Kawagoe is a perfect day trip from Tokyo. Known as a Little Edo It’s really got a little of everything from interesting temples, great souvenir shopping and excellent foods! This is your complete guide to exploring Japan’s ‘Littel Edo’, Kawagoe.
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Is Kawagoe a good day trip from Tokyo?
You should plan to stay about 4-5 hours. There may not sound like a lot to do but we spent an easy 5 hours in Kawagoe wandering the streets and temples.
How to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
It’s really easy! We left at 7am to get the train from Bakuroyokoyana station (super close to where we were staying at APA Hotel Nihombashi Bakurocho Ekikita – it was excellent) to Ichigaya station Shinjuku line transfer to Yurakucho Line. Get off at kawagoe station. The line changes but remain onboard for 1 hour 19min, arriving at 9am which was perfect for opening hours.
Kawagoe discount passes
We later found out there were Tokyo to Kawagoe discount passes for tourists, I would definitely take these next time. The Seibu Kawagoe Rail Pass has an option for a few dollars more that gives you round trip on the train, bus and discounts in the town. This is the one we would have done.
Once you’ve arrived at the Kawagoe station of your choice, it’s very easy to get around on foot as the city is relatively flat. If you prefer, the bus is popular with locals as the furthest attraction is about 30mins walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Things to do in Kawagoe
These are our favourite things to do in Kawagoe. Honestly I could have stayed longer if we had more days in Japan! I can’t wait to go back already.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
We went straight to as it’s the further from the town than other attractions. It’s one of my favourite temples, here you’ll find a peaceful (we visited through the week and arrive out after opening hours) place.
Upon entry you will see the Hikaru Kawa River paper doll purification. There is a box with paper, you blow on it and fold into a man shape, there are directions. Go to the little stream and release it into the river which is meant to dissolve your sins. This little creek is one of the reasons why this location was selected for Hikawa Shrine over 1,500 years ago.
There’s lots to do, go fishing for luck and catch your fortune at the lucky tai. These lucky tai Omikuji are a fun kind of fortune telling, read your fortune on the pape folded inside. It costs JPY 300 into the coin box and use the little fishing rod to capture a tai from tons loaded in the basket.
These lucky fish are painted pink and red. The red are meant to have fortunes about wealth and the pink are full of love predictions. We caught a red one but it was not exactly as expected! The shrine is dedicated to prosperity and love, many couples visit here.
From here walk through the tunnel of love where you are surrounded by discarded fortunes (ema). The through a little path that leads to two large trees tied together by rope. The trees are very old and sacred. By walking around the trees you are meant to gain spiritual awareness.
Through a path from the trees you’ll see the Shingashi Riverbed cherry blossom stream. In spring this would be a beautiful spot to see them and I’m planning to come back then to see the cherry blossoms.
Penny Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho)
After leaving the shrine we wandered through the streets to Penny Candy Alley. This street is famous for selling lollies after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Prior to this they produced lollies for the local area and after the earthquake began supplying lollies to the whole of Japan.
We loved wandering the street getting swept up in the fun of groups of school children excitedly racing around to buy sweets. You’ll also find local treats such as sweet potato fries and crispy slices, a famous snack during autumn. There are brewery stores and souvenirs as well.
Kura no Machi (The Old Warehouse District)
Kwagoe is known for its well preserved old town. Kura no Machi is the best example of this. its streets are lined with wooden buildings and full of old-world charm. This area is often referred to as Little Edo.
During the Edo era it was a hub for trade. Look for the clay roof tiles, which showed signs of wealth used to protect the warehouses from fire. This must have worked because the buildings survived a huge fire in 1893.
Kurazukuri Street
Kurazukuri Street is the Kwagoe old street and it’s located within the warehouse district. It’s the most popular and where you’ll find the most tourists taking photos. You’ll find the bell tower here, listen for it to ring on the hour.
There’s loads of shops to browse and foods to try! I loved this cute ice cream and Mike tucked into some squid balls in a crispy rice wafer.
There are loads of cafes, restaurants, souvenir stores, a Miffy store with bakery and lots of beautiful views. Check out the Starbucks with gorgeous big glass windows overlooking a garden.
We also ate the best roasted sweet potato of our lives at Koedo Yakiimo Hachi. They’re roasted in large clay barrels for hours and were the softest and most perfectly sweet we’ve ever tasted. You can also get them with a custard brûlée topping which sounds pretty unique.
We walked over to Koedo Kurari the old sake brewery to check it out, operating for over 120 years and selling lots of sake and soy sauce!
Kumano Shrine
I loved this shrine, it was full of activities. There are large statues of Yatagarasu, which looks like a three legged crow. Yatagarasu is believed to help people achieve a goal. You can do lots of fortunes here but my favourite was the mystical Yatagarasu fortune telling crystal balls. Simply put your hands on the crystal ball to get your fortune…check out our Kawagoe day trip You tube vlog to see what we got!
Day trip to Kawagoe or Hakone?
TIP: If you’re trying to choose between Kawagoe vs Hakone, my detailed guide to a Hakone day trip will provide you with some insight into what to expect.
Kawagoe is one of my favourite day trips from Tokyo. You will easily fill up a day without noticing the time flying by. On our walk back to the train station was lovely, wandering along the streets and checking out the stores and daily life. I loved this noodle shop sign with moving noodles!
Check out our You Tube Travel Vlog on our trip to Kawagoe, by liking and subscribing to our channel you really help to support us to keep our blog and vlogs online!
Where Next?
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Things to do in Hakone Day Trip
