Muslim friendly project in Hida Takayama
What does your job with Muslims entail?
We provide support for Muslim people living in Japan or coming from overseas to help them enjoy their stay in Japan. We offer advice and help for their stay in Japan. It has been 6 years since we started. We cooperate with local facilities such as restaurants, inns and hotels. We have the common goal to respond to Muslims needs. We work together with restaurants and inn/hotels to come up with a menu. We share all of our information in our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mfpht . Our mission is to have
our Muslim customers can go back home satisfied with their trip.
Why did you start this project?
I heard about the issues Muslim people have when travelling at a seminar about the food industry for the first time. For example, Takayama is a very good tourist destination and popular as well, but Muslim people don't know where to eat or where they can find a prayer space. As we our activity kept growing, we received positive feedbacks from both tourists as well as the restaurants and inns because it was easy for them to respond to Muslim needs. Thanks to all the positive feedbacks from the Muslim tourists we
feel very motivated to keep on our work.
What about the feedback from your customers
We often receive a lot of thank-you emails from our customers. I often read the words, "I really didn't think I could eat in Takayama. Thank you. Come again!" I feel connected to our customers. I feel like I am doing something good for society.
What is difficult about this job?
At first it was not easy to have inns, hotels and restaurants to cooperate with us. The whole issue about Muslim needs during their trips was an unknown field and a possible risk for their business. There was a lot of diffidence and I had to work through it.
Do you have a memory with a customer or an episode in particular that would you like to share?
A Malaysian couple, whom we were supporting, came to visit Takayama on their honeymoon. By chance, when I went to Malaysia on a business trip, the same couple whom we supported in Takayama welcomed me in Malaysia and helped me to move around during my trip. I am still moved by that episode. To think I was able to build a connection with one of my customers that did not end after their trip was for me of great pride and joy.
What is you favorite spot in Takayama
I like mountains. I like the view of Norikura in the morning because of its quiet atmosphere, and I like the view of snow on the peak.
How do you feel doing this job?
Even if there are different nationalities or races, I feel like our
feelings are the same. We should never forget that. I want to create an environment where both tourist facilities and Muslim customers can enjoy without feeling uneasy.
Tell us about this pamphlet (picture below)
About 5 years ago, the first map was completed. We are including the facilities that join our project for welcoming Muslims. It is a detailed map where you will find information about your restaurants, hotels, inns and other facilities such as train and bus stations.
