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Top 6 Tokyo Neighbourhoods For Muslim Travellers To Stay In

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Atiqah Mokhtar •  Oct 25, 2019

[Click here to read this article in Bahasa Indonesia!]

Tokyo is arguably one of the must-visit cities in the world for every traveller. This one-of-a-kind capital city at the heart of Japan offers an unforgettable experience.

Credit: Giphy 

But Tokyo is a large place, and for first-timers to Tokyo (or even for repeat visitors), figuring out where to stay in the sprawling metropolis can be confusing, to say the least! For Muslims visiting Tokyo, we have added considerations in terms of finding places where halal food and prayer amenities are easily accessible too. But don't worry, we're here to help - we've narrowed down the best neighbourhoods in Tokyo for Muslim travellers to stay in!

1. Shinjuku

Why stay here: Central location, ease of getting around, a great mix of attractions

Accessibility to halal food: A number of halal eateries available in the neighbourhood

Prayer amenities: Easily available

Shinjuku is truly the heart and soul of the city that has something in store for everyone. It's little wonder that travellers love staying here! Nature lovers will enjoy spending an hour or two at the sprawling Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens, and families will definitely enjoy hidden gems such as the Tokyo Toy Museum and Ninja Trick House. As a central hub of Tokyo, Shinjuku Station is also where you'll head to if you're planning to take a day trip out of the city itself! If you're planning to get the most out of your time in Tokyo, finding a hotel in Shinjuku will definitely give you some of the most convenient access to just about anything. ?

In terms of Muslim-friendly amenities, there are a number of popular halal eateries that are a must-try when in the area such as Gyoen Ramen Ouka as a well as a halal-certified outlet of Coco Ichibanya (details of both eateries are listed below!). In addition, prayer facilities are easily available too - Masjid Al Ikhlas is just a short walk away from Coco Ichibanya, and there are prayer spaces at Takashimaya and LAOX Shinjuku too.

P.S. We have a full Muslim-friendly guide to Shinjuku fora more in-depth look of what this neighbourhood has to offer and its Muslim-friendly amenities!

Where to stay

1. Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho

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Credit: Amenities Photo – Super Hotel

This hotel is located right next to Shinjuku Station and is even next to the small Okubo Park to give you a little nature escape in the middle of the city! Families will definitely love their connecting room option (pictured, sleeps 4 adults), which instantly doubles the space you get while making it easier to tend to the kids at any hour of the day. Just a short walk away from the hotel is the Samurai Museum and the famous Robot Restaurant – and not to forget, one of the halal CoCo Ichibanya Curry outlets is two blocks away from the hotel, giving you the chance to finally try some authentic Japanese curry!

Rate: Starts from JPY9,905 on Agoda

Address: 2-39-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, 160-0021 Tokyo

Contact: +81 03-6855-9000

Website

2. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Just a 5-minute walk away from Shinjuku Station, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is the perfect place to stay whether you're travelling with your family or other half! The rooms are spacious, clean and best of all, you can enjoy a complimentary shuttle bus to Tokyo Disney parks as Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is a Tokyo Disney Resort Good Neighbor Hotel. From the newly renovated Twin Rooms to the luxurious Premier Grand rooms (as shown in photo) to the adorable Hello Kitty Rooms, there's something for every traveller!

Rate: Starts from JPY 16,688 on Agoda

Address: 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8330 Japan

Contact: +81 3 3344 0111

Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku 

Credit: THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku

Located on the opposite side of Shinjuku Station in the skyscraper district is this chic and modern hotel, furnished with a mix of vintage and original decor. THE KNOT is next to Shinjuku Chuo Park (Shinjuku Central Park) that includes a playground and miniature waterfall, making it a great place to visit if you have young kids. The hotel is also a short walk away from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building which has a free observatory with some of the best views of the city. Though there are no halal eateries immediately around the hotel, as it's so close to the station you can always take a short trip to Shibuya Station nearby to try out Gyumon (P.S. Check out our newly updated ultimate guide of the best spots to eat authentic Japanese food in Tokyo!)

Rate: Starts from JPY8,775 on Agoda

Address: 4-31-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0023

Contact: +81 03-3375-6511

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Must-try eateries

1. Halal 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!

#HHWT Tip: Make reservations ahead of time in case of crowds! You can make your reservation through their website.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Average price of main dishes: JPY3,000

Opening hours: Mon-Thu; 3PM-10PM, Fri; 6PM-10PM, Sat-Sun; 1PM-10PM

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

Contact: +81(0)3-5925-8426

Website

2. CoCo Ichibanya Shinjuku Kabukicho

Now you can enjoy halal Japanese curry at the first-ever halal-certified CoCo Ichibanya Curry House outlets in Akihabara and Shinjuku! The Shinjuku outlet opened in 2018,and has received halal certification from the Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA). Choose from spice levels ranging from non-spicy all the way to 10, and savour the rich curry topped with chicken cutlet, sliced beef, seafood, or even chicken sausage!

