Kawagoe: Little Edo
Step back in time in Kawagoe, Saitama – explore Edo-era streets, historic temples, and traditional crafts in this charming 'Little Edo'.
Kawagoe, nicknamed "Little Edo," is a charming city in Saitama Prefecture, known for its well-preserved Edo-era (1603-1867) streets and traditional architecture. A popular day trip from Tokyo, it offers a glimpse into Japan's past with its kurazukuri warehouses, historic temples, and nostalgic atmosphere.
A brief summary to Kawagoe
- Kawagoe, Saitama, JP
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historic streets and attractions.
- Try the local sweet potato-based snacks and sweets, a Kawagoe specialty.
- Visit Kitain Temple to see the 538 stone statues of Buddha, each with a unique expression.
- Check the local event calendar for festivals and special events that may be taking place during your visit.
- Consider renting a kimono for a stroll through the town to enhance your experience of the traditional atmosphere.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Omiya Station (Saitama), take the JR Kawagoe Line directly to Kawagoe Station. The journey takes approximately 23 minutes and costs ¥320-¥450. From Kawagoe Station, the main sights are accessible by foot or via the Tobu Koedo Loop Bus. A one-day pass for the loop bus costs ¥400. Alternatively, the Co-Edo Loop Bus offers single trips for ¥220 or a day pass for ¥600 (¥400 on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month).
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Walking
From Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), the Warehouse District is a 10-15 minute walk. From there, Kitain Temple and Kawagoe Castle's Honmaru Goten are about a 10-minute walk from each other. Walking allows you to explore the charming streets and discover hidden gems along the way.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from both Kawagoe Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. A short taxi ride from either station to the Warehouse District or Kitain Temple will cost approximately ¥750 - ¥950. This is a convenient option for those with mobility issues or who prefer a quicker journey.
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Driving
If driving, search for parking lots around Kawagoe Station or in the city center. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around ¥200 per hour, with maximum daily rates ranging from ¥700 to ¥1400. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Discover more about Kawagoe
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Omiya Park
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Sayama Lake
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Jionji Temple
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Tanashi Tower
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Site of Aoyama Castle
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Kantoin
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Gundam Statue
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Hikawacho Hikawa Shrine
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Remains of Provincial Office of Musashi
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Kōenji Temple
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Tamon-in
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Hinode Sansō
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Former Ochi family residence
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SUNSHINE 60 OBSERVATORY TENBOU-PARK
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Kaichū Inari Shrine
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Unmissable attractions to see
Toki no Kane
0.3 km
Step back in time at Kawagoe's iconic Time Bell Tower, a symbol of the city's rich Edo-period heritage and a 'Soundscape of Japan'.
Kawagoe Kurazukuri Museum
0.3 km
Explore Kawagoe's well-preserved merchant history in a traditional fire-resistant warehouse, showcasing Edo-era architecture and commerce.
Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant history and traditions of the Kawagoe Festival year-round at this captivating cultural museum.
Kurazukuri no Machinami / Warehouse District
0.3 km
Experience the charm of Japan's Edo Period in Kawagoe's Kurazukuri no Machinami, a preserved warehouse district with traditional architecture.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
0.4 km
Discover a sanctuary of love and history at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a vibrant spiritual destination with ancient traditions and enchanting festivals.
Kashiya Yokocho
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting Kashiya Yokocho, Kawagoe's Candy Alley, where traditional Japanese sweets and historic charm await every visitor.
Kawagoe Castle Hommaru Palace
0.5 km
Explore the only remaining structure of Kawagoe Castle, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past and the lives of its lords.
Kawagoe City Museum
0.5 km
Discover Kawagoe's captivating history and culture at the Kawagoe City Museum, from ancient times to the modern era.
Kawagoe Castle
0.5 km
Step back in time at Kawagoe Castle's Honmaru Goten, a surviving Edo-era palace offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past in the heart of "Little Edo."
Taisho Roman Yume-dori
0.6 km
Experience the charm of Japan's Taisho era in Kawagoe's Taisho Roman Yume-dori, a nostalgic street with retro shops, restaurants, and historical architecture.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
0.7 km
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Renkeiji Temple
0.7 km
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Kawagoe Kita-in Temple
0.9 km
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Koedo Kurari
1.0 km
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Nakain
1.2 km
Discover Nakain Temple in Kawagoe: a historic Buddhist sanctuary famed for its spring blossoms and as the birthplace of Sayama Tea.
Essential places to dine
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Charcoal-grilled Chicken & Sake "Kami-fu-sen" Musashi-Urawa Station
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AKI FOODS Sri Lankan restaurant
18.0 km
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The Buffet New Market AEON Mall Musashi-Murayama
21.9 km
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SUGIDAMA Shakuji-park
22.9 km
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Miuratei
23.4 km
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Hamada
23.7 km
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Seikei University
24.8 km
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Mia Bocca Nonowa Musashi-Koganei
24.9 km
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Musashi No Mori Coffee Musashino Nishikubo Branch
25.0 km
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SUGIDAMA Musashi-sakai
25.2 km
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Ru Rogier Musashisakai Restaurant
25.4 km
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Khaomangai Bazaar Akari
25.7 km
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Cafe RIGOLETTO
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Akabane Reien
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SOGO Omiya Store
12.4 km
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Green Garden Musashi Fujisawa
13.3 km
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Beans Musashi-Urawa
17.0 km
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Mega Don Quijote
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Home Center Musashi Kuki Shobu
20.1 km
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株式会社星道・Seido Co., Ltd.
20.8 km
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Treasure Factory Musashi-Murayama
21.6 km
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Animate Aeon Mall Musashi-Murayama
21.8 km
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AEON MALL Musashi Murayama
21.9 km
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AEON STYLE Musashi-Murayama
22.0 km
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Dulton
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Jason Musashi-Murayama Shop
23.3 km
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Emio Musashi-Seki
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Ito Yokado Musashi Koganei
25.1 km
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MUJI Ito Yokado Musashi-Sakai Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shisha Cafe & Bar C.STAND Kawaguchi
25.1 km
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バー 穴熊
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Bar Woody
25.8 km
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Shooting Bar EA
26.1 km
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BAR JAP
26.3 km
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CRAFT COCKTAIL TOKYO
29.3 km
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secret bar
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Bonjour Tokyo Bar
31.5 km
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Bar Cocktailbook Shinjuku
31.8 km
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K-pop karaoke bar APINK(エイピンク)
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Bar壱岐
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EDY’S BAR
32.0 km
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Zoetrope
32.0 km
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Liquid Ruby
32.1 km
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Beer Pong Bar GROVE Shinjuku
32.2 km
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