Planning information updated September 2026
Kawagoe is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo and one of our favourite places to experience old Japan without travelling far from the city. Known as “Little Edo” (Koedo), Kawagoe is famous for its traditional warehouse buildings, historic shrines, the Toki no Kane bell tower, colourful food streets and sweet-potato treats.
We spent around 5 hours exploring Kawagoe, and that gave us plenty of time to visit the major sights, wander the old streets, try local food and explore the temples and shrines.
In this Kawagoe day trip guide, we’ll show you how to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo, which train and discount passes are worth considering, the best things to do, how long you need, what we ate and the route we’d recommend for a first visit.
Planning a Kawagoe day trip? The easiest option is to arrive early, explore the historic district on foot and use a local bus if you want to save walking time between the more distant sights.
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Table of Contents
Kawagoe Day Trip at a Glance
| From Tokyo | About 30–60 minutes depending on departure station and train |
| Time needed | 4–6 hours for the highlights; full day if taking it slowly |
| Best for | Historic streets, temples, shrines, food and Japanese culture |
| Best time | Weekday morning for fewer crowds |
| Getting around | Mostly walkable, with buses useful for the farther sights |
| Main area | Kurazukuri Warehouse District |
| Worth visiting? | Yes – especially if you want a less conventional Tokyo day trip |
| Our visit | Around 5 hours |
Is Kawagoe Worth Visiting as a Day Trip from Tokyo?
Kawagoe is absolutely worth visiting as a day trip from Tokyo. This is one of the cutest little towns we visited and feels like you have stepped back in time. Plan to spend about 5 hours here exploring the temples, wandering the old streets and eating all the delicious food. If you prefer modern big cities then this might not be the day trip for you but if you love discovering old streets, interesting temples and a slower pace of travel then you will love this little town.
Kawagoe is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, however while places like Hakone have big cable cars and lakes as attractions Kawagoe quietly steals your heart with its sweetness.
If you’re planning your first visit to Japan’s capital, our 5-day Tokyo itinerary includes Kawagoe as one of the day-trip options to consider.
How to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
From Ikebukuro to Kawagoe
To get from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe you need to get to Ikebukuro Station and take the Tobu Tojo Line to the Kawagoe Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes by the express train and costs ~¥490. This is one of the fastest and easiest options due to the quick connection.
From Shinjuku to Kawagoe
From Shinjuku Station you can take the JR Saikyo/Kawagoe Line which takes about 55 minutes and costs ¥810, it arrives at the JR Kawagoe Station.
Or the Seibu-Shinjuku Station (short walk north of JR Shinjuku) to the Hon-Kawagoe Station which takes about 45 minutes and costs ¥1,013 for the express.
From Tokyo Station to Kawagoe
From Tokyo Station, you can take a JR train to Omiya Station, and connect to the JR Kawagoe Line to Kawagoe Station. Journey times vary depending on the connection, so check the current timetable before travelling.
Which Kawagoe Station Should You Use?
There are three stations in Kawagoe. They are Kawagoe Station, Kawagoeshi Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. We would recommend using Hon-Kawagoe Station if you want the shortest walk to the historic old town and be closest to the sights. It is best for Seibu/Shinjuku visitors and the historic district.
Kawagoe Station is the best for Tobu/JR connections and visitors coming from Ikebukuro and Kawagoeshi Station is best for Tobu users who don’t mind walking and connecting.
Kawagoe Discount Passes: Are They Worth It?
We later found out there were Tokyo to Kawagoe discount passes for tourists, I would definitely take these next time. They combine the train and bus transport with discounts in town.
Seibu Kawagoe Pass
The Seibu Kawagoe Rail Pass gives you a discounted price, round trip on the train with no fuss. It costs ¥1,000/USD$7 and is only available to foreign passport holders and includes one round trip on Seibu Line between Seibu-Shinjuku Station/Takadanobaba Station/Ikebukuro Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Once you’ve arrived at Kawagoe, 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.
If you want the train and bus combination then the Seibu Kawagoe Pass + CO-EDO Loop Bus is ¥1,500 /USD$10.
Planning to visit Kawagoe from Tokyo? Check the current price and availability of the Seibu Kawagoe Pass before you travel.
Tobu Kawagoe Pass
Tobu Premium Discount Pass is another option, it costs ¥1,200/USD$8 and includes:
- Roundtrip transfer on Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station or Kawagoeshi Station (No stopovers allowed. Tokyo Metro and Seibu Lines are not available. Please use the train bound for Ikebukuro when going from Kawagoe station to Ikebukuro station.
