Kawagoe in a Day: Top 4 Attractions

Kawagoe City, nicknamed "Little Edo" as a tourist destination in Saitama Prefecture, is a charming place with a historical townscape that retains strong traces of the Edo Period.

It is easily accessible by train, about an hour from Tokyo, making it ideal for a day trip.In addition to historical buildings and elegant townscapes, there are many delicious gourmet restaurants, shrines, and temples, making it a favorite destination for tourists of all ages.

In this issue, we will introduce four carefully selected sightseeing spots in Kawagoe City that we highly recommend you visit.Please enjoy the history, culture, and beautiful scenery of Kawagoe and fully appreciate the charm of Kawagoe.

1. Streets of warehouses

The most iconic spot for sightseeing in Kawagoe is the "Kura-zukuri-machinami" (streets lined with warehouses).This area is an emotional street lined with Edo period merchant houses, where visitors can experience as if they have stepped back in time.Many of the buildings are characterized by black plaster walls and lattice doors, and just by walking around the area, visitors can feel the life of merchants in the Edo period.

Of particular note is the "Toki no Kane (Bell of Time).This 16-meter-high wooden bell tower has been a symbol of Kawagoe since the Edo period.The bell still rings four times a day at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., and its sound enhances the atmosphere of the city.

In the warehouse-zukuri rows, visitors can enjoy stores selling traditional handicrafts, as well as sweets and gourmet foods unique to Kawagoe.Sweets made from sweet potatoes are especially popular, and a stop in between strolls is recommended.This area, where history and modern culture intersect, is one of the highlights of Kawagoe sightseeing.

Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street: rows of old buildings

住所	Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
公式サイト	https://kawagoe-ichibangai.com/

2. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, famous as the god of marriage, is a popular spot for people wishing for romantic fulfillment and a good marriage.With a history of more than 1,500 years since its establishment, it is known as one of the oldest shrines in Kawagoe City.

The precincts of the temple are home to the "Fu-ring Kairo," a corridor of brightly colored wind chimes that attracts many visitors, especially in summer.The sound of the wind chimes swaying in the wind is pleasant, and the scenery is beautiful and in harmony with nature.

A popular amulet at the shrine is called a "marriage ball," which contains a small stone.Worshippers purify the stones in the river and put them in a bag to take home, which is believed to strongly connect people in love and relationships.Another highlight of the shrine grounds is the "husband and wife cedar trees," two cedar trees standing close together that are said to bring couples and married couples together for a lasting good marriage.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a power spot where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons and experience history and culture while healing your mind.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

住所	2-11-3 Miyashita-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
電話番号	049-224-0589
営業時間	9:00-18:00
営業日	no rest
公式サイト	https://www.kawagoehikawa.jp/

3. Candy Alley

Another famous place in Kawagoe, "Kashiya Yokocho" is a shopping street with a nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa period.This is lined with old-fashioned candy stores and is a popular place for both children and adults.Just looking at the colorful candy canes lined up in front of the rows of small stores will bring you back to your childhood.

Especially popular are the handmade candies, large rice crackers, and nostalgic ramune, which seem to take you back to the Showa period.Many of the products can be taken home as souvenirs, making this a perfect spot for tourists to stop by.Seasonal sweets are also available, so there is something new to discover each time you visit.

Another attraction of Kashiya Yokocho is its warm and humane atmosphere.Visitors can enjoy mingling with the locals and relaxing in the retro atmosphere.Whether you visit with family, friends, or as a couple, you are sure to create pleasant memories.

Candy Alley

住所	2-11-3 Motomachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
電話番号	049-222-5556
営業時間	9:00-17:00
営業日	no rest
公式サイト	https://koedo.or.jp/spot_003/

4. Kawagoe Festival Hall

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Kawagoe City, the Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan is the place for you.Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the Kawagoe Festival held every October.The Kawagoe Festival is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is a powerful event with gorgeous floats parading through the city.

Inside the museum, floats actually used in the festival are on display, and their detailed decoration and size are overwhelming.In addition, video footage and models of the festival are also on display, allowing visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of the festival.This is a must-see spot for everyone from children to adults, especially those interested in the Kawagoe Festival.

In addition, visitors can learn more about Kawagoe's history and culture at the hall, making it interesting for those interested in the origins and development of the city.The Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan, where you can feel the power and tradition of the festival up close, is the perfect place to end your visit to Kawagoe.

Kawagoe Festival Hall

住所	2-1-10 Motomachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
電話番号	049-225-2727
営業時間	April-September: 9:30-18:30 (last admission at 18:00),October-March: 9:30-17:30 (last admission at 17:00)
営業日
定休日	The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, Year-end and New Year holidays
公式サイト	http://kawagoematsuri.jp/matsurimuseum/index.html

summary

Kawagoe City is a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy history, culture, gourmet food, and beautiful cityscapes.Every spot is unique and appealing, including the warehouse-style townscape, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Kashiya Yokocho, and Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan.

Kawagoe is a town where the atmosphere of the Edo period and modern culture are in perfect harmony, and you will discover something new every time you visit.Please visit Kawagoe City on your next holiday and enjoy its charms to the fullest.