Get Out of Tokyo and Over to the Sights, Treats, Lodgings, and Views of Kawasaki

A great city for shopping, snacking, and visiting temples, instead many Japanese people know Kawasaki for its mysteriously beautiful factory-filled night views. A city with lots to offer, you'll have no trouble filling up a fun day's itinerary in Kawasaki.


First, Get Yourself to Kawasaki:
Tokyo Station → Kawasaki Station / JR Keihin Tohoku Line / Travel Time: 25 minutes

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

① Kawasaki Daishi (川崎大師)

Kawasaki Daishi is home to Heikenji Temple (平間寺), and a wildly popular hatsumode (初詣) spot (where Japanese people tend to gather on New Year's Day). Since it's such a famous spot for praying for the coming year's good fortune, as many as 3 million visitors arrive at Kawasaki Daishi during the first 3 days of the year! Even on other days, when the environment is a little more relaxed, the complex is famous for warding off evil and misfortune, so perhaps a morning circling the structures will give you a little luck.



Cleanse yourself using the gorgeous lotus-shaped "chozuya" (手水舎) hand-washing fountain before heading inside.



And continue with the Japanese kiyomeru (清める) cleansing traditions by lighting some sweet-smelling incense in the burner.



The temple offers the chance to gather with the monks to burn special sticks as offerings in an act of homa or, in Japan, "goma" (護摩).

Goma Schedule
Check the official Kawasaki Daishi schedule here, in English.



While the building called the "yaushi-den" (薬師殿) contains a special enshrined Buddha image, that visitors often rub in hopes of healing injury or illness.



Outside, Kawasaki Daishi contains a wall with 100 images of Kannon, goddess of mercy. The originals are found all over Japan, including a famous Kannon in Kyoto's Kiyomizudera.





This red bridge, on the other hand, is a popular spot for couples to head to together, since crossing the bridge is said to strengthen relationships.



If you, like so many travelers, love the chance to get some omamori (お守り) protective charms, at Kawasaki Daishi you might just find this particular pink talisman, a totally unique charm offering beautiful, clear skin!

Kawasaki Daishi
Address: 4-48 Daishimachi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Access: 8 min from Kawasaki Daishi Station, on the Keikyu Daishi Line
Official Website (en)

② Nakamise Street (仲見世通り)

In front of Kawasaki Daishi is a shopping street so quaint that it looks like it might not have changed in decades. Along Nakamise Street, as it's called, you'll find shops that have been selling the same hand-made snacks for generations!



One of those is this "tontoko candy", which you can see being made to this day.



"Tontoko" comes from the way the candy is made, and supposedly mimics the sound effect of candy-makers chopping the soft sugar into little candy morsels.



We suggest you pick up the candy in the green bag - it's what Masaki Aiba (of j-pop boyband Arashi fame) bought when he visited!

Matsuya Sohonten
Address: 13-6 Daishimachi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Hours: 8:30 - 17:00



A little ways away is this traditional senbei, Japanese cracker, shop.



The senbei are carefully crafted one by one by talented chefs.




And they come in some unique shapes, sizes, and flavors! Some break easily into smaller bite-sized pieces, others are a little like fortune cookies, and still others are decorated with colorful icing!

Kawasaki Daishi Raijindou
Address: 4-18 Daishimachi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Hours: 9:00 - 17:30

③ Kawasaki Horse Racecourse (川崎競馬場)

You may be thinking, is the racetrack really a fun outing for travelers? And we have to say: yes!



A visit to the racecourse's grassy lawn is fun for kids and adults alike, as it's like a nice, relaxing park, except there are ponies!



If you do like watching horse races themselves, you can always head in and take a look. Try betting on your favorite, or just enjoy the elegant animals at work!

Kawasaki Racecourse
Address: 1-5-1 Fujimi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa
Access: 12 min from Keikyu Kawasaki Station
Admission: 100 yen
Official Website (en)

Tasty Food Around Kawasaki Station

Not sure where to head for dinner? Well, our recommendation is 8 shops in 1! Honobono Yokocho is one retro restaurant, styled like a variety of different Japanese food stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries.



Whether you've got a hankering for Italian food or traditional Japanese grilled chicken, or you're craving something more like dumplings and seafood, you'll find both dinner and an afterparty here!



