Must-Know Unique Japanese Winter Experiences
The Japanese winter is characterized by crisp air, quiet streets, and beautiful scenery. For Muslim travelers, winter offers a unique opportunity to comfortably enjoy Japan.
Many new visitors may not be aware of the special customs and experiences unique to the Japanese winter:
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♨️ Hot Drink Vending Machines: Vending machines selling hot canned coffee and tea are saviors during the cold Japanese winter. Japanese vending machines often have both hot and cold drinks in one machine, so double-check the label unless you want an unexpected icy surprise during the cold winter.
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🔥 Relaxing under the Kotatsu: The "Kotatsu" is a low table with a built-in heater and a quilt (blanket). Just putting your legs underneath gently warms your entire body. Due to its supreme comfort, sometimes nicknamed a “kotatsu trap”, because once you sit down, you’re stuck there for hours
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🌄 Shorter Daylight Hours: Days are shorter in winter, and sunset arrives early. Make sure to plan your sightseeing activities in advance, as Maghrib prayer time comes much earlier during winter in Japan.
By the way, your winter trip will be even more fulfilling with delicious Halal snacks to accompany you.
Halal Winter Selection: Our Top 6 Picks
🍠 Sweet Potato Chocolate Cake
A Winter Treat that Replicates the Sweetness of Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato is also a famous Japanese winter symbol. ISHIYAKIIMO, sold with the call of "Eee-shee-yah-kee-ee-mohh," is a roasted sweet potato baked slowly over hot stones, which maximizes its natural sweetness.
音源提供：TAM Music Factory
This sweet potato chocolate cake is a classic winter dessert that utilizes the sweetness of the potato. Enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or a latte.
The Power of Catechins - 🍵Japanese Green Tea (Matcha & Sencha)
Catechin, found in Japanese green tea, is said to help prevent viruses like common colds and influenza, which are common in winter.
| Type of Tea | Catechin Content (Approx. per 100ml) | Flavor and Characteristics |
| Green tea (Matcha) | 200-400 mg | Rich umami and astringency. Also offers relaxation benefits from L-Theanine. |
| Green tea (Sencha) | 10-30 mg | Refreshing astringency and sweetness. The most common Japanese tea. |
| Green tea with brown rice（Genmaicha） | 10-20 mg | Savory flavor of roasted brown rice, light and refreshing taste. |
| Roasted green tea (Hojicha) | 5-15 mg | Savory roasted aroma. Low in caffeine. |
| Black Tea (Black Tea) | 10-25 mg | Rich aroma and strong astringency. Fermented tea. |
| Coffee (Coffee) | Almost none (Trace amounts) | Unique flavor and bitterness. Caffeine is the main component. |
Instant Rich Latte (Strawberry) - 🍓 Instant Strawberry Rich Latte
A Warm and Easy Cup to Enjoy on a Cold Day
This latte is easily made by just adding hot water. You can enjoy a delicious, warm drink in minutes. It can also be enjoyed iced, so you can have it hot or cold, as you prefer.
Various Instant Ramen - 🍜 Halal Instant Ramen
The Ultimate Comfort Food for a Chilly Body
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm bowl of ramen on a cold winter night.
💡 Fun Fact: In Japan, ramen sold by street vendors late at night is sometimes called "Yonakishoba (Midnight Crying Soba)." While you might wonder, "Crying ramen at night?" this name originates from the vendors selling the noodles while blowing a horn on cold nights.
⚠️ Warning: Soba sold at general yonaki soba stalls is highly likely to contain non-Halal ingredients.
A Halal instant noodle enjoyed while relaxing at your hotel is the perfect finale, just like "Yonakishoba." So, why not go to JAPANeid to get a Halal version? JAPANeid offers a wide variety of Halal/Muslim-friendly instant ramen.
Dashi Powder - 🍲 Halal Dashi Powder
🍢 Enjoy Oden, a Winter Classic, at Home!
A quintessential Japanese winter dish is Oden. This warm hot pot contains daikon radish, eggs, konnyaku (konjac), and various deep-fried fish cakes, all simmered in flavorful dashi broth.
⚠️ Warning: Unfortunately, Oden commonly sold in Japan often contains Haram ingredients cooked together, and the broth itself is usually not Halal.
That's why you should recreate safe Oden at home using Halal dashi powder and your favorite ingredients. This Halal dashi powder is richly flavored and serves as the base flavor for many traditional Japanese dishes, including Oden. Easily recreate healthy Japanese meals at home!
Fukui Mochi Mandarin - 🍊 Fukui Mochi Mandarin
Enjoying Mandarin Oranges, the Symbol of Japanese Winter, in Mochi Form
In Japan, Mikan (mandarin oranges) are beloved as a symbol of winter. Specifically, eating Mikan while sitting under the Kotatsu is a classic way to spend the winter season.
This Fukui Mochi Mandarin is soft, sweet, and satisfying, making it an ideal winter snack. Since it is individually packaged, it is also perfect as a souvenir for friends and family.
If You Can't Choose! JAPANeid's "Monthly Set"
If you are unsure which product to choose, we also offer the "Monthly Set," filled with products highly recommended for the season. Furthermore, last month's popular Monthly Set is continuing its sales as the Encore Set! Be sure to check it out.
Your Trusted Halal Souvenir Shop in Osaka: JAPANeid!
JAPANeid is more than just a place to buy matcha; we're Osaka's NO.1 Halal souvenir shop. We offer a wide range of Halal-certified treats, Muslim-friendly Japanese snacks (meticulously checked by our Muslim staff for their halal status), stunning Kimono Hijabs (made with authentic kimono fabric), Tatami or Nishijin prayer mats, and cosmetics.
Our Osaka shop is designed for your comfort and convenience:
- Separate prayer rooms for men and women (with Wudu facilities, Qibla direction, prayer accessories)
- Multilingual Muslim staff (English, Malay, Indonesian, Arabic)
- Free testers for most sweets
- A dedicated kids' play area
- Comfortable resting chairs and tables
- Complimentary foot massage chair
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Visit us for an authentic Japanese shopping experience – everything is Muslim-friendly!
📍 JAPANeid Shop Access & Opening Dates here.
Not Coming to Osaka? Get Halal Snacks Delivered to Your Hotel!
Even if you're not stopping by Osaka, JAPANeid's online shop makes it easy! Get Halal snacks, meals (like onigiri and ramen), and others delivered directly to your hotel anywhere in Japan, or shipped internationally.
So even if you’re on the go and can’t find Halal food, you’ll have something ready to enjoy.
Want to Learn More About Halal and Japanese Culture?
See the full list here
