Year-End Holiday in Osaka, Don't Forget to Enjoy the 'Festival of the Lights'

Dream - Osaka is known as a cultural city through its history and festivals. One of them is the light festival that transforms this country into a place of grand and colorful celebrations illuminating the night sky of Osaka.

As the year comes to an end, the city in Japan will welcome visitors with the beautiful Festival of the Lights in two locations such as Midosuji Street and Nakanoshima area.

Midosuji Avenue is an iconic street located in the center of Osaka City. You can see colorful lights along the street, and this event was recognized by Guinness World Records in January 2015 as the 'brightest tree on one street'.

Meanwhile, in Nakanoshima, you can see many artworks and cultural displays of the city. Every year, at Nakanoshima Park, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Osaka's waters, becomes a place for light performances in Osaka.

Perfect for Winter Season

This area can be explored on foot, making it a perfect place for dating or strolling in the winter season.

Access to this place is also quite easy, you can go to Shin-Osaka Station, then take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station. If you're coming from Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Airport Line to Nankai Namba Station and transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station.

Another route you can take is from Shin-Osaka Station, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station. While from Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Airport Line to Nankai Namba Station and transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station.

So, are you ready to spend your year-end vacation in Osaka, Japan?

Source: Japan.travel

Report: Rena Safira

Halal Tourism and Culinary Options in the Mount Fuji and Hakone Area

Dream - Not only honored as a Japanese icon by the Japanese people, but Mount Fuji also attracts tourists when they visit the Land of the Rising Sun.

Even though you can't climb it, the sight of Japan's highest mountain from various tourist spots is something that tourists don't want to miss capturing through photos and videos.

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Many tourists choose Mount Fuji as the backdrop for their photos from a distance.

Located near the southern coast of Honshu Island, west of Tokyo, you can enjoy the fantastic beauty of Mount Fuji by visiting the Mount Fuji National Park in the Hakone, Kanagawa area.

Having the best natural hot springs, but you need to pay attention to some tips when visiting Hakone to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji and other tourist areas.

Choosing the Best Time

The best time to visit Mount Fuji depends on the season as there are times when clouds and poor visibility will obstruct your view of the mountain.

Mount Fuji is generally more visible from autumn to winter (Nov-Feb) compared to the warmer months (Apr-Aug).

September is a bad time to visit Mount Fuji due to typhoon season.

But don't worry, you can check the weather forecast before planning your trip. As for the daytime, morning and afternoon are usually the best times to visit the mountain, so pay attention while planning your vacation.

If you plan to climb Mount Fuji, pay attention to the official climbing season from July to mid-September, when mountain trails and facilities are open.

Other Must-See Views

It's not just Mount Fuji, these places also offer the best views because Hakone is known for its beautiful spots.

Here are the destination choices

Fuji 5th Station

The 5th Station is the closest point to reach Mount Fuji. While there are a total of 10 stations on the mountain, the 5th station is the highest station (2300 meters) that can be accessed by bus or car.

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The Five Fuji Lakes

A trip to Mount Fuji is not complete without stopping at one of the five famous lakes around the mountain, namely Kawaguchi, Motosu, Yamanaka, Shoji, and Saiko.

These lakes are at least 1000 meters above sea level and they provide great spots to view Mount Fuji.

© Shutterstock

The most famous and easily accessible lake is Kawaguchi, where you can find many resorts and restaurants.

Another lake worth visiting is Lake Motosu. The area around the lake doesn't have many buildings or houses, and that's what makes it so special because you can enjoy nature and the view of Mount Fuji without any disturbance.

Here, there are many activities you can do such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Chureito Pagoda

Chureito Pagoda is one of the best places to admire the beauty of Mount Fuji from above. With its five-story pagoda facing Mount Fuji and the city of Fujiyoshida, this place allows you to take beautiful photos.

The view here changes with the seasons and it is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season in mid-April and the autumn foliage season in mid-November.

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© Shutterstock

Lake Ashi

Located more than an hour from the Mount Fuji area, Lake Ashi in Hakone is one of the must-visit attractions. This caldera lake was formed after a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago.

If you have the Hakone Free Pass, you can take a pirate-themed cruise on Lake Ashi for free.

Hakone Shrine

Around Lake Ashi, you will find other amazing attractions at Hakone Shrine. Hidden in the dense forest, this shrine is known for its iconic torii gate standing above Lake Ashi.

Although you may have to queue, you can get an impressive view of the torii gate, the lake, and the stunning mountains behind.

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Mount Komagatake Ropeway

Want to see Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji from the same place? Then take a ride on the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway. The best time to visit the mountain is in the morning during winter as that's when the view of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji is the best.

Halal Food Options

Finding halal food may be more challenging in the Mount Fuji and Hakone areas compared to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

But don't worry, there are many restaurants in this area that offer Muslim-friendly options.

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Alladin Indo Restaurant

If you want halal food, come to Alladin Indo Restaurant. With a mix of Indian dishes like Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, and Mutton Curry, you won't even believe you're in Japan.

Don't forget to enjoy it with Naan or Saffron Rice.

Address: 288-1, Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0301
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 11 PM every day
Contact: +81555-72-6755

Fujisan Hotel Syariah

If you plan to stay overnight in Kawaguchiko, it is recommended to stay at Fujisan Hotel Syariah, a Muslim-friendly hotel that also provides meals for their guests. In addition to their halal food, they also have facilities for worship.

Address: 6713-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsurugun, Yamanashi 401-0301
Contact: +81155-83-5588 or email shf@sms-bb.jp

Kintokitei

There is a Muslim restaurant near Outlet Premium Gotemba that is popular. The specialty of this restaurant is Kamameshi, a Japanese dish where rice, meat, and vegetables are served in a small pot.

In addition, they also offer a halal Wagyu set for Muslim tourists to enjoy. While enjoying your meal, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji.

Address: 1-24-5, Ninoka, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka 412-0025
Opening Hours: Mon, Thu-Sun; 10:00-4:00, Tue-Wed; Closed
Contact: +81 550-83-0881 or email to kintoki@tokai.or.jp

Irorisaryo Hachiri

Here you can enjoy "aburi," a traditional Japanese cooking method where your food is grilled on top of it with a torch.

Their Shichirin Aburi set is a must-try. It consists of dried red sea bream, grilled tofu coated with miso, and vegetables.

What's interesting about Hakone Yurio Resort is that you can rent a room with a private hot spring just for a day without staying overnight.

Address: 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0315
Opening Hours: 11:00-9:00 (weekdays), 11:00-10:00 (weekend)
Reservations: +81 460-85-8411

Source: Havehalalwilltravel, Report: Rena Safira