Kawasaki Daishi (川崎大師) is the popular name of Heiken-ji (平間寺, Heiken-ji), a Buddhist temple in Kawasaki, Japan. Founded in 1128, it is the headquarters of the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism. Kawasaki Daishi is a popular temple for hatsumōde (the first visit to a place of worship in the new year). In 2006, 2.72 million people engaged in hatsumōde here, the third largest figure in Japan and the largest in Kanagawa Prefecture. In 2016, the temple made preparations to receive 3 million visitors over the same period.[2] Keihin Electric Express Railway, the oldest railroad company in the Kantō region of Japan, commenced service in January 1899 to carry passengers to Kawasaki Daishi from Tokyo.

Kawasaki Daishi
川崎大師
The main hall of Kawasaki Daishi
Religion
AffiliationChizan sect of Shingon Buddhism
DeityKōbō-Daishi
Location
Location4-48 Daishi-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki
CountryJapan
Geographic coordinates35°32′02″N 139°43′44″E / 35.534°N 139.729°E / 35.534; 139.729
Architecture
FounderSonken, Kanenori[1]
Completed1128
Website
kawasakidaishi.com

Heiken-ji is known formally as Kongōzan Kinjōin Heiken-ji (金剛山金乗院平間寺).[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "川崎大師の歴史" [History of Kawasaki Daishi] (in Japanese). Kawasaki Daishi. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  2. ^ Shichijo, Roland (31 December 2016). "500,000 visitors descend on Ueno's Ameyoko market". Tokyo Reporter. Archived from the original on 31 December 2016. Meanwhile in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, craftsmen at the Kawasaki Daishi Buddhist temple were making preparations to welcome some 3 million visitors over the sangainichi period, meaning the first three days of the New Year from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3, TV Asahi reports (Dec. 31).
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