Kawagoe Day Trip Guide

Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo,” is a popular day-trip destination from Tokyo, offering traditional buildings and townscapes reminiscent of the Edo period.

Here’s a one-day itinerary to explore best spots, including Hikawa Shrine, the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), and Candy Alley.

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Here is briefly explanation why Kawagoe is the alternative option of Kyoto

Historic Streets: Kawagoe is known as “Little Edo” and retains the traditional streetscape from the Edo period. In particular, the area around the Time Bell Tower has a streetscape that resembles that of Kyoto.

Cultural Heritage: Kawagoe is home to many temples and cultural heritage sites. Notably, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and the Time Bell Tower are well-known tourist attractions. These places provide visitors with cultural experiences similar to those found in Kyoto’s shrines and temples.

Food Culture: Kawagoe is famous for its local cuisine that features sweet potatoes and traditional Japanese sweets. This gives it a culinary appeal that rivals that of Kyoto.

Diversity of Attractions: Kawagoe offers a variety of tourist spots, including not only historical areas but also art galleries, museums, and shopping locations. This allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of experiences.

9:30 AM – Arriving at Hon Kawagoe Station

Kawagoe has two main stations: Kawagoe Station (JR and Tobu Tojo Line) and Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line). Additionally, there is a direct express train from Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe, which is ideal for those who want a faster route to their destination.

For just 1,300 yen, there is a round-trip pass from Shinjuku to Hon-Kawagoe Station that also includes bus which is operated by Seibu. If you’d like to take advantage of this convenient pass, it’s recommended to use the Seibu Shinjuku Line.

10:00 AM Walk Around Ichiban Machi

Ichibangai Street (Warehouse District) is lined with traditional storehouses built after a major fire in 1893. Following the fire, many fire-resistant, clay-walled buildings were constructed, and this historic scenery remains today.

It’s a great area to walk around and experience the atmosphere of old Japan, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy traditional architecture and historic streets! Here is the official Site

10:30 AM Tokino Kane

Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) has been an iconic symbol of Kawagoe for about 400 years, rebuilt several times after fires. The bell rings four times a day: at 6 AM, noon, 3 PM, and 6 PM. If you’re there at noon, be sure to listen for it!

11:00 AM Starbucks Kawagoe Store

Here has a special Starbucks that fits well with its historic streets. Toki no Kane Store has a traditional Japanese design inspired by the old clay buildings in the area. It’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy a coffee while experiencing the blend of old and new during your visit.

12:00 PM Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is also famous for matchmaking, attracting many visitors seeking romantic connections. It is also a great place for couples or married couples to visit. In the summer, small parasols spread across the entire street, creating a visually soothing atmosphere. Be sure to visit this lovely spot! The shrine is known for its beautiful ema (wooden prayer plaques) and a large torii gate, which enhance its serene atmosphere.

1:00 PM Eating Lunch

Kawagoe offers a variety of delicious lunch options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to modern cafés. Here are some recommended places to enjoy a meal:

• Kawagoe Sushi: For sushi lovers, this local establishment serves fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices. Be sure to try their seasonal specials!
• Unagi (Grilled Eel) Restaurant: Experience the rich flavors of unagi served over rice, a must-try delicacy in this region.
• Kawagoe Soba: Enjoy handmade soba noodles served hot or cold. The traditional soba shops in the area offer a cozy atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
• Cafés: If you prefer a lighter meal, check out one of the many cafés. Many of them offer sweet treats, coffee, and light bites, perfect for a mid-afternoon break.

Here has many delicious lunch options. Feel free to choose what you’d like to eat that day! Here are some recommended websites for finding lunch spots: https://mag.c-kawagoe.com/archives/5983

3:00 PM Walking around Kashiya Yokocho

After lunch, take a stroll down Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho), famous for its colorful shops selling traditional Japanese sweets. The street is lined with shops offering a variety of treats, including wagashi (traditional sweets), senbei (rice crackers), and dango (rice dumplings). This is a great place to indulge your sweet tooth and pick up some souvenirs.

This area is famous for its nostalgic retro atmosphere and is bustling with people on weekends.

The street, which has been around since the early Showa period, features various traditional candy shops, creating a charming and familiar ambiance that evokes memories of the past.

4:00 PM Going to Hot Spring!!

And to end your trip, a visit to an onsen (hot spring) is a must. Soaking in an onsen can easily relieve the fatigue of the day and help you relax. There are several onsens in Kawagoe, but I would like to introduce this particular one. I visited this onsen once, and it was wonderful, so please make sure to check it out!

Return to Hon-Kawagoe Station and head to Koedo Onsen Kashiba! There is a free shuttle bus available for this, so be sure to take advantage of it! The bus stop is located right in front of Matsuya Hon-Kawagoe Store. You can search for “Matsuya Hon-Kawagoe Store” on Google Maps!

Note: People with tattoos are not allowed to use the baths, so please keep this in mind when planning your visit!