Japan is a country where its diverse culture and customs allow individuals from various backgrounds and faiths to coexist peacefully and in harmony. In recent times, there has been a noteworthy increase in the construction of mosques in Japan to cater to the religious needs of the Muslim community, a minority group in the country, as well as to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Interestingly, these mosques do not exhibit the conventional architectural style typically associated with mosques. Instead, they resemble residential buildings found in the neighboring areas, making them easily accessible for locals to perform their daily prayers and rituals.
10 Magnificent Japanese Mosques
Presently, Japan is home to approximately 90 mosques. Let’s explore some of the most notable and popular ones that you can visit during your trip.
1. Tokyo Camii
Tokyo Camii is the largest mosque in Japan and also houses a Turkish center. Its Ottoman-style architecture lends a majestic appearance to the entire structure. This place attracts both tourists and locals due to its religious significance, as well as the presence of an adjacent Turkish museum. Situated in Tokyo, the history of this place dates back to 1938, although the original building was demolished in 1986. The new construction began in 1998 and was completed in 2000, comprising a total of four floors. Apart from offering prayer services, educational classes on Islam for children are also conducted here. The services are conducted in Urdu, English, and Japanese as well.
Location: Shibuya, TokyoTimings: 10 AM – 6 PM
2. Okachimachi Mosque
This mosque is also known as Assalaam Masjid and is located in the Ueno area of Tokyo, which is a popular tourist destination. It receives a substantial number of visitors from all around the world. It is affiliated with the Assalaam foundation, a nonprofit organization engaged in various educational and religious activities. In 2012, the building underwent renovation, resulting in the addition of a community center alongside the existing mosque. The structure also includes a library with a study room, housing a wide range of books on Islam. This mosque definitely ranks among the top mosques in Tokyo, Japan.
Place: Ueno, TokyoHours: 11 AM – 9 PM
3. Otsuka Mosque
Conserved and administered by the Japan Islamic Trust, this Tokyo mosque was established to educate the youth of Muslim inhabitants in the city about the history and customs of Islam in the 1980s. The mosque inaugurated in 1999 and since then, it has been continuously involved in various community services ranging from the naming ceremony, regular teaching sessions, Islamic school, Nikah ceremony, and so forth. There are six prayer sessions at fixed intervals every day. The mosque has four prayer halls, including a small one for women and children.
Place: Toshima, TokyoHours: 5 AM – 10 PM
4. Nagoya Mosque
Nagoya Masjid is a mosque in Japan situated in the Aichi Prefecture. The Muslim residents of the area constructed this place of worship by gathering donations among themselves. The mosque was completed by 1998. The residents then established an organization called Islamic Centre of Nagoya, which takes care of the functioning of this mosque, and they have also built another place called Gifu Mosque in Gifu in the year 2008.
Place: Nagoya, Aichi
5. Dar al Arqam Masjid
Popularly known as Asakusa Mosque, this place is managed by the Institute of Islamic Circle of Japan and mainly one of its sections by the name of Japan Mosque Foundation. A straight tall structure of four floors, the place of worship was opened in 1998 and since then it has become a well-liked and visited mosque both by the locals as well as the tourists too. The location is very favorable as it is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa Sensoji Temple. Asakusa Mosque offers five prayer services daily and a number of community and charity services too.
Location: Higashi, Asakusa, TokyoTimings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
6. Hiroo Mosque
This Tokyo mosque is managed by the Arabic Islamic Institute. This was initiated to promote Arabic culture, tradition, and education in Japan. The first educational institution for Arabic Islamic culture has been established by them. Besides the regular prayer services, this mosque has a separate prayer room for women and they also organize regular Arabic and Quran classes. The location of this mosque is quite central and conveniently connected with the main areas of Tokyo. The place is within walking distance of Hiroo train station.
Location: Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
7. Kobe Mosque
The first one to be constructed in Japan, Kobe Mosque dates back to the year 1935. The Islamic Committee of Kobe funded the construction of this mosque by collecting donations for a considerable period starting from 1928. This place was seized by the Japanese Navy in the year 1943 but still functions as a mosque at present. The architecture resembles that of Turkish-style mosques. Surprisingly, the structure survived the war raids in 1945, during which almost the entire city of Kobe was destroyed, and also the devastation caused by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995.
Many people believe that this can only be a miracle, while others credit its style of construction and strong foundation. Kobe Mosque is situated in one of the busiest and most visited tourist areas of Kobe, where there are numerous famous old-style buildings primarily featuring western architecture. The mosque itself is a magnificent monument both inside and outside. The interiors are embellished with golden paintings and pristine white marble walls.
If you have an appreciation for history and wish to learn more about the gradual growth of Islam as a religion and its connection with other traditions and cultures in Japan, then this place is definitely worth a visit.
Location: Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe
8. Makki Masjid
This mosque in Tokyo, Japan is also known as Ohana Chaya Masjid. Situated in the Yotsugi area of Tokyo, this place is a few minutes away from the Ohanajaya train station, which is part of the Keisei Line. The mosque is within a 10-minute walking distance from the famous park in Ohanajaya. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful park and then come to the mosque to pray and spend some serene moments in a peaceful environment.
Area: Yotsugi, Katsushika-Ku, Tokyo
9. Yokohama Jamia Mosque
The sole place of worship for Islam in the city of Yokohama, this mosque in Japan unveiled its doors to the public in 2006. Together with the amenities of daily prayer services, the mosque is also involved in diverse community activities like children’s education, special programs for women and also coordinate some events at regular intervals. The place has different prayer rooms for men and women and a fully operational kitchen. It is typically accessible during the day but an advance confirmation will be appreciated if you are a large group of tourists.
Area: Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama
10. Fukuoka Mosque
The very first mosque to be constructed on the island of Kyushu in Japan, this place was inaugurated in 2009 to cater to around 1000 Muslim families residing in the area. The place of worship is operational for daily prayers and also for different social and community events. They also entertain non muslims who have an interest in the history and customs of Islam and are very eager to answer all the inquiries. One can also attend their prayers if they desire to even if they belong to a different religion. Managed by the Al Nour Islamic Culture Centre, they also offer weekly Arabic classes for different age groups, cooking lessons once every three months and organize seminars and lectures at regular intervals.
Location: Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka
Whether you are a practicing Muslim who is visiting Japan or simply a traveler interested in knowing more about the journey of growth of Islam in the Land Of The Rising Sun, these mosques in Japan are the ideal place to learn about the Muslim and Arabic culture and its progressive transformation. Trust Fred and Fuzzys to organize your trip for you where you can easily enjoy the sights and sounds of this captivating nation without worrying where to go next.
Looking To Book A Vacation Package?
Book unforgettable vacations on Fred and Fuzzys with 650 verified travel agents for 65 domestic and international destinations.
