Kawagoe City: Japan's "Little Edo" - The perfect day trip from Tokyo
- japansophy
- Oct 27
- 8 min read
Feel like a break from the relentless energy of Tokyo? Put yourself on a train from Ikebukuro and in just 30 minutes you'll be transported out of the city and back in time (you'll think) into the Edo Period (1603-1868), when the castle town of Kawagoe served as a crucial trading post supplying the capital. Read on to discover why a day trip to Kawagoe should be in your Japan itinerary.
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(1) Little Edo
(8) Kawagoe city FAQ
Little Edo
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is often referred to as "Koedo" or "Little Edo"; essentially, Edo was Tokyo before it became Tokyo. Unlike Tokyo, which was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II, Kawagoe’s distinctive, black-walled merchant houses, known as kurazukuri, survived, making it one of the few places where you can genuinely walk through the streets of historic Japan. Kawagoe is the ideal day trip from Tokyo because it is fast, affordable, utterly charming and offers a unique cultural and historical experience without the need for a Shinkansen ticket.
What to see and do in Kawagoe
Kawagoe is very walkable and its main attractions are clustered around the central Kurazukuri district. There are a few outliers but even they are easy reach, so you can pack everything into a few hours for the ideal, compact day out from Tokyo. Let's have a look at what makes this little town so adorable!
Kawagoe attractions
Ichibangai and the bell tower
The main street, officially known as Ichibangai (aka the warehouse district), is where you will find the most dramatic concentration of the black kurazukuri architecture. These fire-resistant clay warehouses belonged to wealthy merchants and now house boutiques, souvenir shops, local restaurants and even a Starbucks.
Toki no Kane (bell tower): The undisputed icon of Kawagoe. This historic wooden bell tower stands over 16 meters tall and has chimed daily for centuries. Although the current structure is a reconstruction, the tradition remains. Be sure to time your visit to hear the bell chime four times a day (6:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm).
Starbucks Kawagoe Kanetsuki-Dori Branch: Even the modern commercial giant pays homage to Edo history here. This unique Starbucks is built in the kurazukuri style, featuring wood and black plaster. It's a surprisingly beautiful spot to grab a coffee while soaking in the traditional atmosphere.
Shrines and temples
Kawagoe is home to several important Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that are integral to its history and community life.
Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja): Known as the "Enmusubi Shrine" (Matchmaking Shrine), Hikawa is immensely popular, especially among young people seeking success in relationships. The shrine sells cute, fish-shaped omikuji (fortunes) that you "fish" out of a box. Its large wooden torii gate is also a great photo opportunity.
Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine: Dedicated to the god of victory, this shrine is popular with students and athletes, who come to pray for competitive success. It is also famous for its giant ginkgo tree, which is actually two trees entwined and has therefore become a symbol of unity and companionship, making it a popular spot for traditional shinto weddings.
Kita-in Temple: This prominent Buddhist temple is famous for the Gohyaku Rakan (500 Disciples of Buddha). These 500+ stone statues, all lined up together, were carved in the Edo period, and every one has a distinctly unique expression—it's impossible not to smile as you wander among them.
Kumano Shrine: Challenge yourself to walk barefoot along the entire length of the acupressure path at this shrine. There is also a money-washing well in which you can also purify your cash in the hope of attracting more wealth.
Sweet nostalgia
Tucked away just behind the main street is a destination dedicated entirely to tradition and childhood memories. Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) is packed with small shops selling traditional Japanese "penny candy" (dagashi). Here you can find nostalgic treats like coloured boiled candies, karintō (sweet fried dough), and massive, long brown sugar sticks. It’s noisy, sweet-smelling, and a perfect place to pick up unique, inexpensive gifts.
Turn-of-the-century charm
Taisho Roman Yume Dori (Taisho Street): This street offers a slightly different, quieter atmosphere than Ichibangai. It features buildings built in the architectural style of the Taisho Period (1912–1926), which blends Western design with Japanese elements. It’s ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll and often has fewer crowds. The street's classic, retro look, unspoiled by overhead cables, for example, has made it a popular filming location for period dramas and movies. It is often decorated beautifully for the changing seasons or for holidays: the carp streamers for Children's Day (5th may) are especially photogenic.
Get Japansophy's FREE interactive Kawagoe day trip map!
To help you navigate these historic streets seamlessly, we’ve created a custom Google My Map with every attraction, shrine, station, and local specialty shop pinned and annotated.
Never miss a sight: All points of interest from this guide (Bell Tower, shrines, Candy Alley) are marked.
Get walking directions: Use it right on your phone to get instant directions between stops.
Things to do in Kawagoe
Here are the best ways to get hands-on with the Little Edo experience:
Kimono and yukata rental: One of the most popular activities is renting a traditional kimono (in cooler months) or a lighter yukata (in summer). Walking the kurazukuri streets in traditional dress is the perfect way to feel transported back to the Edo period and is very instagrammable.
