Our Family Trip to Tokyo (June 2025)
Travelling with a family of five to a bustling city like Tokyo may sound like a logistical headache — especially for Muslim travellers trying to find halal food and prayer spaces. But we did it. And guess what? We saved a ton by ditching the usual tour agency packages and doing it our way. Here’s how.
Where We Stayed: Muslim Comfort in Shinjuku
We booked an Airbnb in Okubo, Shinjuku — a spacious, clean 2-bedroom unit with 8 beds and 1.5 bathrooms. It was walking distance to Shin-Ōkubo Station, and best of all, halal food spots were literally walkable. Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Turkish, even Indonesian cuisines within 10 minutes’ walk! A 5-minute “Save my stomach” Muslim food is available at SARSINA HALAL FOODS
Tip: Use Google Maps and just search “halal food near me”. Also, download Uber Eats Japan before you go — it requires OTP verification.
Day 1: Harry Potter Studio Tour
Getting There: From Okubo Station to Toshimaen Station (around 20–25 mins). Follow signs to the studio.
Why DIY: We spent 6 hours exploring at our own pace. Butterbeer? Check. Broomstick selfies? Check. Big open garden for du’a and I even prayed in the food court—nobody batted an eye. Kid-friendly and funtastic for couples.
More info: Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo
Day 2: Mount Fuji, Ice Cave & Aokigahara
We hired Ali-san (☎️ +81 8040614722) who drove a comfy Vellfire and took us to the Narusawa Ice Cave. A surreal 100m trek under the earth — unforgettable.
We also passed Aokigahara Forest (aka Suicide Forest) around 5pm. Eerie. No stops, just reflections.
Cost: S$500 for 5 pax! Way cheaper than travel agents.
Day 3: Shinjuku Crossing & Street Life
The chaos of Shinjuku Crossing is beautiful. We strolled, snacked on Muslim-friendly eats, and just soaked in the neon buzz.
🍛 Halal Food, Prayer Spots & Muslim Markets
- Halal groceries and eateries around Okubo Station
- Small cafeterias with basic prayer areas
- Tokyo Camii Mosque in Shibuya: must-visit for prayer and halal Turkish food
🚚 Pro tip: Cook your own meals. Visit local Pakistani/Bangladeshi markets to buy ingredients.
📈 Cost Comparison: DIY vs Travel Agency
| Item | DIY Trip (S$) | Typical Tour (S$) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (5 pax, 60kg) | 2,250 | 2,500+ |
| Airbnb (4 nights) | 1,900 | Hotel – $2,800 (typically 2 to 3 rooms) |
| Private Transport | 1,050 | 2,200+ |
| Studio Tour (train) | ~375 | 750 |
| Food (home-cooked + halal) | 500 | 1,200 – Tour or eating out |
| Total | ~5,775 | 9,000–9,500+ |
Muslim Essentials
- Suica Card for transport: Guide to get one here
- Carry a small sejadah and Qibla app
- Respectful, clean spaces are easy to find for prayers
Suggested Photos
Photos to share
References
- Muslim Friendly Bangkok: Halal Travel Guide
- The Smarter Way to Travel as a Muslim: Ditch DIY
- Halal Honeymoons & Family Retreats – Where Faith Meets Fun
2 Comments
hI Sis,
can share the itinerary with me?
Salaam Sis,
Day 1
Reach Airbnb at 12nn, Alhamdullilah then owner let us check in early , if not usually most places allow only at 4pm.
Lunch near okubo Shinjuku station, halal food just at the corner
Sent to Shinjuku for window shopping and dinner at an Indian halal restaurant
Went back to hotel
Day 2
9.30am – Went to Harry Potter
6pm – Dinner at Shuyabu
8pm – Back to hotel
Day 3
8.30am – Rented private vehicle to mount Fuji sightseeing
(Various locations incl. Cave exploring)
Lunch at Allaudin restraunt nearby mount Fuji sightseeing (North Indian )
6.30pm – Back hotel
7.30pm – roam around the Pakistan Bangladesh supermarkets buying stuff
9.30pm – back hotel
Day 4
10am – went to a few street shops to enjoy the experience
12pm – Shinjuku Daiso , cheap soviniers
1pm – lunch near the Airbnb , whilst the kids went to eat sushi at Shinjuku (cost S$200) for three.
2pm – back hotel
3pm – another famous street shop
7pm – back hotel
8pm – cooked food
Day 5
9.30am – left to the airport, using klook, S$550, with a minivan due to 2 additional big luggage. U can opt for a smaller one for $480.
11am – reach the airport, eat lunch , 4th floor is a halal restaurant in a food court.
1pm – prayed at the prayer room on the same floor, 5 minutes away.
shopped for two hours , checked in and left for Singapore