- Unlimited rides of Tobu bus services all day in including the Tobu Koedo Loop Bus
- Special Tickets at shops in Kawagoe
- 7% OFF coupon gift to use at Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro
Seibu vs Tobu: Which Kawagoe Pass Is Better?
| Features | Seibu | Tobu |
|---|---|---|
| Best departure | Seibu-Shinjuku, Takadanobaba or Ikebukuro | Ikebukuro |
| Arrives at | Hon-Kawagoe | Kawagoe/Kawagoeshi |
| Current Price | ¥1,000 | ¥1,200 |
| Bus Included | Optional ¥1,500 version | Yes |
| Best for | Seibu route users | Ikebukuro/Tobu users |
| Foreign visitor restriction | Yes | Check current conditions |
| Discounts for stores included | No | Yes |
| Best for | Seibu route users | Ikebukuro/Tobu users |
Our 5-Hour Kawagoe Day Trip Itinerary
We spent 5 hours exploring this little town and loved every minute of it, this is the itinerary we wished we had!
9:00 – Arrive in Kawagoe
9:15 – Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine: We started at Hikawa Shrine because it is farther from the main historic district, then worked our way back toward the station.
10:15 – Kashiya Yokocho
10:45 – Kurazukuri Warehouse District
11:15 – Toki no Kane
11:45 – Explore the shops and cafés
12:30 – Lunch / local snacks
13:30 – Kumano Shrine
14:00 – Koedo Kurari
14:30 – Return toward the station
15:00 – Depart Kawagoe
Want to make this a full-day visit? Add Kitain Temple, kimono rental or join a guided walking tour.
Planning your Kawagoe day trip?
🚆 Transport: Check current Kawagoe passes
🎎 Tours: Compare guided experiences
👘 Kimono: Check availability
🏨 Hotels: Compare Kawagoe accommodation
Watch Our Kawagoe Day Trip
Want to see what Kawagoe is actually like? We filmed our day trip so you can see the streets, shrines, food and attractions before you go.
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 Hikawa Shrine because it was one of the attractions furthest from the main old-town area. It’s one of my favourite temples, here you’ll find a peaceful place, we visited during the week and arrived right after opening.
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.
Fishing For Luck At Hikawa Shrine
There’s lots to do here, 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 paper 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, I think the fortune we caught may have been mixed up with a pink one! 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). Then follow 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.
When to See the Hikawa Shrine Wind Chimes
During the annual Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival hundreds of colourful wind chimes are hung in four different areas at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The festival sound magical, I can only imagine how good it would sound! It runs from 9am-8pm, late June to early September. The illuminated sections light up after dark, starting around 6:30pm until 8pm and entry is free.
Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Alley)
After leaving the shrine we wandered through the streets to Penny Candy Alley.
This street gained fame for selling lollies after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Before the earthquake they made lollies for the local area but after it they started supplying them nationwide.
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
Kawagoe 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 Kawagoe 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 can also rent kimonos to wear while visiting the town, you can book a kimono here. The buildings are the main event here, black-plastered, tiled-roof merchant buildings, the oldest was built in 1792. The architecture is really traditionally beautiful and is such a contrast to the fun stores and cafes.
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.
Toki no Kane: Kawagoe’s Famous Bell Tower
The Toki no Kane Bell Tower is located right in the heart of Kurazukuri Street, it is one of the iconic sights in Kawagoe, listen for it to ring 4 times a day at 6am, 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm. It stands 16m tall and has become a symbol of the city and its resilience, having been rebuilt after fires destroyed it.
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 try several different fortune-telling activities 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!
Kitain Temple
We didn’t make it to Kitain Temple during our visit, but it is one of Kawagoe’s major attractions and is worth adding if you have more time. We will definitely be coming here on our next visit to Kawagoe.
Kitain Temple is one of Kawagoe’s most important historic temples and is particularly notable for structures associated with Edo Castle. If you have 6–8 hours in Kawagoe, it’s one of the first additions we’d make to this itinerary.
Taisho-Roman Street
This street is filled with nostalgia, unique stores, eel restaurants next to cafes and historically important buildings. We walked down it toward the station and loved the retro buildings.
