akasaka Saryo Ouka (around 14 minutes drive) - sushi

4. CoCo Ichibanya - Akihabara (around 15 minutes drive) - Japanese curry

12. KidZania

Credit: @kidzaniajapan on Instagram

KidZania gives children a unique experience by letting them explore different careers in a ‘professional’ setting. The entire place is set like an indoor city with miniature replicas of office buildings ?

Each ‘office’ allows children to don official uniforms and experience adult jobs like a surgeon, judge, firefighter, pilot and hairdressers! Dentist and doctors will work from their clinics, pilots will experience ‘flying’ from their cockpit, and firefighters will roam around the miniature city putting our ‘fires’ ? Some career paths even allow them to attend brain-storming sessions and attend boardroom meetings!

Credit: @kidzaniajapan on Instagram

Only children are allowed in the ‘office buildings’, but fret not your child’s safety is assured with on-site Zupervisors who will care for them as they explore different career paths! Also, each child will have to wear an electronic tracking bracelet that prevents them from leaving the indoor city without their parents.

Address: Japan, 〒135-0061 Tokyo, Koto City, Toyosu, 2 Chome−4−9 アーバンドック ららぽーと豊洲 ノースポート3階

Opening hours: 9am - 3pm, 4pm - 9pm daily

Website | Facebook | Instagram

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Ayam-YA Okachimachi (around 18 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

2. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi (around 17 minutes drive) - yakiniku

3. Akasaka Saryo Ouka (around 17 minutes drive) - sushi

4. CoCo Ichibanya - Akihabara (around 17 minutes drive) - Japanese curry

[P.S. Dropping by Tokyo during winter? Here's what you need to know to stay warm and cosy during your trip!]

13. Sega Ikekuburo GIGO

One of Tokyo's best arcade (which isn't really a surprise since it's by the legendary SEGA!)

Credit: @daddykim107 on Instagram

This amazing building boasts 7 floors of high tech entertainment for you and your kids! Play and experience video games of different kinds from interactive games for little kids (such as drumming) to dancing, fighting and anime games ?Mother's and girls will love the nail sticker designing game and selfie machines!

Credit: @aprillsaya on Instagram

You can also rent costumes for yourselves (¥200) and your kids (¥100) and take the best family photos in Japan! There are even dressing rooms, lockers and vanity mirrors to style your hair and makeup ? You and your kids will have a ball of a time!

[P.S. If you're looking for an awesome mother-daughter pampering day, here are 5 Japanese Muslim-friendly beauty service in Tokyo for the most relaxing outing]

Address: Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−21−1 TECH35ビルB1F~7F

Opening hours: x

Website | Facebook

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Akasaka Saryo Ouka (around 15 minutes drive) - sushi

2. Yoshitomoan Soba (around 13 minutes drive) - soba noodles

3. Minokichi – Ikebukuro branch (around 5 minutes walk) - traditional Japanese multi-course meals

14. Hanayashiki Amusement Park

Credit: @stretran on Instagram

A charming little old theme park of the beaten path. Exploring this place feels This place is especially great for kids! Find many retro rides, like one of the oldest roller coasters in Japan (aptly named ‘Roller Coaster’), and some snack stalls and a simple yet vintage atmosphere ?

Credit: @377mysn on Instagram

Address: 2 Chome-28-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Opening hours: 10am– 6pm daily

Website | Facebook

NEARBY HALAL FOOD (refer bottom of article for eatery details):

1. Naritaya - Asakusa (around 1-minute walk) - ramen noodles

2. Ayam-YA Okachimachi (around 10 minutes drive) - ramen noodles

3. Taizan Sakura (around 6 minutes drive) - a variety of noodles

4. Origami Asakusa (around 8 minutes drive) - shabu-shabu

5. Asakusa Nagomi (around 7 minutes walk) - shabu-shabu

6. Sushiken (around 5 minutes walk) - sushi

7. Sekai Cafe (around 7 minutes walk) - local Japanese and western cuisine

HALAL EATERY DETAILS:

There is plenty of Muslim-friendly food to enjoy in Tokyo! From slurp-worthy ramen to mouthwatering wagyu yakiniku, you'll be totally spoilt for choice. Head over to our ultimate Tokyo food guide to find out more must-try halal food during your trip!

