Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam): A New Home in Central Japan

Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam): A New Home in Central Japan

In the middle of Gifu, a beautiful region full of nature and traditional crafts, you’ll find a special place of peace: the Gifu Mosque, also called Masjid Bab al-Islam, which means “The Gate of Islam.” This mosque marks a fresh start for the local Muslim community and is a key spot for prayer and learning for everyone who lives there or is just passing through. It’s a great example of how different faiths are finding a home in Japan and how communities are building their own places to connect and feel at peace.

Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam) Overview: Location, Contact & General Info

• Full Name: Gifu Mosque (Masjid Bab al-Islam)
• Address: 8 Furuichiba Higashimachida, Gifu-shi, Gifu-ken 504-0941, Japan
• Established: 2008
• Phone: +81 29-224-2228
• website: Gifu Mosque

History of Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam)

The Gifu Mosque was built because the local Muslim community needed a proper place to pray. Before it opened in 2008, there wasn’t a single mosque in the whole Gifu area. So, the leaders of the Nagoya Mosque stepped in and started a project to build one. After just a year of work, they finished a two-story building that gave the diverse people of Gifu a much-needed place to gather and feel connected.

Architecture & Facilities at Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam)

The Gifu Mosque is simple and modern, with a bright white look that stands out in its quiet neighborhood. Its design is smart and practical, made to create a calm and peaceful space for prayer and community get-togethers.

• Prayer Rooms: There’s a prayer hall on each floor. The first floor is for men, and the second floor is a private, separate space just for women.
• Washing Up: The mosque has clean and well-kept spots for performing wudu, the washing ritual before prayer, for both men and women.
• Learning Center: Right next door, there’s a separate building that works as a cultural center and school, offering a place for learning and conversation.

Religious and Community Events at Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam)

The mosque is a lively place that’s always buzzing with activity. It holds the five daily prayers and has a very popular Friday sermon that many people attend. Beyond regular prayers, it also offers different classes on the Quran and other Islamic topics for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s the main spot for celebrating big Islamic holidays.

How to Visit Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam)

Getting to the mosque is easy, especially if you’re coming from Gifu Station.

• The easiest way is by bus: From Gifu Station, catch a bus going toward Gifu University (岐阜大学) and get off at the “Gidai Guchi (岐大口)” stop. From there, it’s a quick 10-minute walk.
• If you’re driving, there’s a small parking area for you.

Halal Food Options Near Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam)

Gifu is starting to have more and more halal food choices. While the area right around the mosque is mostly homes, you can find other options in the city. Some restaurants, especially those serving Indian and Pakistani food, have halal-friendly menus. The mosque’s website might even have information about local shops that sell imported halal groceries.

Visitor Tips and Information for Touring Gifu Mosque (Bab al-Islam)

• Dress Code: Please dress in a modest way when you visit.
• Respectful Behavior: Try to be mindful of prayer times, especially on Fridays when the mosque is busiest.
• Community Focus: This is a community-run space that’s very open and friendly to visitors. It’s a great chance to see what life is like for Muslims in this part of Japan.