Niseko is a city in Hokkaido, which is attracting so many foreign tourists. The place has amazing nature and ski resort. The snow in Niseko is as light as powder, which is the reason why Niseko is the most chosen ski resort in the world.
Although the city is located far from the prefecture’s capital, Sapporo, it is like a city in another country. Everything is written in English and the city is full of non-Japanese people. Let’s take a look at what are the things available for Muslims!
You can check all the Halal restaurants in Hokkaido in this article.
Why is Niseko a World class resort?
It was around mid 90’s when Niseko was first recognized as a great nature resort by Australians. This is because Australia and Japan are located almost in the same time zone, so that traveling from Australia was not that difficult.
The reputation has reached the people in Europe who also liked great nature. Many people migrated to Niseko, which resulted in the percentage of foreigners being around 12%.
Niseko has beautiful sceneries throughout a year. As mentioned, snow is what makes Niseko a great ski resort, but it is not the only thing. Summertime is also amazing.
There is a mountain called Mt. Yotei. From its perfect shape, it is called as Mt. Fuji in Hokkaido.
Mt. Yotei in summer.
During summertime, water activities such as canoe, rafting and many more are waiting for you. It also has hot springs which can be enjoyed regardless of the season.
What’s available around Niseko for Muslim travelers?
As the town has a huge number of foreigners, you may not have any trouble communicating in English. There are some vegan and vegetarian dishes, however, it still seems like not much is done for Muslims.
Rakuichi (そば処楽一)
This restaurant that serves Soba noodle is so famous in Niseko that making reservation is so difficult. The Soba is made right in front of the customers when the order is made. Dinner is only served in Kaiseki course style.
Their course can be pescatarian, vegetarian/vegan or gluten-free. Removing alcoholic seasoning may be difficult, but you can order a pinch of salt instead to make it Halal or Muslim-friendly.
They start accepting reservation 90 days prior to your desired day, at 12:00 for Lunch and 19:00 for Dinner.
Credit: https://www.rakuichisoba.com
Address:431 Niseko, Niseko cho, Abuta gun, Hokkaido 048-1511 北海道虻田郡ニセコ町ニセコ 431 Genre: Soba noodle Tel: Not available email: reservations@rakuichisoba.com
Wakimizu no Sato
Thanks to the great nature, Niseko is also famous for the cleanest water. This clean water and soybeans from Hokkaido are made into Tofu, which is sold at this shop.
The shop is quite famous and has many people, however, upon eating their real Tofu, you can see the difference. There are not only Tofu but also salad, burger or even dessert. Many of them are sold only temporarily, which makes it difficult for us to tell which product is Halal, but it is worth trying to great Japanese Tofu.
Address: 1 217, Makkari mura, Abuta gun, Hokkaido 北海道虻田郡真狩村217番地1 Tel: 0136-48-2636 Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., until 6:00 p.m. between April to October. From Nobember to March, the shop is closed on Wednesdays.
Niseko Green Farm
There is a great activity that you can only enjoy during summertime! It is a Pizza Making experience at Niseko Green Farm.
You can first pick up vegetables from the farm and then make pizza from flour. Putting them in the stone oven and enjoy the taste of it with a magnificent view of Mt. Niseko! As you can see all the procedures, you do not have to worry what is inside or if the food is Halal or not.
Credit: https://nisekogreenfarm.com/
Address: 3-258 Hirafu, Kutchan cho, Abuta gun, Hokkaido 044-0077 北海道虻田郡倶知安町比羅夫258-3 Tel: 0136-21-5277 Only during end of April until end of October. Price: 6,000 yen for Adult, 3,000 yen for child, if there is not harvest then 4,800 yen and 2,400 yen respectively.
What’s are Halal souvenirs available from Niseko?
Niseko Food Commission
The restaurant Miracle has a Vegan Soba and Curry, which can be served as Muslim-friendly. The great thing is that they have a Duck Ham as a Muslim-friendly souvenir, so you can buy this item after having a lunch.
It is a home-made Duck prociutto ham. Using only natural salt and sugar, the taste of meat is maximized.
Although the city is full of foreigners, it does not mean there are many Halal or Muslim-friendly products in the town. Usually, shops and restaurants in Niseko close much earlier than in the city, so we will recommend you checking on the information carefully.
Information as of June 2023. The products we have introduced to you are not made as Halal or Muslim-friendly, so there is a small risk of contamination which we cannot be responsible of. Please consume at your own risk.