Halal status: Halal-certified

Average price of main dishes: JPY900

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Address: B1, 1-19-3 Kabukicho | Kabukicho Shotengai Shinkou Kumiai Building B1F, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, 160-0021 Tokyo

Contact: +81 3-5155-7098

2. Asakusa

Sakura Photo Kimono Rental Asakusa

Why stay here: Plenty of halal food, interesting blend of traditional and modern, close to Senso-ji

Accessibility to halal food: Many halal eateries in the neighbourhood

Prayer amenities: Available

We had asked our Instagram audience for recommendations on where to stay in Tokyo, and Asakusa was a clear favourite! It's easy to see why - for one thing, Asakusa has a pretty high concentration of halal eateries, meaning you won't have to worry about where to eat. But Asakusa in itself is a lovely neighbourhood with a traditional vibe that sets it apart from the other more bustling areas. Be sure to visit Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo or don a kimono while you explore the area. Other must-visit spots are Nakamise Shopping Street and also the Asakusa Don Quijote outlet (open 24 hours!), perfect for picking up souvenirs.

Prayer facilities are also easy to get to - besides Masjid Darul Arqam (also known as Asakusa Mosque) located in the heart of the neighbourhood, some of the eateries like Sekai Cafe and Naritaya have prayer facilities for customers too.

Check out our Asakusa guide for everything you need to know about what to see, do and eat in the neighbourhood!

Where to stay

1. Hotel WBF Tokyo Asakusa

Credit: Hotel WBF Tokyo Asakusa

For a room with a breathtaking view, Hotel WBF Tokyo Asakusa's City View and Sky View rooms are the perfect place to stay. Depending on the room you book, you may even get to see the famous Tokyo Skytree in the background illuminating the night's scenery. The hotel is also located behind Senso-ji Temple making it convenient to visit the iconic landmark. Solo travellers would also appreciate their affordable solo rooms (from USD61/night) that give you a private space of your very own. If you're feeling peckish, Naritaya Halal Ramen Shop is only a short walk down from the hotel, and you can even end your meal with some matcha ice cream from the Muslim-friendly Suzukien Asakusa nearby.

Rate: Starts from JPY7,602 on Agoda

Address: 2-27-10, Asakusa, Taito-ku, 111-0032 Tokyo

Contact: +81(0)3-5811-1991

Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Hotel Keihan Asakusa 

Credit: Hotel Keihan Asakusa in Tokyo - official website

If you're the type of traveller who prizes convenience above everything else, then this hotel might be a great fit for you - it's only a 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station! Its double and twin rooms are perfect whether you're travelling for business or leisure, and if you get hungry you can always walk down the road to Asakusa Sushi Ken for some Japanese-style dishes to fill your stomach. Each room comes with free hotel wifi, free high-speed internet access (business travellers only), and even a humidifying air cleaner. Parents might also be glad to hear that you can request an additional bed for your kids, and up to 2 kids under the age of 6 years old are able to stay for free!

Rate: Starts from JPY8,909 on Agoda

Address: 2-12-4 Asakusa,Taito-ku,111-0032Tokyo

Contact:+81-3-5830-0321

Website

Must-try eateries

1. Naritaya 

Enjoy a bowl of ramen goodness at Naritaya! The broth for their specialty ramen is chicken-based and the noodles are made fresh in their own factory. They also have different kinds of ramen like miso and stewed beef, and if you are a fan of spicy food, you’d have to get their spicy miso ramen. Order a plate of their yummy kaarage chicken to go along with your ramen!

#HHWT Tip: A prayer room is available here – just head up to the second floor and there’ll be a small area equipped with ablution facilities, prayer mats and garments.

Halal Status: Halal-Certified (by Japan Islamic Trust)

Average price of main dishes: JPY1200

Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 11AM-10PM, Sun; 11AM-9PM

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

Contact: +81 3-428-9806

Website | Facebook | Instagram

P.S. If you're looking for quick meals or a sweet treat, pop by Rogers Mart in Asakusa! They sell halal bento and Cream Daifuku. And did you know there are 7-Eleven stores that sell halal bento too?

