A Traditional and Lively Japanese Temple Right Near Haneda Airport
Across the Tama River from Haneda Airport lies Kawasaki City. Here you will find “Kawasaki Daishi,” one of the most famous temples in the Kanto region. Its official name is “Heikenji,” but it is affectionately known by locals as “O-Daishi-sama.”
It is famous as a temple for “Yakuyoke (Warding off evil),” and attracts as many as 3 million visitors every New Year. It can be accessed in about 15-20 minutes from the airport using the Keikyu Line, making it perfect for sightseeing during transit or before leaving Japan.
Fun Way 1: The Rhythmic Sound of “Tontoko Candy” Cutting
When you enter the approach to Kawasaki Daishi (Nakamise Street), you can hear the light sound of “Tontoko, Tontoko” from here and there. This is the sound of knives cutting the famous “Tontoko Candy.” Just walking through the shopping street lined with Daruma dolls and Japanese sweets while listening to the rhythmic sound allows you to enjoy an atmosphere like a Japanese festival.
Fun Way 2: Taste the Famous Sweet “Kuzumochi”
When you come to Kawasaki Daishi, you must try “Kuzumochi.” Although named “Mochi” (Rice Cake), it is a Japanese sweet made by fermenting wheat starch, not rice. It has a unique elastic texture and is eaten with plenty of Kinako (Roasted soybean flour) and Kuromitsu (Black sugar syrup). The flavor and texture unique to fermented foods are a traditional Japanese taste you cannot experience elsewhere.
Fun Way 3: Powerful “Goma Prayer”
At the main hall, the “Goma Fire Ritual” is held regularly every day. It is a ritual where monks burn fire while chanting sutras to burn away worldly desires with the flames. The power of the drumming sound and the rising flames is overwhelming, and anyone can observe (worship) regardless of religion.
Access
- Train: Transfer to the Keikyu Daishi Line at “Keikyu Kawasaki Station” on the Keikyu Airport Line, get off at “Kawasaki Daishi Station”, and walk for 8 minutes.
- It takes about 20 minutes from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 & 2 Station.
Tip: Many shops on the Nakamise Street approach close in the evening (around 16:00-17:00), so a daytime visit is recommended.