[P.S. Check out these Muslim-friendly eateries in Kyoto and Osaka too ?]

1. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka

This is one of the more unique ramen eateries in Tokyo as their ramen is served with a bowl of rice, which you have to eat with the remaining broth from your bowl of ramen! Also, the serving is pretty huge (you can even upsize your ramen to large) AND it comes with grilled chicken and yakitori as part of the set. We definitely recommend visiting this place on an empty tummy or you can opt for a smaller portion if you’re not feeling exceptionally hungry!

Halal Status: Muslim-Owned

Contact: +81 3-5925-8426

Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday – 2pm to 10pm

Friday – 6pm to 10pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday – 1pm to 10pm

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

2. Naritaya (Asakusa)

Here’s another ramen place in Asakusa that’s worth a visit! The broth for the ramen is chicken-based and the noodles are made fresh at their own factory. You even get to order your ramen through a vending machine located near the entrance, just like any other Japanese ramen stall. Talk about getting 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: A prayer room is available here – just let the staff know!

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Islamic Trust)

Contact: +81 3-428-9806

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday – 11am to 10pm

Sunday – 11am to 9pm

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

3. Menya Kaijin

Want a change from the typical chicken/miso broth? Then you’ll have to visit Menya Kaijin and try their seafood ramen! The fish-and-seafood-based broth is clear & really light but still really yummy. Plus it’s also located in the heart of Tokyo, Shinjuku, which is super convenient to get to!

Halal Status: Seafood options available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion. Also, do let the waiter know in advance that you do not want the chicken to be added!

Contact: +81 03-3356-5658

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday – 11am to 3pm, 4.30pm to 11.30pm

Saturday and PH – 11am to 11.30pm

Sunday – 11am – 11pm

Address: 3-35-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022

4. Honolu Ebisu

Credit: @karienass on Instagram

If you’re visiting Shibuya, head on 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! ? This bowl of hot, savoury ramen will warm the heart. Happy tummy guaranteed!

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Malaysia Halal Corporation)

Contact: +81 3-5734-1667

Opening hours:

Lunch – 11.30am to 2.30pm daily

Dinner – 5pm to 10pm daily

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

5. Ayam-YA Okachimachi

Credit: Ayam-YA Okachimachi Tokyo on Facebook

Ayam-ya’s rich white chicken soup is the yummy bowl of halal ramen in a rich white chicken soup which is just what you need after a whole day of walking and exploring ? Plus its location near the popular and well-connected Ueno station means it’s super convenient to get to!

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Malaysia Halal Corporation)

Contact: +81-3-3834-6656

Opening Hours:

Lunch – 11.30am to 3pm daily (last order at 2.30pm)

Dinner – 5pm to 10pm daily (last order at 9.30pm)

Address: 4 Chome-10-1 Taito, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan

6. Taizan Sakura

Located a short walk from Asakusa station, this small restaurant serves up Sakuraebi Oroshisoba which consists of noodles in a chicken-and-shrimp-based stock that includes a sprinkling of salty sakuraebi (small shrimp) on top.

Credit: @sarah__eats__on Instagram

Their other signature dish is curry tsukemen (dipping noodles). Rather than using the sweeter Japanese version of curry, Taizan Sakura serves up a savoury version similar to South Asian curry. This is fusion ramen at its finest ? If you’re craving something more familiar, they have other fusion dishes on the menu too including keema curry rice, naan bread, and cheese curry ramen.

P.S. They’ll even provide you with a disposable bib so that you won’t have to worry about staining your clothes while slurping up your noodles!

Halal status: Halal-certified

Contact: +81 3-5811-1933

Opening Hours: While we can’t find regular hours on the internet, one of our writers visited this place for lunch in Dec 2018. The restaurant seems to be open from lunchtime onwards, but do take note that some restaurants close in the mid-afternoon to restock and prep for the dinnertime crowd!

