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Kurazukuri no Machinami: Stepping Back into Edo-Era Japan

Experience the charm of Japan's Edo Period in Kawagoe's Kurazukuri no Machinami, a preserved warehouse district with traditional architecture.

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Kurazukuri no Machinami, Kawagoe's Warehouse District, is a preserved historical area showcasing traditional Edo-period architecture. These unique clay-walled warehouse-styled buildings, known as *kura*, evoke a nostalgic atmosphere of Japan's past.

A brief summary to Kurazukuri no Machinami / Warehouse District

  • Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saiwaicho, Saitama, 350-0063, JP
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and better appreciate the historic atmosphere.
  • Check the opening hours of shops and museums, as many open around 11 am.
  • Sample local specialties like sweet potato treats and traditional Japanese sweets.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hon-Kawagoe Station, the Kurazukuri no Machinami is a 10-15 minute walk. Exit the station and follow the main street towards the warehouse district. The Bell Tower (Toki no Kane) is a prominent landmark within the district.

  • Public Transport

    From Kawagoe Station, take the Co-Edo Loop Bus to the Kura no Machi bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 5 minutes. A single trip costs 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. A day pass is available for 600 yen (400 yen on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from both Kawagoe Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. A short taxi ride to the Kurazukuri no Machinami will cost approximately 700 JPY as a base fee, with additional charges depending on distance and time. A 5km ride in Kawagoe costs about 2700 JPY.

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Discover more about Kurazukuri no Machinami / Warehouse District

Kurazukuri no Machinami, or the Warehouse District, in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, offers a captivating glimpse into Japan's Edo Period (1603-1867). The word *kurazukuri* refers to the distinctive clay-walled, warehouse-styled buildings that line the streets, constructed with a traditional architectural flavor. Kawagoe, nicknamed 'Little Edo,' was an important commercial town supplying resources to Edo (present-day Tokyo). The thriving trade enabled merchants to build *kura* warehouses and shops, demonstrating their wealth and securing their goods against fires and intruders. Today, Kurazukuri no Machinami is a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and museums housed within these historic buildings. Visitors can explore the main street, Ichibangai, and surrounding streets to experience the atmosphere of old Japan. The district also features the iconic Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), which chimes four times daily. While heavy car traffic can detract from the historic ambiance, the area remains a significant cultural landmark. Visitors can also explore Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho), a lane filled with shops selling traditional Japanese sweets. The Museum of Kurazukuri, housed in a former tobacco wholesaler's shop, offers a closer look at the *kurazukuri* construction style (currently closed for renovations). The Saitama Resona Bank branch, located in a Western-style building, also complements the area's historic charm.

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