Tokyo

Tokyo (東京 Tōkyō) is the enormous and wealthy capital of Japan, and also its main city, overflowing with culture, commerce, and most of all, people. As the most densely populated urban area in the world, Tokyo is a fascinating and dynamic metropolis that mixes foreign influences, consumer culture and global business along with remnants of the capital of old Japan. From modern electronics and gleaming skyscrapers to cherry blossoms and the Imperial Palace, this city represents the entire sweep of Japanese history and culture. Tokyo truly has something for every traveller.

Districts

Huge and varied in its geography, with over 2,000 km² to explore, Tokyo Metropolis (東京都 Tōkyō-to) spans not just the city, but rugged mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. Tokyo Metropolis legally contains 23 regions (区 ku), which refer to themselves as "cities"; to avoid confusion, refers to them as "wards" of Tokyo, which is much more common in English. eHalal Travel Guide concentrates on the 23 central wards near the bay, while the western cities and the islands are covered in a separate eHalal Travel Guide.

The geography of central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line. The center of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era downtown (下町 shitamachi) is to the north and east. Sprawling around in all directions and blending in seamlessly are Yokohama, Kawasaki and Chiba, Tokyo's suburbs.

Central Tokyo

Chiyoda The seat of Japanese power (both political and economic) that includes the Imperial Palace and the Ministries near Kasumigaseki and the Parliament in Nagatacho and the corporate headquarters of Marunouchi, and the electronics gateway of Tokyo / Akihabara

Chuo Also includes the famed department stores of Ginza and the fish markets of Tsukiji.

Minato Including the Business Center of Akasaka and Shinbashi and the neighborhood of Roppongi and the port neighborhood (at least in name) which includes the artificial island of Odaiba, and the skyscrapers of Shiodome.

Shinjuku Home to luxury hotels, giant camera stores, futuristic skyscrapers, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and Kabukichō, Tokyo's wildest nightlife and red-light neighborhood.

Shibuya The fashionable shopping neighborhood which also encompasses the teenybopper haven of Tokyo/Harajuku

Shinagawa A major train hub and business center, including Ōimachi and Tokyo/Gotanda

Toshima Including Ikebukuro, another giant train hub.

Meguro A residential area with a few nice parks and museums.

Old Tokyo (Shitamachi)

Sumida Now graced with the presence of the modern Tokyo SkyTree, this ward is home to the Edo-Tokyo Museum and Tokyo's main sumo arena (Ryogoku Kokugikan), both in Ryogoku.

Taito The heart of Old Tokyo featuring the temples of Asakusa and National Museums in Ueno, as well as some of Tokyo's cheapest accommodation.

Bunkyo Home to Tokyo Dome and the University of Tokyo.

East Many suburban wards, including Adachi, where one can visit one of Kanto's Three Great Temples, Nishi-arai Daishi; Katsushika, known for the charming Showa-era atmosphere of Shibamata; and Edogawa, a quiet eastern suburb. Also home to the Toyosu fish market which replaced Tsukiji's.

North Includes the suburban wards of Kita, Itabashi and the quieter northern Nerima, which contains some of the 23 wards' last remaining farmland.

Nakano Home to the otaku paradise known as Nakano Broadway.

Ota Half industrial complex, half upscale residential area.

Setagaya An upscale residential area that houses the student drinking spot of Shimokitazawa as well as the newly revitalized shopping centers of Futako-Tamagawa.

Suginami Typical Tokyo suburb stretching along the Chuo Line. Nishi-Ogikubo, famous for its numerous antique shops, is in this area.

Mosques and Halal Restaurants in Tokyo: A Cultural Blend

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city where tradition meets modernity. Over the years, due to business, tourism, and a growing international community, Tokyo has seen a rise in its Muslim population. As a result, the demand for Islamic religious spaces and halal dining options has grown. In this article, we explore the mosques in Tokyo and the halal restaurants that cater to the Muslim community.

1. Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center Address: 1 Chome-19-20 Ōyama-chō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0065, Japan

Tokyo Camii is the largest mosque in Japan. An architectural masterpiece, it's an exquisite blend of Ottoman Turkish and traditional Japanese design. The mosque is not just a place of worship but also a cultural center promoting Turkish-Japanese relations.

2. Asakusa Mosque (Tokyo Jamii) Address: 1 Chome-9-12 Higashi Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0025, Japan

Located in the historic Asakusa district, this mosque stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between Muslims and the local Japanese community. It's managed by the Japanese Muslim Association and serves as a focal point for Islamic events in the city.

3. Otsuka Mosque Address: 3 Chome-42-7 Minamiotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0005, Japan

Otsuka Mosque is run by the Islamic Circle of Japan. Its convenient location near Otsuka Station makes it a preferred choice for many Muslim residents and visitors alike.

Tokyo Halal Travel Guide

Over 500 years old and the city of Tokyo was once the modest fishing village of Edo (江戸 - literally Gate of the River) due to its location at the mouth of Sumida-gawa. The city only truly began to grow when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, who decided to set up a new seat of power far away from the intrigues of the imperial court in Kyoto. After the Meiji restoration in 1868, during which the Tokugawa family lost its influence and the emperor and the imperial family moved here from Kyoto, and the city was renamed to its current name, Tokyo, literally the "Eastern Capital". The metropolitan center of the nation, Tokyo is the destination for business, education, modern culture, and government. (That's not to say that rivals such as Osaka won't dispute those claims.)

Culture & Tradition of Tokyo

Tokyo is vast: it's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. Tokyo's neighborhoods vary wildly by character, from the electronic blare of Tokyo / Akihabara|Akihabara]] to the Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the hyperactive youth culture gateway of Shibuya to the pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different.

The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through enormous and bewilderingly complex stations. Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors and the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate), and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighbourhood Shinto shrine. It's all perfectly safe, and the local residents will go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to help you if you just ask.

Expenses

The cost of living in Tokyo is not as astronomical as it once was. Deflation and market pressures have helped to make costs in Tokyo comparable to most other large cities in the developed world. Visitors from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Sydney, Toronto and Dublin will not find it any more expensive than back home. Travellers should budget a similar amount of money for their stay in Tokyo as they would for any other great city in Europe, North America or Australia. Locals will know the bargains, but experienced cheapskates from anywhere in the world can get by with a little ingenuity. Tokyo is one of the most popular places to live in Japan. Rent for a single's apartment could range from USD800 to USD1,000 a month. Tokyo is so overwhelmingly crowded that many people live in apartments no bigger than 16 square meters (175 square feet).

