Masjid and churches for regular services in TOKYO

photo by ume-y

The religions most commonly believed in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto. In fact, teachings of these two religions are reflected everywhere in the Japanese life. Also, there are many facilities related to Buddhism and Shinto across Japan. However, the number of religious facilities other than these two is only little. On the other hand, in recent Japan, as more foreign visitors low in Japan for holiday, work or other purpose, the demands for places for religious services (other than Buddhism and Shinto) are growing rapidly. This column will introduce facilities related to Islam and Christianism.

Tokyo Camii

Tokyo Camii is the most well-known masjid in Tokyo, also called “Yoyogi Masjid”. The beautiful Ottoman Empire-style architecture attracts many people other than Muslims. The white-based exterior walls, and graceful interior with stained glasses, calligraphies and arabesque patterns are creating a breath-takingly divine atmosphere. Tokyo Camii runs guided tours for those who are interested in Islamic culture or architectures, though, this place is an official Islamic facility that belongs to the Embassy of Turkey, Tokyo. Daily and Friday prayers are held punctually, accepting Muslims visiting Japan from overseas.

Tokyo Camii
Address: 1-19 Oyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5790-0760
Opening hours (General admission): 10:00 – 18:00, Fri 14:00 – 18:00

Masjid Indonesia

Newly built in 2017, this new masjid is located within the Indonesian school in Meguro-ku. The population of Indonesia is twice as large as Japan, and 90% of those are Muslims. The number of the Indonesians reside in Japan is only 20,000, however, increasing along with the growth of the number of international students from the country. The Masjid Indonesia was open for the purpose of regular prayers and communication for Muslims who are living in Kanto region. The majority of visitors are Indonesian people because of its background, however, they also value contributing to the local community and welcome all people who wish to visit here, no matter of nationalities.

Masjid Indonesia
Address: 4-6-6 Meguro, Maguro-ku, Tokyo
TEL:03-3711-8842

St. Francis Xavier Church

It was mid-16th century when Christianism was introduced in Japan for the first time. However, after that, Christianism was prohibited by the rulers of the time until the early Meiji era. Therefore, Christian churches in Japan are rather new. Among those churches, St. Francis Xavier Church, which was established in 1874, has a relatively long history. The church building itself has been rebuilt a few times every occasion of fire and natural disaster. The current building, which was built in 1928, survived the war and registered as tangible cultural property.
Masses are held from 10:30 and 10:00 every Friday and Sunday respectively. Also, there are introductory class for baptism, and study class of ritual and bible (these classes are held in Japanese).

St. Francis Xavier Church
Address: 1-1-12 Nishikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
TEL:03-3291-0861
Opening hours (General admission): Tue – Sun 10:00 – 16:00 (Opening hour is limited when a ceremony is scheduled: e.g. wedding)

Tokyo Lutheran Church

This church is Lutheran that is one of the protestant churches separated from the Catholic church in 16th century. Established in 1912 and moved to the current location in 1923, the Tokyo Lutheran Church has been building friendly relationship with the local community. They run a main mass from 11:00 every Sunday, as well as a mass for children, English mass and evening mass, so that visitors can choose a time that suit them best. In addition, monthly communion, introductory class for baptism and other services are held for everyone. There is an English-speaking minister with whom visitors can have a talk (by appointment).

Tokyo Lutheran Church
Address: 1-14-14 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3209-5702

Saint Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal Church

Anglican church (also known as Seikokai in Japan) is one of the protestant churches that was separated from the Catholic church in 16th century by the Reformation occurred in England. There are many Anglican churches in Tokyo area, though, only Saint Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal Church runs all masses in English among them. Currently, Christian masses are held in local language most of the time, this church provide their services only in English for people who live in Japan but don’t speak Japanese, or children who wish to have English language training. Masse are held in morning and evening from Sunday to Thursday, in addition to communions which are held twice a month. If you are an Anglican and want to attend a mass held in English, visit this church.

Saint Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal Church
Address: 3-6-25 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3431-8534

Summary

Buddhism and Shinto are the most common religion in Japan, and the popularities of other religions vary depending on the time such religions are introduces in Japan. For example, Christianism, which was introduced in 16th century, is rather common in Japan, therefore, there are many churches across Japan. On the other hand, the Islam is relatively new in Japan, then the number of musjid is still limited. But there are a few more masjids other than those introduced in this column in Tokyo. Also, public facilities such as airports may have prayer room.