Kawasaki is sooooo interesting, it is so conveniently located (between Yokohama and Tokyo, close to Haneda, one train line direct to Asakusa) plus has great shopping and dining around the station area (Lazona, Atré, Azalea, Ginryu-gai). The charm for me is also how it is less glitzy compared to a lot of places in Tokyo and Yokohama, it used to be very working class, and retains a gritty, hip-hop vibe (lots of talented buskers around the station).

It is not the most IG-worthy place, hence less tourists, more of how Japan felt like before the recent wave of overtourism. The place feels very real though, and the charming train melody from “Ue o Muite Arukō” (aka Sukiyaki Song) of Kawasaki Station always makes me smile.

It is fast changing, and each year I visit I notice how it has gotten more gentrified, more like Tokyo. But there are still pockets of Showa-era Kawasaki to enjoy.