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The southwest
of Tokyo is comprised of Kawasaki and Yokohama city, along with the old
town of Kamakura and the Miura-hanto Peninsula.
With
a population of approximately 1.17 million people, Kawasaki has been extended
into a bustling industrial port city. Part of it has been built on reclaimed
land from the Tokyo Bay. It is Kawasaki city that hosts the famous Jibeta
Matsuri, where costumed locals parade wooden phalluses to celebrate the
defeat of a sharp-toothed dragon. The festival takes place annually on
April 15, and is held near the Kawasaki Daishi station.
To get to this city, just take the Keihin Tohoku line to Kawasaki station.
Kawasaki
Daishi Temple - Founded
in 1127, the Kawasaki Daishi Temple was once known as the Heigen-ji Temple.
According to legends, an image of Kobo Daishi was fished from the sea
and was appropriately placed in the temple. Kobo Daishi was the founder
of the Shingon sect, which is affiliated to the temple. There are various
interesting shops near the temple, along with a fascinating five-story
pagoda. Furthermore, entry to the temple is free.
To reach
the temple, visitors can take the Keihin Tohoku line from Tokyo to Kawasaki,
and change to the Daishi line. The Kawasaki Daishi station is only three
stops away.
Nihon
Minka-en Garden - Twenty-two
traditional Japanese buildings that were collected from the surrounding
countryside, and reconstructed as one site are an interesting sight to
behold at the Nihon Minka-en Garden, which is an open-air museum. Farmhouses
make up most of the buildings although there is an occasional Shinto shrine
and kabuki stage. Visitors will be able to observe the way of life of
an older Japan at this garden. With the exception of Mondays, the garden
is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To get
to the garden, take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku station to Mukogaoka-yuen
station.
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