Masjid Darul Arqam (Asakusa Mosque): A Historic Islamic Center in Tokyo’s Traditional Heart
in a busy part of Tokyo called Asakusa. It’s famous for an old temple and a market. You might be surprised to find an important mosque there. This mosque is called Masjid Darul Arqam.
It’s more than just a place to pray. It’s also the home of the Islamic Center of Japan. It helps Japanese people who have become Muslim and welcomes Muslims from all over the world. If you’re a traveler looking for tasty halal food, this mosque is a great place to start your journey into Tokyo’s diverse culture.
Masjid Darul Arqam Overview: Location, Contact & General Info
- Full Name: Masjid Darul Arqam (Asakusa Mosque)
- Address: 1 Chome-3-6 Higashiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0025, Japan
- Prefecture & City: Tokyo, Taito (Asakusa)
- Founded: The current building was established in 1998 as the permanent home of the Islamic Center of Japan.
- Affiliation: Islamic Center of Japan
- Website: http://www.islamcenter.or.jp/
- Phone: +81 3-3871-6003
History of Masjid Darul Arqam:
The Islamic Center of Japan began in 1966. For many years, it used different rented buildings. Finally, in 1998, they got their own place in Asakusa. This new center, Masjid Darul Arqam, quickly became a center for the Muslim community in Japan.
Architecture & Facilities at Masjid Darul Arqam:
The mosque is a modern, six-story building with a simple and functional design. It features a recognizable green facade and a small dome on the roof, making it stand out modestly from the surrounding traditional Japanese and modern buildings. The interior is designed for practical use, with dedicated prayer halls on different floors and spaces for the various activities of the Islamic Center of Japan.
- Separate Prayer Halls: The mosque has dedicated prayer halls for men and women.
- Ablution Facilities: Clean and accessible ablution (wudu) facilities are available on-site.
- Library & Resource Center: The mosque houses a library with a collection of Islamic literature in Japanese and other languages, serving as a vital resource for education and Dawah (outreach).
- Community Rooms: Various rooms are used for lectures, meetings, and classes.
- Marriage & Funeral Services: The Islamic Center of Japan provides important services for the community, including marriage and funeral arrangements.
A Historic Islamic Center in Tokyo’s Traditional Heart:
Religious and Community Events at Masjid Darul Arqam: The mosque is a dynamic center of religious and social life. It hosts the five daily prayers and a popular Friday sermon that often attracts a diverse congregation of locals and tourists. As the home of the Islamic Center of Japan, it is a hub for educational activities, including Quranic classes, Arabic language lessons, and lectures on Islamic topics. The mosque is also a focal point for community celebrations during Ramadan and Eid.
How to Visit Masjid Darul Arqam in Asakusa:
Located in the popular Asakusa district, the mosque is easily accessible.
- Nearest Stations: The mosque is conveniently located between several stations:
- Asakusa Station (浅草駅) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tobu Skytree Line, and Toei Asakusa Line.
- Tawaramachi Station (田原町駅) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
- By Foot: It is about a 10-15 minute walk from Asakusa Station and a 5-10 minute walk from Tawaramachi Station. The walk takes you through the charming streets of Asakusa.
- Google Maps: Masjid Darul Arqam
- Parking: On-street parking is very limited, so using public transport is highly recommended.
Halal Food Options Near Masjid Darul Arqam:
The tourist-friendly neighborhood of Asakusa offers a surprising amount of halal food in Japan. You can easily plan your own Halal Food Tours in Japan by starting here.
- Halal Restaurants: You can find restaurants in Japan serving Turkish and Indian cuisine, often with halal certification. Popular spots include Ninja Yakiniku Wagyu Asakusa, one of the few halal yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo, as well as several kebab and curry shops.
- Halal Groceries: Small grocery stores in the area cater to the local Muslim community, offering a variety of imported goods.
Visitor Tips and Information for Touring Masjid Darul Arqam:
- Dress Code: Visitors are kindly asked to dress modestly.
- Photography: Photography is generally permitted, but please be respectful and avoid taking photos of people without their permission.
- Visiting Hours: The mosque is generally open for prayer throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to stop by, but it’s best to visit outside of prayer times.
- Languages: Given its role as a key center, the staff and volunteers are often multilingual and can assist visitors in English and Japanese.
A Historic Islamic Center in Tokyo’s Traditional Heart Useful Links and Further Information
- Official Website: http://www.islamcenter.or.jp/
- Google Maps Location: Masjid Darul Arqam
- Other Mosques in Japan: (Masjid As-Salaam)
At Halal Wins, we are committed to providing the best resources for Muslim travelers, from finding certified Halal food in Japan to locating nearby mosques in Japan. Our goal is to make your journey in Japan as smooth and enjoyable as possible so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories while having all your needs met.