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Kawagoe

Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan

Step Back in Time in Kawagoe: The Little Edo of Saitama Escape the bustle of Tokyo and journey back to the Edo period in charming Kawagoe, Saitama. Just a quick train ride from the city, this captivating town, often nic…

#historical town#traditional architecture#shopping district#cultural heritage#tourist destination

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kawagoe.

Top Hotels in Kawagoe

Top Flights to Kawagoe

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kawagoe.

Tours

Kawagoe Historic Walk

Explore the historic streets of Kawagoe, also known as Little Edo, where the charm of the Edo period is still alive.

Kawagoe Festival

Experience one of Japan's top three float festivals with spectacular parade floats and traditional music.

Shopping

Kurazukuri Street Shopping

Stroll through this iconic street lined with clay-walled warehouse-style buildings that now house charming shops and cafes.

Kashiya Yokocho Candy Alley

Discover a street filled with traditional Japanese confectionery stores, offering a sweet taste of nostalgia.

Outdoor

Cycle Tour Around Kawagoe

Enjoy a guided bike tour around Kawagoe, visiting key historic sites while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kawagoe.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

350,000

Languages

Japanese, Japanese

Average weather

Kawagoe

Jan

9°0°

Feb

10°1°

Mar

13°4°

Apr

18°9°

May

23°14°

Jun

26°19°

Jul

30°23°

Aug

32°24°

Sep

28°21°

Oct

22°14°

Nov

17°8°

Dec

12°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kawagoe.

What people love

Kawagoe, located in Saitama, Japan, is a charming city with a rich history and a well-preserved Edo-period townscape. Here are some pros of traveling to Kawagoe:

Historical Architecture: Kawagoe is known as "Little Edo" for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings and streets. Visitors can stroll through the Kurazukuri Street, lined with traditional warehouses and merchant houses, giving a glimpse into Japan's past.
Kawagoe Bell Tower: The iconic symbol of Kawagoe, the Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can also enjoy the chimes of the bell which ring four times a day.
Cultural Experience: Kawagoe offers various cultural experiences such as trying on a kimono, participating in traditional crafts, and indulging in local delicacies like sweet potato snacks and traditional sweets.
Kashiya Yokocho: This nostalgic alley lined with old-fashioned candy stores and snack shops is a must-visit for those looking to sample traditional Japanese sweets and treats.
Convenient Access: Kawagoe is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a perfect day trip destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Overall, traveling to Kawagoe offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's history, culture, and architecture in a picturesque setting.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan, could include:

Limited English proficiency: While tourism is growing in Japan, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, English proficiency may still be limited in smaller cities like Kawagoe. This could make communication and navigating the area more challenging for English-speaking travelers.
Limited accommodation options: Kawagoe is a smaller city compared to major tourist destinations in Japan, so there may be fewer accommodation options available. This could potentially lead to higher prices or limited availability during peak travel seasons.
Limited tourist attractions: While Kawagoe is known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and historic sites, some travelers may find that there are fewer tourist attractions compared to larger cities. This could impact the overall experience for travelers looking for a wide variety of activities and sights to see.
Distance from major transportation hubs: Kawagoe is located in Saitama Prefecture, which is a bit further away from major transportation hubs like Tokyo. Travelers may need to allocate extra time and effort to reach Kawagoe from major airports or train stations, which could be inconvenient for those with limited time to spare.

Overall, while Kawagoe offers a unique glimpse into Japan's history and culture, travelers should consider these potential cons when planning a trip to the area.

Kawagoe, located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is a city rich in history and culture, often referred to as "Little Edo" due to its well-preserved historical architecture reminiscent of the Edo period. Here is a detailed history of Kawagoe, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Historical Overview

Heian Period (794-1185): Kawagoe's history dates back to the Heian period, when it was a strategic location due to its proximity to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). It served as a vital point for river transport.
Kamakura Period (1185-1333): During this era, Kawagoe developed as a castle town. The area was under the influence of the Kamakura shogunate.
Muromachi Period (1336-1573): The influential Ota clan ruled Kawagoe and the surrounding region during part of this period.
Sengoku Period (1467-1615): Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457 by Ota Doshin and his son Ota Dokan, who also constructed Edo Castle. The castle played a significant role during the Sengoku period, a time of social upheaval, military conflict, and political intrigue.
Edo Period (1603-1868): Under Tokugawa shogunate rule, Kawagoe prospered as a commercial hub. The Kawagoe Domain was established, and the Matsudaira clan became the ruling family. The city's strategic location made it an important center for the transport of goods to Edo.

Significant Events

Battle of Kawagoe (1545-1546): This battle was a significant conflict during the Sengoku period. The Hojo clan successfully defended Kawagoe Castle against the combined forces of the Uesugi and Ota clans, solidifying their power in the Kanto region.
Great Fire of 1893: A devastating fire destroyed much of the city. The rebuilding efforts led to the construction of many kurazukuri (warehouse-style) buildings that are now iconic to Kawagoe.

Historical Figures

Ota Dokan (1432-1486): A warrior and poet, he was instrumental in the construction of both Edo Castle and Kawagoe Castle.
Matsudaira Nobutsuna (1596-1662): A prominent daimyo of the Edo period, he was a senior councilor to the Tokugawa shogunate and had significant influence in Kawagoe.

Important Landmarks

Kawagoe Castle: Though much of the original castle doesn't survive, the Honmaru Goten (the main residence) remains and is open to the public.
Kurazukuri Street: This street is famous for its well-preserved traditional warehouses, showcasing the architecture from the Edo period.
Toki no Kane (Bell of Time): A historic clock tower that has been a symbol of Kawagoe for over 400 years. It continues to chime four times a day.
Kitain Temple: Founded in 830, Kitain is the head temple of the Tendai sect in the Kanto region. It is renowned for its connection to the first Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and contains the only remaining structures of the original Edo Castle.
Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley): A popular tourist destination, this area is known for its traditional sweets and snacks, providing a taste of the past.

Kawagoe's blend of history, culture, and architecture makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Japan's Edo period and historical development.