About
Kawasaki Daishi, also known as Heiken-ji Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kawasaki, in the Kanto Region of Japan. It stands in the Daishimachi district of Kawasaki Ward, in Kanagawa Prefecture, a short way from Tokyo and easy to reach from the wider Kanto area.
What to expect
The temple is one of Japan's most popular places to visit at the New Year, when many people come to pray for protection and good fortune in the months ahead. Visitors who come at other times of year will find a quieter atmosphere, with the temple grounds and its halls open for a more unhurried look.
The temple is particularly known for its protective prayers and for its traditional fire rituals. If you are curious about these customs, the New Year period is when they draw the largest crowds, so plan for busier paths and longer waits.
Planning your visit
- Location: 4-48 Daishimachi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-8577, Japan
- Contact: +81-44-266-3420
- Best known for: New Year visits, protective prayers and fire rituals
Because the temple is a place of worship as well as a visitor attraction, it is worth showing respect on arrival, speaking quietly and following the guidance given at the grounds. Contacting the temple ahead of time is a sensible step if you want details about the rituals or the current schedule.