Tokyo is classified as lying in the humid subtropical weather zone and has five distinct seasons.

• Spring kicks off with plum blossoms in late February, followed by the famous cherry blossoms (sakura) in March–April. Parks, most famously Ueno, fill up with blue tarps and sozzled salarymen.
• Rainy season (baiu or tsuyu) in late May to June means a month of overcast skies and drizzle punctuated with downpours, with temperatures in the twenties.
• Summer really kicks off in July, with clear skies but temperatures peaking into the high thirties and brutal steam bath humidity. Even a short walk outside will leave you drenched in sweat, so this is probably the worst time of year to visit, and is best avoided if you have a choice. The one bright spot is the plethora of fireworks, most notably the epic pyrotechnic extravaganza of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival on the fourth Saturday in July.
• Fall from September onwards means cooler temperatures and fall colors. While southern Japan is regularly battered by typhoons this time of year and they mostly (but not always) veer clear of Tokyo.
• Winter is usually mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 0-10 °C, though occasional cold spells can send temperatures plummeting below zero at night, and indoor heating can leave much to be desired. Snow is common, but on those rare occasions once every few years when Tokyo is hit by a snowstorm, much of the train network grinds to a halt.

Travel as a Muslim to Tokyo

In Japan, all roads, rails, shipping lanes and planes lead to Tokyo.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Tokyo

Tokyo and the Kanto Region are served by two large airports with the Metropolitan area airport code of IATA Code: TYO}}. Narita (IATA Code: NRT) is Tokyo's main hub for international flights, but also serves a handful of domestic flights, particularly on low-cost carriers, and is convenient as a transit airport for those travelling between North America, Europe and the Middle East to most major Asian cities. Haneda (IATA Code: HND), which is much closer to central Tokyo, is mostly used for domestic flights, but now also serves an increasing number of international flights, mostly on routes that see heavy business traffic.

If your final destination is the Tokyo or Kanagawa region then Flights to Haneda are much more convenient and economical for getting into Tokyo and vicinity.

Narita Airport

Travel Guide: Tokyo Narita Airport

• Narita Airport (成田空港) IATA Code: NRT Near the town of Narita nearly 70 kilometers east of Tokyo and covered in a separate eHalal Travel Guide. Serves most international flights into Tokyo as well as limited domestic flights, primarily on low-cost carriers.

A brief summary of options for getting there and away:

• JR Narita Express
• Keisei Skyliner

Haneda Airport

Travel Guide: Tokyo Haneda Airport

• Tokyo Haneda Airport (羽田空港) IATA Code: HND 35.553333, 139.781111 - The busiest airport in Japan and second busiest in Asia, located in Ōta ward, 14 kilometers south of central Tokyo, is covered in a separate eHalal Travel Guide. Mainly serves domestic flights, but also serves an increasing number of international flights, primarily routes with heavy business traffic.

A brief summary of options for getting there and away:

• Tokyo Monorail
• Keikyu Airport Line

Nagoya|Ibaraki Airport

• Ibaraki Airport (茨城空港) IATA Code: IBR 36.181667, 140.414722 - Ibaraki, some 85 km north of Tokyo, is aimed squarely at low-cost carriers. Skymark operates domestic Flights to Sapporo, Kobe and Okinawa, and Spring Airlines operates daily service to Shanghai.

The best way to travel between Ibaraki Airport and Tokyo is by bus service, operated by Kantetsu Bus several times a day. The trip takes about 2 1/2 hours and costs ¥700 for air passengers and ¥2000 for non-air passengers. Reservations are required, and free English reservations are available online]. The fare is payable when boarding the bus.

Even if you intend to use a Japan Railway Pass and there are no exchange offices in the immediate vicinity. It will be best to take the bus to Tokyo Station and visit the exchange office there.

Chōfu Airfield

• Chōfu Airfield (調布飛行場 Chōfu hikōjō) - no IATA, ICAO: RJTF 35.671667, 139.528056 - Chōfu Airport Chofu airport 3 Serves only some turboprop Flights to the Izu Islands south of Tokyo.

The nearest train station is Nishi-Chōfu on the Keiō Line, a 15-minutes walk away. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chofu or Mitaka stations.

By train

Tokyo is the nerve centre of railways in Japan. High speed Shinkansen services arrive at Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki) GPS 35.680833,139.766944 which is in the Chiyoda ward. For all trains on the northern route, you can get off at Ueno, while trains on the western route call at Shinagawa. Most non-Shinkansen services usually stops at Shibuya and Shinjuku stations as well. Ueno and Ikebukuro stations connect you to the northern suburbs and neighboring prefectures.

There are multiple departures every hour from Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo, with three types of shinkansen trains. The Nozomi is the fastest, with trains taking 2½ hours from Osaka. The Hikari makes more stops and takes 3 hours, and the Kodama is the slowest, making all stops and reaching Tokyo in 4 hours. The Nozomi trains are not covered by the Japan Railway Pass.

Multiple cities from the north offer direct shinkansen services to Tokyo, including Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Hakodate, Kanazawa, Morioka, Nagano, Nagoya, Niigata, Sendai, Toyama, Yamagata and Yuzawa. All trains from these cities converge at Ōmiya in Saitama and then run south to Ueno and Tokyo stations.

Although Japan is dominated by fast shinkansen trains there are still a couple of sleeper trains left: The Sunrise Izumo (サンライズ出雲) runs daily to Tokyo from Izumo while Sunrise Seto (サンライズ瀬戸) connects with Takamatsu and the largest city on the Shikoku island. Both trains run coupled together between Tokyo and Okayama.

By vehicle or thumb

While you can drive into the city, it's really not recommended as the city can be congested, signs may be confusing and parking fees are astronomical. One option that should be considered is cheaper 24-hour parking lots in cities bordering Tokyo. For example, Yashio city's train station in Saitama (prefecture) has hundreds of spaces at 500 yen per day, and is just minutes from Kita-Senju or Akihabara. A vehicle of people can travel by highway at a fraction of the price of each person traveling by train, and can take the last leg by the cheapest train ticket into Tokyo. For groups of 3-5 tourists traveling in Japan, a rental vehicle to or from Tokyo to be returned at the agency counter in another city may prove to be a major chance for savings compared to train or air travel.

Hitchhiking into Tokyo is pretty easy, but hitchhiking out is considerably more difficult. It's definitely feasible for determined cheapskates though, see Hitchhiking in Japan for a detailed list of tested escape routes from the city.

