讀後心得

Kawasaki City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is the smallest designated city in Japan but has the sixth largest population in the country. It has a long history and has been an important transportation hub since the Edo period, and is now known for its heavy industry. Kawasaki boasts several tourist attractions, including the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple, and the Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum). The museum showcases works related to "Doraemon," allowing fans a glimpse into the world of manga. Kawasaki Daishi is famous for its New Year’s visits, attracting a large number of worshippers. Local specialty foods, such as dandan noodles and kuzumochi, are also a highlight. Kawasaki is a must-visit destination near Tokyo, combining culture, history, and cuisine!

How can a museum miss the two main characters of the Anywhere Door and "Doraemon"! Kawasaki City, located in the northeastern corner of Kanagawa Prefecture, is the smallest among Japan's 20 designated cities in terms of area, yet has the sixth-largest population in the country. Once part of Musashi Province, this city has experienced the rule of small feudal lords, later becoming the domain of the Hojo clan, and in the Edo period, it was one of the post towns on the "Tokaido." In modern times, the establishment of Kawasaki Station promoted urbanization in the area, making it famous for heavy industry today, with the night view of factories becoming a prominent feature. Coupled with a bustling commercial district, unique museums, and famous temples, Kawasaki is vibrant and has become a great travel destination near Tokyo!

[Recommended Attractions in Kawasaki]

• Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple
• Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
• Kawasaki City Japanese Folk House Museum
• Kawasaki Marien Observation Deck
• Kawasaki Dan Dan Noodles and Kusu-mochi

On New Year’s Day each year, many people visit shrines or temples to pay their respects, a ritual known as "Hatsumode," symbolizing the first visit of the new year. This custom dates back to the past when the head of the family would gather on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year and pray for prosperity. Heiken-ji Temple is one of the famous places for Hatsumode.

Located in Kawasaki City, Heiken-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect Chizan school and is quite effective in warding off disasters and evils, attracting over 3 million visitors each New Year. Additionally, the Wind Chime Festival, held in mid-July each year, is also one of the significant celebrations.

Heiken-ji Temple was founded in 1128 by Hirakami Kanemaru, who supposedly discovered a statue of Kobo Daishi while fishing, thus establishing the temple here. Most of the current structures of Heiken-ji Temple were rebuilt after the war, and rituals for exorcism and blessings are held annually to wish for the fulfillment of people's desires.

The Yakushi-do was created at the end of 1963 and was later converted to Indian-style architecture, with a Dharma wheel hanging in the center. The Chukyo Tower was built to commemorate the 1150th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's death, featuring an octagonal five-story appearance. Other diverse buildings include the Great Mountain Gate guarded by the Four Heavenly Kings and the current gate of Fudo Myo-o, among others.

The Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is a must-visit place for fans, showcasing works from his time residing in Kawasaki. The exhibition content is quite rich, covering an area of 3,600 square meters and operates on a reservation basis.

Visitors can purchase tickets through a reservation system at convenience stores. The museum offers multilingual guided tours, and there is a shuttle bus available from Noborito Station.

Here, visitors can appreciate the original manuscripts of the manga artist and watch original short films in the small theater, or "visit" a miniature version of Nobita’s home with tablets. Since opening, the museum has attracted over 5 million visitors!

Also located in Tama Ward, the Japanese Folk House Museum showcases 25 ancient buildings from all over Japan using hilly terrain. The purpose of this museum is to preserve lost architecture, folk arts, and tools.

The Japanese Folk House Museum displays ancient buildings from various places, such as private residences, thatched houses, and water mills from Kawasaki City, giving people a glimpse into the living conditions of that time.

Kawasaki Marien Observation Deck, located at a height of 51 meters, offers a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay and the industrial area, with an accompanying learning area that introduces the maritime history of Kawasaki Port.

The Kawasaki industrial area rapidly developed after entering the Taisho era. Though it was once a pear-producing region, factories later sprang up like mushrooms after rain, becoming a large-scale industrial city today.

The Kawasaki factory area at night exudes a mysterious and sci-fi atmosphere. Since 2011, its night view sightseeing tours have attracted a large number of tourists.

Kawasaki is also known for its famous cuisine, with the broth of Dan Dan noodles being unique, combining strong garlic flavor and spiciness for a perfect pairing, a must-try delicacy in the area.

Kusu-mochi is a unique wagashi from the Kanto region made from wheat starch, prepared through fermentation, resulting in a very unique texture and flavor. It is even better enjoyed with soybean flour and black sugar syrup.

Visiting Kawasaki allows you not only to enjoy the cultural attractions here but also to savor the local cuisine, making it a truly charming travel destination!