2. Sekai Cafe

Sekai Café is determined to serve everyone with any form of dietary restrictions from vegetarians to Muslims! Their menu is centred around fusion cuisines offering western-style dishes such as burgers, sandwiches and even pizza. What’s more, they also have an extensive drinks menu which consists of refreshing beverages like yuzu soda and even some fruit-based frappes ?

Halal status: Uses halal ingredients

Average price of main dishes: JPY1,000

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

Opening hours: Open daily; 9.30AM-7.30PM (Closed on Wed)

Website | Facebook

3. Origami Asakusa

Savour shabu-shabu at this restaurant that's just a 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station! Origami Asakusa is going above and beyond to give Muslims a safe food haven, amplifying its unique and authentic experience in Japan. Some of the mouthwatering dishes you can look forward to are Chicken Sukiyaki Nabe, Beef Shabu Shabu, Japanese Black Beef Steak and more. ? 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)

Opening Hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-4.30PM, 5.30PM-9PM

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

Website | Facebook

P.S. Check out our Asakusa guide for more halal eateries in the neighbourhood!

3. Shibuya

Why stay here: One of Tokyo's most iconic neighbourhoods, plenty of shopping spots, easy to get around

Accessibility to halal food: A few halal eateries in the neighbourhood

Prayer amenities: Fairly accessible

You can't think of Tokyo without thinking of the famous Shibuya Crossing, and so it makes sense that the surrounding neighbourhood is one that is not only super accessible and teeming with vibrant activity, but there's also plenty to do! Shibuya is where the famous Meiji Shrine is located, and you can also see the fascinating streets of Harajuku (P.S. Check out our guide to Harajuku!). The iconic Takeshita Street is also located here, which is a shopping haven filled with fashion boutiques, trendy stores, and more - check out Cat Street too, a shopping street connecting Shibuya and Harajuku! Don't forget to also drop by Yoyogi Park,  one of Tokyo's largest city parks!

While halal food isn't as easily available as say, Asakusa, there are a couple of halal eateries around Shibuya that are well worth checking out, plus Shibuya's accessibility means that you're a quick train ride away to nearby neighbourhoods like Shinjuku where you'll have more options.  In terms of prayer spaces, you have the wonderful Tokyo Camii Mosque within the vicinity of Shibuya City - it's slightly further away from the centre of Shibuya but well worth the train trip there. Besides having a spacious comfortable area to pray, there's even a market selling halal food products! Closer to the main hustle and bustle is Shibuya Mosque, just 5-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing and a 15-minute walk from popular departmental store Shibuya 109. There's also prayer facilities available at the Harajuku Tourist Information Center.

P.S. For more prayer spots near popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, check this list out!

Where to stay

1. Sakura Hotel Hatagaya

Credit: Sakura Hotel

We can't talk about Muslim-friendly hotels in Tokyo without mentioning the Sakura Hotel Hatagaya. The hotel which is only a couple minutes walk from Hatagaya station has a prayer room on the premises, and even provides a Muslim-friendly menu at its cafe upon request! ? The Tokyo Camii Mosque & Turkish Cultural Centre is also about 900 metres away, as well as the large Yoyogi Park. The hotel offers guided day tour packages that cover everything from the Meiji Shrine to Sumo Wrestling Matches so remember to check the hotel's schedule to see what you can sign up for! Travellers flying in Haneda Airport might find this a better option to stay in, as it's just a 30minutes drive from the airport.

Muslim-friendly amenities: The Sakura Cafe provides dishes made using halal ingredients for Muslim guests. As the Cafe serves alcohol separately, we advise that you dine at your own discretion. Prayer room available in the hotel with qiblat, prayer mats, and Quran provided. Do bring your own prayer garments! Wudhu can be taken in your own room's washroom.

Rate: Starts from JPY8,331 on Agoda

Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Shibuya, Tokyo

Contact: +81-3-3469-5211 or email [email protected]

Website

2. Granbell Hotel in Shibuya

Located 3 minutes away from Shibuya train station, this hotel is 4 km from the famous Meiji Shrine and 5 km from the Tokyo Tower. The rooms in this hotel feature neutral and bright décor ?The hotel's prime location does make it somewhat pricier, but if you're willing to splurge, its super convenient location is a great advantage!

Rate: Starts from JPY14,909 on Agoda

Address: 15-17, Sakuragaoka-cho,Shibuya-ku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0031

Contact: 

Website

Must-try eateries

1.Gyuomon

Halal yakiniku. Need we say more? 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!

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.