If you get the all-you-can-drink course you can move to as many "different restaurants" as you want, and get the drinks to match. Just flash your yellow wristband, and you'll be ready to move around and try out a little of everything offered!



First stop? Some cheap and tasty meat skewers, some classic Japanese bar food.



Next, get an eyeful of this impressive seafood display! And you'll probably want some Japanese sake to go with it.



While you'll definitely want to move around to get the most out of Honobono Yokocho, some dishes are available wherever you're sitting, which gives you the option to mix up some different culinary genres all at once. No need to travel all around Kawasaki for dinner and then drinks - just make the most of the retro izakaya atmosphere in Honobono Yokocho!

Honobono Yokocho
Address: Kawasaki Station RiverK B1, 12-1 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Hours: 16:00 - 23:30 (Fri, Sat ~24:00)
Phone: 050-5269-8463
Official Website (jp)

The Industrial Nightscapes of Kawasaki City

The Factory Nightscape Cruise Tour

Thanks in part to its location right on Tokyo Bay, Kawasaki City includes a district packed full of factories, many of which stay brightly lit and active 24/7, 365. After the sun sets, these factories turn the area from a boring industrial sector, to a magically futuristic light show shining on the bay waters, known across Japan.



Like many industrial areas, it's a little apart from the center of the city, which means that the best places to see this view are either accessible via bus, or visible right from the water (on a cruise boat)!




The boat offers some great angles, and it also includes a comfortable space inside where you can sit down and snack with friends (no alcohol allowed for safety reasons, though). Grab tickets before the day you want to go right here (same day tickets unavailable), then just take the shuttle bus outside of Kawasaki Station to head over.

Cruise Details
Schedules & Reservations (en)
Fee: Adults (Middle School Students and older) 4,000 yen / Elementary School Students 3,000 yen
(Credit card payment options available when making reservations.)
Meeting Point: In front of the Kawasaki Station east exit Nikko Hotel.
Meeting Time: Mar to Sep 18:20 / Oct to Feb 17:20



If the cruise isn't what you're looking for, take a bus over to the completely free Kawasaki Marien observation deck to get a view from up high.

Kawasaki Marien Observation Deck
38-1 Higashiogishima, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Access: From Kawasaki Station's bus stop #12, take the "川07" bus to Daiwa Corporation Mae bus stop, and walk an additional 10 minutes.




Or stroll along the deck in Higashi-Ogishima East Park for a glittering, romantic view of the factories across the water.

Higashi-Ogishima East Park
58-1 Higashiogishima, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Access: From Kawasaki Station's bus stop #12, take the "川05" bus to Higashi-Ogishima East Park bus stop.




To get a closer look, you'll want to check out the Kawasaki Konbinado Chidoricho Yard, wher it looks like you might have just walked into a futuristic sci-fi mech anime. A photographer favorite!


Kawasaki Konbinado Chidoricho Yard
14-14 Chidoricho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Access: From Kawasaki Station's bus stop #12, take the "川04" bus to Shiei Futo bus stop.

Stay the Night and Get a Great Deal

Thinking about staying the night (and maybe heading to Kawasaki's Tama Ward the next day)? On the Marks is our go-to spot for stylishly minimalist lodgings, at just the right price.



On top of the hostel's dormitory-style rooms, On the Marks offers these cozy, compact private rooms. They're simple, but thanks to the full-length mirror, lots of electrical outlets, a TV, and a comfy bed, it's got everything you need!



If you're feeling a little cooped up, just head to the first floor and stretch out in the cafe & bar space. It's even popular with passers-by.



Nibble house-made smoked meats and cheeses, or chow down on some health-options with a good craft beer or two, before heading upstairs and drifting off to sleep.

On the Marks Kawasaki
Address: 17-1 Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Access: 6 min from Kawasaki Station
Check In/Out: 15:00/10:00
Official Website / Reservations

Head to Kawasaki for a Full Day of Sight-Seeing, Snacking, and Sailing Under the Stars

Between the beautiful views and the fun destinations, we can't wait to get back to Kawasaki. And since it's just 30 minutes from Tokyo, we know it'll be soon!

Have you been to Kawasaki? Are you planning a trip? Let us know on twitter, instagram, and facebook! We can't wait to hear all about it!