Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji
The Daihondo(Main Hall) of Kawasaki Daishi, rebuilt in 1964.
About
A censer at Kawasaki Daishi.
Heiken-ji, or Kawasaki Daishi as it is commonly known, is a temple belonging to the Chisan Sect of Shingon Buddhism. Kawasaki Daishi has long been a popular temple for Hatsumode – the first visit to a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple in a new year. In 2013, 2.96 million people visited Kawasaki Daishi for Hatsumode.
History
According to legend, the temple was constructed in 1128 after a fisherman by the name of Hirama Kanenori pulled up a wooden statue of Kobo-Daishi off the shore of Kawasaki. Kobo-Daishi is the posthumous name given to Kukai(774~835), a Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
Most of the buildings in Kawasaki Daishi, including the Hondo(Main Hall) were destroyed in an air raid conducted on the morning of April 20, 1945. After World War II, most of the temple was reconstructed back to its original state.
The Keikyu Daishi Line was originally constructed in 1899 to carry worshippers to the temple. The line later became the foundation for the Keihin Electric Railway Company.
Attractions
Left: Omotesando. Right: Daruma being sold at souvenir store.
There are many souvenir shops, restaurants, and food stands around Kawasaki Daishi. The Nakamise Dori and Omotesando streets, in particlular, have many shops aimed at visitors to Kawasaki Daishi.
Access
The Keikyu Daishi Line.
Kawasaki Daishi can be accessed via a short walk from Kawasaki Daishi station on the Keikyu Daishi Line. The Daishi Line operates out of Keikyu Kawasaki Station; visitors from Tokyo can board the Keikyu Line at Shinagawa Station, whereas visitors from the Yokohama area can board the Keikyu Line from Yokohama Station. Make sure to change to the Daishi Line at Keikyu Kawasaki Station.
There is also a bus that operates out of bus stop 7 at JR Kawasaki Station’s East exit. Make sure to get off at the “Daishi” bus stop.
Kawasaki Daishi Station – 川崎大師駅
Keikyu Daishi Line – 京急大師線