About Kawasaki Daishi
Kawasaki Daishi (formally Hirama Temple) is a temple of the Chizan sect of the Shingon sect, located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is one of the most popular places of worship in the Kanto region. The temple has a long history, and it is said to have been founded in 1128 by Hirama Kanenori under the guidance of Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Since then, the temple has been worshipped as a place to pray for protection against bad luck. Every New Year's Day, the temple attracts a large number of worshippers, especially on Hatsumode, which is one of the largest in Japan, and is crowded with many people praying for protection from bad luck in the New Year.
Kawasaki Daishi is characterized as a tourist attraction by its atmosphere rooted in faith centering on prayers to ward off bad luck, and by the solemn beauty of its spacious precincts. The first thing that catches the eye upon entering the temple grounds is the magnificent “Daihondo” (main hall). The beautiful harmony of the massive wooden structure and the Buddhist style is powerful, and the atmosphere is austere. Inside the hall, there is a space where prayers are offered to ward off bad luck, and many visitors come to pray for good fortune. Kawasaki Daishi also holds a traditional Shingon esoteric Buddhism ceremony called Ogoma, in which visitors can receive blessings to ward off bad luck through the powerful flames and words of prayer. This solemn ceremony, which can be observed, is a very memorable experience for visitors.
The temple grounds are also home to a variety of other sights, such as the five-story octagonal pagoda and the Daisenmon Gate. The octagonal five-story pagoda is particularly gorgeous and beautifully decorated, and combined with the surrounding landscape, it is a photo-worthy spot. There is also an approach called “Nakamise-dori” around the temple, which is lined with souvenir stores and restaurants. Here, visitors can enjoy shopping and eating as they stroll around the temple, where they can find a variety of items for sale, including Kawasaki Daishi's famous “tonkoko candy,” daruma dolls, lucky charms, amazake (sweet sake), and other items for eating. Tontoko candy is also a fun attraction for tourists, as they can see craftsmen cutting the candy on the spot and making rhythmic “tontoko, tontoko” noises as they make the candy.
Kawasaki Daishi is also known for its seasonal events and festivals. In particular, the “Daruma Market” held every January attracts a large number of Daruma dolls and people seeking lucky charms. In summer, the Fu-ring Market is held, where a variety of wind chimes from all over Japan are collected and visitors can spend a tasteful summer time amidst the cool sounds of the wind chimes. The charm of Kawasaki Daishi lies in the fact that visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture while enjoying these seasonal events and worshipping at the temple.
Kawasaki Daishi is not only a place of worship to receive blessings to ward off bad luck, but also a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy historical buildings and seasonal festivals. The tranquility and solemnity of the temple grounds and the bustle of the approach and the elegant townscape are in harmony, providing visitors with a deeply healing and restful experience. Kawasaki Daishi is a place worth visiting in Kanagawa Prefecture to purify your body and mind by experiencing traditional culture and rituals, and to pray for good health in the new year.