Travel on a Bus in Tokyo

Highway bus services link Tokyo to other cities, resort areas and the surrounding prefectures. There are JR and private bus companies. Bus service may be cheaper, but the train is probably more convenient. If you have a JR pass and then you should generally stick with the trains.

Long-distance buses use a number of terminals scattered throughout the city. At Tokyo Station and the main boarding point for buses is at the Yaesu Exit (八重洲口) on the east side. In Shinjuku, nearly all services use the new Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal GPS 35.688533,139.700942 - abbreviated Busta Shinjuku (バスタ新宿), which is above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station.

• The JR Bus Group - A major operator of bus services to and from Tokyo. Seat reservations for JR Buses can be made at JR Bus counters in Tokyo and Shinjuku stations, and in JR train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. JR Bus Kanto and JR Tokai Bus offer online booking via eHalal Hotels for their buses in English.
• Willer Express - A company that has nightly bus services to and from Tokyo. Its bus services link many cities in Japan. Online booking available in English.
• Kokusai Kogyo Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Keisei Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Keikyu Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Keio Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Kanto Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Nishi Tokyo Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Odakyu Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Odakyu Hakone Bus.
• Seibu Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Tobu Bus (in Japanese only)..
• Tohoku Kyuko Bus (in Japanese only)..

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Tokyo

One of the great ports of the world, Tokyo also has domestic ferry services to other points in Japan. However, none of the regular international ferries to Japan call at Tokyo.

The main long-distance ferry terminal is Tokyo Port Ferry Terminal GPS 35.617288,139.795610, on an artificial island adjacent to Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. The nearest station is Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon on the Yurikamome line, but it's still a bit of a hike. You can also take a direct bus from Shin-Kiba station on the Metro Yurakucho line. The main services from this terminal are:

• Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen - 川崎近海汽船 ☎ +81 3-3528-0718 - Fares for a vehicle and driver start at ¥25,820- This ferry has no passenger facilities, so it can only be used if you have a car.
• Ocean Tokyu Ferry - オーシャン東九フェリー | ☎ +81 3-5148-0109 - Tokyo-Kitakyushu passenger fares are ¥26,420 for second class, ¥70,550 for first class

Ferries to the Izu and Ogasawara Islands leave from Takeshiba Terminal (竹芝客船ターミナル), adjacent to Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line. Cruise liners tend to use the Harumi Terminal (晴海客船ターミナル), best accessible on bus 都05 (To-05) from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit or bus 東12 (Tou-12) from Tokyo Station Yaesu exit. International ferries and cargo ferries that also take passengers can leave from other terminals too, enquire with your shipping company.

How to get around in Tokyo

TokyoYamanoteAreaLines - The JR Yamanote loop line, with major connecting JR lines. The Tokaido Line is now connected to the Joban, Utsunomiya and Takasaki lines.

By train and subway

Tokyo has one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world and is the most used subway system in the world in terms of annual passenger rides. It is clean, safe and efficient – and confusing. The confusion arises from the fact that several distinct railway systems operate within Tokyo – the JR East network and the two subway networks, and various private lines – and different route maps show different systems. Avoid rush hours if feasible; trains get overcrowded very easily.

The defining rail line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line (山手線 Yamanote-sen), which runs in a loop around central Tokyo; being inside the Yamanote loop is synonymous with being in the core of Tokyo. Almost all inter-regional JR lines and private lines start at a station on the Yamanote.JR's lines are color-coded, and the Yamanote is light green. The JR Chuo Line (orange, 中央線 Chūō-sen) and Chuo-Sobu Line (yellow, 中央・総武線 Chūō-Sōbu-sen) run side-by-side, bisecting the Yamanote loop from Shinjuku on the west to Tokyo on the east.JR's other commuter lines and the Saikyo and Keihin-Tohoku, run off the rim of the Yamanote loop to the north and south.JR East has a good English information line, 050-2016-1603 or 03-3423-0111.

Tokyo has an extensive subway' network with frequent trains, and these are primarily useful for getting around within the Yamanote loop. The Tokyo Metro runs nine lines: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines. Toei operates the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo lines. While the JR Yamanote Line is not a subway line, due to its importance as a major transportation artery in downtown Tokyo, it is usually featured on subway maps. In addition and there is a largely underground Rinkai Line, a private line which is operated by ' Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR), that passes through the island of Odaiba.

Announcements and signs are usually bilingual in Japanese and English, though in some areas frequented by tourists, signs in Korean and Chinese can also be seen. That said, staff working at the stations rarely speak much, if any English.

A number of private commuter lines radiate from the Yamanote loop out into the outlying wards and suburbs, and almost all connect through directly to subway lines within the loop. The private lines are useful for day trips outside the city, and are slightly cheaper than JR. Among these and the most important to visitors is arguably the Yurikamome which offers great views on the way to the island of Odaiba.

Keep in mind that it is rude to talk on the phone while in the train; you should send text messages instead. When using the escalators, make sure you stand on the left so people in a hurry can pass you on the right.

Fares and hours

Most tickets and passes are sold from automated vending machines. These machines are cash only but do give change. JR trains are free with a Japan Railway Pass.

Prepaid fare cards are convenient and highly recommended because they allow you to ride trains without having to read the sometimes Japanese-only fare maps to determine your fare. There are two brands of prepaid fare cards, JR East's Suica, and PASMO, offered by private (non-JR) lines. Functionally they are completely interchangeable and can be used on just about every subway, train and bus line in Tokyo (with the exception of Shinkansen and limited express trains). However, Suica cards can only be refunded by JR East, while PASMO cards can only be refunded by non-JR operators should you wish to return them at the end of your visit. They remain valid for 10 years from the last transaction, so you may also opt to keep them for your next trip.

The fare cards are rechargeable "smart cards": you simply tap your card on the touch pad next to the turnstile as you go in, and do the same when going through to exit. There is an initial ¥700 deposit that you must pay when purchasing a fare card, but up to ¥20,000 in value can be stored on each card. (The term “fare card” is somewhat of a misnomer; Suica and PASMO are generic stored-value debit cards, which are accepted as payment by other services, from vending machines to some shops. Should you still have leftover balance on your card by the time you're leaving Japan, you can easily spend it at a restaurant or duty-free shop at the airport.) If you are coming from elsewhere in Japan and the smart cards of most other regions, such as Kansai's ICOCA or Hokkaido's Kitaca can be used interchangeably with Suica and PASMO. However and these cannot be refunded in Tokyo, so you will have to go back to their respective regions if you want to get your money back.

