Koedo Kurari, Tokyo Travel Guide

Koedo Kurari is a unique destination that encapsulates the essence of Kawagoe, a city known as 'Little Edo' for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. This complex was created by repurposing the historic warehouses of the Kagamiyama Sake Brewery, which was founded in 1875. In 2010, the brewery's buildings were transformed into a tourist facility and community center. The three main warehouses, each built in a different era—Meiji, Taisho, and Showa—have been carefully renovated and designated as national Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.The Meiji warehouse serves as a souvenir shop, offering a wide array of Kawagoe's specialties, including sweets made with local sweet potatoes, traditional crafts, and sake from the Koedo Kagamiyama Brewery. You can also find Japanese sweets from Kuradukuri Honpo, a confectionery store founded in 1887. The Taisho warehouse functions as a restaurant where visitors can savor local cuisine made from regional produce, such as sweet potato dishes and Kawagoe Sangenton pork. The Showa warehouse is a sake tasting room, showcasing sake from breweries across Saitama Prefecture, which ranks among the top sake-producing regions in Japan. Here, you can sample various types of sake using vending machines, an experience unique to Japan.Koedo Kurari is more than just a shopping and dining destination; it's a place where visitors can interact with locals, revitalize the community, and enjoy the products of Kawagoe. The complex hosts various events on weekends, adding to its appeal as a community center. It's conveniently located a short walk from Honkawagoe Station, making it an ideal first or last stop when visiting Kawagoe.