We will introduce 30 famous spots (in no particular order) that are packed with the charm of Kawagoe, combining the perspectives of both locals and tourists.
Bell of Time
This historic bell tower is a symbol of Kawagoe and has been telling the time since the Edo period. It has been destroyed by fire many times and is currently in its fourth generation, having been rebuilt after the Great Kawagoe Fire of 1893. The bell is approximately 16m tall and rings four times a day at 6am, noon, 3pm and 6pm.
Storehouse-style streetscape
Ichibangai, lined with stately black plaster storehouses, is a central tourist area of Koedo Kawagoe, where strolling is a pleasure and you can feel like you’ve gone back in time. Restaurant and general stores converted from storehouses are also part of the area’s charm.
Candy Alley
A retro street lined with confectionery shops. Along the cobblestone road dotted with colorful glass, rows of traditional sweets such as candy sculptures, caramelized candy, sweet potato chips, and puffed rice cakes are lined up. It’s a spot that both children and adults can enjoy.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
This is Kawagoe’s largest shrine. It is a historic shrine that was founded approximately 1,500 years ago. It enshrines five gods, including two married couples, and has been deeply revered as the “gods of matchmaking” since ancient times. It is one of the power spots that cannot be missed when visiting Little Edo Kawagoe.By the way, the number of reviews on Google Maps is over 12,000, the most in Kawagoe.
Kita-in Temple
Kita-in Temple is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple founded in 830 (Tencho 7) by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, and is the largest temple in Kawagoe City. It is a symbol of Kawagoe tourism and is also affectionately known as “Kawagoe Daishi.”
The temple grounds are dotted with sights such as the Sanmon Gate, Bell Tower Gate, and Jigen-do Hall, all designated as Important Cultural Properties, as well as the 500 Arhat statues and the Room where Lord Iemitsu was born, giving a sense of the deep history and faith. The Hatsu Daishi Daruma Market, held every year on January 3rd, is a popular event attracting many worshippers and has become a local tradition.
This famous temple is packed with history, culture, and faith, and is a must-see if you’re visiting Kawagoe.
Nakain
This temple is enveloped in tranquility with weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom, and in autumn the grounds are adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. Visitors can enjoy the changing seasons, from hydrangeas and azaleas in spring to sweet osmanthus in autumn. Furthermore, this is said to be the birthplace of Kawagoe tea and Sayama tea, as Ennin, the founder of the Buddhist sect of Buddhism, brought tea seeds back from Kyoto. A stone monument commemorating the birthplace of Sayama tea stands within the temple grounds.
Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Temple
This historic Shingon Buddhist temple was founded at the end of the Edo period and is popular with many worshippers who come to pray for recovery from eye ailments and safe travels. It is also known as a place where you can experience the local culture and excitement at the flea market held on the 28th of every month and the Fire Walking Festival held in November.
Honmaru Palace (Kawagoe Castle ruins)
The building that remains today is only a portion of the original that was rebuilt in 1848, and the entrance hall, main hall, and chief retainer’s quarters remain. These buildings give a sense of the dignity and grandeur of the Kawagoe domain, which once held 170,000 koku of land. This palace, which still breathes history, is an essential part of learning about Kawagoe’s castle town culture.
Remains of Fujimi Tower
This is the site of a three-story watchtower that was once built on the north side of Kawagoe Castle’s main enclosure. During the Edo period, it was used as a watchtower to guard the castle town and surrounding area, and it came to be called the “Fujimi-yagura” (Fuji-viewing watchtower) because on clear days Mount Fuji could be seen from here. Today, it remains as a historical site that conveys the history of Kawagoe Castle.
Kawagoe Festival Hall
This museum allows you to experience the charm of the Kawagoe Festival, which boasts a history of approximately 370 years, regardless of the season. You can enjoy the charm of this festival, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, with all five senses through displays of authentic floats, realistic videos, and powerful musical performances.
Former Yamazaki Family Villa
This Taisho-era mansion is a blend of Japanese and Western styles, and the grounds feature a dry landscape garden including a teahouse. Its landscaping culture is highly regarded, and it was designated a nationally registered monument (place of scenic beauty) in 2011. Furthermore, in 2019, the main house was designated a nationally important cultural property.
Monzen Yokocho
This stylish cobblestone street is a shortcut from Ichibangai to Kashiya Yokocho, located a little north of Toki no Kane.
Koedo Yokocho
Located in front of the Kawagoe Festival Hall on Ichibangai, it is called a “yokocho” (alley), but is actually a dining area. It is a place where you can enjoy a meal in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of Ichibangai.