The older Passnet cards are not accepted anymore. If you still own some of these, you can exchange them for a PASMO or Suica card.

There are also some special tickets that allow unlimited travel, but most are unlikely to be useful to tourists unless you're planning to spend half your day on the train.

• The Tokunai Pass (都区内パス) is a one-day pass good for travel on JR lines anywhere in the 23 wards of Tokyo (including the entire Yamanote Line and many stations surrounding it). It costs ¥730, making it economical if you plan to make five or more train hops in one day. A variant is the Tokunai Free Kippu (都区内フリーきっぷ), which also includes a round-trip into Tokyo from stations in the surrounding prefectures. The Monorail And Tokunai Free Kippu, which is good for two days and includes a round-trip from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, is also sold for ¥2,000.
• The Tokyo Free Kippu (東京フリーきっぷ) covers all JR, subway and city bus lines within the 23 wards. It costs ¥2,580 for one day, and covers a number of areas that are not served by JR, such as Roppongi and Odaiba.
• The Holiday Pass (ホリデーパス) covers the entire JR network in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and west Tokyo. It costs ¥2,300 for one day, and is only available on weekends, national holidays and during summer vacation (July 20 through August 31).

Who is making announcements in English? In Tokyo, whichever train you take--namely, JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Tobu Railway, Seibu Railway, Odakyu Electric Railway, and Keisei Electric Railway--you will hear English announcements in a similar voice.

Actually and they are all announced by the same voice actor, Christelle Ciari.

In a Japanese interview she said, "Most railway companies I worked for did not give me any instruction on how to pronounce the station names in English. So I decided to read them in the original Japanese accent because I personally thought it was more natural and easier to comprehend for non-native speakers of English. The only exception was JR East, which instructed me to announce the station names in an American accent."

Therefore, you will hear "Shibuya" on Tokyo Metro while you will hear "Sheebooyah" on JR trains.

If you're paying à la carte, subway and train fares are based on distance, ranging from ¥210 to ¥710 for hops within central Tokyo. As a general rule of thumb, Tokyo Metro lines are cheapest, Toei lines are most expensive, and JR lines fall somewhere in the middle (but are usually cheaper than Metro for short trips, i.e. no more than 4 stations). Many of the private lines interoperate with the subways, which can occasionally make a single ride seem unreasonably expensive as you are in essence transferring to another line and fare system, even though you're still on the same train. E.g. changing between Metro subway line and Tokyu private line amounts to paying the sum of each fare: minimum fare Metro ¥260 + minimum fare Tokyu ¥220 = ¥280. In addition, several patterns of transfer are listed as "Transfer Discount", and the most famous one is ¥70 discount, that applies to a transfer between Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines. When using Suica or PASMO, you can get all transfer discounts automatically. At some transfer stations, you may need to pass through a special transfer gate (both for paper tickets and PASMO/Suica) which is coloured orange – passing through the regular blue gate will not get you your transfer discount and if you have a paper ticket, you won't get it back. At some transfer points (e.g. Asakusa station) you may actually need to transfer on street level as the two stations (Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line) are not physically connected and are about one block apart.

It pays to check your route beforehand. The Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists by the Tokyo Metro, is a mobile app that allows you to plan subway and train travel from point A to point B, based on time, cost, and transfers. This app provides information for Tokyo only. For other apps or sites which cover the whole country, see the Japan page.

If you can't figure out how much it is to the destination, you can buy the cheapest ticket and pay the difference at the Fare Adjustment Machine (norikoshi) at the end. Most vending machines will let you buy a single ticket that covers a transfer between JR, subway and private lines, all the way to your destination, but working out how to do this may be a challenge if you are not familiar with the system. When transferring between systems, whether paying with tickets or smart cards, use the orange transfer gates to exit. Otherwise, you'll be charged full fare for both separate parts of your trip, instead of the cheaper transfer fare.

Most train lines in Tokyo run from around 05:00 to 01:00. During peak hours they run about once every three minutes; even during off-peak hours it's less than ten minutes between trains. The only night when regular passenger services run overnight is for the New Year's Holiday on select lines.

For additional information for train travel in Japan generally, refer to the By rail section in the Japan Travel Guide.

Best way to travel in Tokyo by a Taxi

Taxis are very pricey, but may be a value for groups of three or more. Also, if you miss your last train, you may not have another choice.

Fares were revised in 2017 in an effort to make taxis more attractive for short-distance trips, though longer trips are still expensive. The fare for the standard taxis starts at ¥610 for the first kilometer, and goes up ¥80 every 237 meters and for every 90 seconds in stopped or slow traffic. A 20% night surcharge is tacked on from 22:00-05:00, and tolls are added for any trips using the expressway.

Here are some daytime fare examples based on Nihon Kotsu's taxi fare estimates (actual fares may vary):

• Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station - 2.5 kilometers - ¥2130
• Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station - 8 kilometers - ¥7300
• Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport - 16 kilometers - ¥7000 including expressway fare

Taxi rear left passenger doors are operated by the driver and open and close automatically. Don't open or close them yourself.

Do not count on your taxi driver speaking English—or knowing more than the best-known locations, though most taxis have GPS "car navi" systems installed. The best and easiest thing to do is to prepare a map marked with where you want to go, and point it out on the map to the taxi driver. If you are staying at a hotel and they will provide a map. If feasible, get a business card, or print out the address in Japanese of any specific places you wish to go. However, because in Japan streets are often unmarked, if the taxi driver does not have GPS he may not be able to do more than take you to the general vicinity of where you want to go. Also, taxis can get caught in traffic jams. No tips are expected or given.

Nihon Kotsu has a 24-hour English telephone number, 03-5755-2336, to call for a Nihon Kotsu taxi within Tokyo. There is a booking fee payable to the driver at the end of the trip: ¥610 for an immediate hail or ¥820 for an advance booking. If you already have a destination (or a few) in mind and the receptionist will electronically transmit the information to the driver so that you don't have to tell the driver yourself. If you are hailing a taxi right away and the English receptionist will inform you about your assigned taxi by color, company name and taxi number.

A growing number of companies in Tokyo also offer taxi hails and ride requests by mobile app. Your hotel's front desk can also call a taxi for you, subject to the same booking fees.

