Kawagoe Castle, Tokyo Travel Guide

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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."

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Kawagoe Castle

Kawagoe Castle's Honmaru Goten (main palace), dating back to 1848, is a rare surviving example of Edo-period castle architecture. Once a residence for the lord of Kawagoe, it offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of feudal lords and their retainers. Explore traditional tatami rooms, admire the intricate details, and wander through the serene Japanese garden.

A brief summary to Kawagoe Castle

Kuruwamachi, 2 Chome−１３−番地, Kawagoe, 2 Chome Kuruwamachi, Saitama, 350-0053, JP
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Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kawagoe Castle.

Combine your visit with a trip to the Kawagoe City Museum and Art Museum, located nearby, for a deeper understanding of the area's history and culture.
Allow at least one to two hours to fully explore the Honmaru Goten and its surroundings.
Pick up pamphlets in multiple languages, including English, to enhance your understanding of the site.

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Getting There

Walking

From Kawagoe Station (Tobu Tojo Line or JR Kawagoe Line) or Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), the Honmaru Goten is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head north, following signs for the Kawagoe City Museum. The Honmaru Goten is located adjacent to the museum. No costs are associated with this option.
Public Transport

From Kawagoe Station (West Exit), take the Koedo Loop Bus (C01 route) and get off at the Hakubutsukan/Bijutsukan-mae (Museum and Art Museum Front) bus stop. The Honmaru Goten is directly in front of the bus stop. The fare is ¥220 per ride, or ¥600 for a 1-day pass.
Public Transport

From Kawagoe Station (East Exit), take the Tobu Koedo Sightseeing Loop Bus from platform 3 (T1) and get off at the Hakubutsukan-mae (Museum Front) bus stop. The Honmaru Goten is located right in front of the Kawagoe City Museum and Art Museum, making it a very convenient drop-off point. The fare from Kawagoe Station to Hakubutsukan-mae is 210 yen. A 1-Day Pass costs 400 yen.

Discover more about Kawagoe Castle

Kawagoe Castle, originally constructed in 1457, held strategic importance as a defense against attacks from the north during the Edo period. The Honmaru Goten, rebuilt in 1848, is one of only two remaining main palace structures in Japan. It served as the residence and administrative center for the lord of Kawagoe.Visitors can explore the entrance hall and main hall, which have been reconstructed to reflect the chief retainer's residence during the Matsudaira Yamato-no-Kami family's rule. The spacious tatami rooms and meticulously designed architecture evoke the grandeur of the past. Marks on the ceiling of the Great Hall serve as a reminder that the building was repurposed as an indoor sports hall after the Meiji period.The site also features a traditional Japanese garden, offering a tranquil escape from the modern world. Although much of the original castle has been lost, the Honmaru Goten provides a tangible link to Kawagoe's rich history as a castle town.