Kawagoe (川越), located just 30 minutes north of central Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture, is often called Little Edo (小江戸 Koedo) because of its well-preserved streets that date back to the Edo period. For travelers who want a taste of traditional Japan without going far from Tokyo, Kawagoe is the perfect day trip.
The city combines history, culture, and food into a compact area that’s easy to explore on foot.
Kurazukuri Street (Warehouse District)
The highlight of Kawagoe is Kurazukuri Street, where rows of dark, clay-walled warehouses (kurazukuri) transport you back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These buildings once belonged to wealthy merchants and now house shops selling crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. Walking here feels like stepping into an old ukiyo-e print.
Toki no Kane – The Bell Tower
The Toki no Kane (時の鐘) bell tower has been the symbol of Kawagoe for over 350 years. Still in use today, the bell rings four times daily, marking the passage of time as it has since the Edo period. Visitors often stop here for photos and to hear its distinct sound.
Kashiya Yokocho – Candy Alley
No visit to Kawagoe is complete without a stroll down Kashiya Yokocho (菓子屋横丁), or “Candy Alley.” This narrow lane is lined with shops selling handmade Japanese sweets, from colorful candies to rice crackers and traditional cakes. The nostalgic atmosphere makes it popular with both children and adults.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
This Shinto shrine is known as a place for love and marriage. Visitors write wishes on small wooden plaques called ema, and the shrine is decorated with thousands of them. In summer, the shrine is famous for its wind chime festival, where hundreds of glass chimes create a magical sound.
Local Food to Try
Kawagoe is famous for sweet potatoes, a crop that has been cultivated here for centuries. Don’t miss:
- Sweet potato chips and ice cream
- Imo kintsuba (sweet potato sweets)
- Sweet potato soba noodles
Other must-tries include eel (unagi), a local specialty served in traditional restaurants, and freshly baked rice crackers from the shops in Kurazukuri Street.
Why Visit Kawagoe?
Kawagoe offers the chance to experience Japan’s Edo heritage without leaving the Tokyo area. Whether you’re drawn by the historic warehouses, the nostalgic candy shops, or the seasonal festivals, Kawagoe delivers a rich cultural experience in just a single day.
It’s an easy trip, but one that leaves lasting memories.
How to Get to Kawagoe
Kawagoe is easily accessible from Tokyo:
- From Ikebukuro Station: About 30 minutes by Tobu Tojo Line.
- From Shinjuku Station: 45 minutes on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.
- From Tokyo Station: Around 60 minutes via JR lines.
Because of its convenient location, Kawagoe is ideal for a day trip.
