- 14 Mar 2002
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As the number of Muslim tourists surges due to a weakened yen, Japanese department stores and shopping malls increasingly provide prayer rooms. Matsuya Ginza, a high-end Tokyo department store, is one example of this growing trend. Equipped with essential amenities like foot-washing areas and prayer mats, these spaces are proving invaluable to Muslim visitors.
A Malaysian visitor at Matsuya Ginza (photo credit: Kyodo)
A Malaysian tourist expressed gratitude for the availability of a prayer room, highlighting the challenge of finding such facilities in urban areas. The Japan Tourism Agency notes that Muslims typically pray five times daily, which can be disrupted without accessible prayer spaces.
Industry experts emphasize the importance of prayer rooms as essential infrastructure akin to bathrooms and nursing rooms. They call for broader cooperation among retailers to establish these facilities.
A Malaysian visitor at Matsuya Ginza (photo credit: Kyodo)
A Malaysian tourist expressed gratitude for the availability of a prayer room, highlighting the challenge of finding such facilities in urban areas. The Japan Tourism Agency notes that Muslims typically pray five times daily, which can be disrupted without accessible prayer spaces.
Industry experts emphasize the importance of prayer rooms as essential infrastructure akin to bathrooms and nursing rooms. They call for broader cooperation among retailers to establish these facilities.
Stores in Japan set up prayer rooms as Muslim visitors increase - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Department stores and shopping malls in Japan are increasingly setting up prayer rooms to meet the need for Muslims amid a growing nu