By car

Tokyo is a gigantic warren of narrow streets with no names, with slow-moving traffic and extremely limited and expensive parking. In this city with such an excellent mass transit system, you would need a good reason to want to drive around instead. While renting a vehicle can make sense in Japan in some contexts (e.g., visiting a rural onsen resort), in general it is neither convenient nor economical to rent a vehicle to get around metro Tokyo. Taxis are much more convenient if your budget allows it; walking or public transportation is much less expensive and given the difficulties of navigation and finding parking in popular areas, probably easier too.

If you do decide to plunge in and drive around by vehicle and the main expressway serving Tokyo is the Shuto Expressway, abbreviated to Shutoko (首都高). The C1 Loop Line forms a circle around central Tokyo, similar in fashion to how the Yamanote Line does it by rail. But whereas the Yamanote Line charges ¥230-250 for a single trip, driving a vehicle onto the Shutoko in Tokyo entitles you to pay a nominal entry fee of ¥700 every time you enter the system, with additional tolls (¥700 or ¥700) collected at various other locations.

Driving on the Tokyo Expressway at night can be a pleasant and beautiful experience as you whiz through and around the Tokyo nightlife. When driving at night you should exercise caution and obey speed limits: Street racing over the Shutoko at night became popular in the 80s and 90s and still happens today, albeit on a less frequent basis. Street racers often concentrate their driving on the C1 Loop Line and the Bayshore (more popularly known as the Wangan) Line. "Competitors" sometimes hang out at parking and service areas on the Shutoko, especially the large Daikoku Parking Area at the intersection of the Bayshore Line and the K5 Daikoku Line in Yokohama.

Travel on a Bus in Tokyo

The few areas within Tokyo that aren't easily accessible by train are served by various bus companies. Buses operating within 23 wards of Tokyo have a fixed fare regardless of distance (¥210 on Toei buses and ¥220 on other private bus companies), which is paid upon boarding from the front door. The fares are not transferable; however most buses do accept Suica or PASMO fare cards (see above). If you use a "Suica" or "PASMO" card to board a Toei Bus, you will receive a ¥200 discount on your next Toei Bus ride as long as it is within 90 minutes of the previous ride. Compared to the trains and the buses run much less frequently, carry fewer passengers, and are much slower. This makes them amenable to the elderly residents of Tokyo, but rather inconvenient for travelers, who will also have to deal with lack of information in English and sometimes very well hidden bus stops. Bus routes can be fairly complicated and are often not listed in detail at the bus stops; signs on the buses themselves often list only two or three main stops in addition to the origin and destination. Inside the bus the next stop is usually announced several times, sometimes by a taped voice and sometimes by a mumbling driver. Taped announcements in English are used on some lines, but are still rare. Nevertheless, north-south routes are useful in the western side of the city since train lines (Odakyu, Keio, Chuo, and Seibu) tend to run east-west.

In an attempt to provide some information about their buses to foreign visitors/residents, Toei Bus now has a web site that shows some of the main bus routes used to go to certain destinations in Tokyo. This information is provided in English and several other languages.

Sky Hop Bus

Willer Express operates a hop-on, hop-off bus service called the Sky Hop Bus, which bills itself as "the first open-top double decker bus in Japan." At a charge of ¥2800 for a 24-hour pass and ¥2500 for a 48-hour pass (children half price), you can ride these buses and hop on and off as often as you wish. There are three bus routes that operate, all from the Marunouchi Building next to Tokyo Station: One route serves Asakusa and Tokyo SkyTree and the second runs to Roppongi and Tokyo Tower, and the third runs to Odaiba. Service only runs hourly, with departures from the Marunouchi Building between 10:20 and 18:30.

By ferry

The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company operates a series of Water Bus ferries along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connecting Asakusa, Hinode, Harumi and Odaiba. The ferries feature a recorded tour announced in English as well as Japanese and a trip on one makes for a relaxing, leisurely way to see the waterfront areas of Tokyo. The super-futuristic Himiko ferry, designed by anime and manga creator Leiji Matsumoto, runs on the Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line. You might want to arrive well before the departure time just in case tickets on the Himiko sell out!

How to travel around Tokyo on a bicycle ?

Bicycles are very commonly used for local transport, but amenities like bicycle lanes are rare, drivers pay little heed to bikes and traffic can be very heavy on weekdays, so if you use a bicycle, do not be afraid to cycle on the sidewalk (everyone does). Parts of Tokyo are surprisingly hilly, and it's a sweaty job pedaling around in the summer heat. Central Tokyo can still be covered fairly comfortably by bike on the weekends. Tokyo Great Cycling Tour offers a one day guided tour for biking around major tourist spots in Tokyo, like Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji, Odaiba, Tokyo tower, Imperial palace and so on.

Renting a bike is feasible from some youth hostels, particularly around Asakusa, although it's not common. However, buying a simple single-speed roadster is fairly cheap, and comes complete with a built-in bicycle wheel lock system (this is what most Tokyoites use). An imported multiple-geared bike will be much more expensive so get a good lock, as bike theft is a common threat, although the problem is nowhere near as serious as in other countries.

By foot

In this large city with such an efficient public transportation system, walking to get from point A to point B would seem a bit stupid at first glance. However, as the city is extremely safe even at night, walking in Tokyo can be a very pleasant experience. In some areas, walking can be much shorter than taking the subway and walking the transit (the whole Akasaka/Nagatacho/Roppongi area in the center is for instance very easily covered on foot). If you have the time, Shinjuku to Shibuya via Omotesando takes around one hour, Tokyo Station to Shinjuku would be a half a day walk, and the whole Yamanote line Grand Tour takes a long day.

Local Language in Tokyo

It's feasible for English speakers to navigate their way around Tokyo without speaking any (Japanese). Signs at subway and train stations include the station names in romaji (Romanized characters), and larger stations often have signs in Chinese and Korean as well. Though most people under the age of 40 have learned English in school, proficiency is generally poor, and most local residents would not know more than a few basic words and phrases. Some restaurants may have English menus, but it does not necessarily mean that the staff will speak much English. Reading and writing comes much better though, and many people can understand a great deal of written English without actually knowing how to speak it. That being said, staff at the main hotels and tourist attractions generally speak an acceptable level of English. While it is feasible to get by with only English, it will nevertheless make your trip much smoother if you can learn some basic Japanese.

What to see in Tokyo

Tokyo has a vast array of sights, but the first items on the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa and the gardens of the Imperial Palace (in Chiyoda) and the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮 Meiji-jingū, in Harajuku).

