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Kurazukuri no Machinami: Kawagoe's Warehouse District

Discover Kawagoe's Kurazukuri no Machinami: A nostalgic journey through well-preserved Edo-era warehouses and traditional merchant shops.

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Step back in time at Kurazukuri no Machinami, Kawagoe's well-preserved warehouse district showcasing Edo-era architecture. These unique clay-walled buildings, once owned by wealthy merchants, now house shops and restaurants, offering a glimpse into Japan's past.

A brief summary to Kurazukuri no Machinami / Warehouse District

  • Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saiwaicho, Saitama, 350-0063, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Sample local snacks like sweet potato chips and traditional Japanese sweets.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Check for local festivals or events, especially the Kawagoe Festival in October.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hon-Kawagoe Station, the Warehouse District is a 10-15 minute walk. Exit the station and walk along the main street towards the district. Look for the traditional buildings lining the street. From Kawagoe Station, it's about a 25-minute walk, or you can take a bus to the Ichibangai bus stop. From Kawagoe-shi Station, the district is about a 20-minute walk.

  • Public Transport

    From Kawagoe Station, take the Tobu Koedo Loop Bus or the Co-Edo Loop Bus to the Kurazukuri area. The Tobu Koedo Loop Bus has a one-day pass for ¥400. The Co-Edo Loop Bus costs ¥220 for a single trip or ¥600 for a day pass (¥400 on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month). Alternatively, take the CO-EDO LOOP BUS, which has two routes, C01 and C02, both departing from Bus Stop No. 2 at the west exit of Kawagoe Station. The fare is ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for children.

  • Driving

    From Route 254, follow the signs for Kawagoe and then navigate towards Saiwaicho. Look for signs directing you to Kurazukuri no Machinami. Parking is available nearby, but fees range from ¥200-¥600 per hour. Some parking lots offer maximum daily rates. Be aware that parking can be limited.

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Discover more about Kurazukuri no Machinami / Warehouse District

Kurazukuri no Machinami, also known as the Warehouse District in Kawagoe, offers a captivating journey back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). The word "kura" means warehouse in Japanese, and Kurazukuri refers to the clay-walled, warehouse-styled buildings constructed with Edo architectural flair. Kawagoe, nicknamed "Little Edo," thrived as a commercial hub supplying resources to Edo (present-day Tokyo), and its wealthy merchants built these fireproof and intruder-resistant structures to safeguard their goods. Today, Kurazukuri Street stretches for a few hundred meters, lined with these historic buildings, now mostly shops and restaurants. While regular car traffic can detract from the atmosphere, the area remains a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore traditional confectionery shops, souvenir stores, and museums housed within the kura. Key highlights include the iconic Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), which chimes four times daily. Rebuilt in 1894 after a fire, it remains a symbol of Kawagoe. While the Museum of Kurazukuri is currently closed for renovations, the Saitama Resona Bank building, with its Western-style architecture and copper dome, also contributes to the area's unique ambiance. A short walk away, Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho) offers a nostalgic experience with its traditional Japanese sweets. The annual Kawagoe Festival in October brings the district to life with parades and traditional music.

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