Want to see what lies outside of Tokyo, but don’t have much time to travel? Head to Kawasaki!

Kawasaki, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is less than 30 minutes by train from Shibuya. Kawasaki has had a bad reputation in the past as a rough, blue-collar area, but it is an incredible sightseeing area filled with history, culture and some of the most unique art spots in the Kanto region.

• The History Of Kawasaki
• What To Do in Kawasaki
• Mukougaoka-yuen Station
• Where To Shop in Kawasaki
• Where To Eat in Kawasaki
• Getting There

The History Of Kawasaki

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_16127881_M.jpg)An exciting, alternative tourist destination.

Historically speaking, Kawasaki has long been a suburb and a lodging town for Tokyo, as it’s located on the Tokaido, the historical highway connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. During the 17th century, it was one of the main rest areas for weary travelers and, according to some historians, a “must-see travel spot” of the time.  If you want to learn more about the area’s history and dress up like an Edo-era citizen, head to Tokaido Kawasaki Shuku Koryukan, a multi-story museum and learning center that tells the story of the area, what life was like then and so much more.

Incorporated as its own city in 1924, and with a present-day population of just over 1.5 million people, Kawasaki is a popular suburb for those commuting to the Tokyo area. During World War II it was heavily bombed because of its port and industrial sites, but in the post-war period a lot of the port land was reclaimed and industry soon returned and exceeded pre-war levels there.

Major international corporations such as Fuji Electric, Hitachi, Nippon Steel and Ajinomoto still have their main factories and offices here to this day. From the post-war period through the bubble era, these factories and Kawasaki’s blue-collar image led many to think the era was too rough-and-tumble for Tokyoites, but nowadays, these same features have made Kawasaki an exciting, alternative tourist destination.

Tokaido Kawasaki Shuku Koryukan

• Address: 1-8-4 Honcho, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Closest Station: JR Kawasaki or Keikyu Kawasaki

• Ticket Price: Free

• Opening Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays

• Website: Official link

What To Do in Kawasaki

There are three main must-see areas in Kawasaki, but which one you visit depends on your interests. If you want to see Japanese Buddhism, or an annual festival dedicated to safe childbirth and sexual safety, then you’ll be heading to Kawasaki Daishi station. For the modern lights and sights, Kawasaki station itself, and for art and history, Mukougaoka-yuen station.

Kawasaki Daishi Temple

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_64547427_M.jpg)Famous for its ability to prevent disaster and ward off evil.

Kawasaki Daishi station is where you’ll find Kawasaki Daishi Temple. Built in 1128, this temple was dedicated to the monk Kukai, Kobo Daishi, who first introduced Buddhism to Japan in the 800s. Kawasaki Daishi is famed for its ability to prevent disaster and ward off evil. In the summer, they host a wind chime festival, where visitors can buy handcrafted wind chimes by artists from across Japan, while at New Year’s, over three million people come to pray for safety and good fortune in the year to come. The road to this temple has several small shops selling everything from Japanese sweets to daruma statues, and traditional goods of all kinds.

• Address: 4-48 Kawasaki Daishimachi, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Closest Station: Kawasaki Daishi

• Opening Hours: 5:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. (April to September), 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (October to March) 

• Website: Official link

Kanayama Shrine

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_30940079_M.jpg)The Kanamara Matsuri is one of the biggest LGBT+ events on the social calendar

During the rest of the year, Kanayama Shrine is fairly quiet and unsuspecting, but on the first Sunday in April, it becomes packed with people seeking blessings for fertility, safe childbirth, good marital relationships, and business prosperity. It’s also known overseas as “the Penis Festival.” In recent years, the Kanamara Matsuri has also become one of the biggest LGBT+ events on the social calendar.

• Address: 2-13-16 Daishi Ekimae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Closest Station: Kawasaki Daishi

• Opening Hours: Open 24h; shrine shop hours vary.

• Website: Official link

Kawasaki Station

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_96487592_M.jpg)Your adventure starts here

Kawasaki station itself is full of shops, restaurants, and so much more, but there are a few places and events that no one should miss.

If you’d like to see something truly different, then taking in the industrial history of Kawasaki via a Factory Night View tour might be for you. These are bus and boat tours that offer these colorful alternative views, including some that are not normally open to the public. One must-see spot is the Nemoto Shipyard, which also provides amazing views of the surrounding factory areas.

Those visiting Kawasaki in August should not miss the Awa-Odori. Taking place from August 12th-15th every year, the streets of Kawasaki are taken over by hundreds of dancers in colorful costumes, and the sounds of drums and flutes playing traditional Japanese music. It is a must-see for those wanting to experience a high-energy, one-of-a-kind event.

Mukougaoka-yuen Station

Part of Kawasaki ward, but about 35 minutes from Kawasaki station by train, Mukougaoka-yuen station might seem like a sleepy bedroom town, but it’s home to must-see art, culture, and history spots that will appeal to people with varied interests.

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_39522172_M.jpg)Take a walk surrounded by seasonal blooms

First is Ikuta Ryokuchi Park, a nature spot filled with stunning seasonal flowers (cherry blossoms, roses, and irises being the main ones), a historical burial ground, and an observatory on the top of Mt. Masugata.  Within this park are several facilities that will keep you busy all day long, but the following three are the most exciting if you’re on a day out.

