How Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea Attract Muslim Travellers with Halal Food and Prayer Rooms

In recent years, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea have become top destinations to attract Muslim travellers who seek to experience a blend of rich cultural history and cutting-edge modernization while staying true to their religious practices. These East Asian countries are not only known for their unique travel experiences but also for the thoughtful ways they have adapted to the needs of Muslim visitors—offering accessible halal food options and prayer rooms, which play a significant role in helping them attract Muslim travellers from around the world.

The question is, how have Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea successfully won the hearts of Muslim travellers? The answer lies in their ability to recognize the growing influence of the Muslim travel market and their commitment to catering to the specific needs of this demographic. Let’s dive into the strategies these nations have used, supported by up-to-date facts and figures, to make Muslim travellers feel welcomed and at home.

How to Attract Muslim Travellers

The Muslim travel market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the global tourism industry. According to a report by Mastercard and CrescentRating, the global Muslim travel market is projected to reach $225 billion by 2028, with more than 160 million Muslim travellers worldwide. This group is largely comprised of millennials and Gen Z travelers who are eager to explore the world while adhering to Islamic values such as observing halal dietary laws and performing daily prayers.

Countries across the globe have taken notice of this growing demographic, but Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea have been particularly proactive in creating a more Muslim-friendly environment. Whether it’s offering halal cuisine, providing prayer spaces, or embracing technology to enhance the travel experience, these nations are setting a new standard for halal tourism.

Japan: Blending Tradition

Japan, known for its fascinating cultural heritage, natural beauty, and technological advancements, has recently made a name for itself in the halal tourism industry. The country’s tourism industry has witnessed a surge in Muslim travellers, especially from Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as from the Middle East.

Halal Food Availability in Japan

For years, one of the biggest challenges to attracting Muslim travelers in Japan was finding halal food. However, this is changing rapidly as more Japanese restaurants seek halal certification from authorities like the Japan Halal Association. Today, halal-certified restaurants can be found across major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Whether you’re looking for halal ramen, sushi, or even tempura, Japan now has numerous options, making it much easier to attract Muslim travellers seeking halal dining experiences.

Some key cities that offer a wide range of halal food options include:

• Tokyo: The vibrant capital has a growing number of halal eateries, particularly in areas like Asakusa and Shibuya. You can enjoy halal Japanese dishes, including sushi, soba, and even yakiniku (grilled meat).
• Kyoto: Known for its stunning temples and serene landscapes, Kyoto now offers halal dining experiences to cater to its increasing number of Muslim tourists.
• Osaka: The city has embraced the halal movement, with many restaurants offering halal okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and halal wagyu beef.

In addition to restaurants, Japanese convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are also stepping up by offering halal-certified snacks and bento boxes. By 2024, more than 500 restaurants in Japan are expected to have halal certification, according to a report by Halal Media Japan. This growing availability of halal food is a key factor in attracting Muslim travelers to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Prayer Rooms in Japan

Another essential consideration for Muslim travelers is the availability of prayer spaces. Japan has made significant strides in this area, ensuring that Muslim visitors have ample opportunities to perform their prayers while on the go. Many airports, shopping malls, and tourist attractions across the country now have designated prayer rooms.

1. Airports: Both Narita International Airport (Tokyo) and Kansai International Airport (Osaka) have dedicated prayer rooms that are equipped with wudu (ablution) facilities and directional signs pointing toward the Qibla.
2. Tourist Attractions: Popular destinations such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan have installed prayer rooms to accommodate Muslim visitors.
3. Mosques: Japan is also home to over 100 mosques, with the Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center being one of the largest and most visited mosques in the country. This mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural hub for Muslim travelers.

In addition to these permanent prayer spaces, Japan is also experimenting with mobile mosques. For example, during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which were postponed to 2021), mobile prayer rooms were introduced to cater to the influx of Muslim visitors. These portable prayer rooms are expected to become more common during large-scale events and festivals in the future.

Related: Setting New Standards For Muslim Travellers

Embracing Muslim-Friendly Services

Japan’s focus on offering a Muslim-friendly experience doesn’t stop at food and prayer spaces. The country has also implemented other services to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers. Several hotels now provide halal meal options, Qibla direction markers in rooms, and prayer mats upon request. Additionally, Japanese tour operators offer specialized halal travel packages that include visits to halal-certified restaurants and mosques.

As Japan continues to evolve as a halal-friendly destination, the country is poised to become a top choice for Muslim travelers looking for both adventure and spiritual comfort.

Hong Kong: A Multicultural Hub

Hong Kong has always been a global city known for its rich diversity, world-class shopping, and iconic skyline. Over the past few years, the city has made concerted efforts to become a Muslim-friendly destination, catering to the dietary and religious needs of Muslim travelers.

Halal Dining in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene is one of the reasons tourists flock to the city, and now Muslim travelers can indulge in halal versions of local delicacies. Halal-certified restaurants are scattered throughout the city, offering a wide variety of cuisines, from Cantonese dim sum to Middle Eastern kebabs.

