Photo: Lmadcap · CC0
Kobe Muslim Mosque opened in 1935, the first mosque built in Japan. It survived both the 1945 air raids and the 1995 earthquake with its structure intact, and is still a working place of worship that welcomes visitors.
Why it's unique
It is the first mosque built in Japan, opened in 1935. Sources disagree on the month, so only the year is claimed.
That it survived both the wartime bombing and the 1995 earthquake intact is part of the story, and unlike many historic religious buildings it is open to walk into, free, without booking, as a working mosque.
Before you go
Non-Muslims can walk in free without booking, individually or in small groups. Men and women are shown separate prayer floors. Visiting hours open only from 14:00 on Fridays.
Do not wear shorts or short skirts, and keep phones on silent with no shutter sound if prayer is under way. Kobe Journal's resident write-up pairs the visit with the halal food in the surrounding streets.