Average price of main dishes: JPY3,000 - 4000

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat; 12PM-4AM, Sun; 12PM-12AM

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

2. Honolu Ebisen

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, plus the chicken chunks in the ramen is tender too. Other than the ramen, you can also order some light bites like kaarage chicken, gyoza and takoyaki! ? This bowl of hot, savoury ramen will warm the heart. Happy tummy guaranteed!

Halal Status: Halal Certified (by World Halal Food Council)

Average price of main dishes: JPY780-1130

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

Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5PM-10PM

Contact No: +81 3-5734-1667

Nearest subway station: Ebisu (near JR Line, West exit)

Website | Facebook | Instagram

P.S. There's also a halal-certified Manhattan Fish Market in Shibuya!

4. Ueno

Why stay here: Great for families, close to Ueno Park, cheaper accommodation

Accessibility to halal food: Easily available in Ueno and nearby Okachimachi

Prayer amenities: Available in nearby Okachimachi

If you're travelling with young kids, you may want to look for a hotel in Ueno for two simple reasons: Ueno Park, and Ueno Zoo. Ueno Park is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and is usually filled with families enjoying a leisurely day out picnicking, flying kites (if the weather is good!) or enjoying a quiet time paddling around the lake. Whereas kids will adore visiting Ueno Zoo, which is the oldest zoo in Japan and houses a children's petting zoo, Japanese macaques, and even giant pandas! If you're a history or art buff staying in Ueno may also be a good idea - the neighbourhood is home to the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In terms of halal food, Ueno's proximity to Okachimachi means it's close to popular eateries like ramen store Ayam-YAa! In addition, our readers on Instagram noted that the area around Ameyoko Market in Ueno has a number of halal stalls selling food like kebabs and roast chicken.

For prayer facilities, you can head over to Masjid Assalam Okachimachi that's just a 6-minute walk from Okachimachi station.

Where to stay

1. Ueno Touganeya Hotel

This hotel is a 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Ueno station, making it a super convenient spot to stay. Its location by Ueno station also means you can hop on the Keisei airport express directly to the airport.

Rate: Starts from JPY7,147 on Agoda

Address: 3 Chome-17-5 Higashiueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan

Contact: +81-3-3834-1601

Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Apartment Hotel Mimaru (Ueno North, Ueno East, Ueno Inaricho)

Credit: APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU on Facebook

Tokyo hotel rooms are famous for being smaller than average, so if you're travelling with family or looking for something a little spacious in Ueno, you can going for one of the Mimaru hotels! Mimaru is a chain of apartment-style hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto that caters to larger groups and families, and they have three hotels in Ueno (with a fourth opening in Okachimachi early next year!). The spacious rooms can sleep at least four comfortably and come equipped with a kitchen where you can cook your own meals.

P.S. We stayed at the Kyoto Mimaru Apartment Hotel - check out the video of our stay!

Rate: Starts from JPY15,000 (for 4 adults) depending on hotel and room selected. Book your stay at here with the coupon code "hhwt_mimaru", and you'll get a special price off your stay!

Address: See their website for contact details of the respective hotels

Contact: See their website for contact details of the respective hotels

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Must-try eateries

1. Ayam-YA Okachimachi

Ayam-YA's yummy bowl of halal ramen in rich white chicken soup is just what you need after a whole day of walking and exploring ? It's a short walk away from Okachimachi station (one stop away from Ueno station), meaning it's super convenient to get to! If you want a stronger kick in your bowl of noodles, you can also opt for the spicy version if you feel like it. Other than ramen, Ayam-YA also serves tsukemen (cold dipping ramen) and rice bowls.

Halal Status: Halal-Certified (by Japan Halal Foundation)

Average price of main dishes: JPY1000

Opening Hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-3.30PM, 5PM-9.30PM

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

Contact: +81-3-3834-66

Facebook | Instagram

2.Yakiniku Panga (Okachimachi outlet)

Craving for some wagyu and other meaty goodness? 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)

Average price of main dishes: JPY1000

Opening Hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-3.30PM, 5PM-9.30PM

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

Contact: +81-3-3834-66

Facebook | Instagram

5. Tokyo Bay (Great for families!)

Why stay here: Close to Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea and Odaiba

Accessibility to halal food: Less easily accessible

Prayer amenities: Less easily accessible

If you're planning to clock in some serious time at the Tokyo Disney Resort area,  the Tokyo Bay area may make the most sense given its proximity. It's also a great place overall for family-friendly fun! You'll see a pretty unique side of Toky0 - including the amazing view of Rainbow Bridge with connects the mainland to Odaiba, an artificial island that's become a popular shopping and sightseeing destination. Visit Odaiba Seaside Park for leisurely strolls along the manmade beach, ride the Daikanransha Ferris Wheel or go for a ferry boat cruise around the bay. To note, it takes anywhere between half an hour to an hour plus to get from the Tokyo Bay area to more central areas like Shibuya, depending on where you're staying.