Tokyo has many commercial centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for experiencing the modern Japanese urban phenomenon. Each of these areas have unique characteristics, such as dazzling Shinjuku, youthful Shibuya and upmarket Ginza. These areas are bustling throughout the day, but they really come into life in the evenings.

If you're looking for a viewing platform, Tokyo has plenty of options:

• The Tokyo SkyTree (¥2,060-3,090) is Tokyo's latest attraction, not to mention it's also the second-tallest structure in the world, soaring to more than 2000 feet above the ground. However, its location away from downtown means the view is a distant jumble of buildings.
• The more familiar Tokyo Tower is still around. At ¥820-1,420, it's not as expensive as its newest rival, but neither is the view as good as some alternatives.
• For a view that's light on your wallet, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings (in effect, Tokyo's City Hall) in Shinjuku. Its twin towers have viewing platforms that are absolutely free, and offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond.
• The World Trade Center Building (10:00-20:00, or 21:00 in July and August, ¥620) at JR Hamamatsucho station offers stunning views of Tokyo Tower and the waterfront due to its excellent location, especially at dusk.
• Tokyo City View has an observation deck with great views of Tokyo Bay and downtown Tokyo including the nearby Tokyo Tower – admission is a steep ¥2,800-2,300, but includes admission to the Mori Art Museum.
• The Rainbow Bridge linking Tokyo to Odaiba is another good option, if you don't mind traffic noise and smell. The bridge's pedestrian walkways (open until 20:00 at night) are free, and the night-time view across Tokyo Bay is impressive.
• The Bunkyo Civic Center next to the Tokyo Dome, dubbed by one newspaper as a "colossal Pez candy dispenser", has a free observation deck on the 25th floor offering an iconic view of Shinjuku against Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

The city is dotted with museums, large and small, which center on every feasible interest from pens to antique clocks to traditional and modern arts. Many of the largest museums are clustered around Ueno. At ¥700 to ¥2,000 or more, entrance fees can add up quickly.

Riding Sky Bus Tokyo, an open-top double-decker operated by Hinomaru Limousine (every hour between 10:00 and 18:00), is an excellent option to take a quick tour around the downtown. The 45 minutes bus ride on the "T-01 course" will take you around the Imperial Palace via Ginza and Marunouchi neighborhood, showing the highlight of Tokyo's shopping and business center. The fare is ¥2,500 for adults of 12 years old and over, and ¥700 for children between 4 and 11 years old. You can borrow a multi-language voice guide system free of charge upon purchasing a ticket, subject to stock availability. Four other bus courses are offered, including a night trip to Odaiba, but those trips are conducted in Japanese with no foreign language guidance.

Other tour companies catering to foreign tourists offer bus tours with English guidance – JTB is an excellent example.

What to do in Tokyo

• See the tuna auction at the Toyosu Market and eat a sushi breakfast at the former Tsukiji Fish Market.
• Take a boat ride on the Sumida River from Asakusa.
• Lose yourself in the dazzling neon jungle outside major train stations in the evenings. Shibuya and east Shinjuku at night can make Times Plaza or Piccadilly Circus look rural in comparison — it has to be seen to be believed.
• Enjoy a soak in a local "sento" or public bath. Or one of the onsen theme parks such as LaQua at the Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) or Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba.
• Go to an amusement park such as Tokyo Disney Resort, which consists of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea which are Asia's most visited and second most visited theme parks respectively, or the more Japanese Sanrio Puroland (in Tama), home to more Hello Kitties than you can imagine.
• Join and bar hop or pub crawl along with events groups in Roppongi,
• Check out the hip and young crowd at Harajuku's Takeshita-Dori (Takeshita Street) or the more grown up Omotesando.
• In the spring, take a boatride in Kichijoji's lovely Inokashira Park, and afterwards visit the Ghibli Studios Museum (well known for their amazing movies, like Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke), but you will need to buy tickets for these in advance at a Lawson convenience store.
• Take the Yurikamome elevated train across the bay bridge from Shimbashi station to the bayside Odaiba neighborhood, and go on the giant ferris wheel — at one time the largest in the world.
• Watch a baseball game, namely the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome, or the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium. Nearby Chiba hosts the Chiba Lotte Marines.
• Take a stroll through the Imperial Palace's East Gardens (open to the public daily at 09:00, except Fridays and Mondays).
• Have a picnic in a park during the cherry blossom (Sakura). Unfortunately Sakura only lasts for about a week in Spring. But be warned, parks are usually very crowded during this time.
• Join a local for a short lunch or dinner homestay with Nagomi Visit's home visit program or participate in their cooking classes.
• Raising a glass in this colourful nightlife at Shinjuku neighborhood.
• Joining the Harajuku's eccentric fashion tribes as they shop.
• Losing yourself in the vestiges of the old city Yanesen.
• Tokyo / Akihabara|Akihabara]] — Venturing into the belly of pop culture beast.

Festivals

• Sanja Matsuri (三社祭), third weekend in May. Tokyo's largest festival, held near Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, this three-day extravaganza sees up to 2 million people turn out to watch the parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) with live music, dancing and geisha performances.
• Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (隅田川花火大会 Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai), fourth Saturday in July. Huge fireworks competition that sees up to a million people line the banks of the Sumida River.

Study in Tokyo

The curious can study traditional culture such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, or martial arts such as Karate, Judo, Aikido and Kendo. There are also many language schools to help you work on your (Japanese). Several universities in Tokyo cater to international students at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Muslim Friendly Universities in Tokyo

• Keio University (慶應義塾大学 Keiō Gijuku Daigaku) - Japan's top private university (unless you ask a Waseda student). Established in the samurai days of yore and has a stuffier rep than Waseda, with alumni including former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi. Main campus in Mita.
• Sophia University (上智大学 Jōchi Daigaku) - A prestigious private, Jesuit university well known for its foreign language curriculae and large foreign student population. Main campus in Yotsuya.
• Tokyo Institute of Technology (東京工業大学 Tōkyō Kōgyo Daigaku) - Tokyo's top technical university. Main campus in Ookayama.
• University of Tokyo (東京大学 Tōkyō Daigaku) - Japan's uncontested number one university, especially strong in law, medicine and literature. For local residents, passing the entrance exams is fiendishly difficult, but exchange students can enter much more easily. Five campuses are scattered around the city, but the main campus is in Hongo.
• Waseda University (早稲田大学 Waseda Daigaku) - Japan's top private university (unless you ask a Keio student), famous as a den of artists and partiers. Former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda is an alum. Main campus in Waseda.

