Kyoto, one of Japan's most enchanting cities, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and, of course, its food.
For Muslim travellers, Kyoto offers a wide variety of halal and Muslim-friendly dining options, from ramen to kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course meal).
This updated guide includes new places, updated details, and tips to make your halal dining experience in Kyoto even better!
1. Ayam-ya
Still one of the most popular spots for halal ramen in Kyoto, Ayam-ya continues to serve a rich, MSG-free chicken broth ramen, and it remains a fan favourite. Located just five minutes from Shijo Station, the restaurant also offers a large prayer room, making it a comfortable stop for Muslim travellers.
Update: If you’re visiting in 2025, Ayam-ya now also offers a wider range of noodle choices for those who prefer gluten-free or rice-based alternatives. It’s always good to check with the staff beforehand, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Halal Status: Fully Muslim-friendly; chicken broth is halal and no MSG is used.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Last Order: 2:00 PM)
- Monday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
- Closed: Wednesdays and the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month
Price: ¥380–¥850
Address: 1F, Douka Bld., 470, Kannondocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 604-8222
Contact: (+81) 075-708-5666
2. Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya
For a truly local experience, head to Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya to try yudofu, a simmered tofu dish that Kyoto is known for. Located near the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this place offers a peaceful spot to enjoy a traditional Japanese meal.
Update: Kiyomizu Junsei has introduced a new "vegetarian-friendly" yudofu set, catering to those who prefer a plant-based diet while maintaining halal standards. It’s a great option for mixed groups with diverse dietary preferences.
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly; yudofu set meals can be prepared halal on request.
Operating Hours:
- 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last Order: 5:00 PM)
- Special Night Openings: During Kiyomizu Temple's special night openings, last order is at 8:00 PM
Price: ¥2,000–¥5,000
Address: 2-239 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 605-0862
Contact: (+81) 075-541-7111
3. Nanzan Gyu Terroir
For a premium dining experience, Nanzan Gyu Terroir offers authentic halal wagyu yakiniku. The Kyoto Wagyu BBQ set includes a variety of cuts, perfect for meat lovers. Be sure to book well in advance, as Nanzan is a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.
Update: Nanzan has recently expanded its menu to include halal sushi options with Kyoto Wagyu, so be sure to try these if you're a fan of sushi!
Halal Status: Fully halal-certified; specialises in wagyu yakiniku.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Last Order: 2:30 PM), 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
- Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Last Order: 2:30 PM), 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last Order: 9:30 PM)
Price: From ¥5,000
Address: 3F, Kyoto Station West Exit (Kaisatsu-Mae Eat Paradise), JR Kyoto Isetan Restoran-gai, Higashi Shiokouji-cho, Shiokoujisagaru, Karasumi-doori, Shimogyoku, Kyoto 600-8212
Contact: (+81) 075-722-4131
4. Ukihashi in Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Ukihashi, located within Hotel Granvia, offers a halal bento and kaiseki experience. Both meal options are highly praised, and it's one of the few places in Kyoto where you can enjoy halal kaiseki in an elegant setting. It’s perfect for those looking for a special meal during their stay.
Update: New in 2025, Ukihashi has added a seasonal halal menu featuring fresh ingredients like Kyoto vegetables and halal seafood, which change with the seasons. It’s always a great idea to check for special offers when booking.
Halal Status: Fully halal options; offers halal bento and kaiseki meals.
Operating Hours:
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order: 2:00 PM)
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
Price: ¥4,200 (bento), ¥8,300 (kaiseki)
Address: M3F, Hotel Granvia Kyoto, 901, Higashi-shiokoujicho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8216
Contact: (+81) 075-342-5527
5. Minokichi in New Hankyu Kyoto
Minokichi offers a halal-friendly kaiseki experience, serving high-quality halal beef and chicken. The lunch set is a great value, while the dinner sets offer a more luxurious experience for those looking to indulge.
Update: In response to demand, Minokichi now offers a vegetarian halal menu option for those looking to enjoy traditional kaiseki without the meat.
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly menu available on request.
Operating Hours:
- Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Last Order: 10:00 AM)
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order: 3:00 PM)
- Dinner (Monday to Friday): 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
- Dinner (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays): 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
Price: ¥2,700 (lunch), ¥7,560–¥9,257 (dinner)
Address: B1F, Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto, 579, Higashi-shiokoujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8216
Contact: (+81) 075-343-5327
6. Honke Tankuma Honten
Honke Tankuma is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering halal kaiseki in a refined setting. Though pricey, it's a great place to experience Kyoto's finest dining.
Update: Honke Tankuma now offers a variety of seasonal halal options and is expanding its halal kaiseki offerings for those with dietary restrictions.
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly; halal kyo-kaiseki available upon reservation. (Note that they do serve alcohol on the premises, so dine at your discretion.)
Operating Hours:
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: ¥5,400–¥43,200
Address: 168, Izumiya-cho, Kiyamachi-dori, Bukkoji-Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8013
Contact: (+81) 075-351-1645
7. Yuzanso Ryokan
For those looking to experience traditional Japanese hospitality, Yuzanso Ryokan is a fantastic choice. This ryokan serves a halal menu with dishes like shabu-shabu, and it’s the only ryokan in the Kansai area to be halal certified.
Update: Yuzanso has added new halal breakfast options, so you can enjoy a full halal meal before exploring Kyoto or relaxing at their private onsen.
Halal Status: Halal-certified; offers full halal meals including shabu-shabu. (Note that the venue serves alcohol on the premises, so dine at your discretion.)
Operating Hours: 24/7 (Reservations required)
Price: Rooms from ¥1,800 per night (includes meals)
Address: 1-9-28 Ogoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 520-0101
Contact: (+81) 077-578-1144
8. Yoshiya
Located in the scenic Arashiyama district, Yoshiya offers a spacious and elegant setting for halal dining. Known for its traditional Japanese dishes, the restaurant provides a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for a peaceful meal.
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)
Address: 31 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8384
9. Kitchen Rakuraku Kyoto
Situated in the western part of Kyoto, Kitchen Rakuraku offers a personalised dining experience with a chef's choice menu. The chef is known to accommodate dietary restrictions, providing a tailored halal meal in an intimate setting.
Halal Status: Vegan options available (however, they serve alcohol on the premises, so dine at your own discretion)
Operating Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday–Sunday)
Address: 2-3 Hanazonoinokecho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8037
10. Ginza Hageten (Kyoto Porta Mall)
Located in the Kyoto Porta shopping mall, Ginza Hageten specialises in tempura dishes. The restaurant offers a halal-friendly menu, providing a convenient option for travellers seeking a quick yet authentic Japanese meal.
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Daily)
Address: 902 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shiokojisagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
11. Ramen Factory Kyoto
For those interested in hands-on experiences, Ramen Factory Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to make your own halal ramen. Located in the Kamigyo Ward, this interactive workshop provides insights into the art of ramen-making.
Halal Status: Halal-friendly, but double-check when making your reservation.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
Address: 447-14 Kajiicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-0841
Kyoto is truly a paradise for halal food lovers, offering everything from hearty ramen and savoury yudofu to premium wagyu and traditional kaiseki.
Whether you’re exploring historic temples, strolling along the scenic streets, or staying at a ryokan, these Muslim-friendly dining options ensure you won’t miss out on Japan’s rich culinary culture.
Remember to make reservations in advance, check halal certifications where applicable, and enjoy every bite of Kyoto’s diverse flavours on your halal-friendly adventure!
