Kawagoe City
Index
Highlights of Kawagoe City
Kawagoe City is a charming city 30 minutes north of Tokyo. Known as “Little Edo,” it offers a blend of traditional and rich historical heritage from the Edo era (1603-1868 AD), making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience in Japan.
The city’s beautifully preserved old town showcases the architectural splendor where the spirit of feudal Japan lingers around every corner.
In the summer, the Kawagoe Matsuri /Kawagoe Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, attracts visitors from around Japan and abroad.
The easiest way to visit Kawagoe City from Tokyo is by train. There are many ways, but these are the two most common. From Ikebukuro Station, take the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe-shi Station (30 min), or from Seibu Shinjuku Station, take the Red-Arrow-Koedo Express on the Seibu Shinjuku line to Hon-Kawagoe Station (45 min).
Hon-Kawagoe Station is closest to the historic area. However, Kawagoe-shi Station and Kawagoe Station are also very convenient and only a short walk away.
Access
From Tokyo
From Airports
Haneda Intl. Airport
Narita Intl. Airport
Ibaraki Airport
Main Stations
Videos of Kawagoe City
Day trip to Kawagoe
Day trip to Kawagoe
15 places to eat in Kawagoe
Kitin Temple
Kawagoe Festival at night
Exploring Kawagoe Festival
Things to DO in Kawagoe City
Old Town - Little Edo
The old town - Little Edo (小江戸) is a historical district also known as the 'Warehouse District', lined with traditional storehouses from the Edo period. The iconic wood and clay structures symbolize the city's commercial legacy, now housing shops and restaurants. The Kurazukuri Museum exhibits local tradesmen's tools and machines captivating glimpse into Kawagoe's history and the ingenuity of its artisans.
Tokinokane Tower
Tokinokane Tower (時の鐘) is a bell tower in the center o the Old Town (Littke Edo /小江戸) originally built 400 years ago to serve as a clock to announce time to the people living in the town.
The current building was built in 1893 after being burnt down 3 times by fires.
You can hear the bell ring at 6am, noon, 3pm, and 6pm.
You can hear the bell ring at 6am, noon, 3pm, and 6pm.
Koedo Kurari
Koedo Kurari (小江戸蔵里) is a sake shop with sake from 35 local breweries. You can choose to taste from more than 40 different types including seasonally limited sake and special edition sake.
Candy Alley
Candy Alley (菓子屋横丁, Kashiya Yokochō) is a charming shopping street next to the Warehouse District, renowned for its assortment of traditional Japanese sweets, cakes, and small toys perfect as souvenirs to bring back home.
Kitain Temple
Kitain Temple (喜多院) has a history of 1,200 years, playing a significant role during the Tokugawa shogunate. One of its prominent features is the collection of 528 Rankan statues from the Edo period, each crafted with distinct expressions. The temple grounds and pagoda are also stunning during the cherry blossom seasons.
Honmaru Goten
Honmaru-Goten (本丸御殿) is the “Inner Circle Palace” and the only surviving structure of Kawagoe Castle (川越城). Only two inner palaces exist in Japan, so the Honmaru-gotten in Kawagoe has architectural significance as well as cultural & historical importance. Visitors can enjoy seeing the tatami rooms, the garden, and pictures of cultural heritage put on display.
Learn more about places to visit in Kawagoe
EATING in Kawagoe City
Japanese Food
There are many delicious soba noodles (そば) restaurants in Kawagoe.
The “Matcha Soba” (抹茶そば), made with Kawagoe matcha green tea very popular.
Western Food
Kawagoe is a large city and has a variety of western style restaurants. There are alos many old cafes (古民家カフェ Kominka-cafe).
Kominka cafes are stylish cafes that have been renovated from old private houses of traditional Japanese architecture.
Unagi on rice
If you never tried eel (うなぎ unagi) before, Kawagoe is the place.
It’s known for its tender texture, delectable flavor, and unique smoky notes. Why not give it a try?
Places to STAY in Kawagoe City
Hotels (Western style)
There are a many 2-4 star western hotels in Kawagoe that can be cheeper than staying in Tokyo. There is also a Guesthouses (converted from Edo style old warehouse).
Japanese style
There are only few Japanese style Ryokans.
Holiday Rental (AIR BNB)
There are quite a few holiday rentals in Kawagoe from budget to high-end.
Top EVENTS around Kawagoe City
11th May (Sun)
Hojo Festival in Yorii - 1h 45min from Tokyo
2025:
11th May (Sun)
Japanese Name:
Visit Yorii Hojo Festival in Yorii (Yorii Hojo Matsuri) to see the ultimate Samurai battle and sword fight! Don't miss it! (Yorii Town / 寄居町)
26th March (Wed) to 8th April (Tue)
Sakura Viewing in Kumagaya
2025:
26th March (Wed) to 8th April (Tue)
Japanese Name:
Visit Kumagaya City to view the amazing Sakura & Canola blossoms nearby Tokyo! (Kumagaya City / 熊谷市）
2nd March (Sunday)
Nagatoro Fire Festival
2025:
2nd March (Sunday)
Japanese Name:
Visit Nagatoro Fire Festival (Nagatoro Himatsuri) to watch monks walk over fire! (Nagatoro Town / 長瀞町）
2nd-3rd, December *Same days every year
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
2024:
2nd-3rd, December *Same days every year
Japanese Name: 秩父夜祭
Chichibu Night Festival is a traditional Japanese festival registered as a UNESCO heritage. The highlight is the beautiful floats and fireworks on both nights.
3rd November (Sun) *Same day every year
Izumoiwai Yabusame Festival (Horseback archery Festival)
2024:
3rd November (Sun) *Same day every year
Japanese Name: 出雲伊波比の流鏑馬まつり
Witness the 1,000-year-old horseback archery tradition at Izumoiwai Yabusame Festival near Tokyo.
19th (Sat) to 20th (Sun) October
Kawagoe Festival (UNESCO Registered)
2024:
19th (Sat) to 20th (Sun) October
Japanese Name: 川越まつり
Visit the Kawagoe Festival and travel back to the Edo period Japan. Registered by UNESCO.
5th October (Sat)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
Kounosu Fireworks
2024:
5th October (Sat)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
Japanese Name: こうのす花火大会
Come see the spectacular 'world record' holding fireworks at Kounosu Fireworks!
15th August (Thurs) *Same day every year
Nagatoro Funatama Festival
2024:
15th August (Thurs) *Same day every year
Japanese Name:
Visit Nagatoro Funatama Festival to experience a Japanese river festival with beautiful river floats and fireworks. (Nagatoro Town / 長瀞町）
3rd August (Sat) *The first Saturday in August
Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival
2024:
3rd August (Sat) *The first Saturday in August
Japanese Name:
Come and be amazed at the beautiful water floats and breathtaking fireworks at the Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival! (Yorii Town / 寄居町)
20th (Sat) to 22nd (Mon) July
Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival
2024:
20th (Sat) to 22nd (Mon) July
Japanese Name:
Day trips from Kawagoe City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
