Allure of Kawasaki’s Industrial Zone
In Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, the nighttime landscape showcases an impressive industrial complex. This area, often overlooked in favor of its neighboring cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, reveals an enchanting world of towering flare stacks and a dense network of pipes illuminated by factory lights.
The reflections on the water at night add to the stunning visual appeal.
The industrial beauty has captivated many, leading to the popularity of nighttime tours that have recently celebrated their 15th anniversary.
On January 30, a special event was held, granting access to spaces typically closed to the public. This occasion allowed participants to experience breathtaking views both from the water and on land.
A highlight of the tour was its organization by the city’s tourism association, marking it as a notable effort to promote Kawasaki’s unique industrial landscape.
Demand for the tour was high, filling up quickly after phone reservation lines opened.
Visitors gathered for the bus departure from downtown Kawasaki at 5 p.m., a mixed group ranging from teenagers to octogenarians.
Seventeen participants traveled from other prefectures, drawn by the allure of the city’s nocturnal charm.
The first destination was an oil refinery, where guests were granted the opportunity to photograph the dazzling scenery from the rooftop.
The factory’s lights, in brilliant shades of white and green, contrasted beautifully against the steam billowing from its chimneys.
The location offered a surprising clarity in the air, which enhanced the vibrancy of the industrial lights.
As we continued our journey, a company representative guided us through the factory grounds.
Unfortunately, photography was not allowed during the bus ride, but that did not diminish the experience.
The distinctive scent of sulfur filled the area, a reminder of the plant’s ongoing operations. Our guide lightheartedly suggested that we should appreciate the aroma as one might in a spa resort.
Next, we visited a chemical manufacturer, where participants stepped off the bus to capture images at a recycling facility.
This plant is remarkable as it produces ammonia and carbon dioxide exclusively from recycled plastics, making it a unique operation on a global scale.
Following this stop, we anticipated a cruise along the Shiohama and Mizue canals.
The view from the water was magnificent, revealing the grandeur of the industrial complex against a backdrop of twinkling stars.
The untainted air once again surprised many visitors, adding to the enjoyment of the experience.
I heard enthusiastic remarks from fellow participants, such as 25-year-old Akira Momona, who expressed delight in joining the tour with his girlfriend from Chigasaki.
The charm of factories was articulated by a retired steel mill worker, Masahiro Hashimoto, aged 66, who described them as magnificent collections of pipes, pumps, and valves.
As an amateur photographer, Hashimoto found endless inspiration in the artificial beauty of the surroundings.
The ride continued, taking us onto the Metropolitan Expressway, where panoramic views of the entire industrial region unfolded before us.
Notably, we passed a series of impressive structures known as the “Industrial Omotesando,” a nod to Tokyo’s famous shopping district.
By approximately 9 p.m., our bus concluded its journey near JR Kawasaki Station, marking the end of a memorable tour.
A second event celebrating the tour’s 15th anniversary is slated for March 22, promising more opportunities for others to explore this fascinating landscape.
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