Taisho Romantic Dream Street
This street evokes the atmosphere of the Taisho era, with retro buildings and stores lined up side by side. Formerly known as “Ginza Shopping Street,” it was famous for its arcades. At the end of the street is the Kawagoe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which still uses the former Bushu Bank Kawagoe branch, built in 1927 (Showa 2). This building is a modern Western-style structure with impressive Doric columns, similar to those found in Greek temples, and is designated as a national registered tangible cultural property.
Clare Mall Shopping Street
This lively shopping street stretches for 1.2km from Kawagoe Station and offers a variety of entertainment to visitors, including Maruhiro Department Store, sampling local gourmet food, and shopping at unique stores.It is a pedestrian-friendly shopping street with cobblestone sidewalks, underground power lines that are considerate of the landscape, and well-maintained streets.
Renkeiji Temple
This is a historic Jodo sect temple. There is a dumpling shop on the grounds, and on the 8th of each month there is a festival where local events and cultural exchanges take place, making it a beloved temple for the locals. I have fond memories of when I was a child and a haunted house was held there in the summer.
Big Koedo Branch
Big is a yakitori izakaya chain headquartered in Kawagoe City, with three locations in the Koedo Kawagoe area. Big Koedo is located right in front of the rotary at the west exit of Hon-Kawagoe Station, making it the perfect place to drop in and enjoy yakitori and a drink on your way back from sightseeing.
Little Edo Kurari
This tourist facility was created by renovating a former sake brewery and is equipped with shops selling local specialties and crafts, restaurants, exhibition spaces, etc. It is a popular stop-off spot for walking around the town, showcasing the charm of Kawagoe with a modern sensibility while retaining its historical charm.
Risona Coedo Terrace
This historic bank building is designated as a registered tangible cultural property, and is impressive for its stately modern architecture. Its exterior, which conveys the Western-style architecture of the Taisho era, adds a touch of elegance to the Kawagoe streetscape and is a popular photo spot for tourists.
Maruhiro Department Store Kawagoe Branch
It is a symbol of the area known to all Kawagoe residents. It is a popular meeting spot as well as a great place for shopping. It also used to have a summer beer garden and a rooftop amusement park, making it a popular spot for many people.
Ganja Main Store
A long-established Kawagoe ramen restaurant. Both the ramen and tsukemen are delicious. In front of Hon-Kawagoe Station. Please note that it is closed on Sundays.
Kawagoe City Museum
This is a learning center for local residents where you can learn more about the history and culture of Kawagoe. It is next to the Municipal Museum of Art. A combined ticket costs 300 yen, making it a good deal.
Kawagoe City Museum of Art
This is a museum with a calm atmosphere that exhibits works by local artists. It is next to the city museum. A combined ticket costs 300 yen, which is a good deal.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
This historic shrine was founded in 1590 (Tensho 18) by Zenyo Bun’o, a monk from Renkei-ji Temple, as a branch of Kishu Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Within the shrine grounds, there are plenty of unique experience spots, such as the Footstep Health Road, which is said to bring good fortune, the Musubi Garden and the Jumbo Yatagarasu Statue, which are modeled after the Yatagarasu, Zeniarai Benzaiten, who purifies money and brings good fortune, and ring toss, where you can test your luck with a wish.
Senba Toshogu Shrine
This historic shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, and its quiet grounds exude a sense of dignity. It is located within the grounds of Kita-in Temple and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine
This historic shrine was founded in 1030 by Minamoto no Yorinobu, who enshrined Usa Hachimangu Shrine. It has been worshipped by many worshippers who pray for success in exams and sports as the “god of victory.” The shrine is famous for its paired ginkgo trees, and there are also many unique prayer spots scattered around, including the “god of eyes” and the “god of complaints.”
Miyoshino Shrine
The approach to the shrine is said to be the birthplace of the children’s song “Toryanse,” and is filled with numerous legends and cultural assets. The shrine is popularly known as “Tenjin-sama,” and is particularly known for its strong belief in prayers for academic success, passing exams, and good luck and victory.
Yaoko Kawagoe Art Museum
This art museum was opened in 2012 by Yaoko, a listed company headquartered in Kawagoe City, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its founding.It houses and exhibits works by Western-style painter Misu Misuji, and is also known as the Misu Misuji Memorial Museum.
Osawa family residence
Built in 1792, this house survived the Kawagoe fire in 1893 and is designated as a nationally important cultural property. It is currently used as the folk craft store Komatsuya.
Shusse Inari Shrine
Located in an area surrounded by residential areas, this shrine is said to grant blessings for success in life. Its symbol is a giant ginkgo tree known as the “Shusse Inari no O Ginkgo,” which is estimated to be over 650 years old.
