Strategically located in the central of Japan, Kawagoe is a
trade city in the past. Well known for its Edo style
building, Kawagoe is also named as little Edo. Located 1-hour drive from
central Tokyo, Kawagoe is a popular day trip for many. For us, it
makes a great stop before continuing our trip to Karuizawa.
Do note that this is part 1 of our 7 Day 6 Night Central Japan
Self Drive Itinerary. Be sure to come back for more updates in the upcoming week!
Getting to Kawagoe from Tokyo By Train
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| Image Credit Tobu Train |
The cheapest way to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo is by Tobu
Train via Tobu Tojo Line. One way trip from Ikebukuro station is Kawagoe is 470
yen and tourist can purchase a round trip for 710 yen. More information on
A premium version for unlimited rides on a selected local bus
is available for 970 yen. If you are not fond of walking, I highly recommend you
to purchase the premium version as the attractions are not located near
Kawagoe station. Getting the premium card gives you access to Tobu Koedo loop
bus and all main attraction. More information on Kawagoe Discount Pass premium card here
Alternatively, one can travel from Shinjuku Station to Hon-
Kawagoe Station via Seibu train for 500 yen per way. Travelling via Seibu train
allows you to alight at Hon-Kawagoe Station which is nearer to the attractions and can be reach by foot. The express train is
available for 1000 yen per way.
If you are travelling with JR pass, you can take the train from
Shinjuku station. A single way would cost 760 yen per way via Omiya along the
JR Saikyo/Kawagoe Line. Unless you purchase JR pass, I would not recommend you
to take this route.
Kawagoe Ichinoya
Kick start the trip by visiting the oldest eel restaurant in
Kawagoe! The 7th generation of the family serves one of the best Unagi
in town. Grilled to perfection and top with a sauce that is not overly sweet,
the eel is definitely one of the best Unagi meal we had. The eel was fresh and juicy! It melts in the mouth
instantly! Definitely worth the calories even though it burnt a hole in the
pocket.
Address: : 1 Chome-18-10 Matsuecho, Kawagoe, Saitama
350-0056, Japan
Opening hour: 11am – 9pm, Daily
Kashiya Yokocho
Afterwards, take a walk along the street of Kashiya Yokocho
also known as Penny Candy Lane is a tourist street in Kawagoe. Expect to find many
souvenir and local snacks along the street! There are many retail shops and one of our favourites is Koedo Kurari for local snacks! The
yam pudding and mochi are good! Do visit the sake shop at the other wing of
Koedo Kurari! For 500 yen, one can taste 5 different kinds of sake from the
vending machine!
Other Things to do in Kawagoe
Other Things to do in Kawagoe
Kurazukuri no
Machinami
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| Image Credit: common wiki |
The Edo period warehouse was converted into restaurants and souvenirs shop. Taking a walk the old street definitely makes one feels like a travel back in time into ancient Edo. During the festive period, one can expect to see a large crowd and performance along the street! Spot the Belltower located near the main street. If you are lucky enough, the chimes four times a day - 6:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00.
Kita-in Temple
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| Image credit: Common Wiki |
Kita-in Temple in Kawagoe ’s oldest and most popular temple.
The temple is very popular among the locals, we even saw couples holding
their wedding ceremony when we drive by. Its main hall is also part of the Edo
Castle. In addition to the temple and shrine, there is a small museum in the temple
featuring the remains of Edo Castle for one to explore.
Entrance Fee: 400 Yen
Honmaru Goten
(Kawagoe Castle)
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| Image Credit: Kawagoe Tourism |
Visit Honmaru Goten, the remaining flat land castle that was built in 1457 during the Edo Period. Interestingly, all 21 lords reside in the
castle. Today, the remaining of the castle is open to the public and one can visit the
rooms and view how the lord used to live.
Entrance Fee: 100 Yen
Overall, Kawagoe is a nice little getaway from the city and a fun
stopover during our self-drive road trip. H love the Sake Vending machine! &
the yam snacks bought here were definitely one of my favourites! Sadly, it was
my first stop and I can’t bring more of it back!
Central Japan Self drive itinerary
Read Kurobe Itinerary - Kurobe Gorge Railway (part 4)
Read Takayama Itinerary & Things to do in Takayama here (Part5)
Read Takayama Itinerary & Things to do in Takayama here (Part5)
Other Japan Travel Itinerary
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