Kawasaki reminds of another "different" thing to do. Go to watch Keirin and gamble if you like. There is a velodrome in Kawasaki, which is probably the closest to central Tokyo.

If you go to western Kawasaki it is no different than any other suburban area. I drove through the area and have gone to sporting events where I played and once I went to watch Kawasaki Frontale play.

The Kawasaki that you are criticizing is possibly the industrial area along the waterfront but that extends up to Ota-ku and down to Yokohama. I think it is fascinating and there is even domestic tourism to visit old factories and so forth, especially at night. You get an impression of this area driving from Tokyo to Yokohama on the 1 Haneda route. Then if you take K5 across to Yokohama you get an incredible view of this area as well as across the bay to Yokohama. The road is usually empty so you can play "Wangan speedracer" if you like. Nissan GTR is optional equipment.