Ramadan in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

Ramadan in Japan is a unique experience that blends traditional practices with fast-paced, modern lifestyles. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about celebrating Ramadan in Japan, including fasting tips, prayer schedules and local events for finding your community.

We’ll highlight halal dining options, community gatherings, and cultural insights to help you navigate this unique time. Whether you are observing Ramadan or simply curious about its practices in Japan, our guide offers clear and practical advice for everyone.

Spending Ramadan in Tokyo? Here are the best restaurants for breaking your fast.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is observed by Muslims worldwide, and Japan — with its ever-increasing cultural diversity — offers a unique backdrop for Muslims to practice their faith during this time. 

While the Muslim community in Japan may be smaller than in many other countries, the spirit of Ramadan is very much alive through the collective devotion of its followers.

Fasting during Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, is a challenging — yet rewarding — practice for those of Muslim faith. 

Here are a few tips to help make Ramadan in Japan more manageable!

In 2025, Ramadan in Japan begins from the evening of Friday, February 28 and lasts until Saturday, March 29. As a result, the weather will still be quite cool, with the days offering mild weather and spring sunshine.

This means that while you don’t have to worry about the sweat-inducing heat of summer in Japan, you’ll still want to drink enough water to stay hydrated, especially as you won’t be getting any water from food throughout the day.

Opt for electrolyte-rich drinks like Aquarius and Pocari Sweat to help maintain your hydration levels.

Find out more: Popular Japanese Drinks

Traditional Japanese foods offer a variety of nutritious dishes that can be easily adapted for Ramadan meals. For Suhoor, try incorporating whole grains, such as brown rice or oats, as well as protein-rich foods like tofu, eggs or fish. These will help keep you feeling full longer. 

For Iftar, it’s important to break the fast with something light, like dates and water, followed by a balanced meal. Many Muslims in Japan enjoy dishes like miso soup, sushi or halal-friendly tempura, giving you a taste of Japan while staying true to your beliefs.

During Ramadan, it’s important to listen to your body. While it’s tempting to make the most of your Japan trip — or try to maintain your usual level of activity if you live and work here — it’s perfectly okay to take it easy during fasting hours. 

If you feel tired or weak, take a rest. Many people in Japan also take naps during the day (you know you’ve seen them on the train or sprawled over their desks), and this can be a great way to recharge during the long fasting hours.

Prayer times are an essential part of Ramadan, and Muslims around the world perform five daily prayers. In Japan, the times for these prayers can be quite different from those in other countries, particularly during Ramadan when fasting schedules must align.

The daily prayers — Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha — are determined by the position of the sun, which varies depending on your location. In Japan, where the days are long, the Fajr prayer can be early in the morning, while the Maghrib prayer, marking the time to break the fast, may occur later in the evening.

There are several apps and websites that can help you keep track of prayer times in Japan. One popular app among the Muslim community is Muslim Pro, which provides accurate prayer schedules for different cities in Japan. Another is Athan: Prayer Times & Al Quran, available on both Apple and Android.

Alternatively, many mosques and Islamic centers in Japan post prayer schedules on their websites or on bulletin boards within the mosque.

Tokyo Camii also shares a prayer schedule for Japan.

In Japan, the celebration of Ramadan is also an opportunity for the Muslim community to come together, share meals and strengthen bonds. While the overall Muslim population in Japan may be small, there are several places across the country where local events and community activities are organized during Ramadan.

One of the most important community events during Ramadan in Japan is the Iftar dinner. Many mosques and Islamic centers host Iftar gatherings where Muslims can break their fast together. 

These events are often open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, providing an opportunity to share the spirit of Ramadan and educate others about Islam. In larger cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, these Iftar meals can draw a diverse crowd, with participants coming from different cultural backgrounds.

In major cities across Japan, mosques often offer a variety of events during Ramadan. For example, Tokyo Camii (Tokyo Mosque) hosts daily Taraweeh prayers and special Ramadan lectures. 

Other Islamic centers may organize Quran study groups, charitable activities and community outreach programs.

Another beautiful aspect of Ramadan is the emphasis on charity. Many Muslims in Japan use this time to donate to local organizations, support those in need and participate in food drives. 

Some mosques and Islamic organizations set up collections for the less fortunate or organize volunteering opportunities, allowing the community to make a positive impact on society.

At the end of Ramadan, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr marks a joyful conclusion to the fasting month. In Japan, Eid is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings and festive meals. Many mosques hold special Eid prayers, followed by a communal breakfast or lunch. 

Although Eid is not a public holiday in Japan, the local Muslim community makes sure to create a festive atmosphere with events, food and decorations to mark the occasion.

Kappo Note — one of Tokyo’s most sought-after spots for dinner — now has a halal wagyu beef course menu, making it a luxurious option for celebrating the end of Ramadan in Japan.

Experience A5-grade halal wagyu beef and indulge in the finest cuts of meat in Tokyo without worrying about hidden alcohol or pork extract in each elegant dish.

Note: While the ingredients are halal-friendly, the restaurant is unable to ensure halal compliance for utensils and other serving ware.

Nikutei Futago iki Hongo Sanchome is the only Nikutei Futago branch that’s halal-certified (so far), allowing them to offer Muslim-friendly wagyu beef. Their particular premium choice is Kurohana beef, sourced from Kagoshima Prefecture — expect this kuroge wagyu black beef to be especially marbled, creating a tender, rich cut of meat.

Chef Osagawa Hideki was chatting to a friend when he learned that his Muslim visitors had been struggling to find halal food in Tokyo. So, he opened Halal Sukiyaki Restaurant Diyafa.

Not one to stand idly by, Osagawa created his halal-friendly sukiyaki restaurants so that Muslims from around the world could enjoy the pleasure of A5-grade halal wagyu beef and a selection of fully Muslim-friendly wagyu beef course menus.

Teppanyaki Aoyama Miyazaki beef on the grill, one of the most exclusive types of Japanese black wagyu, and crafts all manner of halal-friendly cuts like chateaubriand, sirloin and tenderloin.

Should you want a break from halal wagyu in Tokyo — though it’s hard to imagine — simply explore their selection of fresh seafood dishes and innovative appetizers, featuring everything from seared yellowtail with tomato and capers to grilled vegetables, inspired by the season..

Note: For halal wagyu options, please leave a note about dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Halal-friendly tempura. Gluten-free batter. Cherry blossoms lining the ceiling, no matter the season. Tempura Asakusa SAKURA inspires people from all walks of life (and dietary restrictions) to spoil themselves.

Even dish in this tempura restaurant is halal-friendly, including — you’ll be glad to hear — their signature dish: wagyu sirloin tempura. Perhaps this is where you want to celebrate the end of Ramadan in Japan this year?

Celebrating Ramadan in Japan is a unique experience that combines devotion, community and cultural exchange. Whether you’re fasting, following prayer schedules or attending local events, the support of the Muslim community in Japan provides a sense of belonging. 

For more information on halal-friendly culture, restaurants and experiences in Japan, read our Guide to Halal Food in Japan, explore our halal food tours and cooking classes, and try some of the best halal-friendly ramen, sushi and tasting experiences.