Tokyo Station now has a prayer room to serve the spiritual needs of the many Muslim passengers who travel through this major transportation hub. The prayer room was opened in June, and is the first such room at a JR East railway station, though there are some available at airports and hotels in the Kanto region.
The prayer room can be found inside a JR East Travel Service Center
The prayer room is 8 meters square in size and can accommodate two people at any one time. It is open to the public throughout the year from 8.30 in the morning. On weekdays it is open till 19.00 and on weekends and holidays it is open till 17.00.
The prayer room is open 7 days a week all the year round
Facilities are also available for people to wash their hands and feet in advance of entering the room.
The entrance to the prayer room
The prayer room was established in response to the rising numbers of visitors from countries in South East Asia and other predominantly Muslim countries. Though the room is primarily intended to serve the needs of Muslim visitors, people of other religious beliefs are also free to take advantage of this quiet space.
Marunouchi North Gate of the Tokyo Station building
The prayer room can be found inside the JR East Travel Service Center at the Marunouchi North Gate of the Tokyo Station building.
Article by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
