Discovering Japan's Rainy Season Blooms
Japan's Tsuyu (梅雨) or rainy season (typically June to early July) brings a unique and enchanting beauty with its vibrant hydrangeas (ajisai)! These captivating flowers change color based on the soil's pH – blue in acidic, red in alkaline – creating a beautiful spectrum of hues.
Here are some Muslim-friendly day trip plans from Osaka where you can experience these unique hydrangeas, complete with information on halal dining and prayer spaces.
Table of Contents
- Kyoto: Hydrangeas & Iconic Landmarks
- Nara: Hydrangeas & Ancient Temples
- Kobe: Hydrangeas & Urban Highlights
1. Kyoto's Hydrangeas, Iconic Torii Gates & Halal Delights
This efficient plan allows you to admire the hydrangeas at Kyoto's "Hydrangea Temple," then enjoy a halal lunch and prayer near Kyoto Station, and finish your day with iconic sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha before dinner in Osaka.
Hydrangea Event Period: Mimurotoji Temple Hydrangea Garden: May 31 - July 6
Itinerary
- 08:30 - 09:30: Osaka Station → Kyoto Station (JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid)
- 09:30 - 10:00: Kyoto Station → Mimuroto-ji Temple (JR Nara Line & walk)
- 10:00 - 12:30: Mimuroto-ji Temple - Admire 10,000 hydrangea bushes.
- 12:30 - 14:30: Kyoto Station area - Halal Lunch & Prayer (Dhuhr)
- 14:30 - 14:45: Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari Station (JR Nara Line)
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14:45 - 16:30: Fushimi Inari Taisha - Sightseeing.
- 16:30 - 17:00: Enjoy a Halal Kobe Beef sushi roll at Wagyu Sushi Roll
- 17:00 - 17:30: Fushimi Inari → Osaka Station (JR)
- 17:30 - 18:45: Osaka Station → JAPANeid (11:30 - 18:45) - Shopping & Asr Prayer
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19:00 - : Enjoy Halal Dinner near JAPANeid
Facility Information
- Halal Souvenir Shop JAPANeid: Google Map
- Mimuroto-ji Temple: Google Map
- Prayer Space: Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto (Kyoto Tower 3F): Google Map
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Recommended Halal Restaurants (Kyoto Station area):
- RAJU Tambaguchi Branch: Google Map
- Ayam-ya Karasuma Branch: Google Map
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: Google Map
- Wagyu Sushi Roll: Google Map
- Dinner near JAPANeid: JAPANeid Restaurant Guide - Shinsaibashi
2. Nara's Hase-dera Temple: Enjoy History and the "Ajisai Corridor"
Experience the beautiful hydrangeas and rich history of Hase-dera Temple, then immerse yourself in the charm of Nara Park and magnificent ancient temples, all in a Muslim-friendly environment. Prepare for your trip the day before by purchasing halal snacks at JAPANeid in Osaka.
Hydrangea Event Period: Hasedera Temple Ajisai Corridor: May 24 - July 6
Itinerary
- Day Before: Purchase halal snacks at JAPANeid (Osaka, 11:30 - 18:45)
- 09:00 - 10:30: Osaka-Namba Station → Hase-dera Station (Kintetsu Limited Express)
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10:30 - 10:45: Hase-dera Station → Hase-dera Temple approach stroll.
- 10:45 - 13:00: Hase-dera Temple exploration & Ajisai Corridor.
- 13:00 - 13:30: Prayer at Hase-dera Temple (confirm location with staff)
- 13:30 - 14:30: Lunch (halal snacks/meals prepared from JAPANeid)
- 14:30 - 15:00: Hase-dera/Sakurai area → Kintetsu Nara Station
- 15:00 - 17:00: Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall), & Kofuku-ji Temple.
