09 Apr Discover Okayama’s Hidden Gem: Muslim Friendly Cultural and Culinary Trip for 3 Days with Navito
Tired of visiting only Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara every time you go to Japan? Just about two hours from Osaka, there’s a destination that’s still relatively undiscovered yet full of surprises: Okayama. This area offers a more peaceful, authentic Japanese experience and is becoming increasingly welcoming for Muslim travelers.
Together with Navito (@navito_halal), a KOL with 1.4 million instagram followers, this three-day journey in December 2025 proves that Okayama has a charm that is no less appealing than other major cities in Japan. Based in Kobe, Navito is known for actively sharing content about halal food, Muslim-friendly restaurants, and various Muslim facilities in Japan.
Navito’s journey began with a train ride from Tokyo to Okayama, and upon arrival, he immediately felt the difference compared to major cities in Japan—not too crowded, yet still lively. On his first day in Okayama, Navito headed straight to The Magritte for lunch, enjoying Muslim-friendly set menu that includes chicken steak. This experience became a comfortable start, while also showing how Okayama accommodates the needs of Muslim travelers without compromising the quality of its cuisine.
From the city center, the journey continued to Kibichuo, a rural area that offers a peaceful, traditional Japanese atmosphere. Here, Navito stayed at Micchan’s farmstay, a simple yet warm accommodation where visitors can experience local life firsthand. At this farmstay, Navito did not just stay overnight, but truly experienced local living.
During his stay at Micchan’s farmstay, he participated in traditional activities such as making basic Japanese dishes like sushi and halal-friendly oden/makizushi, as well as making mochi by pounding it in the traditional way.
It was an experience that was not only fun but also full of cultural meaning that Navito gained during his stay at Micchan’s farmstay. Not only did he learn about traditional Japanese dishes, but he was also introduced to the koto, a Japanese harp-like instrument, which added an elegant touch to the rest of his first day in Okayama that is hard to forget.
On the second day in Okayama, Navito continued his journey back to the city center. His first visit of the day was to the Manekineko Museum, which displays various “lucky cat” statues in different shapes and materials. Uniquely, the museum also offers workshops where visitors can paint and decorate their own statues, just like what Navito did during his visit.
He then went on to visit Hitorinabe Megu, a hot-pot restaurant specializing in halal shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Here, visitors can find halal-certified Australian beef that is sliced using dedicated cooking equipment and stored separately. In addition, the restaurant uses separate seasonings, refrigerators, and freezers for halal ingredients.
After enjoying lunch, Navito continued his day by stopping by a tea shop in Okayama, Saboe Okayama. Offering 10 varieties of tea that are carefully curated. It’s not just a tea shop—you can also buy the tea to enjoy anywhere.
Not far from there, Navito visited Korakuen Garden, which is known as one of the three best gardens in Japan. In this garden, visitors can see the beauty of traditional Japanese landscaping, which is also one of Okayama’s prides. In the same area, visitors can also enjoy Japanese tea while taking in the garden view at Sazanami Chaya.
After a short relaxation at the tea house, Navito continued his visit to Okayama Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black color and majestic presence near Korakuen. Here, visitors can find various historical exhibits, try wearing kimono, and even join Bizen pottery workshops. Not to be missed, the peach-shaped boat ride offers a unique way to enjoy the view around the castle.
After a fairly tiring day at Korakuen, Navito continued his day by looking for Muslim-friendly desserts at Frurela. As a dessert lover, Navito highly recommends this place for its fresh fruit parfaits that are sweet yet well-balanced.
Feeling recharged after his refreshing dessert stop, Navito continued his trip with a visit to Momotaro Jeans, a well-known denim brand originating from Kojima, Okayama Prefecture. To end the day, Navito went to Alibaba for dinner. Alibaba is one of the halal restaurants in Okayama that serves Turkish dishes such as Turkish-style pizza and kebabs prepared directly by the owner. All meat used at Alibaba is halal-certified, making it safe for Muslim customers. All dishes are also alcohol-free, making it a Muslim-friendly restaurant. On this day, he stayed at Hotel Granvia. this hotel is Muslim-friendly and equipped with facilities for Muslim travelers, such as a prayer space with qibla direction.
Navito’s final day in Okayama began at 9 AM with a visit to Mount Ojigatake. Located near the Seto Inland Sea, this area offers stunning coastal views. Besides hiking, visitors can also relax at nearby cafés. There are also exciting activities to try, such as paragliding with a view of the Seto Inland Sea from above. This place is suitable for hiking enthusiasts as well as those who simply want to relax while enjoying the scenery.
In the afternoon, Navito returned to Okayama and headed straight to Milenga for lunch. Milenga is the only restaurant in Okayama that holds a halal certification from the Japan Halal Business Association. It serves authentic Indian-style cuisine made with fresh vegetables, meat, and spices.
For dessert, Navito also visited Marugodeli to enjoy fresh fruit smoothies made from natural ingredients, served in a cozy space with only four seats—making it a perfect stop for a simple yet relaxing treat.
After that, Navito took the train again to the Kibitsu area. Upon arrival, he visited Kibitsu Shrine, which is famous for its 360-meter-long corridor and the surrounding garden views that are unlike any other shrine. Not only the corridor, Kibitsu Shrine is also known for its connection to the legend of Momotaro and its unique architectural style. Although the visit was brief, the cultural experience gained will be remembered for a long time.
As the final place Navito visited in Okayama, Navito enjoyed dinner at Okayama Halal Center. This place is one of the first Indonesian restaurants in Okayama, consisting of four floors, where Muslim visitors can not only find halal-certified food but also a shop providing halal products, a prayer room, and a communal space.
From this journey with Navito, it is clear that Okayama is not just an alternative destination, but a place where travelers can discover a warmer, closer, and more meaningful side of Japan. A journey that is not only to be seen, but also to be experienced.
Through Okayama Muslim Tourism (OMT), travelers can access information about various tourist destinations, Muslim-friendly and halal-certified restaurants, as well as accommodations that suit Muslim travelers’ needs. OMT also assists with travel arrangements such as student exchange programs, conventions, and more.
Okayama City / Kibichuo Town / Maniwa City
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