Kobe Mosque

Kobe Mosque, also known as Kobe Muslim Mosque or Kobe Masjid, is one of the most important Islamic landmarks in Japan. Located at 2-25-14 Nakayamate Dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, the mosque stands near the Kitano area, a historic district known for its international atmosphere and Western-style heritage buildings. Kobe’s role as a major port city helped create a diverse community, and the mosque reflects the long presence of Muslims in the region.

Built in 1935, Kobe Mosque is recognised as the first mosque built in Japan and is often described as the country’s oldest mosque. According to the official Kobe tourism guide, it was built with support from Turkish, Tatar, and Indian traders living in Kobe at the time. The mosque was designed by Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr in an Indo-Islamic architectural style, featuring a large dome, twin minarets, arched windows, and decorative Islamic design elements.

Kobe Mosque is also known for its resilience. The building survived the 1945 air raids during World War II, when much of the surrounding area was damaged, and it also remained largely intact during the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Because of this history, some people refer to it as the “Miracle Mosque.”

Today, Kobe Mosque continues to serve the Muslim community in Kobe and the wider Kansai region. It provides daily prayers, Friday prayers, Islamic education, counselling, certification services, and other community support.