- 17:00 - 17:40: Kintetsu Nara Station → Osaka-Namba Station (Kintetsu Limited Express)
- 17:40 -: Enjoy Halal Dinner Namba area
Facility Information
- Halal Souvenir Shop JAPANeid: Google Map
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Hase-dera Temple: Google Map
- After your main exploration and prayer within the temple complex, you can find quiet benches or designated rest areas to enjoy your pre-prepared halal meal.
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Nara Park: Google Map
- Nara Park is home to numerous free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers. You can interact with them and even buy "shika senbei" (deer crackers) to feed them.
- Todai-ji Temple: Houses the famous Great Buddha. Google Map
- Kofuku-ji Temple: Famous for its five-story pagoda. Google Map
- Halal Restaurant Guide（Namba area): JAPANeid Restaurant Guide
3. Kobe Municipal Arboretum: Hydrangeas and a Fulfilling Afternoon in Sannomiya, Kobe
Kobe Municipal Arboretum: Hydrangeas & a Fulfilling Afternoon in Sannomiya
Enjoy magnificent hydrangeas in Kobe, followed by a convenient halal meal and prayer in Sannomiya, and finish your day with shopping and prayer at JAPANeid in Osaka.
Hydrangea Event Period: Kobe Arboretum Ajisai Walk: June 7 - July 13
Itinerary
- 07:30 - 09:15: Osaka City → Kobe Municipal Arboretum (JR & city bus)
- 09:15 - 12:00: Kobe Municipal Arboretum "Forest Hydrangea Walk". (No dedicated prayer facilities within the park; choose a quiet, less crowded spot for prayers. Water for Wudu available.)
- 12:00 - 12:45: Kobe Municipal Arboretum → Sannomiya
- 12:45 - 14:45: Halal Lunch & Prayer (Dhuhr) in Sannomiya/Motomachi
- 14:45 - 17:00: Explore iconic Kobe spots near Sannomiya.
- 17:00 - 17:30: Sannomiya → Osaka (JR)
- 17:30 - 18:45: JAPANeid (Osaka, 11:30 - 18:45) - Shopping & Asr Prayer
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19:00 - : Enjoy Halal Dinner near JAPANeid
Facility Information
- Halal Souvenir Shop JAPANeid: Google Map
- Kobe Municipal Arboretum: Google Map
- Kobe Mosque: Google Map
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Recommended Halal Restaurants (Sannomiya/Motomachi):
- Kobe Niku-dokoro Washin Kobe : Google Map
- Ali's Halal Kitchen: Google Map
- MERIT Hyogo Halal Restaurant: Google Map
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Kobe Beef Steak Sakura: Google Map
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Sannomiya-area Tourist Spots:
- Meriken Park & Harborland: A vibrant waterfront area with iconic landmarks like the Kobe Port Tower and "BE KOBE" monument. Google Map
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- Kitano Ijinkan-gai: A charming district of historic Western-style residences, great for strolling and photos. Google Map
- Ikuta Shrine: One of Japan's oldest shrines, offering a peaceful city escape. Google Map
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Osaka Halal Restaurant Guide: JAPANeid Restaurant Guide
Travel Preparation & Advice
- Attire: All locations involve hills or stairs, so comfortable shoes and easy-to-move clothing are essential.
- What to Bring: Don't forget halal snacks and drinks, a prayer mat, Qibla compass, mobile charger, translation app, and rain gear (the weather can be unpredictable during hydrangea season).
- Information Gathering: Before departing, it's recommended to check official websites and halal restaurant guides for the latest operating hours, prayer space rules, and reservation status.
We hope these plans help you enjoy your Muslim-friendly trip to see the hydrangeas near Osaka!
Not Coming to Osaka? Get Halal Snacks Delivered to Your Hotel!
Even if your itinerary doesn't bring you to Osaka, JAPANeid's online shop makes it easy! Get halal snacks, meals, and other products conveniently delivered directly to your hotel anywhere in Japan, or shipped internationally.
Other Muslim Travel Guide
Here are some travel guides you can use for your trip.
✅ Muslim Half-Day Dotonbori Trip
✅ Universal Studio Japan Muslim Tips
