Enjoy both play and learning! A fun day in Kawagoe for the whole family.
Little Edo Kawagoe, a town brimming with Edo atmosphere, is a popular tourist destination for families with children. There are plenty of areas you can explore on foot, packed with history, gourmet food, experiences, and photo spots. Here we introduce a model one-day itinerary perfect for families with children.
10:00 Arrive at Kawagoe Station and take a city bus to the warehouse-lined streets
Children can also have fun immersing themselves in the atmosphere of Kawagoe by traveling on the “Koedo Sightseeing Bus” or “Koedo Junkai Bus.”
10:30 Stroll through the townscape of Toki no Kane and storehouses
Take a stroll with the whole family through the storehouse-style streets that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period, heading for Kawagoe’s symbol, the “Toki no Kane Bell.” The main street, lined with historical buildings and traditional merchant houses, is educational for adults and an adventure back in time for children. The bell rings four times a day: at 6:00 AM, noon, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. It’s a fun and informative time for parents and children to chat about what life was like in the past.
11:30 Kawagoe Festival Hall (Cultural Experience)
The Kawagoe Festival Hall is a fun spot where parents and children can experience the charm of Kawagoe’s pride and joy, the Kawagoe Festival. In addition to being able to see the impressive floats up close, there are videos that explain the festival in an easy-to-understand way. Through the sounds and images, both children and adults can naturally learn about the depth of traditional culture. There are plenty of experiences that will pique your curiosity, such as “Why do they move such huge floats?” and “What is ohayashi music?” This is a cultural facility perfect for families, where you can learn while having fun.
12:30 Lunch: Specialty eel
After a day of walking and having fun, take a break and enjoy Kawagoe’s local cuisine. While you’re there, we recommend trying Kawagoe’s famous eel. At long-established eel restaurants, you can enjoy exquisite, fragrant, plump, grilled kabayaki, a dish that will satisfy even adults.
14:00 Eat your way around Kashiya Yokocho and enjoy some nostalgic fun
In the afternoon, head to Kashiya Yokocho, an exciting spot for both children and adults! You’ll find rows of photo-worthy treats, including colorful dagashi (cheap snacks), the famous longest gluten-based sweets in Japan, and hand-baked rice crackers. Using your pocket money to choose your favorite treats is a fun shopping experience for kids, too.
15:00 Experience matchmaking wind chimes (summer) and fortune-telling at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
If you’re sightseeing in Kawagoe in the summer, you should definitely stop by Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It’s also known as a place to deepen family ties and bonds. The “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” event, which is only available in the summer, is particularly popular, with wind chimes decorating the entire grounds, creating a cool sound and a fantastical view. Children’s eyes will light up at the beauty, and adults will find themselves wanting to take pictures too.
Another great thing to do with the whole family is try drawing your fortune. The unique Tai Mikuji, shaped like a sea bream, is fun even for small children to draw, and it’s fun to compare fortunes with the whole family. It’s a valuable learning experience where you can become familiar with Japanese traditions and culture through the shrine.
16:00 Aqua Park Kawagoe
Don’t just enjoy sightseeing, finish off your visit with a little fun and relaxation before heading home.
Aqua Park Kawagoe is an experiential facility centered around an aquarium cafe where you can enjoy interacting with living creatures. It’s located in Clare Mall.
Inside, you’ll find a vivarium that recreates the natural scenery, beautiful aquariums filled with colorful tropical fish, and rare reptiles and amphibians that you can observe up close. You can even actually touch the animals and feed them, making it a fun and educational spot for everyone, from small children to adults.
At Hon-Kawagoe Station PePe, there is also Kids US Land, where you can play on play equipment.