Address: 1 Chome-33-8 A1 building 1F, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

7. Gyumon

Located in the bustling streets of Shibuya, Gyumon is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with authentic halal yakiniku. It’s the perfect place for a hearty dinner after a shopping session in Shibuya!

Ordering is pretty simple as you just have to choose the cut you want and they’ll serve it to you raw. The raw beef is lightly marinated with salt and pepper allowing you to savour the taste of the tender beef slices. Have fun grilling the meat on the charcoal stove!

Do make a reservation by dropping them a call to avoid any queues at the restaurant is relatively small!

Halal Status: Halal meat available, Alcohol served in the establishment. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.

Contact: +81 03-5469-2911

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday – 12pm to 4am

Sunday – 12pm to 12am

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

Directions: Take the south exit at Shibuya station across an overhead bridge. Gyumon is a 8-minute walk away.

8. Sumiyakiya – Roppongi

Don’t be surprised to find kimchi in this restaurant! Unlike the other yakiniku restaurants in this list, this halal yakiniku restaurant in Roppongi (near Roppongi Hills) has a mix of both Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Credit: @edfza on Instagram

Sumiyakiya serves Miyazaki Prefecture herb beef. In other words, the cattle feed on herbs. There are several sets for you to choose from but we have our eyes set on the ¥6,500 set. A5 class (aka THE BEST grade) Wagyu, anyone? ?

Don’t forget to make a reservation at least one day in advance!

Halal Status: Halal meat available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.

Contact: +81 03-3403-5397

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday – 5pm to 10.30pm

Closed on Sundays.

Address: Nishiazabu 3 Chome-20-16, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan

Directions: 10 minute walk from Roppongi Station Exit 1a / 5 minute walk from Roppongi Hills

9. Gyu-Kaku – Akasaka Branch

Gyu-Kaku is one of Japan’s most famous yakiniku chains, with locations all across the country! Opened on the 17th of April 2017, the Akasaka branch is the first to offer halal course meals, hooray! ?

Credit: Gyukaku

So, what’s on the menu? They have the US$41 Muslim-Friendly Course, and the more upscale US$60 Muslim-Friendly Wagyu Course (which includes beef, chicken, and seafood?). Both courses feature a variety of vegetables and meat dishes, and they neither contain nor are prepared with any sort of pork products/extracts or alcohol! So you will definitely be spoiled for choices when you dine here ?

The cooking and eating utensils are used specifically for Muslim-friendly course meals and bear a mark of certification from Islamic Centre Japan. Even the dipping sauce containers and drinking vessels are also halal-certified! In keeping with halal principles, their dishes, glasses, and cookware for the halal meals are also hand-washed separately from those that are used for Gyu-Kaku’s non-halal-meals. ? So if you are in the Akasaka area in Tokyo, don’t forget to check this place out!

#HHWT Tip: Muslim-friendly meals are available only at the Akasaka branch. Do make a reservation (which can be made by phone) at least three days in advance.

Halal Status: Halal meat and seafood options available. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.

Contact: +81 03-5545-5029

Opening hours:11.30am to 3am daily

Address: Akasaka 3 Chome-12-11, Central Akasaka Building 2nd floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan

10. Yakiniku Panga

Going to Japan without having a taste of authentic halal wagyu is almost unheard of, and few eateries are better for a wagyu feast than the evergreen Yakiniku Panga, located just a short train ride away from Asakusa!

Stuff yourself to your heart’s content with juicy strips of glistening wagyu and yakiniku and watch with bated breath as the meat sizzles away on the grill in front of you. Trust us, Yakiniku Panga is one Japanese eatery you’re not likely to forget ?

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)

Contact: +81 3-3839-8929 or reserve via Hotpepper

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday- 11:30am to 2pm, 5pm to 10:30pm

Sunday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Address: 3 Chome-27-9 Taito, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan

11. Origami Asakusa

This new restaurant sitting in the heart of one of Tokyo’s major tourist hotspots (just a 2-minute walk from Asakusa subway!) is going above and beyond to give Muslims a safe food haven, amplifying their unique and authentic experience in Japan. Some of the mouthwatering dishes you can look forward to are Chicken Sukiyaki NabeBeef Shabu Shabu, Japanese Black Beef Steak and more. ?