How to work legally in Tokyo

Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is still the easiest way to work in Tokyo, but the city also offers more work options than other areas of the nation: everything from restaurant work to IT. Certain nationalities are eligible for working holiday visas: for others, work permits can be very hard to come by without a job offer from a Japanese company. Consult your local Japanese consulate/embassy as far in advance as feasible.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the fashion and cosmetic centers in the Eastern world. Items to look for include electronics, funky fashions, antique furniture and kimono, as well as specialty items like Hello Kitty goods, anime and comics and their associated paraphernalia. Tokyo has some of the largest electronic industries in the world, such as Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba etc.

Cash payment is the norm. Most Japanese ATMs do not accept foreign cards, but post office, 7-Eleven and ones from large banks do and usually have English menus as well (Mitsubishi-UFJ ATMs accept UnionPay and Discover card users, while Mitsui-Sumitomo allows the use of UnionPay cards for a ¥75 surcharge regardless of time of day). Most ATMs only give ¥20,000 notes (such as 711 and convenience stores). However, some ATMs do give ¥2,000 notes (at the airport and large banks). Although credit cards are more and more widely accepted and they are far less widespread than in most other developed countries. The crime rate is very low, so don't be afraid of carrying around wads of cash as the Japanese do. The average Japanese citizen will carry a month's worth of expenses on them (around ¥60,000 give or take). See Buy under Japan. for general caveats regarding electronics and media compatibility.

There are numerous convenience stores throughout Tokyo (such as Seven-eleven, Lawsons, and Family-Mart), which are open around the clock and sell not only food and magazines, but also daily necessities such as underwear and toiletries. Supermarkets are usually open until 22:00, while drugstores and department stores usually close at 21:00.

Anime and manga

Tokyo / Akihabara|Akihabara]], Tokyo's Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of its otaku community, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters with anime (animation) and manga (comics). Another popular neighborhood for all things manga/anime is the Nakano ward and its Broadway Shopping arkade. Check out the mandarake shop for loads of used and rare mangas.

There has been an "otaku boom" in Akihabara. A lot of attention in particular was paid to the town thanks to the popular Japanese drama "Densha Otoko", a (true) love story about an otaku who saves a woman from a molester on a train and their subsequent courtship.

Akihabara was previously known for its many live performances and cosplayers, some of which had drawn negative attention due to extremist performers. These have become increasingly scarce following the Akihabara massacre in 2008, although girls in various maid costumes can still be seen standing along the streets handing out advertisement fliers to passers by for Maid Cafes.

Antiques

Serious collectors should head for the Antique Mall in Ginza or the Antique Market in Omotesando, which despite the rustic names are collections of small very specialist shops (samurai armor, ukiyo-e prints, etc.) with head-spinning prices. Mere mortals can venture over to Nishi-Ogikubo, where you can pick up scrolls of calligraphy and such for a few thousand yen.

The Antique Festival (全国古民具骨董祭り) is held over the weekend about 5-6 times a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center, on the Tokyo Monorail line, and is well worth a visit.

Fashion

Shibuya and neighboring Harajuku are the best-known shopping areas for funky, youthful clothes and accessories. Almost without exception, clothes are sized for the petite Japanese frame.

Department stores and exclusive boutiques stock every fashion label imaginable, but for global labels prices in Tokyo are typically higher than anywhere else in the world. The famous Ginza and Ikebukuro's giant Seibu and Tobu department stores (the largest in the world) are good hunting grounds. Roppongi Hills has emerged as a popular area for high-end shopping, with many major global brands. Other department stores in Tokyo are Mitsukoshi, Sogo, Marui (OIOI), Matsuzakaya, Isetan, Matsuya and Takashimaya. Mitsukoshi is Japan's biggest department store chain. Its anchor store is in Nihonbashi. Marui Men store in Shinjuku has eight floors of high-end fashion for men only.

Buy Souvenirs from Tokyo

For touristy Japanese knickknacks and the best places to shop are Nakamise in Asakusa and the Oriental Bazaar in Omotesando, which stock all the souvenirsy things like kanji-emblazoned T-shirts, foreigner-sized kimonos, ninja outfits for kids and ersatz samurai swords that can be surprisingly difficult to find elsewhere. Both also have a selection of serious antiques for the connoisseur, but see also Antiques above.

Street markets

Bustling open-air bazaars in the Asian style are rare in Tokyo, except for Ueno's Ameyoko, a legacy of the postwar occupation. Yanaka Ginza in the Shitamachi Taito neighborhood, a very nice example of a neighborhood shopping street, makes for an interesting afternoon browse.

There are often small flea and antique markets in operation on the weekend at major (and minor) shrines in and around Tokyo.

Halal Restaurants in Tokyo

Tokyo offers a range of halal culinary delights, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes.

1. Sekai Cafe

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

Offering a variety of dishes that cater to both Vegetarian and non-vegetarians, Sekai Cafe ensures that its ingredients are all halal. It's a great place to enjoy a hearty meal amidst a cozy atmosphere.

2. Gyumon Halal Yakiniku

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

For those craving grilled delicacies, Gyumon provides a halal yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) experience. The restaurant prides itself on serving genuine Japanese beef, which is both delicious and halal-certified.

3. Kappou Yama

Address: 2 Chome-34-11 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Kappou Yama offers a halal version of traditional Japanese dishes, ensuring that Muslim diners can enjoy the authentic taste of Japan without compromising their dietary needs.

4. Naritaya Halal Ramen

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

No visit to Tokyo is complete without slurping down a bowl of ramen. Naritaya ensures that Muslim travelers can also relish this experience by serving 100% halal ramen.

Tokyo, while deeply rooted in its traditional culture, embraces diversity. The presence of mosques and halal restaurants in the city reflects its commitment to catering to its growing Muslim community and visitors. Whether you're looking for spiritual solace or a gastronomic adventure, Tokyo offers options that adhere to Islamic principles.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tokyo

Tokyo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tokyo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tokyo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tokyo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tokyo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTokyo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tokyo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tokyo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tokyo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tokyo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tokyo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tokyo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tokyo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tokyo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tokyo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tokyo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tokyo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tokyo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tokyo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tokyo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tokyo Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Tokyo

eHalal Group Tokyo is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Tokyo. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Tokyo.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Tokyo ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Tokyo. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Tokyo, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Tokyo are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are thousands of hotels in the Tokyo area, ranging from affordable to expensive. They are distributed throughout the city, with some of the high end and the low end almost everywhere. Many Asian-style hotels, especially those affiliated with American hotel chains, have English-speaking staff.

