Kobe Muslim Mosque in Hyogo: Discover Japan’s First Mosque and Its Incredible History

Have you ever thought about the history of Islam in Japan? Visiting the Kobe Muslim Mosque gives you a great answer. This mosque in the port city of Kobe is more than just a place to pray—it’s a living part of history. It opened in 1935, making it the first mosque ever built in Japan. If you’re interested in faith, culture, or just a cool story, you should definitely see it on your trip to Japan.

Kobe Mosque Overview: Key Information for Your Visit

Full Name: Kobe Muslim Mosque (神戸ムスリムモスク)
Address: 2 Chome-25-14 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0004, Japan
Prefecture & City: Hyogo, Kobe
Opened: October 1935
Affiliation: Sunni Islam
Website: http://kobe-muslim-mosque.com/
Phone: +81 78-231-6060

History of Kobe Mosque: A Legacy of Survival and Faith

The story of the Kobe Muslim Mosque is truly amazing. A small group of Muslim merchants from places like India and Turkey built it with their own donations. It wasn’t a big, government-funded project but a project of love from a small group who just wanted a proper place to worship.

What makes its story even more incredible is how it survived. The mosque somehow made it through the bombing raids of World War II, a time when much of Kobe was destroyed. Then, in 1995, it stood strong during the powerful Great Hanshin earthquake. While buildings all around it fell, the mosque’s strong structure held up. It became a safe place for everyone in the neighborhood, no matter their faith. Because of this, many people call it “The Miracle Mosque.”

Kobe Mosque Architecture: A Beautiful Blend of Cultures

A Czech architect named Jan Josef Švagr designed the mosque in a beautiful Indo-Islamic style. From the outside, you’ll see a large dome and two tall towers called minarets. Inside, the main prayer hall is a peaceful space with detailed patterns and light coming through colorful windows.

The Kobe Muslim Mosque has a few floors, offering:

A main prayer hall for men.
A dedicated prayer area for women.
Clean and accessible facilities for ablution (wudu).

Kobe Mosque as a Community Center for Muslims in Japan

While prayer is central to the mosque’s life, it’s also a community center. It holds classes for anyone who wants to learn more about Islam. During the holy month of Ramadan, the atmosphere is especially lively as people gather to break their fast together. It also works to connect with other religious communities in Kobe.

Where to Find Halal Food Near Kobe Mosque

Kobe is known for its delicious food, and the area near the mosque is a great place to find halal food. You won’t have to go far to find good options.

Halal Restaurants in Kobe:

Head to nearby spots for a taste of authentic Pakistani, Indian, or Middle Eastern cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even find restaurants that serve delicious halal Kobe beef!
Halal Grocery Stores Nearby:

Need to pick up some halal groceries? There are local shops like Kobe Halal Food that offer everything from halal meat to spices and ingredients you might need to cook a meal yourself.

How to Get to Kobe Muslim Mosque: Directions and Transportation

The mosque is located in a lovely part of town called Kitano-cho, and it’s pretty easy to get to.

Nearest Stations: It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from a few major stations, including Sannomiya Station (三宮駅) and Shin-Kobe Station (新神戸駅).
Driving: If you’re coming by car, there is paid parking available nearby.
Google Maps: Kobe Muslim Mosque

Tips for Visiting Kobe Mosque Respectfully

Dress respectfully: It’s a place of worship, so please dress modestly. Ladies are kindly asked to cover their hair.
Ask before you snap a photo: While photos are generally okay, it’s always polite to ask for permission, especially if you’re taking pictures of people.
Go outside of prayer times: The mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths. The best time to visit is outside of the five daily prayer times so you don’t interrupt anyone. If you’re lucky, a friendly volunteer might even give you a tour!

Contact Kobe Muslim Mosque

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit, the best way to get in touch is through their official channels.

Website: http://kobe-muslim-mosque.com/

Email: kobemasjid@gmail.com

Other Mosques in Japan: (Bait-ul-Ahad Mosque)

What other mosque would you like to explore next?

Kobe Muslim Mosque in Hyogo