Kawasaki

Kawasaki, with a population of almost 1.5 million is situated between Tokyo to the north and Yokohama (and the Tama River) to the south.

While Kawasaki’s northern parts (stations on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku) have developed into a series of bedroom towns for Tokyo’s white-collar commuters, Kawasaki’s south side has been famous for decades as a factory zone, supporting the legend of 'Made in Japan'. But this has been changing as Japan has been hit over the years by numerous recessions. Taking advantage of its geographic proximity to Tokyo and access by many train lines, the south is in the process of becoming a suburb of Tokyo – factories are being pulled down and tall stylish condominiums are taking their place. As a result, the once polluted air has become clean, and local governments together with Kawasaki City Office have made efforts to reorganize the city into an ideal place to live.

Kawasaki has a J.League soccer team the ‘Kawasaki Frontale’, fun museums of pop culture such as 'Doraemon', and a beautiful new classical music hall. In fact, there are so many fun things to do in Kawasaki these days that its image has completely changed!

Citizens of Kawasaki also enjoy walking along the above-mentioned Tama River and the beautiful recreation green belt that runs along its banks. You can enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji from there on beautiful winter days, and in the morning in early spring. Go out, take a deep breath, smell the fresh air and…enjoy the great view of Mt. Fuji. She is gorgeous!

Kawasaki is also ideally situated for one-day trips into Tokyo as well as Yokohama and Kamakura. Here, there are numerous hotels with rooms larger than in Tokyo and at much cheaper rates.

And if you have some time in your schedule, you can go down to Kawasaki Taishi, a temple protecting you from bad luck. The temple is one of the most famous in Japan as a destination for offering up New Year’s prayers.