Credit: Origami Asakusa on Facebook

They also serve sushi and kids meals! ? Origami also has prayer rooms and wudu’ facilities so you can drop by for a meal, relax and pray in comfort after a long day sightseeing in Asakusa ?

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Islamic Trust)

Contact: (+81) 03-5811-1755

Opening Hours:

11.30am to 3pm daily, 5.30pm to 9pm daily

Address: Hanakawado 1 Chome-2-8, Taito-Ku, Tokyo 110033 Japan

12. Asakusa Nagomi

Credit:しゃぶしゃぶ 浅草 和み on Facebook

Asakusa Nagomi doesn’t just serve 1 variety of A5 wagyu, but an amazing 4 kinds to treat yourself to! Plus there are wudhu facilities and prayer rooms on-site, meaning you can both eat and pray in comfort here ?

Halal status: Halal-certified

Contact: +81 3-6802-7730

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily

Address: Asakusa 2 Chome-14-17, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan

13. Sushiken

This sushi restaurant in Asakusa has very recently started serving dishes for Muslims! 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: Faizzuddeen Anu on Facebook 

With a wide range of set meals to choose from, there’ll definitely be something for everyone in your travelling party.

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)

Contact: +81 03-5246-6547

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday – 11.30am to 4pm, 4pm to 11.30pm (last order at 11pm)

Sunday, Public Holidays – 11.30am to 3pm, 3pm to 10pm (last order at 9.30pm)

*Closes on 31st December yearly

Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

14. Akasaka Saryo Ouka

Credit: Akasaka Saryo Ouka on Facebook

Akasaka Saryo Ouka is the first Japanese-styled café in Tokyo. Saryo Ouka serves fresh sushi platters (just like this ??) and wagyu beef rice. It’s just what you need to fill your tummy after all that sightseeing.

That’s not all – the restaurant serves Japanese traditional desserts and matcha pancakes! You can’t leave the cafe until you try the pancakes ?

Halal Status: Muslim Owned

Contact: +81 3-5246-6547

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday – 12.45pm to 3pm, 6pm to 9pm

Closed on Sunday.

Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan

15. Yoshitomoan Soba

Credit: @i.nori_jp on Instagram

Soba is one of our favourite Japanese noodles and a trip to Japan would not be complete without trying authentic soba! Yoshitomoan isn’t exactly the most convenient to get to (12 mins train ride from Shinjuku station), but if you have time to spare, then we would definitely recommend making the trip down to try their soba which is served with tempura!

Choose from their three Muslim-friendly dishes – Tamagotoji (egg) soba set, agemochi (fried mochi) soba set or kake soba (regular) set. They’re all served with tempura, cold tofu and warabimochi to finish off as your dessert!

Halal Status: Vegetarian options available, alcohol served in the establishment. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.

Contact: +81 3-3235-7177

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday –12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9pm.

Closed on Monday, 1st and 3rd Sundays.

Address: 10 Nandomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

16. CoCo Ichibanya (Akihabara & Shinjuku)

Now you can enjoy halal Japanese curry at the first ever halal-certified CoCo Ichibanya Curry House in Akihabara and Shinjuku! The Akihabara outlet opened in September 2017 while the Shinjuku outlet just opened in 2018! Both received certifications from Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA). Let’s just refresh our memory now on how amazing their Japanese curry is ?

Credit: @mohammadazry on Instagram

Check out Coco Curry House’s menu for more curry delights you can now enjoy! We sure wouldn’t mind making a trip to Tokyo just to get a taste of this, wouldn’t you agree? ?

