🚃 Basic Information & Overview
Line Name: Keikyū Daishi Line
Operator: Keihin Electric Express Railway (Keikyū Corporation)
Route Length: Approx. 4.5 km / Stations: 7 (Keikyū Kawasaki – Kojima-Shinden)
Opened: 1899 (Japan’s first electric railway)
Main Connection: Keikyū Kawasaki / Keikyū Main Line
Feature: A short yet vital local line with deep community roots and long history
📜 History & Background
1899: Opened as “Daishi Electric Railway,” Japan’s first electric railway
Originally built to connect worshippers to Kawasaki Daishi Temple, one of the region’s major pilgrimage spots
Post-WWII: Shifted from a tourist route to a local commuter and residential service amid industrialization
Today: A compact yet essential line supporting daily transport within Kawasaki City; special schedules run during New Year temple visits
🚆 Route Structure & Operation
Section: Keikyū Kawasaki – Minatochō / Urban district near Kawasaki Station
Section: Minatochō – Higashi-Monzen / Temple and residential zone
Section: Higashi-Monzen – Kojima-Shinden / Industrial and logistics area
Train Type: Local (stops at all stations) only
Travel Time: About 10 minutes end-to-end — short, simple, and efficient
🌟 Advantages (Merits)
✅ Historic significance — Japan’s oldest electric railway; popular with train enthusiasts and tourists alike
✅ Community-oriented — Compact line connecting daily life spots such as homes, schools, and shops; convenient for seniors and families
✅ Smooth transfer at Keikyū Kawasaki — Easy access to Keikyū Main Line toward Haneda Airport, Shinagawa, and Yokohama
✅ Affordable rent levels — Reasonably priced housing while staying close to central Kawasaki
⚠️ Disadvantages (Demerits)
❌ Limited frequency outside rush hours — Some periods offer only 3–4 trains per hour
❌ Single-track section limits capacity — Can feel crowded during peak times
❌ Industrial surroundings at southern end — Views and environment vary; less greenery near Kojima-Shinden
🧺 Livability & Daily Convenience
Transport Access: ★★★★☆ / Excellent via Keikyū Main Line connections to central Tokyo and Haneda
Shopping: ★★★★☆ / Many shops and supermarkets near Keikyū Kawasaki and Higashi-Monzen
Education & Healthcare: ★★★☆☆ / Local schools and clinics well established
Nature & Scenery: ★★☆☆☆ / Urban & industrial landscapes dominate
Safety: ★★★☆☆ / Central Kawasaki can be busy, but residential zones are calm
🏠 Real Estate Perspective
💴 Average Rent (as of 2025)
・Keikyū Kawasaki: 1R–1K ¥80,000–110,000 / 2LDK– ¥140,000–180,000 / Urban center, very convenient
・Minatochō: 1R–1K ¥65,000–80,000 / 2LDK– ¥100,000–130,000 / Hidden gem, rising attention due to redevelopment
・Kawasaki-Daishi: 1R–1K ¥60,000–75,000 / 2LDK– ¥90,000–120,000 / Quiet, community-based living
・Kojima-Shinden: 1R–1K ¥55,000–65,000 / 2LDK– ¥85,000–110,000 / Industrial area nearby, lowest rents along the line
🏘 Housing Trends
・Kawasaki-Daishi / Minatochō: Mid-rise apartments and complexes popular with families
・Keikyū Kawasaki: Attracts singles and working couples prioritizing convenience
・Kojima-Shinden: Affordable option for workers in nearby factories and warehouses
🎯 Ideal For
✅ Commuters to Kawasaki, Shinagawa, or Haneda
✅ Families balancing reasonable rent & living comfort
✅ Seniors who prefer short-distance, walkable access
✅ Residents who value local festivals and temple culture around Kawasaki-Daishi
📌 Summary
The Keikyū Daishi Line is a compact yet historically rich local railway that connects Kawasaki’s urban center with its traditional community roots.
It’s ideal for those who seek affordable rent, easy commutes, and a calm, neighborhood-oriented lifestyle within reach of Tokyo’s major business hubs.