Kawasaki Daishi Wind Chime Market

The Kawasaki Daishi Wind Chime Market (川崎大師風鈴市) is a hallmark summer event where artisans from every prefecture gather for five days in July at Kawasaki Daishi, one of Japan’s most visited Buddhist temples. While wind chimes are common summer fixtures, this market operates on a massive scale, with 30,000 chimes in over 900 regional styles on display. The diverse collection includes everything from delicate glass Edo-fūrin to resonant iron Nanbu-fūrin and artisanal ceramic designs. These chimes are not merely decorative; their clear, high-pitched tones are traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and invite a cooling spiritual breeze during the humid summer months.

Artisanal pieces typically range from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000, though simpler versions are available for under ¥1,000 along the temple’s Nakamise approach. The market runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Thursday to accommodate special evening rituals. Located just a short walk from Kawasaki-Daishi Station on the Keikyu Daishi Line, the temple grounds also feature numerous food and drink stalls situated toward the rear of the market area, providing a complete festive experience for those visiting to find their perfect summer chime.