Akihabara Outlet:

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Nippon Asia Halal Association)

Contact: +81 3-6260-8667

Address: 1 Chome-6, 1F Kanda Matsunagachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0023

Opening hours: 11am to 10pm daily

Shinjuku Outlet

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Nippon Asia Halal Association)

Contact: +81 3-6457-3782

Address: Kabukicho Shotengai Shinkou Kumiai Building B1, 1 Chome-19-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021

Opening hours: 11am to 10.30pm daily

17. Minokichi – Ikebukuro branch

Kyoto Kaiseki in downtown Tokyo? Yes, please! Kaiseiki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal prepared with special skills and technique and carefully presented to enhance the appearance and seasonal theme of the meal. Thanks to Minokichi, you can now experience this in Ikebukuro. Not only does the food presentation look impeccable, but the ingredients used are also all seasonal to guarantee freshness!

Halal status: Minokichi is certified as a Muslim-friendly restaurant by the Kyoto Council for Sharia and Halal Affairs. Reservation for a halal meal must be placed 5 days before going down.

Contact: (+81) 03-3980-8855

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday – 11am to 11pm

Sunday, Public Holidays – 11am to 10pm

*Closed on New Year’s Day and 3rd Wednesday of Feb and Aug.

Address: Spice Ikebukuro Tobu 15F, 1 Chome-1-25, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Directions: 6 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station on the JR, Subway or Tobu Tojo line. (Take the west exit). In Tobu Department Store.

18. Kappou Yama

Credit: Halal Japanese restaurant Kappou Yama 割烹やま~ハラル和食~ on Facebook

Technically located in Saitama which is outside of Tokyo city itself, Kappou Yama is worth the journey if you just can’t get enough of Japanese food! The people behind Kappou Yama are dedicated to introducing Japanese cuisine to Muslims. They haven’t left a stone unturned and have tried to incorporate as many popular Japanese foods into their menu as they can. You can only dine in if you’ve made a reservation though so be sure to plan ahead before heading there!

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)

Contact: +81 04-8711-4119

Opening Hours: 7pm to 9pm (by appointment only), Close every Sunday

Address: 3 Chome-15 Uemine, Chūō-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama, Tokyo 338-0014, Japan

19. Sekai Cafe

The aim of Sekai Cafe is “to serve anyone including people who have diet limitation because of religion and allergies“. ‘Sekai’ means ‘world’ in Japanese and the cafe wants people from all over to world to have their meals together, at the same table. This cosy cafe in Asakusa caters to Muslims, vegetarians, people with allergies and those on an organic food diet! We really enjoyed the lamb steak as well as the grilled vegetable pizza ?

#HHWT tip: There’s a prayer space in Sekai too!

Halal Status: Halal meat and vegetarian options available

Contact: +81 3-6802-7300

Opening hours:

Sunday to Thursday – 9.30am to 8pm

Friday, Saturday and Eve of PH – 9.30am to 10pm

Closed every 2nd Wednesday

Address: 1 Chome-18-8 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Directions: If you’re heading here after visiting Senso-ji, walk about 50m on Nakamise St. from Kaminarimon, then turn left. You will find Sekai Cafe’s blue-green sign.

Last but not least, here are other tips we’ve learnt from travelling around Tokyo with a toddler:

  1. Diapers aren’t commonly sold at supermarkets like in Malaysia and Singapore. The easiest places to buy diapers and other essentials such as milk formula and wet wipes are at pharmacies.
  2. Avoid travelling on trains during peak hour (8-9 am weekdays). Despite it being very orderly, it’s an unpleasant experience if you’ve got a stroller or baby carrier.
  3. All departmental stores will have baby changing facilities that are clean and dry.
  4. Many restaurants will have high chairs and kid-friendly cutlery if you ask.
  5. Be prepared to carry your stroller up and down flights of stairs as the older train stations aren’t fitted with elevators.
  6. Train rides are a quiet affair for the locals. In fact, passengers aren’t allowed to talk on mobile phones and are encouraged to keep their phones on silent mode, out of consideration for others. Needless to say, your kids can’t run around on the train.
  7. Don’t be dismayed if you get lost. Just keep walking and ask for directions! The locals are helpful and very polite. Those who can help, will!