Kawagoe, southwest of Saitama Prefecture and close to Tokyo, is an ideal destination for a day trip from Tokyo. In the Edo era, it prospered as the castle town of the Kawagoe Domain, gaining the nickname “Little Edo” due to its prosperity during that time. Remarkably well preserved, Kawagoe's old town remains intact, having been spared from wartime destruction. A mere half hour ride on the Tobu Tojo Line Limited Express from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station transports you back in time to stroll the historical streets of Little Edo.
Traveling from Tokyo to Kawagoe is quite straightforward. You can purchase the KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS Premium at the Tobu Tourist Information Center at Ikebukuro Station. This ticket not only includes round-trip train fare between Ikebukuro and Kawagoe for the day but also allows unlimited rides on local Tobu buses in Kawagoe and offers coupons for 10 local specialty shops. Taking the Tobu Tojo Line Limited Express train, known as the Kawagoe Limited Express, from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station takes approximately 30 minutes one way.
Kawagoe has preserved its kurazukuri, traditional Japanese clay-walled warehouses, since the Edo period. The streets are lined with historical shops, including stores selling traditional confectioneries, Japanese matcha tea, handmade crafts and more, making it a worthwhile visit for travelers.
The focal highlight of Kawagoe Old Town is Toki no Kane, a clock tower that boasts a more-than-400-year history. It chimes four times daily at 6 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Should you find yourself wandering the old streets during these hours, I recommend taking a moment to appreciate the historic chimes of Toki no Kane.
Kawagoe Old Town is predominantly occupied by historic shops that have been around for a long time. Among them, my favorite is a unique store that not only sells ceramics but also offers pottery experiences. Moreover, they serve exquisite cuisine presented in delicate ceramic dishes, offering a profound sensory experience.
This store offers a wide variety of ceramic products, including pieces crafted by Japanese artisans. They range from daily use tableware to delicate decorative items, providing ample choices for shoppers.
Their restaurant section, named Torokko (陶路子), utilizes uniquely charming Japanese ceramic tableware. The food not only tastes delicious but is also beautifully presented. It's quite popular on weekends, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance.
If you are taking a day trip to Kawagoe, consider wearing a traditional Japanese yukata. Strolling leisurely along the old streets in this attire is a old-fashioned experience, almost as if one has traveled back in time to the Edo period.
Apart from strolling along the old streets, a visit to the ancient Hikawa Shrine, with a history spanning 1,500 years, is highly recommended. Conveniently, you can go to the shine by taking a Tobu bus from Kawagoe Station using the Kawagoe Discount Pass Premium purchased at Ikebukuro Station
Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to family blessings and stands out as a sacred place for relationships, featuring unique methods to pray for good fortune, matchmaking and prosperity not found at other Japanese shrines. One of its distinct features is the tai (Japanese Sea Bream)-shaped omikuji (fortune slips). Visitors use a fishing rod to pick out their own fortune slip from a pool of the fish-shaped omikuji—a truly engaging experience. The shrine also sells various items for fostering connections, with the most sought-after being the limited daily stock of 20 “relationship stones.” Other popular items include charm amulets for relationships, and during the summer, they hold the Relationship Wind Chime Festival.
The Ema Tunnel within the Hikawa Shrine is truly remarkable, adorned with numerous ema (wooden prayer plaques) featuring people's wishes for love, marriage and safe childbirth. At the end of this tunnel stands a pair of husband-and-wife trees. I believe this unique setting contributes to making Hikawa Shrine a sacred place for love and relationships. Many young people visit on weekends, drawn by its reputation as a popular spot for love and relationships on the outskirts of Tokyo.
Kawagoe makes for a fantastic day trip from Tokyo, but for a more relaxed pace, consider spending the night. At Kawagoe Station, there's the newly opened Kawagoe Tobu Hotel that debuted during the Tokyo Olympics. It's just a two to three-minute walk from the station, offering convenient access for travelers.
After our day in Kawagoe, I returned to Ikebukuro Station and headed to the Tobu Department Store for some shopping with my bestie. We used our Kawagoe Discount Pass Premium to collect a 5% discount coupon valid for seven days from the tax-free counter on the second floor, and then embarked on a shopping spree! The second floor of the department store houses goods from a wide array of brands, where I found most of my favorites.
The food court had plenty of unique gifts, while the ground floor featured popular Japanese jewelry counters.
Once we finished our one-stop shopping experience, we headed to the 14th floor to dine at Mikagekura for a thoroughly fulfilling day! If you're seeking a travel experience that is slower than fast-paced Tokyo, Kawagoe offers a chance to embark on an Edo-period journey that's truly enchanting.
Travelogue courtesy of J调de华丽
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