Much of Tokyo's good accommodation can be found in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno. But if you are not afraid of being a little bit off-center, you may have a look to the surroundings: Yokohama, etc.

Most of the affordable accommodations in the Taito area (near JR Minami-senjuu) have curfew times around 22:00 to 23:00, so be sure to check that in advance if it bothers you. One hotel that does not have a curfew is Kangaroo Hotel, rooms starting at ¥7200. There's also Economy Hotel Hoteiya, rooms starting at ¥2700.

Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option. They may be reluctant to play host to Foreign Muslims as there are quite a few rules of behavior which may be difficult to explain; see the Japan Travel Guide for the full scoop. Most capsule hotels are men-only. Akihabara Capsule Inn is among the very few to have women-only floors.

24-hour comic book library/internet cafes known as manga kisa, are common in Tokyo. This is one of the cheapest ways to crash if you miss your last train and need to wait for the early morning transit service to get started. No bed, but you have a comfy chair and a PC and/or DVDs if you can't sleep. Later in the evening, karaoke boxes often offer discounted prices for the whole night and they usually have a couch you can sleep on. Most of these cyber cafes charge ¥2500–2500 for 8 hours.

One of the cheapest ways to stay can be also a youth hostel, prices start at ¥2200, e.g. in the Shinjuku area.

Mid-range

There is a wide range of choices in hotels while at Tokyo, most of the hotels are rated 3 stars or more. Tokyo is among most of the other cities when it comes to hotels because their services and hotel locations are the best of the best.

Keep an eye out for what is called a business hotel. The rooms are usually tiny, but they are near stations and rates start from around ¥6000. Staff may speak minimal English, but it's not too hard to figure out. These are the best options for solo travelers. Affordable chains found throughout Tokyo include Tokyu Stay, which offers free internet access and breakfast, Chisun and Sunroute.

Tokyo has some self-proclaimed ryokan (Japanese inns) that cater largely to foreign tourists, mostly concentrated around Ueno and Asakusa. While not as opulent as the real thing and they offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates.

Dogenzaka ("Love Hotel Hill") offers the widest selection in the city. If you're really going to spend the night, be sure to check in for a "stay" rather than a "rest". Be warned that some love hotels (at least around Shinjuku) have a 'No Japanese, no stay' policy, presumably to avoid confusion over billing; others lock you into your room until you pay into a slot by the door to leave.

If you plan to stay more than one week, you can try Weekly-Mansion Tokyo]. These are flats you can rent for short periods of time for affordable prices. Rates are around ¥7000 per day for one person or a little more for two people. Sometimes you can find deals for as low as ¥6000 per day (Various promotional deals are available for online reservations). You can also make online reservations in English.

You can spend a fortune on accommodation in Tokyo. Most of the high-end international chains are well represented. Particular concentrations of luxury hotels can be found in western Shinjuku (including the Park Hyatt Tokyo, featured in Lost in Translation), around Tokyo station (best here are Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo. Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula Hotel, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Seiyo Ginza and Four Seasons Marunouchi), and in Akasaka.

Beware of hotels marketing themselves as being at "Tokyo Bay". At best, this means you'll be in or near the Odaiba neighborhood, built on reclaimed land half an hour away from the downtown; at worst, you'll end up somewhere on the coast of the adjacent prefecture of Chiba, which is handy for visiting Tokyo Disneyland but quite inconvenient for touring Tokyo itself.

Stay Safe

Tokyo is probably one of the safest big cities you will ever visit, and Japan in general is one of the safest places to visit in the world. Most people, including single Muslima travellers, would not encounter any problems walking along the streets alone at night. Street crime is extremely rare, even late at night, and continues to decrease. However, "little crime" does not mean "no crime", and common sense should still be applied as anywhere in the world. Often the biggest risk is travellers taking Japan's visibly apparent lack of crime too close to heart and doing things they would never do back home.

The most common crime is sexual harassment on crowded trains, pressed up against each other, hands wander. This is more of a local problem as westerners are considered more aggressive and would stick up for themselves. The best way to deal with any wandering hands is to yell "Chikan!" which is the Japanese term for "pervert".

Small police stations, or kōban (交番), can be found every few blocks. If you get lost or need assistance, by all means go to them; it's their job to help you! They have great maps of the surrounding area, and are happy to give directions. They may, however, have difficulties with English, so some knowledge of the Japanese language helps.

If you make it as far out as the Izu Islands, visitors to Miyakejima Island are required to carry a gas mask, due to volcanic gases. Those in poor health are advised against travelling to the island. In addition, Tokyo, like the rest of Japan is at risk for earthquakes.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tokyo

From Tokyo and the entire surrounding Kanto region is your oyster. Particularly popular destinations nearby include:

• Hakone — for thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) and views of Mount Fuji, Ashinoko Lake.
• Kamakura — home to dozens of small temples and one Big Buddha
• Nikko — grandiose shrine and burial site of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu
• Odawara — houses the only Japanese castle in greater Tokyo area
• Yugawara, Manazuru — for thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) and coastal resort, eating sashimi and mikan, views of Manazuru Peninsula, some festivals(Matsuri).
• Tokyo Disney Resort — with Tokyo Disneyland (just like the ones everywhere else) and Tokyo Disney Sea (an only-in-Japan theme park which includes some unique rides and some imported rides from Disney parks outside of Japan)
• Yokohama — Japan's second-largest city and a suburb of Tokyo

The Tokyo area also has some less-famous destinations that are easy day trips from central Tokyo:

• Ashikaga — historical hometown of a famous shogun clan
• Hachioji — a refreshing climb up Mt. Takao through a forest to a shrine and soft-drinks garden
• Kawasaki — home to the Nihon Minka-En park with 24 ancient farmhouses (more interesting than it sounds), not to mention the annual Festival of the Iron Penis (Kanamara Matsuri)
• Kinugawa — Onsen town in Nikko, home to Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, a theme park set in the Edo period with shows, ninja, samurai, geisha, et al., in a beautiful mountain setting
• Fujino — a small town popular with local residents and foreigners alike who are interested in the arts and enjoy beautiful scenery

And don't forget the islands to the south of Tokyo:

• Izu Islands — easily accessible seaside and hot spring getaways
• Ogasawara Islands — 1000 km away from big-city bustle, for whale watching, diving and those who want to get away from it all

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