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Muslim-Friendly Travel Experiences In Hitoyoshi!
Nestled in Kumamoto Prefecture, Hitoyoshi is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Located in the southern part of the prefecture, travelers can take the Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Shin-Yatsushiro Station and then transfer to a local bus to reach Hitoyoshi Interchange.
Alternatively, you can take the Kagoshima Airport Limousine Bus directly to Hitoyoshi Interchange. For more convenience, we recommend renting a car or joining a private bus tour to explore the area easily.
Day 1: A Journey into History and Flavor
Our adventure began with a visit to the Hitoyoshi’s Secret Base Museum. Here, we were treated to a delightful tasting of halal roast beef, allowing us to savor the unique flavors while learning about Japan’s rich historical tapestry. The outdoor setting added an element of intrigue, making it a truly memorable experience.
Savor halal roast beef at the Secret Base Museum! (It’s the only halal roast beef available in Kyushu!)
Exploring the outdoor part of the Museum
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Halal Roast Beef Rice Bowl Meets Local Foods at Secret Base Museum in Kumamoto Prefecture!
Next, we hopped onto E-Bikes provided by HASSENBA, exploring the charming streets and taking in the serene beauty of Aoi Aso Shrine (Japan’s National Treasure!) and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins. The E-Bikes were a fantastic way to cover more ground effortlessly, offering a perfect blend of leisure and exploration.
We ride E-Bike strolling around the city, including the Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins!
As the day came to a close, we checked into Ryokan Ayunosato, where we were greeted with exceptional Muslim-friendly hospitality. The dinner was a highlight, featuring meticulously prepared dishes that catered to our dietary needs without compromising on taste. The ryokan’s serene ambiance provided the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Experience halal wagyu kaiseki dinner at Ryokan Ayunosato.
See Also
The Only Halal Certified Ryokan in Kyushu Area, The Hitoyoshi Natural Hot Springs “Ryokan AYUNOSATO”
Day 2: Immersive Cultural Experiences
The second day began with a visit to Tamogi Mushroom Farm, learning about the meticulous process of mushroom cultivation. The mushroom has been known recently for its good influence on health and beauty. The highlight was the hands-on harvesting experience, which gave us a newfound appreciation for these humble fungi.
Participants commented, “This is my first time exploring Tamogi Mushroom and it tastes delicious even raw! Very fresh!”.
Tried mushroom harvesting and had it raw!
For lunch, we visited Ganko Tofu, a shop and restaurant offering soy/tofu-based meals, where we enjoyed a delicious meal featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. All the dishes were splendid, even those who are not good at eating vegetables could eat them deliciously!
The tofu dishes were a revelation, showcasing this staple ingredient’s versatility and delicate flavors.
Soy/tofu-based meal by Ganko Tofu
Our next stop was the Miyazaki Tea Plantation, where we were treated to an immersive tea-tasting session and delicious tea-flavored strawberry daifuku. The plantation’s lush greenery and the knowledge shared by the tea masters made this a truly enriching experience.
In the afternoon, we visited Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino Kouen. Here, we had the chance to engage in a traditional handicraft activity, painting decorative hand boxes. This hands-on experience allowed us to tap into our creativity and take home a unique, handmade souvenir.
The day we concluded at the Ryukinka no Sato, a traditional Japanese house that is turned into an accommodation facility, where we participated in a traditional cooking class guided by the owner. We learned how to prepare authentic Japanese dishes using halal ingredients, which we later enjoyed together for dinner.
This experience was not only educational but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the participants.
See Also
Unique Halal Experiences in Japan: From Onsen Retreats to Tea Ceremonies
Day 3: Culinary Delights and Cultural Insights
Our final day in Hitoyoshi began with a visit to Tachiyama Shop, where we indulged in a matcha tea ceremony. The serene environment and the intricate process of preparing matcha provided a deep sense of tranquility.
We also had the chance to try decorating ohagi (sweet rice balls) by Cafe Kotoka and dressing in traditional kimono, adding a touch of cultural immersion to the experience.
In the ohagi decorating, we tried making flower petals and leaves with sweet bean paste. Though we struggled, saying things like, “It’s not coming out right! One more time!” everyone was laughing and having fun.
The trip concluded with a visit to Zenkai Meat’s BBQ and a factory tour. Here, we savored a variety of halal meats prepared to perfection while gaining insights into the production processes. The factory tour highlighted the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Enjoying it with Zenkai Meat’s special yakiniku sauce, everyone couldn’t help but shout, “So good!”
Furthermore, we were happy to be able to meet the Muslim staff who are the main people in slaughtering halal meat, and listen to their stories.
We expressed our gratitude, saying, “Thanks to your support of halal beef in Japan, we can enjoy it with peace of mind. We truly appreciate it.”
Our 3-day FAM trip to Hitoyoshi perfectly blended history, culture, and gastronomy. From the underground museums and E-Bike adventures to the tea plantations and cooking classes, each moment was filled with discovery and delight.
Hitoyoshi’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage left a lasting impression, making it a destination we highly recommend for anyone seeking an authentic and enriching travel experience.
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