Some popular halal dining spots include:

• Islamic Centre Canteen: Located in the Islamic Centre in Wan Chai, this canteen is famous for its halal dim sum, making it a must-visit for Muslim travelers looking to experience authentic Cantonese cuisine.
• Kowloon: This district is a hotspot for halal dining, with several restaurants offering everything from traditional Chinese dishes to international fare.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also taken steps to promote halal tourism by offering comprehensive guides to halal restaurants and cafes. This effort has made it easier for Muslim travelers to explore the city’s food scene without worrying about dietary restrictions.

Prayer Facilities in Hong Kong

In addition to food, Hong Kong provides ample facilities for Muslim travelers to perform their prayers. Key locations include:

1. Kowloon Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Hong Kong, the Kowloon Mosque not only serves the local Muslim community but also welcomes tourists who need a space to pray.
2. Shopping Malls: Malls like Harbour City and Festival Walk have designated prayer rooms, making it convenient for Muslim shoppers to perform their prayers.
3. Airport: Hong Kong International Airport offers prayer rooms for Muslim travelers, ensuring a seamless experience from the moment they arrive.

With its commitment to offering halal services, Hong Kong is steadily growing as a destination for Muslim travelers seeking both luxury and comfort.

Korea: A Rising Star in Halal Tourism

South Korea has rapidly become a popular destination for Muslim travelers, thanks to its blend of modern culture, scenic landscapes, and K-pop influence. The country has made notable efforts to accommodate Muslim tourists by offering halal food options and creating welcoming spaces for prayer.

Halal Food Scene in Korea

South Korea’s food culture is vibrant and diverse, but traditional Korean cuisine often includes pork or alcohol, which can be a challenge for Muslim travelers. In recent years, however, the country has taken significant steps to cater to Muslim visitors by providing halal-certified dining options.

• Seoul: The capital city is home to numerous halal restaurants, especially in the Itaewon district, which is known for its international and multicultural atmosphere. Here, Muslim travelers can find halal versions of Korean favorites like bulgogi, bibimbap, and tteokbokki.
• Busan: The coastal city of Busan has also embraced halal tourism, with several restaurants now offering halal options, particularly near popular tourist spots like Haeundae Beach.
• Jeju Island: Known for its natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jeju Island has also become more Muslim-friendly. Halal food is now available at several restaurants, and the island has seen an increase in Muslim-friendly services to cater to the growing number of Muslim visitors.

South Korea’s tourism board has also launched a “Muslim-Friendly Korea” initiative, which includes a mobile app that helps Muslim tourists locate halal restaurants and prayer rooms.

Prayer Rooms in Korea

• Seoul Central Mosque: Located in the Itaewon district, Seoul Central Mosque is the most prominent mosque in the country and serves as a cultural hub for Muslim visitors. The mosque provides a serene space for prayer and also offers Islamic education and cultural events for both locals and tourists.

Halal Tourism Promotion in Korea

The Korea Tourism Organization has been actively promoting halal tourism by providing resources and guides for Muslim travelers. The organization has also partnered with local businesses to encourage the growth of halal-certified restaurants and hotels, further solidifying Korea’s position as a rising star in halal tourism.

Technology in Enhancing the Muslim Trave

Technology has played a crucial role in making travel easier for Muslim tourists visiting Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea. Several apps and websites provide invaluable resources for Muslim travelers, helping them locate halal restaurants, prayer spaces, and mosques. Some of the most popular apps include:

1. Halal Navi: This app provides user-generated listings of halal restaurants, mosques, and prayer spaces, making it easier for Muslim travelers to find halal-friendly locations in Japan.
2. Muslim Pro: While primarily a Quran and prayer time app, Muslim Pro also includes features that help travelers locate nearby mosques and halal restaurants.
3. Zabihah: A worldwide halal restaurant guide, Zabihah includes locations in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong, offering an extensive list of halal dining options.

These technological tools empower Muslim travelers to explore Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea with confidence, knowing they have access to all the information they need at their fingertips.

The Future of Halal Tourism in Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea

As the Muslim travel market continues to grow, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea are likely to further enhance their efforts to attract Muslim travellers by expanding their halal tourism offerings. Halal tourism is no longer just a niche market; it’s becoming an integral part of the global travel industry. These countries are setting themselves apart by offering more than just halal food and prayer spaces—they’re providing Muslim travelers with culturally immersive experiences that respect their faith, further solidifying their ability to attract Muslim travellers.

In the coming years, we can expect to see more hotels offering halal meal options, increased availability of prayer rooms in public spaces, and even more restaurants seeking halal certification. With Muslim travelers looking for destinations that cater to both their spiritual and cultural needs, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea are positioning themselves as top contenders in the global halal tourism market.

Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea have made significant strides in becoming Muslim-friendly travel destinations. Their commitment to providing halal food, accessible prayer spaces, and embracing Muslim-friendly services has made them increasingly popular among Muslim travelers. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, enjoying a halal dim sum meal in Hong Kong, or soaking in the culture of Seoul, these destinations offer Muslim travelers a unique and comfortable experience.

As halal tourism continues to grow, these countries are setting a high standard for what it means to be Muslim-friendly. If you’re a Muslim traveler seeking a destination that offers both adventure and spiritual ease, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea should be on your travel list.