Kawagoe Festival
The Kawagoe Festival is in October and consists of elaborate, 2 story floats called Dashi floats. They are decorated with dolls and pulled through the streets by a team of people. There is traditional Ohayashi music consisting of flutes, drums and bells played from the floats accompained by masked dancers. When the floats meet after dark there is what is described as an ‘energetic musical showdown’ called a Hikkawase face off. The competition occurs at intersections with cheering crowds. It sounds like a really fun festival, we would love to experience this. I would advise to book accommodation very early and to expect crowds during this time.
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What to Eat in Kawagoe
Sweet Potatoes
We 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.
Penny Candy Alley Snacks
Penny Candy Alley is full of snacks! There is dried sweet potato, a lot of mochi and of course candy stores galore! Munch your way through this street and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Local Cafés and Sweets
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 coffee shops, bakeries and snack stalls everywhere.
Sake and Local Specialties
We walked over to Koedo Kurari the old sake brewery to check it out. The brewery has been operating for over 120 years and selling lots of sake and soy sauce!
Best Kawagoe Tours and Experiences
Guided Walking Tours
Taking a guided walking tour through Kawagoe is one of the best ways to see everything and learn from a local. I would absolutely recommend this as there was so much more to do here than we first expected, having someone who knows the best routes and things to focus on would help make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Kimono Rental
Rent a kimono and discover Kawagoe in traditional style, you will take gorgeous photos with the historic city as your backdrop. I saw so many girls dressed up walking around I started to get FOMO. I would do this if I went back.
Kawagoe Food Tour
Join a Kawagoe food tour and find all the best things to taste. There is a lot of food on offer here and it can be confusing trying to find the best, this takes all the guessing out of it.
Sushi Making workshop in Kawagoe – learn the art of traditional sushi making in a 140-year-old historic building, you’ll create your sushi under the guidance of our expert sushi chef.
Cultural Experiences
There are so many cool cultural experiences that you can do while in Kawagoe, the best are:
Stone-Milled Matcha Experience in Kawagoe – for matcha lovers, grind rare tea leaves from a local Kawagoe tea farm using a traditional stone mill. Then whisk and enjoy your own bowl of premium ceremonial-grade matcha.
Classic Sake Tasting Experience in Kawagoe – a sake tasting featuring five carefully selected premium sake varieties, of chilled and traditional warm sake. Then enjoy unlimited refills of your favourite throughout your 60-minute experience.
I would love to do this Make traditional kimono into easy to wear – remake by yourself traditional kimono into a two-piece kimono (easy-to-wear) to fit your size. The kimono is a special souvenir for you.
Kawagoe Tour from Tokyo
These tours begin in Tokyo, your guide will escort you to Kawagoe and back which makes the whole day very easy!
Kawagoe Old Town Walking Tour from Tokyo, From Tokyo: Kawagoe “Little Edo” Heritage Walking Tour, or Kawagoe Little Edo Customized Private Day Tour | Departing from Tokyo
Where to Stay in Kawagoe
Most Tokyo visitors don’t need to stay overnight because Kawagoe is an easy day trip. But staying overnight can make sense if you want a slower visit. The best places to stay in Kawagoe are:
Best for transport: Near Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe Tobu Hotel – conveniently located near Kawagoe Station, making it a practical choice if you are staying overnight. It has comfortable rooms and breakfast included.
Best area: Near Hon-Kawagoe Station
Super Hotel Saitama Kawagoe – clean and comfortable, with friendly staff, the breakfast included is also good.
ちゃぶだい Guesthouse,Cafe&Bar – beautiful stay in an old Japanese building.
Where We Stayed in Tokyo for Our Kawagoe Day Trip
If you are planning to visit as a day trip from Tokyo we stayed at the APA Hotel Nihombashi Bakurocho Ekikita in Tokyo, it was very comfortable and in a really convenient location. It was easy to connect through to public transport and there were supermarkets and convenience stores close by.
Best Time to Visit Kawagoe
The best time to visit Kawagoe is during Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November) these are the times when the weather is mild and most comfortable. Visiting in Spring would be incredible as there are some great cherry blossom spots in Kawagoe along the Shingashi River and at local parks. We visited in Autumn and loved the changing autumnal colours and fresh, crisp air. In mid-October there is a Kawagoe Festival with huge wooden floats and traditional music.
If possible visit on a week day as weekends can become more busy, mornings are generally quieter and of course festivals and events will draw more visitors making the town more full.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, portable charger, water bottle, small cash/card wallet.
Is Kawagoe Walkable?