Try the local specialities (satsumaimo): Kawagoe is renowned for its sweet potatoes (satsumaimo). The local diet heavily features this ingredient, so you must try some of the local twists:
Sweet potato chips: Freshly sliced, fried, and often served with a savoury or sweet dipping sauce.
Sweet potato ice cream: A surprisingly delicious and unique soft-serve flavour.
Sweet potato manju: Steamed buns filled with sweet potato paste.
Try local sake: The city has a long history of brewing. Stop by a local shop to sample and purchase regional sake or local craft beer.
When is the best time to visit Kawagoe?
While Kawagoe is captivating year-round, timing your trip can enhance the experience:
Cherry blossom season (late March/early April): Kawagoe is home to several popular sakura spots. The most notable is the stretch along the Shingashi River, where the cherry branches droop beautifully over the water. This spot, however, does get crowded, so arrive early. Kawagoe Park on the banks of the Iruma River in the west of the city is a little further away but is a beautiful place for a hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) picnic.
The Koedo Kawagoe Festival (October): If you visit in mid-October, you may witness the dazzling Kawagoe Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Giant, elaborately decorated floats are wheeled through the streets, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Autumn: Like many places near Tokyo, Kawagoe can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage, especially around the shrine and temple grounds, making late November a lovely time to visit, just as the crowds from the festival season have subsided. Two shrines in particular – Hachimangu and Shussei Inari – are famous for their huge ginkgo trees, which turn a spectacular yellow in fall.
How to get around Kawagoe
Kawagoe is very manageable, but knowing your transport options will save your feet!
On foot: If you arrive at Kawagoe Station, the main Ichibangai street is about a 20-30 minute walk. This walk is pleasant and allows you to explore the modern transition zones of the city. Once in the historic core, everything is within a short distance.
Koedo Loop Bus: For travellers who want to save time or energy, the retro-style Koedo Loop Bus is ideal. It services all the major tourist spots, including the various shrines, the Bell Tower, and Kita-in Temple, making it easy to hop on and off. The bus ticket is included in the Tobu Kawagoe Discount Pass (see below).
Bicycle rental: Bike rentals are available near the main stations and are an excellent choice if you want to explore the wider area, such as the Shingashi River for the cherry blossoms or the outer shrine areas.
How to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
Kawagoe's accessibility is what makes it the perfect Tokyo day trip. You have several fast, direct options:
Special discounted day tickets
These regional passes can save you money:
Tobu Kawagoe Discount Pass: This is the most popular choice. It provides a round-trip ticket from Ikebukuro and unlimited use of the local Tobu bus network and Koedo Loop Bus in Kawagoe, plus discounts at local restaurants and attractions. You'll also get a small discount at the Tobu department store in Ikebukuro. The tickets currently (Oct. 2025; subject to change) costs 1050 yen for adults and 540 yen for children.
Seibu Kawagoe Pass: The Seibu Railway company also offers a one-day pass (available for adults only: 700 yen) which covers the return trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo. A version including including use of the Koedo Loop Bus is also available for 1300 yen.
Kawagoe city FAQ
Where can I eat in Kawagoe?
Kawagoe has a wealth of restaurants, many of which are at home in beautifully preserved Edo-period buildings. They can get full, however, especially those in the centre of town. Venture into the side streets for more local flavour without the crowds. You may find yourself satisfied going from street food stall to street food stall, though: try Kawagoe's famous sweet potato snacks in various forms to keep you going while you explore.
Is a day trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo worth it?
We think Kawagoe is a great day trip from Tokyo for several reasons. In the first place, it's very easy to reach and you won't have to travel much more than an hour to get there. This also means that it makes for a very economical day trip and you won't have to spend much more than 1500 yen on transport from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Shibuya. Although the main drag can come off as being quite touristy, the architecture IS beautiful and seeing these Edo-era buildings not just existing but also being used and lived-in is an experience in itself. Since Tokyo was virtually obliterated in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Second World War, those wanting to get close to Japanese history will very much appreciate Kawagoe as a journey back in time.
When is the best time to go to Kawagoe?
Kawagoe has some very popular cherry-blossom spots so March is an especially beautiful time to visit – but of course a great number of other tourists (and Tokyoites) will have the same idea. Hikawa Shrine holds a pretty wind-chime festival in the summer and a day-trip to Kawagoe can be a good excuse to escape the sticky heat of the city. The Koedo Festival in October is a huge draw, too.
Should I stay overnight in Kawagoe?
Most visitors will probably be able to check everything off their must-see lists in one day but staying overnight in Kawagoe has its charms too. It would allow you to wander the historic streets in the quiet of the evening or early morning when the tourist crowds have gone and explore the lesser known corners and hidden shrines at your leisure.
Are planning a day trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo and need an itinerary? Go to our Resources page for a FREE Google My Map for Kawagoe!
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