Experience Hatsumōde at Kawasaki Daishi: Our Recommended Course
In Japan, the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple at the beginning of the year to pray for safety and peace over the next twelve months is called hatsumode.
Kawasaki City, home to slash kawasaki, is also home to the famous Kawasaki Daishi, one of Japan’s Three Great Daishi Temples.
Located just a quick 5-minute train ride from the hotel’s nearest station, Keikyu Kawasaki Station, to Kawasaki Daishi Station, this iconic spot is incredibly easy to access—perfect for a spontaneous visit.
With themes like “Wearing a kimono to celebrate the New Year,” “Visiting a renowned temple for blessings and warding off misfortune,” and “Savoring delicious street food,” the staff at SLASH KAWASAKI has created a recommended course for making the most of your visit to Kawasaki Daishi.
Experience Hatsumōde in a Kimono!
Wearing a kimono for hatsumōde is something many of us dream about. But let’s face it—most of us don’t own a kimono, and the thought of dressing yourself can feel overwhelming. That’s why we decided to try out the kimono rental service at VASARA Yokohama Ekimae Store!
At VASARA, you’ll find more than just kimono rentals. They also offer full dressing services, including kimono styling and hair setting. Plus, they provide rental accessories like bags and other essentials, so all you need to do is show up and get ready to step out in style.
With a wide selection of kimono and obi to choose from, it might seem daunting to pick the perfect one. But don’t worry—the staff are more than happy to help you find colors and patterns that suit you best, making the decision easy and enjoyable!
＜STORE INFORMATION＞
Celebrate Hatsumōde at the Famous Yakuyoke Daishi!
After renting your kimono, it’s time to head to Kawasaki Daishi. From VASARA Yokohama Ekimae Store near Keikyū Yokohama Station, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Kawasaki Daishi Station.
As you exit the station, you’ll pass by charming cafés and souvenir shops along the Omotesandō street. A 10-minute stroll brings you to Nakamise Shopping Street, which leads directly to the temple gates.
While the street’s tempting food stalls may catch your eye, remember to prioritize your visit to the temple first!
▲Ōyama Gate: The majestic entrance to Kawasaki Daishi.
▲Start by purifying yourself with the traditional hand-washing ritual.
▲We bathed in the fragrant smoke, hoping for sharper minds and clearer thoughts. (Incense sticks available for ¥100 per bundle.)
▲Take a moment to offer your heartfelt wishes.
▲Omikuji Fortune: Both of us drew “Daikichi” (great fortune)! A staff member mentioned that the temple’s omikuji tends to favor good luck—perfect for starting the year with positivity.
▲Yasuragi Bridge: Don’t miss this scenic spot by the pond—ideal for capturing beautiful photos to remember your visit.
Warm Up with Delicious Eats at Nakamise Street!
On your way back from Kawasaki Daishi, treat yourself to the irresistible street food along Nakamise Shopping Street. With so many tempting options, you might find the food more memorable than the visit itself!
Start with something warm: Machidaya’s Amazake. This traditional sweet rice drink is served inside the shop, giving you a chance to sip and rest comfortably while shaking off the winter chill.
Next up is Terakoya Honten Senbei, famous for its skewer-style nure-okaki (soft rice crackers).
▲Left: Mayonnaise flavor, Right: Spicy Garlic flavor
These skewers might look like yakitori, but they’re actually soft rice crackers with bold, savory flavors that could even double as a side dish for a meal.
Don’t forget to explore their adorable souvenir section while you’re there!
For a unique dessert, try the Kama-age Warabi Mochi from Ōtanidō. It’s no surprise that this spot has even hosted famous idols on food tours, making it a must-visit destination.
▲This fresh warabi mochi, scooped directly from a steaming pot, offers a texture unlike any you’ve experienced—soft, warm, and melt-in-your-mouth.
▲Left: Black sugar syrup and kinako (roasted soybean flour) warabi mochi, Right: Warabi mochi-filled oshiruko (sweet red bean soup)
Finish your food tour with savory delights from Goma Fukudō, their Golden Sesame Croquettes and Curry Buns.
▲Left: Golden Sesame Croquette, Right: Golden Sesame Curry Bun
The curry bun, coated in fragrant ground sesame, surprises you with its bold sesame-forward flavor. Meanwhile, the croquette pairs the nuttiness of sesame with creamy potatoes for an unbeatable combination. Both are worth every bite!
Before leaving, don’t miss the chance to pick up some local specialties. The most famous souvenir from Kawasaki Daishi is the Kuzumochi from Sumiyoshi near the Sanmon Gate.
These chewy rice cakes, served with black sugar syrup and kinako, are a symbol of good luck and have been beloved for over a century. Their addictive texture will keep you coming back for more!
While this article highlights some of the best spots, Nakamise Street has plenty more to offer. Take your time exploring and discover your personal favorites.
This New Year season, we hope you enjoy the convenience of staying at slash kawasaki while visiting Kawasaki Daishi for hatsumōde. Our hotel offers luggage storage before check-in and after check-out, making your trip hassle-free.
The staff at slash kawasaki wishes you a wonderful start to 2025. We look forward to welcoming you in the New Year!
Kawasaki Daishi
Location: 4-48 Daishi-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City
Kawasaki Daishi：WEB
Kawasaki Daishi Tourism Information：WEB
iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d51971.5028530043!2d139.62025094085223!3d35.49886444728086!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x601860a32aad7c3b%3A0xc56112f84b20b521!2z56We5aWI5bed55yM5bed5bSO5biC5bed5bSO5Yy656CC5a2Q77yS5LiB55uu77yZ4oiS77yXIHNsYXNoIOW3neW0jg!3m2!1d35.5289529!2d139.7012887!4m5!1s0x60185d1d5925fc37%3A0xc8a32a9db9427c46!2z44CSMjIxLTA4MzUg56We5aWI5bed55yM5qiq5rWc5biC56We5aWI5bed5Yy66ba05bGL55S677yS5LiB55uu77yS77yQ4oiS77yRIFlUVTkwMuWPt-WupCBWQVNBUkEg5qiq5rWc6aeF5YmN5bqX!3m2!1d35.4695046!2d139.6222187!5e0!3m2!1sja!2sjp!4v1735181820188!5m2!1sja!2sjp” width=”600″ height=”450″ style=”border:0;” allowfullscreen=”” loading=”lazy” referrerpolicy=”no-referrer-when-downgrade”>slash kawasaki
Only 5-min from Kawasaki Station, slash kawasaki offers guests an incredible hotel experience using digital technology. All rooms are equipped with a giant projector screen.