Yes, we found Kawagoe to be very walkable. It’s very easy to get around on foot as the city is relatively flat and historic sites are quite close to each other. If you prefer, the bus is popular with locals as the furthest attraction is about 30mins walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to get around.
How Long Do You Need in Kawagoe?
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, exploring the temples and shrines and tasting delicious food. In 4-6 hours you can see the highlights, in 6-8 hours you get a relaxed full day exploring or maybe a tour and activity. By spending 1 or 2 nights you can experience Kawagoe without rushing.
Kawagoe vs Hakone: Which Day Trip Is Better?
We did both a Kawagoe and Hakone day trip from Tokyo and loved both experiences for different reasons. Hakone is visually spectacular with cable car rides and lakes. Kawagoe is culturally interesting and incredibly charming. To help decide between Kawagoe vs Hakone, my detailed guide to a Hakone day trip will provide you with some insight into what to expect.
| Features | Kawagoe | Hakone |
|---|---|---|
| From Tokyo | Easier | Longer |
| Main appeal | Historic town | Mt Fuji, onsen, scenery |
| Walking | Easy | More transport |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time | Half/full day | Full day |
| Best for | Japanese culture & food | Nature & Mt Fuji |
If you want historic streets, shrines and local food, we’d choose Kawagoe. If Mt Fuji, hot springs and scenery are your priority, choose Hakone.
Kawagoe Day Trip FAQs
Is Kawagoe worth visiting from Tokyo?
Absolutely. This was one of our favourite day trips from Tokyo, I would love to come back and visit again, fitting in some fun activities.
How long do you need in Kawagoe?
We spent 5 hours easily walking the city, I could easily have stayed longer though. In 4-5 hours you can see the highlights, you would need longer to get a more relaxed experience.
Is Kawagoe walkable?
Yes! Kawagoe is relatively flat and easy to walk around. The historic centre is quite close together also making seeing multiple attractions simple.
What is Kawagoe famous for?
Kawagoe is famous for its historic centre, bell tower and charming architecture as well as the unique temples and shrines.
What does Little Edo mean?
Little Edo is a nickname given to Japanese towns that preserve the traditional streetscapes, culture, and architecture of the Edo period between 1603-1867.
How do you get from Tokyo to Kawagoe?
There are several ways to travel from Tokyo to Kawagoe. The easiest option depends on where you’re staying, with Tobu from Ikebukuro and Seibu from Shinjuku/Takadanobaba being popular choices. See our transport options above.
Which Kawagoe station is best?
Hon-Kawagoe Station if you want the shortest walk to the historic old town and be closest to the sights. Kawagoe Station to be closer to the transport hub.
Is the Kawagoe Pass worth it?
It can be. The best pass depends on where you’re travelling from. The Seibu pass is particularly useful if you’re travelling via Seibu-Shinjuku, Takadanobaba or Ikebukuro to Hon-Kawagoe, while the Tobu Premium Pass is designed around the Ikebukuro–Kawagoe route and includes designated bus travel.
Can you visit Kawagoe in half a day?
Yes, there are a lot of half day tour options and I think this would give you the best use of time to fit the most in.
Is Kawagoe better than Hakone for a day trip?
It will really depend on your travel style and preferences, if you are looking for culture and tradition then come to Kawagoe, if you want stunning landscapes go to Hakone.
What should you eat in Kawagoe?
Everything! The food is great here and there a lot of stalls, restaurants and cafes to try. Kawagoe is particularly famous for sweet potatoes, traditional sweets, snacks from Kashiya Yokocho and local sake. We especially loved the roasted sweet potato at Koedo Yakiimo Hachi.
Is Kawagoe crowded?
Kawagoe can be busy during holidays, festivals and Spring as it is cherry season. We visited in Autumn and it was quite lovely, we went on a weekday and I think this helped.
Planning Your Kawagoe Trip?
🚆 Transport & passes
Check current Kawagoe rail passes and transport options.
🎎 Things to do
Compare Kawagoe tours and experiences.
👘 Kimono experience
Check current availability and prices.
🏨 Staying overnight?
Compare Kawagoe hotels.
Final Thoughts: Is Kawagoe Worth Visiting?
Kawagoe is one of my favourite day trips from Tokyo. There is so much more to see here than we first expected so I definitely want to come back. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves architecture, is a foodie, loves culture and tradition and exploring quaint towns. If you are looking for an ultra modern city then you may not appreciate Kawagoe, but if you love history then this is perfect for you!
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