What to know
Kawasaki Daishi (川崎大師) is a major temple in Kawasaki City, founded in 1128 and serving as the head temple of the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism.
The original buildings were lost in wartime, and the current structures are modern reconstructions in Heian Period style. The main hall (Dai-Hondo), built in 1958 from steel and concrete, enshrines a statue of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. Other large structures, including the Dai-Sanmon Gate and a five-story octagonal pagoda, were added in the 1970s and 1980s to mark anniversaries.
A lively approach road lined with shops and restaurants selling souvenirs and colorful daruma dolls connects the temple to Kawasaki Daishi Station.
Kawasaki Daishi is served by the Keikyu Daishi Line, a short branch line from Keikyu Kawasaki Station (adjacent to JR Kawasaki Station). The journey takes five minutes and costs 150 yen, with frequent trains. From the station, it is a five-minute walk to the temple.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 5:30 to 18:00 (April to September)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Kawasaki Daishi
- Original name
- Kawasaki Daishi Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.