Back in the day, Kyoto was known as one of Japan's capitals. Now, it is presently renowned as a prevalent tourist spot that is rich and overflowing with conventional Japanese traditions, food, places of worship, garments, language, culture and so much more!
Credit: Risshisha
Over the years, the number of outside vacationers streaming into Japan has expanded gradually, and a large part of this segment are Muslim travelers. As such, Japan travel agencies, associations and organizations linked with managing the travel industry and the food & beverage industry, have started to accomodate Muslims in their products and services. One of these organisations is none other than Risshisha, a prevalent ryokan in Kyoto that manages traditional Japanese lodging.
From March 2019 onwards, Risshisha began creating stay packages which catered to Muslim tourists and allowed them to enjoy a stress-free stay at Risshisha while performing their religious duties. They have a total of 25 ryokans (hotels) and a majority of them are catered towards the Muslim vacationers, which are recognizably known as Muslim-Friendly Ryokans. A typical ryokan can accommodate up to six individuals in a single room. Depending on the size of the ryokan, the bigger the ryokan, the more people it can accomodate.
Credit: Risshisha
At Risshisha, they grow their local vitalization and network building exercises with the city of Kyoto through machiya. A machiya is a traditional wooden townhouse that is found all over Japan. They offer a lodging experience that mixes conventional Kyoto machiya culture with present-day innovation and technology.
Residing at a machiya is engaging because it is an alternate encounter from an ordinary inn or ryokan, and makes visitors feel as if they are living in Kyoto. Guests can appreciate the primary setting of a customary Japanese house furnished with present-day services and facilities at Risshisha. Risshisha's machiya is in located in Kyoto's Omiya-Cho, which is nearby the Kyoto station and other tourist hot spots. They are currently seeking new undertakings to rejuvenate Kyoto machiya as another type of commitment to society so that they can enhance their guests' experience.
Besides the top-notch Muslim-friendly lodging experience, Risshisha also has staff who come from various racial and religious backgrounds, namely Muslim staff from Indonesia and staff from Taiwan. You can be rest assured that all their staff are friendly and produce an amicable and good-natured culture.
Credit: Risshisha
At Risshisha Muslim-Friendly Ryokan, they provide a wide range of facilities that help Muslim visitors enjoy an overnight vacation. In stay packages for Muslims, there are a few halal menu alternatives that you can request when you make a reservation. Their Halal menu strictly uses Halal ingredients like Halal meat, which is ensured by the Japan Islamic Trust. Visitors can choose from a variety of Halal Japanese food items in the menu such as Gyudon (rice bowl layered with beef) and Daifuku (delectable Japanese desserts, mochi with cream filling) which is vastly raved about and highly recommended. Other signature dishes include chicken curry and penne vegetables. All of the menu items mentioned have a Halal Certificate that is issued by the Japan Islamic Trust. Their menu is derived from Global Corporation Japan, a distributor of Halal products in Japan.
Credit: Risshisha
Besides food, Risshisha ryokans are also known as a conventional Japanese hotel that includes tatami-matted rooms, common showers, and other open territories where guests may wear yukata and chat with the proprietor. Each ryokan is also well-equipped with prayer mats, Qibla markers, prayer garments (for both male and female) and prayer timetables which are available upon request. This way, Muslim tourists can carry out their prayers in a serene and peaceful setting.
Credit: Risshisha
Below are 6 types of ryokans (rooms) available at Risshisha:
Each room has a diverse range of amenities created for their guests to be guranteed that their time spent at Risshisha is worth their money. To name a few, these amenities include a TV, air conditioning, floor warming, refrigerator, utensils, microwave, IH stove, tank pan, electric pot, Yukata set, iron, hairdryer, washing machine and most importantly, Wifi!
Upon arriving at Risshisha, you may consider visiting these popular tourist spots:
Address: 279 Shimochofukuji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8375
Check in timings: 15:00 - 20:00
Contact number: 075-468-1417
Website
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5 minutes car ride away from Kyoto Station
So if you are visiting Kyoto anytime soon, why not experience the lodging and accommodation facilities provided by Risshisha Muslim-friendly Ryokan? It's an experience that'll be worthwhile and unforgettable!
*Do note that the crescent-rated ryokans are inclusive of Mibu-Juku, Shisei Juku, Sen/Toji-Uomitsu, Sen/Omiya Gojo, Sen/Schchijo Mibu, Satoi Tessen/Omiya-Gojo, Satoi Kosetsu/Shichijo-Mibu and Satoi Seishi/Omiya-Gojo only.
