Pass through the Ōyama Gate, the entrance to Kawasaki Daishi, and you will see the "Main Hall" directly in front of you. In front of the temple’s principal object of worship, Yakuyoke Kōbō Daishi, Goma prayer rituals are performed daily.

Kawasaki Daishi became widely known throughout Japan as the "Temple of Protection from Misfortune" around 700 years after its establishment, during the Edo period. This was due to the visit of the 11th Shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, who came to pray for protection from misfortune.

The Goma prayer ritual, in which wooden prayer sticks are burned to eliminate worldly desires and fulfill wishes, can be performed on the day of application. It is recommended for various blessings, including protection from misfortune, family safety, and business prosperity.

Kawasaki Daishi’s official character, "Hirama-kun," is modeled after the childhood appearance of Hirama Kanenori, who is said to have retrieved the temple's principal deity from the sea. Since he lived as a fisherman, the character is depicted wearing a straw skirt and carrying a fishing basket and rod.

The design was created by sculptor Satoshi Yabuuchi, renowned as the creator of "Sento-kun." That’s why the two characters look like siblings!

The breathtakingly beautiful ceiling paintings are sure to capture your attention. Within the temple grounds, the "Sutra Repository" houses 7,240 volumes of the Qianlong Edition of the Buddhist Canon, the last woodblock-printed Buddhist scripture from China.

In front of the principal deity, Shakyamuni Buddha, a Five-Pronged Vajra is enshrined. It is said that by offering gold leaf, one can form a spiritual connection with the Buddha.

As you tour the temple grounds, you'll find unique worship spots that are characteristic of Kawasaki Daishi. One popular spot among women is the "Shōdzuka no Ba-san," which is believed to bring blessings for dental health and beauty. It’s said that even celebrities and models visit secretly.

At the temple's charm distribution area, you can receive the "Shōdzuka Bepin Amulet" (500 yen), which is said to bring blessings from Shōdzuka no Ba-san. Inside the pouch is a small puff, symbolizing the wish for both physical and mental beauty and health. By the way, it’s said that the beautiful staff at our hotel also carry this amulet in their makeup pouches!

In addition to this, the temple grounds feature the "Hakkaku Goju-tō" (Octagonal Five-Story Pagoda), which symbolizes inclusiveness and perfection with its circular shape. You can also visit the "Henro Daishi," a pilgrimage route where earth from the 88 temples of Shikoku is buried. It's truly like a dream to be able to pray across time and space.

Beyond the "Yasuragi Bridge," you will find a statue of Buddha. When you look towards the pond, you can also see beautiful koi fish. True to its name, it is a place that brings peace and tranquility to the heart.

At the "Yakushi-den," where the statue of Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai and the Twelve Divine Generals are enshrined, you can experience the creation of the original "colored Buddhist paintings" (saishiki butsuga) of Kawasaki Daishi. The activity is available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a fee of 1,000 yen.

There are 13 different designs for the "colored Buddhist paintings," which resemble coloring books. After selecting either the statue of Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai or one of the Twelve Divine Generals corresponding to your zodiac sign, you enter a dedicated hall to begin your experience.

Before starting the experience, you will place a green ring-shaped kesa (a traditional Buddhist garment) around your neck. Then, you will rub the provided "zukō" (a fragrant powder) between your palms to purify your body and spirit.

You can use colored pencils to paint your chosen design with your preferred colors, referencing actual photos of the Buddha statues. It’s a moment to forget everything and immerse yourself in the activity, clearing your mind. Once you've finished coloring, you can write your wishes or name and offer it as a donation.

In this hall, you can also experience "shakyo" (copying Buddhist sutras). The "Heart Sutra" (Hannya Shingyo) costs 1,000 yen, and the "Go-hōgō" (the mantra "Namu Daishi Henjō Kongō") costs 500 yen. The reception hours are the same as for the colored Buddhist painting experience.

At the Yakushi-den, you can also receive a goshuin (temple seal). At Kawasaki Daishi, goshuin can be obtained at five locations: the Main Hall (Daibutsuden), the Goji Shinō Reception Hall, the Fudodo Hall, the Automobile Traffic Safety Prayer Hall, and the Yakushi-den.

The "Hiramakun" goshuin book is available for 1,300 yen (including the goshuin fee). Be sure to check it out!

Right outside the main gate of Oyamamon, you can enjoy locally inspired sweets along the charming Nakamise Street. As you stroll along, the rhythmic sound of candy being cut, which has even been selected as one of the "100 Sounds of Japan," fills the air, making it the perfect setting for a fun food walk.

First, head to "Yamamon-mae Kissa Sumiyoshi." The famous "Kuzumochi" of Kawasaki Daishi is priced at 500 yen. Its soft and fresh texture is irresistibly delicious. On the 20th and 21st of every month, which coincide with the sacred days of the Great Master, it’s offered at a discounted price of 250 yen.

The key ingredient of Kuzumochi is not arrowroot powder but wheat flour. The dough is carefully fermented over 400 days with underground water, then steamed in a bamboo steamer. It’s a process that takes time and effort to create this delicate treat.

The monthly special menu for November 2023, "An Kuzumochi" (600 yen), features a tangy hibiscus sauce and haskap powder that pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the red bean paste. The addition of yuzu and matcha-infused yokan (a type of Japanese jelly) adds a vibrant touch, both in flavor and color.

The "Mame Kuzumochi" (600 yen) is a limited-quantity treat featuring six types of beans and cubed Kuzumochi, all drizzled with sweet black syrup. It’s available in limited quantities—10 servings on weekdays and 20 servings on weekends and holidays.

For those who want to enjoy a sweet treat while strolling, I recommend the "Kamaage Warabi Mochi" (330 yen) from "Warabi Mochi Ohtanido." It’s perfect for a quick, delicious snack on the go.

The freshly made warabi mochi, prepared in a pot, offers a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for relieving the fatigue of your journey. They also sell souvenir packs (starting from 600 yen) that can be easily heated in the microwave, available at the storefront.

The Omotesando connecting Kawasaki Daishi and Keikyu Daishi Line's "Kawasaki Daishi" station is filled with a variety of restaurants and shops. It's a delightful street to stroll along, offering a mix of delicious food and unique souvenirs, making it a fun place to explore at your own pace.

"Nantendo" is a charming shop marked by a cute, welcoming tanuki (raccoon dog) figure. It specializes in auspicious items, folk crafts, and Buddhist supplies, making it a great spot to find unique and meaningful souvenirs.

One of the popular items at Minamiten is their impressive selection of incense, with about 30 different types, and over 60 varieties of incense sticks. Their extensive range is unmatched by other stores, with many customers purchasing multiple types. In addition to incense, they also offer a variety of Buddhist items, including small Buddhist tools, guardian deities for the 12 zodiac signs, prayer beads, wrist prayer beads, and decorative candles.

The adorable Kawasaki Daishi Daruma paper balloon is a delightful souvenir, priced at 800 yen. Its charm is so irresistible that you'll feel compelled to take one home as a cute and meaningful memento of your visit.

The frog figurines are also considered auspicious items, each with a special meaning: two frogs represent "safe return" , three frogs symbolize "prosperity" , four frogs bring "happiness" , five frogs offer "good fortune" , and six frogs signify "welcoming" . In addition to frogs, there are also owls and Fukusans (lucky figures).

Why not find your favorite item as a meaningful keepsake to remember your visit?