26 Nov Discover Okayama’s Autumn: A 3-Day Muslim-Friendly Trip with Dahlia Shazwan
Japan’s autumn season is famously known for its vibrant foliage, crisp air, and timeless cultural charm. Okayama Prefecture is one of Japan’s hidden gems that serves Muslim-Friendly accommodations and hospitality. In November 2024, travel enthusiast and Malaysian KOL, Dahlia Shazwan (@dahliashazwan), went on a three-day adventure across Okayama — a trip thoughtfully curated to meet the needs of Muslim-friendly travel while embracing a mix of authentic Japanese culture, tradition, and art.
Dahlia’s journey began shortly after landing at Kansai International Airport, where she headed to Okayama’s east side for her first glimpse of Japan’s autumn colors at Sougenji Temple. The temple was peaceful and an eye-pleasing first stop filled with pretty autumn leaves. Next, Dahlia tried a delightful halal-friendly lunch which is an Indian home-cooked meal offered by a local host, showcasing Okayama’s warm hospitality and openness to diverse dietary.
Onto the next destination, Dahlia continued to visit the Manekineko Art Museum, which is also known as the Lucky Cat Museum, where visitors are able to enjoy a hands-on painting experience to make their own lucky cat. In this museum, visitors can also find hundreds of Japan’s lucky cats with various materials and different paintings. Fun and personal experience especially if you are into arts and culture.
Dahlia’s trip continues to visit another famous temple in Okayama, Kibitsu Shrine, an iconic shrine in Okayama known for its historical architecture and serenity. The shrine is surrounded with pretty gardens and autumn foliage, making the visit even more memorable. Not only that, visitors are also able to find the famous 360-meter long corridor and double gabled roof on the main shrine hall.
To finish the trip’s first day, Dahlia went to Kibichuo Town, where she stayed at a traditional farmer’s house, Micchan’s House. In this farmstay, Muslim guests will receive all Muslim-friendly accommodations and services by the host. Staying at this farmstay will also get you another hands-on experience, for example by learning how to make your own sushi accompanied by the host, as well as indulging in a local home-made dinner.
In the morning of Dahlia’s 2nd day in Okayama, she learnt how to make mochi from scratch. From making its own mochi skin by using the traditional pounding method to filling it with red bean paste. After the experience, she also said goodbye to Micchan to continue her Okayama trip.
Dahlia’s first visit for her second day in Okayama is the scenic and famous GREENable HIRUZEN where Dahlia can find a modern sustainability green house in the middle of the area. The building is made of a sustainable and decarbonized structure and best of all, visitors can also shop for eco-friendly goods and view various works of art.
After taking a stroll in the GREENable area, Dahlia went to have Muslim-Friendly lunch at the Hiruzen Kogen Highland Center, where she enjoyed a lamb BBQ meat with Peach Mark 2 certification. Not only serving lamb meat, but the restaurant also serves other muslim-friendly food and drink options. In addition to that, still in the same area, visitors can also shop at the largest souvenir shop on the first floor of Hiruzen Kogen Center.
After filling up her energy and having a bit of a shopping spree, Dahlia continued her journey to visit another Okayama’s famous destination which is Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District— an old districts filled with shops known for “noren” (colored curtains) that can be enjoyed by all tourists.
After having some time at Katsuyama, the trip followed by visiting another old district in Okayama known as Old Venice in Japan, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This district preserved Edo-period buildings, charming canals, and tons of boutiques. Making visitors able to enjoy a calming stroll while capturing the beauty of the district, perfect for your next Instagram post.
It is not going to Okayama, if you did not go to their denim factory place, Kojima Jeans Street. This place serves you Okayama’s best Momotaro Jeans which are globally known for its quality. Not only are visitors able to do some shopping, but visitors can also learn the history of Okayama’s jeans in this area.
To end Dahlia’s second day in Okayama, she also visited the top three traditional gardens in Japan, Okayama Korakuen Garden as well as Okayama Castle which offers authentic Japanese culture and history. She spent the night in Okayama City, where comfortable and Muslim-friendly accommodations were easily accessible.
Her final day in Okayama was kind of different from other Muslim-friendly trips, she went to Inujima Island. First she took a ferry from Hoden Port directly to Inujima Port, and as soon as Dahlia arrived at Inujima, she visited Inujima Seirensho Art Museum where she can find art photography by Yukinori Yanagi－inspired by Yukio Mishima in the museum. The museum has earned multiple accolades for its architecture, which thoughtfully integrates natural energy sources, sunlight, and airflow. Next to the museum, she also visited the Art House Project, where abandoned spaces were turned into modern art installations.
Dahlia herself said that a trip to the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum is a must visit, especially if you love modern art and love a good view from the island itself. This experience will give you a new perspective about the arts and you can also enjoy Inujima’s serene view as a bonus.
After spending her third day in Inujima Island, Dahlia returned back to Okayama City to do a bit of last-minute shopping and then continue to go back to her hometown. Dahlia’s 3-day Muslim-friendly trip showed how Okayama is not only rich in history, arts, and beauty, but also supports inclusive trips to Muslim travelers, offering accessible Muslim-friendly food, prayer-friendly environments, and a welcoming spirit that will exceed your expectation.
Which destination from her trip do you think is the most exciting one? Okayama proves that a culturally immersive and Muslim-friendly experience in Japan is not only possible but deeply rewarding — especially in the enchanting season of autumn.
Okayama Muslim Tourism (OMT) is an organization run by Okayama City, Kibichuo Town, and Maniwa City. Through OMT, you can find information about various tourist destinations, muslim-friendly restaurants, and accommodations that meet the needs of Muslim travelers. OMT also assists in arranging travel plans such as student exchange programs, conventions, and etc.
Okayama City / Kibichuo Town / Maniwa City
▼ Check more articles about destinations and itineraries:
- Recommendation of Muslim Friendly Autumn Trip to Okayama!
- Summer Sightseeing Spots with Abundant Nature & Islamic Prayer Space