Things To Do
in Kawagoe
Kawagoe, often called "Little Edo," is a well-preserved historic town in Saitama Prefecture known for its kurazukuri (warehouse-style) streets, the wooden Toki no Kane bell tower, and atmospheric canals. Its compact old town offers a snapshot of Edo-period architecture within easy reach of Tokyo, making it a popular day-trip destination. Kawagoe mixes traditional shops, temples like Kita-in, and lively festivals — notably the October Kawagoe Festival with ornate floats and parades.
The city also has a strong culinary identity centered on sweet-potato specialties and a friendly, walkable center lined with cafés and craft shops.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by strolling through the charming streets of Kawagoe's Historic Center, where traditional Edo-period buildings line the cobbled pathways. Stop by the iconic Toki no Kane (Bell Tower), which has been a symbol of Kawagoe since the 17th century, and listen to its rhythmic chimes. Savor a warm, freshly made sweet potato snack from a local vendor as you soak in the historical atmosphere.
Visit the Kawagoe Castle, where you can explore its beautiful gardens and learn about the city's feudal history. Afterward, head to the Kurazukuri Zone, famous for its well-preserved storehouses, and browse through shops selling local crafts and delicacies. Don't miss the chance to try the local specialty, sweet potato wine, at one of the quaint tasting rooms.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional izakaya, where you can sample a variety of Japanese dishes made with local ingredients. After your meal, take a quiet walk along the riverbank, where the reflections of the surrounding buildings create a serene atmosphere. End your evening by visiting a local onsen (hot spring) to unwind and relax.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you can learn about traditional crafts such as Edo-style woodblock printing or pottery. Guided by local artisans, you'll have the opportunity to create your own unique piece of art to take home as a souvenir. Enjoy a light breakfast of matcha and mochi at a nearby tea house before immersing yourself in the craft.
After your workshop, visit the Kawagoe City Museum to delve deeper into the region's rich cultural heritage through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, where you can savor seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Hikawa Shrine, known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
As night falls, join a guided night walking tour of Kawagoe, where you will discover the city’s hidden gems and lesser-known stories. Stop at a small local bar for a taste of regional sake while mingling with friendly locals. Cap off the evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, enhanced by the glow of paper lanterns.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8–12 |
| ☕️Coffee at café | $3–5 |
| 🚆Local train 1-way (short) | $1.50–3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $80–150 |
| 🍺Beer at izakaya | $4–7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-preserved historic district with strong Edo-era atmosphere
- Close and easy day-trip from Tokyo (short train ride)
- Excellent regional snacks and sweet-potato specialties
- Compact, highly walkable old town with many photo opportunities
- Can be very crowded on weekends and festival days
- Many shops and restaurants close earlier than in big cities
- Limited late-night entertainment compared to Tokyo
- Some smaller vendors may accept only cash
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Otearai wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語のメニューはありますか？ (Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?)" - Do you have an English menu?
- "お願いします (Onegaishimasu)" - Please (used when ordering or requesting)
Places to Visit in Kawagoe
Visit one of these nice places.
The signature photo location: rows of black plaster warehouses, wooden facades and vintage shop signs that evoke Edo-period Japan.
A classic Kawagoe landmark; capture it framed by narrow streets or during golden hour when warm light enhances the timber tones.
Colorful, nostalgic candy shops and narrow alleys are perfect for close-up shots and street photography with a retro vibe.
Shrine gates, wooden ema (votive plaques) and seasonal blossoms or foliage provide varied shots with cultural context.
Quiet canals and bridges near the old town offer reflective water shots, especially in the morning or at dusk.
Food in Kawagoe
Kawagoe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A range of sweet-potato treats — baked sweet potatoes, imo-yokan (sweet-potato jelly), sweet-potato ice cream and senbei — found throughout Candy Alley and specialty shops in the kurazukuri district.
Must-Try!
Traditional eel dishes served at local restaurants; popular as an indulgent lunch or dinner and often prepared kabayaki-style with a sweet soy glaze.
