This post is also available in: Indonesia

Halal Travel Plan in Asahikawa

Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, located in the northeast of Sapporo. Now Asahikawa is known as a Muslim friendly city with its food diversity services and supports.

So, how exciting and Muslim friendly it is traveling in Asahikawa? Let us introduce you recommended halal travel plan in Asahikawa!

Snow Mosque in Asahikawa Winter Festival 2019

Arrival in Asahikawa Airport

Asahikawa airport can be reached with direct flights from big cities in Japan such as Tokyo and Osaka. The airport in Hokkaido is frequently facing heavy snow or blizzard, makes aircraft cannot safely landing or take off. But if you go directly to Asahikawa Airport, don’t worry! Your flight will be able to enter and leave Asahikawa conveniently even in heavy snow! Yes, Asahikawa is the only airport with the possibility to enter and leave with a percentage of 99.1%! Why? Because they already get used to it.

Pamphlet mentioning aircraft percentage in flying to and from Asahikawa airport is 99,1% even in heavy snow

Besides, there are also comfy spacious prayer spaces separated between men and women, facilitated with wudu’ space, prayer mats, and Qur’an, as well as restaurant, serves vegetarian and Muslim friendly meal “Tiffany” on 3F.

More about prayer space in Asahikawa airport

http://www.masjid-finder.jp/pray/228

Prayer space inside Asahikawa Airport

Available wudu’ space in both man and woman prayer space

Muslim friendly meal at Tiffany

From Asahikawa Airport, take the bus board to Asahikawa station for around 40 minutes with fee of 620 yen.

Asahikawa Station

Not inferior to Asahikawa airport, Asahikawa station also has prayer space inside the station. Go to Tourist Information Center, mention to the staff that you would like to use the prayer space so they will guide you accordingly. However, as there is no wudu’ space there, so you have to use a public toilets nearby to perform ablution.

More about prayer space in Asahikawa station

http://www.masjid-finder.jp/pray/280

Where to Eat

There are some halal restaurants near the Asahikawa station.

Ichikura Ramen

Ichikura ramen is the first restaurant in Asahikawa that started Muslim friendly ramen. They have a homey atmosphere with dark brown table seat. Ichikura’s ramen is incredibly tasty! Try the Okhotsk shoyu ramen and let yourself get overwhelmed with its flavorful easy to eat taste. Besides, gyoza (dumpling) and Vege miso ramen also worth trying!

Access : 10 min walk from Asahikawa station.

More about Ichikura Ramen

https://www.halalgourmet.jp/restaurant/280558

The most recommended, Okhotsk shoyu ramen!

We enjoyed Okhotsk shoyu ramen, rich vegetarian miso ramen, and gyoza (dumpling)

Tohachi (Closed)

Next to Ichikura, Tohachi started to serve Muslim friendly menu. They serve a menu wagyu course which you have to try! In one course, you will be spoiled with tempura, fresh vegetables, and chicken steamed with fish broth (the broth brings out the original taste of each ingredient), etc. They have quite a spacious place so you can come in a group.

Access : 15 min walk from Asahikawa station.

More about Tohachi

https://www.halalgourmet.jp/restaurant/720224

Muslim friendly wagyu course menu at Tohachi

What to Visit in Asahikawa

Snow Crystal Museum (Closed)

A fantastic museum dedicated to snowflakes! All decorations and displays are related to snowflakes. There is an ice corridor where you can see the beauty of ice. Snowflakes gallery is the must-visit, you will find yourself can’t help to take pictures!

There is also a prayer space inside. Please inform the staff before usage.

Prayer space in Snow Crystal Museum

Access
15 min by car/taxi from Asahikawa station
Open hour
09:00～17:00
Admission fee
700 yen (adult), 500 yen (university & high school student), 400 yen (junior high school & elementary school student)
Website
https://yukibi.marryblossom.com/ (in Japanese only)
Japan Masjid Finder
http://www.masjid-finder.jp/pray/257

 

Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo is a highly popular zoo located in the center of Asahikawa city. There you can see a lot of animals from native Hokkaido, such as wolf, white owl, deer, to a penguin! Penguin walk is a must-see attraction in Asahikawa, where you can see cute penguins walk just less than a meter away from you!

In Asahiyama zoo also available prayer space (using emergency room). Please inform the staff in the  FrAsahiksupport center so they will guide you to use the room.

Don’t forget to inform staff in Support Center first

Access
40 min by bus (bus stop no. 6 with bus number 41 or 47. Fee 440 yen)
Open hour
10:30～15:30
Admission fee
820 yen
Website
http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
Japan Masjid Finder
http://www.masjid-finder.jp/pray/248