Hokkaido is one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan, but there is something Muslim travelers should know before planning a trip here.
Hokkaido is much bigger than you might imagine.
If you want to visit the main destinations such as Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa, you will already need more than a few days. And once you travel outside the major cities, finding Muslim-friendly services and halal food can become much more difficult.
This does not mean you should avoid exploring the beautiful countryside of Hokkaido. Quite the opposite!
But traveling around Hokkaido as a Muslim requires a little more preparation than traveling around major Japanese cities.
Here are three essential tips to keep in mind.
1. Remember that Hokkaido is BIG — and winter can make it feel even bigger
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is underestimating the size of Hokkaido.
Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano, Biei, Kushiro, and other popular destinations are spread across a huge area. Even places that look relatively close on a map can take several hours to reach.
And there is another important factor: snow.
During the winter months, snow and icy roads can significantly slow down transportation. Driving can take longer, and trains and buses may also be delayed depending on the weather.
As a general rule, if Google Maps says a journey will take one hour during snowy season, it would not be unreasonable to plan for around 1.5 hours.
In other words, don’t make your itinerary too tight.
Give yourself plenty of time between destinations, especially if you are traveling by car.
2. Prepare halal-friendly food in advance
In Sapporo and other major cities, you can find halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly food.
However, once you leave the major cities, your options become much more limited.
Some people try to choose from seafood or vegetarian meals, however, in most cases such meals contain alcoholic seasonings, which is not a favorable fact for everyone.
Hokkaido’s countryside is one of the best parts of traveling here, but you may not find a halal restaurant or Muslim-friendly supermarket wherever you go.
Of course, bringing all the food you need for your entire trip from your home country is not realistic.
A better approach is to prepare some food before heading into rural areas.
Stock up on suitable food and snacks while you are in a major city, and take what you need with you for the next few days.
This is especially important when your itinerary includes smaller towns, national parks, or remote sightseeing spots.
3. Plan ahead rather than figuring everything out after you arrive
This is perhaps the most important tip for Muslim travelers visiting Hokkaido.
In major cities around Japan, you can often find restaurants, supermarkets, and other services relatively easily.
Hokkaido can be different.
Before heading to your next destination, check:
- Where you can eat
- Where you can buy suitable food
- Where you can pray
- How long transportation will actually take
- Whether your destination has the services you need
Don’t assume that you will be able to find everything after you arrive.
A little planning can make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable.
So, where can you prepare for your Hokkaido trip?
If you are traveling to Hokkaido as a Muslim, we recommend getting prepared before you start your journey around the island.
Muslim Visitor Center Sapporo was created specifically to support Muslim travelers visiting Hokkaido.
Shop Name: Muslim Visitor Center Sapporo (ムスリムビジターセンター札幌)
Genre: Halal Souvenir Shop, Travel Agency
Address: 72 Kentaku Bldg.29, 1-13 Minami 2 jo Nishi 9 chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: 10 minutes walk from city center, or 3 minute walk from Nishi 11 chome station
Business Hours: 10:30-14:30 on Weekdays, closed on Sun, Sat and Holidays.
Payment: Major Credit Cards, no swipe accepted
Prayer space but no wudu space
We offer halal-friendly food and Japanese souvenirs that may be difficult to find elsewhere, and because the center is operated by a travel company, you can also ask us for advice about traveling around Hokkaido.
Whether you are planning to visit Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano, Biei, or more remote areas, we can help you think through your itinerary and prepare what you need before you leave Sapporo.
If you are planning a trip around Hokkaido, feel free to contact us before you start your journey.
A little preparation can make a big difference — especially when traveling around a place as vast as Hokkaido.