Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, we will introduce touring to “Kawasaki Daishi” in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Kawasaki Daishi is the head temple of the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism, which is famous for its benefits of warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck. It is a popular temple that attracts approximately 3 million worshipers from all over the country from January 1st to 3rd every year. I departed from central Tokyo on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB) and arrived at Kawasaki Daishi in about an hour and a half. This time, I will tell you about the situation along with photos.
Route to Kawasaki Daishi
I headed to Kawasaki Daishi from central Tokyo using the Shuto Expressway. The Metropolitan Expressway is famous for its heavy traffic jams, but you can travel relatively smoothly on a motorcycle. However, please note that the fees are high. I took the Shuto Expressway Route 3 Shibuya Line to the Shuto Expressway Route 2 Meguro Line and got off at the Shinagawa Interchange. From there, go south on National Route 15, pass Kawasaki Station, and drive for a while, and you will see the Kawasaki Daishi signboard on your right. Turn right there and drive for a while and you will arrive at your destination.
Highlights of Kawasaki Daishi
When you arrive at Kawasaki Daishi, the first thing you will see is the Niomon Gate. Niomon is a stately gate built in the Edo period, with statues of Nio standing on either side. The Nio statue is a powerful statue that protects the temple, giving it a solemn atmosphere. When I passed through the Niomon gate, there was a “Furin Market.” The Furin Market is a festival held from July 17th to 23rd every year, and approximately 900 types of wind chimes are displayed. The cool tones and colors of wind chimes will soothe the hot summer.
After passing through the Furin Market, you will see the “Great Main Hall”. The main hall is a magnificent building built during the Meiji period, and the main image of the temple, the statue of Kobo Daishi, which protects against evil spirits, is enshrined there. The Yakuyoke Kobo Daishi statue is a self-carved statue that is said to have been pulled out of the sea by a fisherman named Hirama Kanenori, and is said to have the power to ward off evil and bring good luck.
To the left of the main hall is Fudo-do. Fudo-do Hall is a small hall built in the Edo period, where a statue of Fudo Myoo is enshrined. The Fudo Myoo statue depicts a Buddha who destroys evil with the power of fire, and is said to protect from illness and disaster. Goma prayers are held every day at Fudo-do Hall, and the vigor of the fire and the smell of smoke were impressive.
Behind Fudo-do is “Daishido”.
Next to Daishi-do is Chigo Daishi. Chigo Daishi is a statue of Kukai when he was young, and is said to bring blessings for children’s healthy growth and academic success. In front of Chigo Daishi, children’s celebrations such as New Year’s visit and Shichi-Go-San festival were held.
Kawasaki Daishi motorcycle parking lot
Kawasaki Daishi has free private parking. The parking lot is shared with cars and is a spacious space that can accommodate approximately 700 cars. The parking lot is basically designated for cars, but when it’s crowded you can also use motorcycles, so we recommend using the Kawasaki Daishi free parking lot when touring Kawasaki Daishi. .
Summary
This time, we introduced touring to Kawasaki Daishi. Kawasaki Daishi is a temple famous for warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck, and you can feel the history and culture here. Festivals such as the wind chime market and Goma prayer are also highlights. If you go by bike, you can use the dedicated bicycle parking lot or nearby coin parking. It’s close to central Tokyo and easy to access, so please give it a visit.
When translated into English, Kawasaki Daishi becomes “Kawasaki Daishi”.
