Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Muslims passing through Tokyo Station no longer need to rush to a mosque or meeting place for their daily prayers, thanks to the initiative of the transport company JR East.

A designated prayer room with all the essential facilities required by a practicing Muslim is available in the crowded station. 

On entering the room, a stainless-steel sink is on the left, which enables the ritual ablutions whereby the worshiper can purify themselves before they offer their prayers.

Inside the room, the faithful can orient their prayer rugs in the direction of Mecca according to a rosette, which indicates the cardinal points. Screens provide a shield from passersby on the outside, and this also allows the faithful to concentrate on reciting their prayers in private. Shelves have also been provided for personal belongings.

The room has an area of 8 square meters, is accessible from the north exit of the station towards the Marunouchi area, and is located in the Shinkansen ticket reservation department.

A visiting Muslim will easily recognize the room from a sign on the entrance door representing a person on their knees. Entrance and exit are via an intercom with an employee who will open and close the entrance upon request.

This is the first ever prayer room in a train station in Japan. It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to a JR employee who remarked that the busiest time is around 3:00 p.m.