Japan Embraces Muslim Visitors with Prayer Rooms

In a move to cater to the growing number of Muslim tourists, department stores and shopping malls across Japan are increasingly establishing prayer rooms. This initiative comes as a response to the rising influx of visitors from Islamic countries, driven by a favorable exchange rate.

The newly created prayer rooms are designed with essential amenities, including foot-washing areas and prayer mats, allowing Muslim travelers to fulfill their religious obligations conveniently. Many visitors have expressed gratitude for the availability of such facilities, highlighting the challenges of finding prayer spaces in urban areas.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of visitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey surged to over 870,000 in 2023, marking a 2.7-fold increase from a decade ago. Retail industry officials emphasize that these prayer rooms are vital infrastructure, similar to bathrooms and nursing rooms, and call for greater collaboration among businesses to support this initiative.

As Japan continues to enhance its hospitality for diverse travelers, the establishment of prayer rooms marks a promising step towards inclusivity in the tourism sector.