Temple · Kawasaki Daishi

Kawasaki Daishi (Heiken-ji) 川崎大師 平間寺

One of Japan's most visited temples, famed for warding off bad luck, with a soaring main hall, an eight-sided pagoda and goma fire rituals; ten minutes by train from Haneda.

About

Kawasaki Daishi, formally Kongozan Kinjoin Heiken-ji, was founded in 1128 after a fisherman named Hirama Kanenori pulled a statue of Kobo Daishi from the sea. As the temple of "yakuyoke" (protection in unlucky years) it draws around three million people in the first three days of each year, but outside New Year it is spacious and atmospheric. Highlights are the vast main hall, where goma fire rituals with thundering taiko drums are held through the day, the eight-sided Chuai Pagoda with its colourful interior, the Fudo hall, and the gardens with a pond. Approaching through the Nakamise lane, you hear the rhythmic chopping of tontoko candy makers before you see the gate.

Highlights

• Goma fire rituals with taiko drums in the main hall
• Eight-sided Chuai Pagoda
• Founded in 1128 around a statue pulled from the sea
• Famous for yakuyoke, protection in unlucky years
• Nakamise approach with candy-chopping shops

Tips

• Avoid 1-3 January unless you want to experience vast crowds
• Take the Keikyu Daishi Line from Keikyu Kawasaki to Kawasaki-Daishi Station, 8 minutes' walk
• Join a goma ritual: you can sit in the hall even without buying a prayer
• The 21st of each month is a busy fair day

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Sumiyoshi (Kawasaki Daishi Kuzumochi)Café & Sweets · 140 m away
• Kawasaki Daishi Nakamise-doriShopping Street · 170 m away
• Daishi ParkPark · 330 m away
• Kanayama Shrine (Kawasaki)Shrine · 430 m away
• Ajinomoto Kawasaki Plant TourActivities & Experiences · 640 m away
• Fujimi ParkPark · 1.7 km away
• Kawasaki RacecourseSports & Sumo · 1.7 km away
• Kawasaki City Hall Observation Lobby & Sky DeckVista & View · 2.4 km away