Kawagoe Review: Discovering Little Edo Near Tokyo

Kawagoe, or sometimes, you may hear it called “Little Edo,” it’s almost like taking a trip back in time without going too far from Tokyo. Situated just around 45 minutes by train from the energetic buzz of Japan’s capital, this place has done a great job of holding onto the historical vibes and aesthetic of the Edo period. If you’re very interested in exploring temples and traditional warehouses and trying all things sweet potato, then a day trip to Kawagoe is certainly something to consider. This review gives you some insights on things that will come in handy if you are very keen to see a calmer, much older face of Japan, all in a day.

Getting There: A Quick Escape from Tokyo

Getting to Kawagoe from Tokyo is pretty straightforward, very. The Tobu Tojo Line offers an express service from Ikebukuro Station, and it gets you there really quickly. So it is a roughly 30-minute ride if you grab the express. Seibu Shinjuku Line is also something to look into because it is another option from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, very. With trains running frequently, it makes Kawagoe very accessible for a spontaneous day out. If you are not ready to travel independently, anyway, many organized tours will do it for you too. Taking the train gives you a bit of independence. You move at your own pace.

Exploring Koedo: The Old Warehouse District

Once you’re in Kawagoe, you will find yourself spending time in the Koedo district. It’s where you can get an idea of what Edo period Japan was like with the traditional architecture on display. These old warehouse buildings, called kurazukuri, used to be fire-resistant storage for merchants way back. A number of these warehouses were changed into stores and cafes. In other words, they blend cultural heritage with local commerce.

Kurazukuri Street

Kurazukuri Street is probably the most iconic spot in Kawagoe. With its distinct clay-walled warehouses that are really eye-catching, that gives you a feeling like you’ve walked onto a movie set that takes place in old Japan. If you are in search of that unique souvenir, lots of the buildings are small shops where the local crafts and treats are in sale.

Candy Alley (Okashiya Yokocho)

Don’t you dare to miss Candy Alley, very! This old-fashioned lane is where, apparently, loads of little shops sell traditional Japanese sweets and snacks. Is that similar to a trip down memory lane for people who grew up with these treats and quite something else for tourists looking to experiment on new snacks.

Temples and Shrines: Spiritual Spots

Kawagoe is, yet, an interesting location for checking out Japanese religious spots, because they each deliver their special vibes and stories. The temples and shrines down here, add a little to the tranquil mood of the district. That is kind of taking you a million miles away from Tokyo’s hyper activity.

Kita-in Temple

Kita-in Temple is pretty renowned, I think, because it’s linked to the Edo period Tokugawa shogunate. It, arguably, possesses a collection of 500-odd stone statues of disciples of Buddha. They come with unique faces, which will possibly make for an eye-catching visit, is that so?

Hikawa Shrine

Are you on the lookout for a bit of luck in your relationship, you, very? Hikawa Shrine is quite popular among people who hope to find love or ensure their relationship has good luck. That place is renowned because of its beautiful wooden torii gate. Quite many people write their wishes on paper and tie them to the shrine in order for their prayers to come to fruition.

Sweet Potato Paradise: Kawagoe’s Local Specialty

If you enjoy culinary adventures, particularly if you enjoy something unique in Japanese cuisine, get very happy about sweet potatoes in Kawagoe. This town is kinda recognized for its sweet potatoes. In effect, you’re likely to find them everywhere, I believe. Here, you will find everything, starting from sweet potato ice cream up to sweet potato chips.

Must-Try Sweet Potato Treats

Sweet Potato Ice Cream: That will be the perfect icy, refreshing treat if you want to take on something interesting and very sweet.
Sweet Potato Chips: A crisp, munchy snack will serve its purpose when you keep wandering around.
Sweet Potato Cake: Would you like something very warm and homely, pretty much like your grandma’s baking, then, arguably, that could very well hit the spot.

Festivals and Events: Experiencing Local Culture

If you line things up in a certain way, you will find that Kawagoe hosts different festivals, giving an opportunity to engage in the local way of living. One amongst the most outstanding is, arguably, the Kawagoe Festival.

Kawagoe Festival

Taking place annually in October, Kawagoe Festival showcases ornately decorated floats which will be paraded through the town, as traditional music blasts and people get very vibrant in the Edo outfits. With this particular festival, you get the true feeling for Kawagoe’s background.

Tips for Your Day Trip

Best Time to Visit: Arguably, Spring and Autumn are the greatest times to pay a visit to Kawagoe, very, considering the weather. It is just right, arguably not extremely hot and also not too cold. That also gets better since these seasons bring even more colorful decorations to the landscape.
Getting Around: Kawagoe can very well be travelled on foot, but getting a local bus can be very helpful when you plan to check out even more destinations very quickly.
What to Bring: Are you taking a visit in summer, by any chance, bring a water bottle to keep you filled with water all the time. Having your camera can come in handy to snap all those lovely photo shoots and wear something comfy to move around.
Respect Local Customs: At shrines and temples, observe quietness and refrain from shooting pics if there are notices not enabling you to do that.

Spending a day out in Kawagoe is, that, basically an unforgettable escape out from the city landscape of Tokyo, which, you will see, merges past impressions alongside contemporary experiences. Does that suggest this location merits a spot in your sightseeing schedule? The beautiful setting, and that it offers cultural gems, alongside culinary things you will savor creates an awesome combo. If this rings a bell for you, don’t shy away to pack stuff, purchase train pass, and explore anything this captivating part of Japan may showcase!