Kawasaki, set on the south bank of the Tama River, is located roughly halfway between Tokyo and Yokohama. Just an easy 18-minute rail ride from Tokyo Station, it makes for an ideal day trip. The city offers excellent shopping and dining, along with several historic sites, including temples, ancient houses, beautiful parklands, and other attractions well worth exploring.
Kawasaki is a major industrial hub, home to some of Japan’s largest companies. Interestingly, industry itself has become a tourist drawcard, with visitors touring production lines, factories, and even admiring the industrial skyline at night. Companies like Fujitsu, Kawasaki Motorcycles, Toshiba, and the Showa Denko plastic and chemical recycling factory offer public access or have museums showcasing their innovations.
One of the city’s most popular destinations is Nakamise Dori, the shopping street leading to Kawasaki Daishi Temple. Stretching for around 200 metres, it’s lined with stalls and small shops selling sweets—including the famous rock candy—along with hand-broiled rice crackers, wind chimes, and plenty of unique souvenirs. The most sought-after memento is the daruma doll, a symbol of good luck, hope, and perseverance, available in several specialised shops.
At the end of Nakamise Dori, you’ll find the incredible Kawasaki Daishi Temple, founded in 1128 by the priest Sonken and samurai Hirama Kanenori. Though the temple was destroyed during World War II, it has been faithfully restored to resemble its Heian-era appearance. A highlight of the temple is its striking Hakkaku Gojunoto, an octagonal five-story pagoda.
The Kawasaki Station area serves as the city’s main retail and entertainment district, bustling with a mix of small specialty stores and massive retailers like Bic Camera and Tokyu Hands. The area is also rich in dining options and offers a good selection of hotels for those planning to extend their stay.
Kawasaki boasts several impressive museums. The Kawasaki Civic Museum features exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, photography, and even cartoons. Meanwhile, the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art houses a remarkable collection of works by the Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, known for his abstract sculptures and paintings.
For a unique cultural experience, the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum is a must-visit. This remarkable site features 20 traditional Japanese houses, providing a glimpse into rural life from centuries past. Highlights include a boathouse, a kabuki theatre, and a working water mill. Visitors can also learn about traditional straw and bamboo crafts, including weaving and other skills mastered by Japanese farmers.
