Muslim-friendly experience

Jom!

for its guests. In less than 10 minutes, the hotel shuttle van arrives.

It is already dark so we can’t see anything much on our way to the resort. But the road is winding and on an incline, the resort is located on a hill.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we are welcomed by the smiling staff inviting us for check-in. The lobby is spacious and elegant, with a hint of a traditional Japanese style.

There’s a convenience store at the lobby selling souvenirs, food and beverages as well as toiletries. There is also a restaurant on this level with a nice reading area. Check-in is brief too. We only sign an agreement and off we go to our room, ushered by a bellboy.

UNIQUE STAY

I have booked theSatoyama Room, also known as the Executive Room,which offers Japanese-style accommodation.

Inside, there is a space where we take off our shoes and upon sliding a door, we see a spacious space complete with four tatami beds. This room can fit up to five guests.

Further inside is a space for dining area with a kotatsu table equipped with a heater underneath for winter comfort. There’s also a minibar and a small television at the space.

The room is connected to a private openair bath complete with a Japanese wooden bath to enjoy the hot springs. The openair bath overlooks the breathtaking Lake Biwa. Since the weather is a bit cool, it’s perfect timing to go for a warm dip every night!

Spacious room with a view of Lake Biwa.

HALAL MEALS

Yuzanso Ryokan is the only Muslim-friendly resort in Otsu. It offers halal-certified dishes. Guests can also opt for a half-board package which includes dinner.

There are separate kitchens with its own utensils for halal and non-halal food.

Each morning, we wear our yukata provided in our room and head to the breakfast hall where our meals are served by staff in traditional costume.

The breakfast hall is massive and is almost full every morning but, not to worry, every guest is given a coupon with a table number so you will definitely get a seat.

There is a choice of rice, miso soup and grilled salted fish and the menu is rotated daily. The food tastes as good as it looks too!