Things to do KAWAGOE / Day trip from Tokyo

Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture.

Kawagoe is the closest tourist destination to central Tokyo. It is visited by 6 million tourists a year. The town flourished as the castle town of Kawagoe Castle during the Edo period (1603-1868), and was called “Koedo,” meaning “Edo-like prosperous town. In Kawagoe, the first street of the town, with its rows of warehouse buildings, is known as “Kurazukuri Zone,” and retains the atmosphere of Edo, which is rarely seen in the real Edo Tokyo.

You can sightsee on foot in half a day to a full day.

Activities in Kawagoe

Kurazukuri Zone (Old storehouse zone)

Kawagoe Street, renowned for its abundance of warehouses, was reconstructed following the devastating fire of 1893, utilizing the same warehouse buildings that stand today. Influenced by the Edo period, these warehouses in Kawagoe are distinguished by their black plaster exteriors. Upheld by individuals dedicated to preserving and harmonizing with tradition, the street is now adorned with charming Japanese modern stores. Visitors have the opportunity to indulge in gourmet cuisine and browse for souvenirs. The streetscape, dominated by these grand warehouses, presents a truly spectacular sight.

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Toki no kane (Time Bell Tower)

This tower is the bell of time, the symbol of Kawagoe.

The Toki no Kane, or bell of time, is a rare building in Japan that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period, along with the warehouse-style streetscape.

The bell rings four times a day at 6:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00.

If you are in the area around the kura-zukuri machinami during these times, you will be able to hear the emotional sound of the bell.

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Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane)

This street is a narrow alley with a historical atmosphere, lined with numerous confectionery shops selling traditional Japanese sweets. There are approximately 30 old-fashioned candy shops, many of which are long-established stores offering handmade candies, perfect for souvenirs.

 Opening Hours : 9:00-17:00

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Eat Kawagoe’s Specialty

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

This shrine is renowned for its association with marriage, reportedly established around 1,500 years ago. It is believed to bestow blessings not only upon romantic relationships but also upon business endeavors and personal connections.

 Opening Hours : 9:00-17:00 or 18:00

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Kita-in Temple

Kita-in Temple in Kawagoe was built in the Edo period (1603-1868), and its most distinctive feature is its beautiful Japanese garden. This garden is arranged with seasonal plants, trees, ponds, and stone arrangements, offering healing and tranquility to visitors. The cherry blossoms are especially beautiful in the spring, and the autumn leaves are brilliantly colored in the fall. There is also a tea ceremony room and a stone garden in the garden, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese garden culture.

 Opening Hours : 9:00-16:30

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Crea Mall  (shopping street）

There is a 1 km-long shopping street near the famous “Kura-zukuri Streets”. Lined with stores boasting rich variations, visitors can immerse themselves in the lifestyles of the locals. From restaurants to household goods, supermarkets to clothing stores, everything is available along this bustling thoroughfare.

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Kumano Shrine

Kumano Shrine in Kawagoe was founded in 1590 and is well known to local people. Many worshippers visit the shrine for its blessings for traffic safety and to ward off bad luck. There is a path made of small stones called “Koma-sando” in the precincts of the shrine, and stepping on it is said to be effective in driving away bad luck. The shrine is conveniently located in the center of Kawagoe City.

 Opening Hours : 9:30-17:00

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