Kawagoe is a city that still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is easily accessible, about an hour by train from the city center, and can be enjoyed as a day trip, but why not stay overnight and enjoy the city at your leisure? We will introduce a recommended two-day, one-night itinerary that allows you to enjoy sightseeing spots, gourmet food, history, and culture in a well-balanced way.
[Day 1] Stroll through Kawagoe and experience its historic streets and atmosphere
10:00 Arrived at Kawagoe Station → Kawagoe Hikawa Shrineへ
Start your trip at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, known as the shrine for the god of matchmaking. Take Tobu Bus stop number 7 from Kawagoe Station, or Tobu Bus stop number 5 from Hon-Kawagoe Station, and get off at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
The shrine grounds, surrounded by a large torii gate and pure air, are the perfect place to calm your mind and pray for a safe journey. Seasonal attractions such as wind chimes and carp fortune-telling slips are also part of the fun.
11:30 Stroll through the warehouse-style streets and enjoy lunch
The highlight of Kawagoe tourism is the “Storehouse Streets,” where you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to the Edo period.
It’s fun to stroll through the black plaster merchant houses and cobblestone streets, visiting cafes and general stores that have been renovated from retro buildings.
For lunch, enjoy local cuisine such as Kawagoe’s specialty eel and sweet potato dishes.
14:00 Resona Coedo Terrace
Take a break and visit Resona Coedo Terrace, a renovated former Resona Bank building, a stately modern structure.
16:00 After a cafe break at Taisho Romantic Dream Street, Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin
Taisho Romantic Dream Street, which still evokes the atmosphere of the Taisho era, is attractive for its antique-style streets and unique shops.
Take a break at a retro café and enjoy Kawagoe sweets. There are also many photogenic spots to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Then, tour Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin, known for warding off evil spirits, and get a deeper insight into the city’s culture and history.
18:00 Check in to your accommodation
There are a variety of accommodations in Kawagoe, including Japanese-style inns, townhouse-style guesthouses, and comfortable business hotels. Check in early to enjoy Kawagoe in the evening at your leisure.
19:00 Night stroll in Kawagoe and experience a local izakaya
At night, the town of storehouses takes on a quiet, dreamy atmosphere that is different from the daytime.
With the illuminations around Toki no Kane and enjoying local sake and local cuisine at an izakaya in a backstreet, Kawagoe’s nightlife is also not to be missed. Restaurants are concentrated in front of Hon-Kawagoe Station. When it comes to izakaya in Kawagoe, Big is the place to go. There are two stores, one in front of Kawagoe Station and one in front of Hon-Kawagoe Station. Everything there is delicious, but the yakitori is especially recommended. For those in the Kanto region, the drink of choice is of course Hoppy. If you’re not in the area, why not give Hoppy a try?
[Day 2] Explore Kawagoe and discover its history and culture
9:00 Kita-in Temple, Naka-in Temple, and Senba Toshogu Shrine
The morning of the second day begins with a historical exploration.
Visit Kita-in Temple, where the room where Tokugawa Iemitsu was born remains, Naka-in Temple, where flowers and silence blend together, and Senba Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu. This is an area where you can get a glimpse of Kawagoe’s religious and political background.
11:00 Kawagoe Castle – Honmaru Palace
Kawagoe Castle, where the Honmaru Palace from the Edo period still stands, is a rare sight in the Kanto region.
The castle has the simple yet dignified atmosphere that you would expect from a samurai residence, making it a must-see spot for history fans.
12:30 Lunch (at a nearby cafe or restaurant)
For lunch, relax at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes. There aren’t many restaurants or cafes near Kawagoe Castle, so head towards City Hall and Fudano-tsuji. It’s just a few minutes’ walk away.
There are plenty of stylish lunch spots, including sweet potato desserts, vegetable-based Japanese set meals, and Western cuisine made with local ingredients.
13:30 Kawagoe City Museum and Art Museum
After lunch, we head back towards Kawagoe Castle. Right in front of Kawagoe Castle is the Kawagoe City Museum and Art Museum. Enjoy an intellectual break in the afternoon. The museum, which introduces the history of Kawagoe City from various angles, and the art museum, where you can encounter contemporary art and works by local artists, are adjacent to each other, making for an efficient tour.
15:30 Shopping and rest at Koedo Kurari
Koedo Kurari, a tourist facility that occupies a Meiji era sake brewery, offers a wide range of items perfect for souvenirs, including Kawagoe’s famous sweets, crafts, and local sake.
Enjoy tastings and samplings, and spend a perfect time at the end of your trip.
17:00 Departing from Kawagoe Station
Return to the station to finish off your trip. A memorable two-day, one-night trip concludes in Kawagoe, a small city packed with things to see.
It’s a town you’ll want to revisit depending on the season or event.
