Discover Kawagoe: A Day Trip Guide with Top 13 Spots to Visit in 2024! - Japan Travel Sights

Discover Kawagoe: A Day Trip Guide with Top 13 Spots to Visit in 2024!

Kawagoe, often referred to as “Little Edo,” is a charming city near Tokyo that retains the ambiance of the Edo period. Known for its historic buildings, delicious local treats, and sacred shrines, Kawagoe is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

This guide introduces you to a perfect day trip itinerary, highlighting 13 must-see spots that you can explore within a day.

Kawagoe’s Highlights

Kawagoe was once a prosperous castle town and is now famous for its well-preserved warehouse district, known as Kurazukuri Street. This street, lined with traditional clay-walled buildings, offers a nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s past.

The main attractions are concentrated in a compact area, making it easy to explore on foot or by using the local Co-Edo Loop Bus.

Getting to Kawagoe

The best stations for accessing Kawagoe’s attractions are Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Line, Kawagoe Station on the JR Line, and Kawagoe-shi Station on the Tobu Line. Hon-Kawagoe Station is closest to the main attractions.

Once you arrive, start your journey by walking through the picturesque Kurazukuri Street. Alternatively, you can hop on the Co-Edo Loop Bus, which stops at all the major sightseeing spots.

Co-Edo Loop Bus

The Co-Edo Loop Bus is an efficient way to explore Kawagoe’s top sights. For just 600 yen, you can purchase a day pass that allows unlimited rides, plus discounts at over 100 partner shops.

Co-Edo Loop Bus Info:

  • Day Pass: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children
  • Single Ride: 220 yen for adults, 110 yen for children

Click here for the Co-Edo Loop Bus route map.

Rickshaw Ride with Itsukiya

For a more traditional experience, take a rickshaw ride with Itsukiya. The rickshaw pullers provide engaging commentary and can show you hidden gems in Kawagoe. Various ride options are available, from short 1-kilometer rides to longer, personalized tours.

Rickshaw Ride Info:

  • Short ride: 3,000 yen per person
  • 30-minute private tour: 7,000 yen per person

More details on Itsukiya Rickshaw

Half-Day Classic Tour

This itinerary covers the essentials of Kawagoe and takes about 4 hours. Start your tour at Koedo Kurari, a historic warehouse now serving as a tourist information center and souvenir shop. From there, explore the

Taisho Roman Dream Street, Kurazukuri Street, the iconic Time Bell Tower, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and the nostalgic Candy Alley.

Koedo Kurari

Koedo Kurari is housed in three historical warehouses, each from a different era—Meiji, Taisho, and Showa. Here, you can shop for local souvenirs, taste regional sake, and enjoy traditional meals.

Koedo Kurari Info:

  • Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
  • Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Visit Koedo Kurari’s website for more info.

Taisho Roman Dream Street

Stroll down this charming street lined with shops selling unique souvenirs and retro goods. The street’s old-fashioned atmosphere will transport you back to the early 20th century.

Kurazukuri Street

Kurazukuri Street is the heart of Kawagoe. The thick-walled, fire-resistant buildings here were constructed during the Edo period to protect against fires. The area feels like an open-air museum, with various shops, cafes, and historical buildings to explore.

Time Bell Tower (Toki no Kane)

The Time Bell Tower is Kawagoe’s symbol. Built in the early 17th century, this clock tower still rings four times a day, echoing the sounds of old Edo throughout the town.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to the gods of marriage and family harmony.

The shrine is famous for its unique Ema (votive plaques) and love fortunes, making it a popular spot for couples.

Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho)

Candy Alley is a nostalgic street filled with traditional Japanese sweet shops. Enjoy the sweet smell of roasted soy sauce as you browse the many stalls selling old-fashioned treats.

Full-Day Gourmet Tour

For food lovers, Kawagoe offers a delightful experience of tasting local specialties. Here’s a full-day itinerary filled with delicious treats:

Akariya Sweet Shop

Start your day with a visit to Akariya, a cozy sweet shop known for its famous “Imo Cream Anmitsu,” made with Kawagoe’s renowned sweet potatoes.

Akariya Sweet Shop Info:

  • Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
  • Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Visit Akariya’s website for more info.

Ogakiku Unagi Restaurant

Ogakiku is a historic restaurant specializing in unagi (eel). Established in 1807, this restaurant has been serving the same recipe for over 200 years.

Ogakiku Info:

  • Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
  • Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Visit Ogakiku’s website for more info.

Kawagoe Pudding

For dessert, visit Kawagoe Pudding, a shop that offers a variety of handmade puddings, including the local specialty sweet potato pudding.

Kawagoe Pudding Info:

  • Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
  • Opening hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Visit Kawagoe Pudding’s website for more info.

Torokko Restaurant

Finish your culinary journey at Torokko, a restaurant set in a beautifully preserved historic warehouse. Enjoy a mini-course featuring Kawagoe’s famous sweet potatoes.

Torokko Info:

  • Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
  • Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Visit Torokko’s website for more info.

Full-Day Comprehensive Tour

For those with a full day to explore, add these three spots to your itinerary:

Renkeiji Temple

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Renkeiji Temple is known for its connection to the Tokugawa family and its impressive statues, including the famous red statue of Obinzuru-sama, believed to cure illnesses.

Kawagoe Castle’s Honmaru Goten

Kawagoe Castle was once a strategic fortress. The remaining Honmaru Goten offers a glimpse into the life of Edo-period lords.

Kitain Temple

Kitain Temple is renowned for its deep connection with the Tokugawa shogunate. Don’t miss the room where Tokugawa Ieyasu was born and the garden designed by the famous tea master, Kobori Enshu.

Kitain Temple Info:

  • Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (varies by season)

Visit Kitain’s website for more info.

Kawagoe is a city where you can experience the essence of Edo-period Japan within a day. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or simply strolling through picturesque streets, Kawagoe offers something for everyone.

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