Kawagoe (Little Edo) Complete Travel Guide
Kawagoe, nicknamed Little Edo, is a former castle town about 30 minutes from central Tokyo where a stretch of clay-walled Edo-period warehouses still lines the main street, making it one of the easiest half-day trips into old Japan from the capital.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Walk along Kurazukuri Street to see the clay-walled Edo-period warehouse buildings, many now shops and cafes.
- Listen for the Toki no Kane bell tower, which still rings four times a day and can be viewed from the street for free.
- Browse Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) for traditional Japanese sweets and snacks.
- Visit Kitain Temple for its historic halls and the Five Hundred Rakan stone statues.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: most of Kurazukuri Street and the bell tower are free to walk and view. Individual sites charge separately, for example Kitain Temple's Five Hundred Rakan area is roughly yen 400; confirm current prices locally since they can change.
How to Get There
From central Tokyo (Ikebukuro), the Tobu Tojo Line reaches Kawagoe Station in about 30 minutes; JR and Seibu lines from Shinjuku also connect via transfers. From Kawagoe Station it is roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk to Kurazukuri Street, or take the Koedo Loop Bus.
Nearby Attractions
For another easy Saitama day trip, pair this with the Railway Museum in Omiya, roughly 30 to 40 minutes away by train.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.