Kawagoe Japan is a former castle town about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Locals call it Koedo, or Little Edo, because its streets still look like old Tokyo. Dark clay warehouses line the main road, and a wooden bell tower rings four times a day. So, it is one of the easiest ways to see traditional Japan without a long train ride.
Quick Facts About Kawagoe
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Saitama Prefecture, Kanto |
| Known For | Kurazukuri warehouses, Toki no Kane bell tower and sweet potato snacks |
| UNESCO Status | Its float festival is on the UNESCO intangible heritage list |
| Founded | Castle town from 1457 |
| Best Time to Visit | Late March to May, and October |
| Getting There | Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro |
| Time Needed | One full day |
| Continent | Asia |
Where Is Kawagoe, Japan?
The city lies in Saitama Prefecture, just northwest of Tokyo. It sits on the Musashino plain, between the Arakawa and Iruma rivers. Meanwhile, the historic quarter is in the north of the city, about two kilometers from the main stations. A loop bus connects the stations with all the main sights.
Why Visit Kawagoe Japan?
First, the town shows you what Edo era Tokyo once looked like. Most of old Tokyo was lost to earthquakes, fires and war. In contrast, Kawagoe kept dozens of fireproof merchant houses. As a result, a walk here feels like stepping into a period film.
Second, it is very easy to reach. Fast trains run from Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, and no reservations are needed. Finally, the food scene is great for snacking. Sweet potato is the local specialty, and you will find it in chips, ice cream, beer and even noodles.
Things to Do in Kawagoe
Walk Kurazukuri Street
This is the heart of Little Edo. The kurazukuri houses have thick clay walls, heavy shutters and black tiled roofs. Merchants built them after a great fire in 1893 to protect their goods. Today, they hold sweet shops, craft stores and cafés. In addition, the Kurazukuri Museum lets you step inside one.
See the Toki no Kane Bell Tower
The Toki no Kane, or Bell of Time, is the symbol of the city. The first tower went up in the early 1600s. However, the current wooden version dates from 1894. It is three stories tall and still rings at 6 am, noon, 3 pm and 6 pm. The sound has even been named one of the best soundscapes in Japan.
Snack Your Way Down Kashiya Yokocho
Kashiya Yokocho means Penny Candy Alley. It is a short, narrow lane with about 20 shops selling old style sweets. Look for long fu-gashi sticks, colorful candy drops and roasted sweet potato. Meanwhile, the smell of sugar and soy sauce fills the air. Children and adults both love it.
Visit Kitain Temple
Kitain was the head temple of the Tendai sect in eastern Japan. After a fire in 1638, the shogun sent rooms from Edo Castle to help rebuild it. So, these are the only surviving rooms from that castle. They include the room where shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu was said to be born. In addition, the garden holds 538 stone statues of Buddhist disciples, each with a different face.
Ring In Good Luck at Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine is said to be about 1,500 years old. It is popular with couples who pray for good relationships. In summer, about 2,000 glass wind chimes hang around the grounds. Then, in spring, rows of carp streamers fly over the nearby river.
Tour the Honmaru Goten Castle Palace
Most of Kawagoe Castle is gone, but its palace still stands. The Honmaru Goten was built in 1848 as the home and office of the local lord. Inside, you can walk along wooden corridors and see tatami rooms with painted sliding doors. Also, entry is cheap, and it is rarely crowded.
Taste Local Sweet Potato Treats
Kawagoe has grown sweet potatoes since the Edo period. In fact, the potatoes were so good that people in Edo called them tastier than chestnuts. Today, you can try sweet potato chips, tempura, pudding and even local beer brewed with them. For example, Coedo Brewery makes a well known amber ale called Beniaka.
Tips for your visit:
- Buy the Koedo Kawagoe discount pass at Ikebukuro for round trip train fare.
- Arrive on a weekday morning, because weekends get very crowded.
- Rent a kimono near the station for photos on the old street.
- Save room for sweet potato soft serve, the classic local treat.
Day Trips From Kawagoe
Kawagoe pairs well with Chichibu, a mountain area about one hour away by train. For example, the Hitsujiyama Park moss phlox bloom in spring is a famous sight there. Alternatively, return to Tokyo and explore Ikebukuro or Shinjuku in the evening.
If you love old Japanese towns, read our guide to Takayama, Japan. Likewise, the post town of Tsumago is a perfect next stop.
One Historical Fact About Kawagoe Japan
Kawagoe Castle once guarded the northern approach to Edo. Because of this, the shogunate trusted only close allies to rule the town. Part of the castle palace, the Honmaru Goten, still stands today. It is one of only two castle palaces of its kind left in eastern Japan.
How to Get to Kawagoe
- Tobu Tojo Line: Express trains from Ikebukuro reach Kawagoe Station in about 30 minutes.
- Seibu Shinjuku Line: Trains from Seibu Shinjuku stop at Hon-Kawagoe, closest to the old town.
- JR lines: The Saikyo Line runs from Shinjuku and Shibuya, though it is a little slower.
- Flying in: Haneda and Narita airports both connect to Tokyo, then continue by train.
Best Time to Visit Kawagoe
Spring is lovely, with cherry blossoms along the Shingashi River in early April. Summer is hot and humid, but the wind chime festival makes it special. However, the best time may be the third weekend of October. That is when the Kawagoe Festival parades huge wooden floats through the streets.
During the festival, around 30 elaborate floats roll through the old town. Musicians and dancers ride on top, and rival floats face off in musical duels at night. In 2016, the event became part of a UNESCO intangible heritage listing for Japanese float festivals. So, if you can, plan your visit around it.
Is Kawagoe Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you have limited time in Tokyo. Kawagoe Japan gives you old streets, temples and great snacks in a single day. On the other hand, weekends can feel like a theme park. So, aim for a weekday and arrive early.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Little Edo is a charming escape from the big city. The clay warehouses, the bell tower and the candy alley make it feel like a different era. Plan a slow day, eat as you walk and listen for the bell at noon.
Image Credits
Unsplash
- Letian Zhang: Glass wind chimes at Hikawa Shrine, Unsplash License
- Zhaoli JIN: Carp streamers for Children\u2019s Day, Unsplash License
Wikimedia Commons
- Dandy1022: Kurazukuri Street in Little Edo, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Zairon: Kawagoe Toki no Kane 1, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Twilight2640 at Japanese Wikipedia (Transferred by Urashimataro): Kawagoe Kitain temple main hall, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Aimaimyi: Kashiya yokocho -01, CC BY-SA 3.0
