Kawagoe City
Highlights of Kawagoe City
Kawagoe City is a charming city 30min north of Tokyo. Known as “Little Edo”, Kawagoe 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 showcased the architectural splendor where the spirit of feudal Japan lingers around every corner.
In the summer, the Kawagoe Matsuri /Kawagoe Festival (click for festival information), 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 (30min), or from Seibu Shinjuku Station, take the Red-Arrow-Koedo Express on the Seibu Shinjuku line to Hon-Kawagoe Station (45min).
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 to Hon-Kawagoe Station.
- 45min by train. ('Koedo Go' Express from Seibu-Shinjuku Sta. via the Seibu Shinjuku Line )
- 60min by train. (Kyuuko-Express from Seibu-Shinjuku Sta. via the Seibu Shinjuku Line )
From Tokyo to Kawagoe-shi Station.
- 30min by train. (Express from Ikebukuro Sta. via the Tobu Tojo line)
- 60min by train. (From Shibuya Sta. via the Tobu Tojo line)
From Tokyo to Central Kawagoe
- 1.5 hours by car (Via Kanetsu Expressway)
From Airports
- 1h 40min from Haneda Airport (Train)
- 2h from Haneda Airport (Car)
- 2h from Narita Itn. Airport (Train)
- 2h 15min from Narita Int. Airport (Car)
- 2h 15 min from Ibaraki Airport (Car)
Main Stations
- Hon-Kawagoe Sta. (Seibu Line)
- Kawagoe-shi Sta. (Tobu Line)
- Kawagoe Sta. (JR & Tobu Line)
Videos of Kawagoe city
Day trip to Kawagoe
Day trip to Kawagoe
15 places to eat in Kawagoe
Kitin Temlple
Kawagoe Festival at night
Exploring Kawagoe Festival
Things to DO in Kawagoe City
Old Town - Little Edo
Tokinokane Tower
You can hear the bell ring at 6am, noon, 3pm, and 6pm.
Koedo Kurari
Candy Alley
Kitain Temple
Honmaru Goten
Learn more about places to visit in Kawagoe
Top EVENTS around Kawagoe city
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.
Day trips from Kawagoe City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