Halal food is less accessible compared to the other neighbourhoods, but you can still find some halal eateries, including Sojibo located in Odaiba (details listed below!). If you're spending time at Tokyo Disney Resort, the Red Lobster outlet there has a Muslim-friendly menu too.

Credit: Eugene Phoen on Flickr

For prayer amenities, there's a couple of prayer facilities available in Odaiba - one at the DECKS Tokyo Beach Mall and also one located the Visitor & Business Center of Tokyo Big Sight. If you're spending the day at Toky Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, you can drop by the Main Street House and Guest Relations desk respectively (both located near the main entrances) and ask the friendly staff there who'll be able to direct you to rooms available for you to perform your prayers! Do remember to bring your own prayer mat, Qibla compass and garments. (P.S. Trying to decide between Disneyland and DisneySea? Check out our guide for choosing which park suits you best!)

Where to stay

1. Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

Credit: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba on Facebook

This upscale resort hotel located in Odaible is bound to provide a comfortable stay for you and your family. Located close to the station and also malls, it's a convenient play to stay in the Tokyo Bay area. Bonus: The hotel even provides free shuttles to Tokyo Disney Resort! If you opt for the Superior Twin Room, two kids under 7 stay for free. The hotel also offers Deluxe Triple rooms that can accommodate 3 adults and two kids.

Rate: Starts from JPY14,199 on Agoda

Address: 2 Chome-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-8701, Japan

Contact: +81 3-5500-6711

Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Ibis Styles Tokyo Bay

Credit: Accor Hotels

For a more affordable option, you can go for one of the hotels located on the other side of Tokyo Bay in Chiba, close to Shin-Urayasu station. One such hotel is Ibis Styles Tokyo Bay. While the location is more out of the way, it's a great option for those looking to stay near to Tokyo Disney Resort! Rooms vary between those catering for couples all the way to family rooms with bunk beds that can fit up to five. The hotel provides a free shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort as well.

Rate: Starts from JPY6,909 on Agoda

Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Hinode, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0013, Japan

Contact: +81 47-381-6775

Website

Must-try eateries

Sojibo 

Sojibo is one of the only few halal eateries on the island of Odaiba and here's where you can get soba in different types of broth. Their duck and leek soba is really mouthwatering as the duck slices are chewy and flavourful. If you're craving a thicker broth, their curry soba with chicken chunks will be perfect for you. In need of a refreshing meal? Then their cold soba dishes will be just what you need! Other than soba, Sojibo also has other dishes like rice bowls and tempura. We particularly loved their tantalising Chicken Cutlet don ?

Halal status: Halal-certified food, alcohol is served in the establishment, we recommend that you  dine at your own discretion.

Average price of main dishes: JPY700-1500

Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-11PM

Address: 6F, Diver City, 1-chōme-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tōkyō-to 135-0064, Japan

Contact: +81 3-5520-1310

6. Ikebukuro

Why stay here: Family-friendly neighbourhood with lots of unique attractions and shopping spots

Accessibility to halal food: A number of halal eateries in the neighbourhood

Prayer amenities: Mosque available in the neighbourhood

While Ikebukuro may not be the most obvious choice in terms of neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo, we recently visited the area during trip to Japan to explore Tohoku (check out the itinerary we wrote for the trip!) and found it to be a charming area that's still accessible, with plenty of shops and attractions available for visitors to enjoy! The neighbourhoods main attraction is arguably Sunshine City, the large complex that's home to a shopping mall with the second-largest Pokemon Center in Japan, the popular Sunshine Aquarium, an observatory deck, hotels and more.

A number of halal eateries are available in the area, including Malaychan, Kaenzan Lanzhou Lamian and Marhaba Restaurant. For prayer amenities, you can head to nearby Otsuka Mosque.

Where to stay

1. Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

This hotel is just a 5-minute walk away from Ikebukuro station. Given its location, the hotel is within walking distance to shopping malls, convenience stores and other stores surrounding the station.

Rate: Starts from JPY14,711 on Agoda

Address: 1 Chome-6-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-8505, Japan

Contact: +81 3-3980-1111

Website

And that wraps up our list! There's a neighbourhood for every traveller in Tokyo, and hopefully with this guide, you've been able to narrow down the one that suits your needs the best ?Whether you're looking to stay in the hustle and bustle of Shibuya or want to be near all the yummy halal food in Asakusa, Tokyo promises an amazing trip!