• Address: 7-1-4 Masugata, Tama Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Ticket Price: Free (to the park itself)

• Opening Hours: Open 24h; East Gate visitors center 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

• Website: Official link

The Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_7786347_M.jpg)Step back in time

Nihon Minka-en (The Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum) is an open-air museum built in 1967 to showcase various examples of traditional private homes from across Japan—some dating back 200-300 years. Each structure is a designated cultural property, and most are open to the public.

• Address: 7-1-1 Masugata, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Ticket Price: Adults ¥550, Students (High School/ College) ¥330, Students (Junior High School) and under / Senior (over 65 years) Free (ID card is required)

• Opening Hours: 9:30-5 p.m. March to October (last admission 4:30 p.m.); 9:30-4:30 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m.); closed Mondays (schedule may vary; see website for details.)

• Website: Official link

Kawasaki Municipal Science Museum

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_44328598_M.jpg)Discover a different side of Kawasaki

Kawasaki Sora To Midori No Kagaku Kan (Kawasaki Municipal Science Museum) is a science museum famous for its planetarium, but it also offers natural science studies and special experiments. Here you’ll find fossils of ancient creatures found in Kawasaki, too.

• Address: 7-1-2 Masugata, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Ticket Price: Free (to the museum), Planetarium Admission: Adults ¥400, Students (High School/ College) ¥200, Students (Junior High School and under) and Adults (over 65 years) free

• Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mondays

• Website: Official link

Taro Okamoto Museum of Art

The final facility within Ikuta Ryokuchi Park that is highly recommended is the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art. Born in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Taro Okamoto was an internationally known avant-garde artist who is best known for the statue the Tower of the Sun, located in Osaka’s Expo Commemoration Park, and the Myth of Tomorrow, a towering mural found in Shibuya’s Mark City, near the Inokashira Line.

• Address: 7-1-5 Masugata, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Ticket Price: Varies by exhibition

• Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.(last admission 4:30 p.m.)

• Website: Official link

Fujiko F. Fujio Museum

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_89948892_M.jpg)See more works from this iconic artist

Fans of Japanese anime and manga are sure to have heard of Doraemon before. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum pays homage to Fujiko F. Fujio’s vast body of work and includes indoor and outdoor exhibits, a cafe and limited-edition goods available only here. Tickets to this museum must be purchased in advance at convenience stores from their ticket machines and only six tickets may be purchased per group.

• Address: 2-8-1 Nagao, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Ticket Price: Adult(ages 18 & over) ¥1,000, Junior (ages 13-17) ¥700, Child (ages 4-12) ¥500, under 3 free

• Opening Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesdays

• Website: Official link

Where To Shop in Kawasaki

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_97919786_M.jpg)Shop till you drop

Kawasaki Station is surrounded by shopping centers, so you can find practically anything you’re looking for here.

Lazona Kawasaki

The largest mall in the area is Lazona Kawasaki, which is connected to the station. There are over 300 shops here, including MUJI and Uniqlo, as well as international brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Zara.

• Address: 7-2-1 Horikawacho, Saiwai, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Opening Hours: Shops: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Restaurants: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Hours may vary by shop.

• Website: Official link

Atre Kawasaki

Also connected to JR Kawasaki Station is Atre Kawasaki, a shopping center focused more on women’s fashion, general stores, international boutiques and cosmetics shops like LUSH and Plaza, and many cozy little restaurants.

• Address: 26-1 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Opening Hours: Shops: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Restaurants: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

• Website: Official link

Azalea

Azalea is the underground mall immediately connected to JR Kawasaki station’s east exit, and has a little bit of everything. Divided into three areas, this mall can be a whole-day experience and is a great date spot on rainy days.

• Address: 26-2 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Opening Hours: Delichika & LifeGrand 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Gourmesse 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.

• Website: Official link

La Cittadella

La Cittadella is a large shopping, cinema and event complex where you can take in concerts, cultural events, and shop ‘til you drop. There are also scores of restaurants and cafes to choose from. It’s also home to a popular wedding venue and some couples visit it every year on their wedding anniversary as well.

• Address: 4-1 Ogawacho, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Opening Hours: Shops & Cafes: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Restaurants: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; other services vary.

• Website: Official link

Where To Eat in Kawasaki

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_98108792_M.jpg)Eat like a local

There are literally hundreds of restaurants, izakayas, and cafes to choose from in and around the Kawasaki station area. There are, of course, scores of franchise locations for places like Sweets Paradise, Genki Sushi, and so on, and each of the shopping malls has plenty of dining spots too.

For a more local experience, checking out a shopping street is your best bet. Kawasaki Ginryugai Shopping Street is home to standing noodle shops, izakayas, yakinikku, and fast food spots.

Ginryugai Shopping Street

• Address: 3-7 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Website: Official link

Kawasaki Ginza Shopping Street

• Address: 1-1-12-401 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki, Kanagawa (Map)

• Website: Official link

If you want to get out of the city and enjoy a wide variety of experiences and plenty of Japanese culture, both past and present—with fewer crowds—then Kawasaki is the place for you.

Getting There

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/08/pixta_97511196_M.jpg)An easy train ride from Tokyo

Kawasaki station is twenty minutes from Tokyo station on the Tokaido Line, and less than thirty minutes from Shibuya station (take the Yamanote to Shinagawa and then the Tokaido Line).