Skewered rice dumplings, manju and seasonal wagashi are commonly sold at stalls and tea houses near temples and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A narrow lane lined with traditional candy shops selling classic Japanese sweets, retro treats, and snack-sized sweet-potato goods — ideal for sampling street food and buying souvenirs.
Occasional local markets near Kita-in and Hikawa Shrine offer fresh produce, snacks and homemade goods; check event calendars for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep voices low in public, especially on trains. Avoid loud phone calls in transit and be mindful of personal space.
Remove shoes when entering traditional buildings, some shops, and private homes; follow signs pointing to where to leave footwear.
Form orderly lines for trains, buses and popular shops. Use polite phrases and bow slightly when appropriate.
If visiting public baths, wash thoroughly before entering communal baths, and note that tattoos may be restricted at some facilities.
Public trash bins are scarce; separate burnable and non-burnable waste where bins exist. Carry small trash with you until you find a proper bin.
Safety
Tipping in Kawagoe
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; instead, show appreciation verbally. Exceptional services are usually thanked rather than tipped.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used — many small shops and markets are cash-only. IC transport cards (Suica, PASMO) are convenient for trains, buses and some shops; credit cards are accepted at larger stores and many restaurants but always carry cash for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and mild temperatures make spring popular; expect crowds on weekend cherry-viewing spots and wear layers for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and typhoons; summer festivals and events are lively — bring sun protection, water and light, breathable clothing.
Crisp air and colorful foliage (late October–November) create beautiful photo opportunities and pleasant walking weather; Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Cool to cold with low humidity; rare light snow is possible. Many shops remain open and the city can be atmospheric with winter illuminations; dress warmly.
Kawagoe at Night
Hiking in Kawagoe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A series of gentle hills and wooded trails west of Kawagoe popular for short hikes, birdwatching and seasonal foliage; family-friendly paths and viewpoints.
Accessible within about 1–1.5 hours by train from central Tokyo (and an easy trip from Kawagoe with transfers); offers well-marked trails, cable car options, and panoramic views at the summit.
Around 1–2 hours away by train, Nagatoro offers riverside walks, rock formations (Iwadatami) and light hiking in Chichibu’s scenic landscapes — a good day-trip for outdoor enthusiasts.
A steeper hike in the Chichibu range known for quarry views and seasonal foliage; best for more experienced hikers and reachable by train plus bus.
Airports
How to reach Kawagoe by plane.
Closest major airport (about 40–60 minutes by train and transfer depending on connections); convenient for domestic and many international flights, easy access to Kawagoe via trains and the Yamanote/Keikyu lines + transfer.
Larger international hub (roughly 90–120 minutes by train); access Kawagoe via Narita Express or Skyliner to central Tokyo and transfer to local lines; plan for longer travel time and possible transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese families and older residents who maintain local traditions and run many family-owned shops and eateries.
Many residents commute to Tokyo for work, creating a daily flow of commuters through Kawagoe Station.
Weekends and festival periods attract domestic visitors from Tokyo and other regions, as well as international tourists seeking historic sites near Tokyo.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball remains Japan’s most popular spectator sport; local school and community games are common and fans follow professional teams passionately.
Soccer (J.League) enjoys strong support across the region; local youth and amateur clubs are active.
Recreational cycling along river paths and walking in the historic district are popular local activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kawagoe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in traditional eateries. Look for soba/udon shops, vegetable tempura, and temple cuisine (shojin ryori) where available; communicate dietary needs using simple phrases or translation apps.
Vegan choices are scarcer; some cafés offer vegetable-based dishes and seasonal sides. Be explicit about no dairy, eggs or fish-based dashi (broth).
Many Japanese dishes use soy sauce or wheat-based noodles. Seek rice-based dishes, grilled fish/meat, and ask about ingredients; dedicated gluten-free options are limited outside larger cities.
Carry an allergy card in Japanese and inform staff in restaurants. Avoid street food if ingredient lists aren’t clear.