Discovering the Best Halal Restaurants in Hokkaido’s Second-Largest City

Asahikawa City, the second-largest in Hokkaido, offers a warm welcome to Muslim travelers eager to explore its downtown charm and local atmosphere.

With a range of halal restaurants and amenities such as prayer rooms (including a unique snow mosque!), Asahikawa has become a magnet for Muslims looking to work and live in the area.

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce three halal restaurants in Asahikawa City that promise to tantalize your taste buds during your visit!

1. Okhotsk Shoyu Ramen at Ichikura Ramen Shop

Ichikura Ramen Shop is the first restaurant in Asahikawa to offer halal-certified foods. Their signature Okhotsk shoyu ramen is a culinary masterpiece, boasting a rich blend of flavors that elevate every ingredient. Crafted with halal ingredients, this ramen has quickly become a favorite among Muslim patrons!

Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Asahikawa StationOpening Hours: [Sunday-Thursday] 18:00-2:00, [Fri-Sat] 18:00-04:00Reservation: not required

2. Spicy and Generous Ramen at Asahikawa Sanpei

Renowned for its fiery and generously portioned ramen, Asahikawa Sanpei is a local favorite. This ramen joint sets itself apart by offering spicy ramen, a rarity in Japan, served in large, satisfying bowls. Guests can select their preferred spiciness level, ranging from 0 to 5. If you’re up for a challenge, start with level 3 – even level 1 packs a punch! Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of spice; they offer a mild option too!

Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Asahikawa StationOpening Hours: [Sun-Thurs] 11:00-15:00, 16:30-21:00 [Fri-Sat] 11:00-15:00, 16:30-22:00

3. Taisetsuji Beer

Despite its name, Taisetsuji Beer is not just about beer – it’s a haven for Genghis Khan enthusiasts. Genghis Khan, a Hokkaido specialty, refers to lamb cuisine.Taisetsuji Beer uses halal-certified lamb and Muslim-friendly homemade sauces to enhance the grilled lamb’s flavor. Plus, they offer exclusive grilling pans for Muslim customers, ensuring a delightful and inclusive dining experience.

Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Asahikawa StationOpening Hours: Lunch 11:30~13:45 Dinner 17:00~22:00Reservation: recommended to place a reservation by phone (01-6625-0400) or email(info@ji-beer.com).

4. Halal Lamb Steamed Bun and Plant-Based Steamed Bun

While lamb is a local delicacy, its appearance in a Chinese steamed bun is a relatively new twist! . These delicious steamed buns are now available at the “WORLD” food truck, which makes stops at various locations within the city and surrounding areas (be sure to check their official Instagram for the schedule of stops). You can also find them at two shops located inside the renowned Asahiyama Zoo! (details in the following article)

5. Pray at the Asahikawa Station Prayer Room!

The Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center, situated at the East Exit of Asahikawa Station, offers a convenient solution for travelers seeking a prayer space amidst their winter wonderland adventures. Nestled at the rear of the Information Center, this compact prayer room is available for use without the need for prior notification to the staff. Crafted with the essence of Asahikawa City’s renowned furniture artistry, the prayer room showcases meticulous woodworking by skilled craftsmen, utilizing wood without the use of glue or nails. This thoughtful design aims to enhance the tranquility of your prayer experience. Additionally, a restroom nearby facilitates ablution, but it’s important to exercise caution to avoid wetting the floor or elevating feet onto the sink.