The charming, historic “Little Edo” near Tokyo

Kawagoe earned the nickname “Little Edo” for some reason – it is full of well-preserved historical buildings, traditional food and unique cultural experiences. The city is located in Saitama County, and is less than an hour from Seibu-Shinjuku Station via Red Arrow Limited Express.

Kawagoe is a very popular day trip for Tokyo people and it is easy to understand why. Keep reading for a perfect day’s itinerary – including a matcha tea ritual experience in picturesque Japanese gardens, as well as a stroll through the breathtaking remains of the original Edo Castle.

Haikawa Shrine: Pray for Love and Family

One of the most visited attractions in Kawagoe, often visited by couples and family, praying for marriage harmony and family unity. It has a history of 1500 years and has become a place of prayer for generations of feudal lords.

There are many unique historical events you can attend here. Be sure to visit two towering Zelkova trees on the ground of the shrine, cherished for their connection with God. It is said that strolling on the stone paths around the trees in the form of eight graphic layers will enrich your spirit.

Another must-try activity: through long tunnels EMA (Wooden prayer board) and fishing Omikuji (Paper Wealth), which will predict your romantic wealth.

Gigido Hall

Kita-in Temple: Witnessing the glory of Edo Castle

Founded in 830 AD, Kita-In Temple is an important center of Teng Dynasty Buddhism. It is also the location of important cultural assets in several countries. It is worth noting that this is the location of the only remaining buildings in the original Edo Castle – after the fire destroyed many temple grounds in 1638, Iemitsu’s third Tokugawa Shogun ordered several palace buildings to be moved there to help rebuild.

Our guide Haruo Azami explained to TW: “Sanmon, the main gate of the temple, is called the ‘Miracle Gate’.” Like a plain door, many kita-in structures have quiet powers that are difficult to capture with words. For example, its pagoda is two floors Tahoto Structure – A style from Japan, unlike a three- or five-story building inspired by a Chinese pagoda. “The Kita-In pagoda is particularly admired for its beauty and balance,” Azami said.

Shogun Iemitsu’s place of birth

Visitors can also look forward to seeing the (rumored) birthplace and the residential area of ​​the shogunate iemitsu Tokugawa (the last part of the original Edo Castle). Surrounded by historic rooms and priceless artifacts, Momijiyama Garden is an oasis of impeccable towering willows and Japanese maples.

Rakan’s 500

There are also 500 statues on the ground of the temple in Kita-In: the carefully carved stone representative of the Buddha’s most enlightened disciples. The statue was completed between 1782 and 1825 and features a variety of facial expressions and postures that are said to relieve the pain of its onlookers.

Chuango Castle Ruins: Historical Life Capsules

Honmaru Palace in Kawagoe Castle and a 10-minute walk from Kita-In The surviving structure of the castle later history. When Kawagoe Castle was originally built in 1457, the current Honmaru Palace was built in 1848, and in the late Edo period, it was one of the few remaining examples of Edo-Period castle palace buildings.

Although the existing palace dates back to the 19th century, the site itself is full of history. Kawagoe Castle is an important defensive stronghold in Edo and has witnessed many major events, including the great Kawagoe Night Battle of 1546. Architecturally, the palace is famous for its beautiful samurai Karahafar-style roof and glittering tokugawa tokugawa family Crest.

Miyoshino Shrine

Next to the Honmaru Palace, Miyoshino Shrine is respected as an important religious site in Tokugawa Shogunate. It was built around the same period as Kita-In Temple 1200 years ago and covers four deities, including Sugawara no Michizane, the God of Learning. Interestingly, the narrow path leading to the shrine from the south eermon gate of Kawago Castle inspired a famous Japanese nursery called “Toryanse” to rhyme, a fact that is a monument commemorated on the shrine arena.

Kawagoe Warehouse District (Kurazukuri Street): Back to the Time Travel

Kurazukuri Street is a shopping hub that forms the bustling heart of Kawagoe City and is a must-see during your trip. It is home to Toki no Kane (Times Bell Tower), which is perhaps the most commonly cited and photographed landmark in the city.

Kawagoe is a small tool trade and commercial town, and today’s warehouses are still restaurants, cafes and other souvenir shops. These are some of our favorites.

unagi denbe: luxury freshwater eel

Once lived in a spacious, atmospheric Meiji era warehouse pharmacist,,,,, Boogie Offering incredible unajyu meal. The unajyu consists of roasted Unagi (freshwater eel) carefully placed on the rice in the lacquer box. We tried the store’s Bando Taro Premium Eel, cooked Kabayaki style (sauce with soy), and it exceeded our expectations. For Wagyu lovers, the restaurant also offers half Wagyu’s food.

Karaki Mokkou: Carve your own chopsticks

For fun activities and unique souvenirs, Go and carry Mokkou To make your own chopsticks, choose the wood you like, and then carefully shape the chopsticks. This experience is perfect for people of all ages. Smaller chopsticks can also be used as a child’s choice.

The workshop is conducted by holidays, Yamada City’s custom furniture business, and can be used to guide you through the knowledgeable staff. There is a cell phone stand above each table, allowing visitors to shoot cool, time-lapse videos of the entire process as an extra souvenir.

Kashiya Yokocho: Nostalgic Candy Alley

Kashiya Yokocho (or Candy Alley) sounds like this: a charming shopping street with about 30 candy stores on it.

Kawagoe has many desserts in Candy Alley and Beyond. During our visit we tried many equally delicious and delicious snacks, and a look: creamy sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes are specialties of saitama, especially kawagoe), huge Mitarashi Dango and confectionery strawberries, and sculptural nets of syrup sugars around.

Quiet tea in the ceremony garden

Although traditional tea rituals are offered in many places in Japan, Tantoku Garden Stand out in terms of long history, charming Japanese gardens and friendly guidance. The website was founded in 1901 and has remained charming until now during the Meiji period.

The ethereal beauty of the garden attracts many visitors and wedding celebrations throughout the year, but we highly recommend booking Matcha and the bottom experienceEspecially made for tea lovers; you can learn how to stir properly and enjoy experienced coaches and crafts Ji Society (Japanese sugar dessert with more than 200 years of history).

How to get to Chuange

To get to Kawagoe from central Tokyo, take the Red Arrow Co., Ltd. from Seibu-Shinjuku Station. To ride Limited Express, in addition to the regular fare, a separate Limited Express ticket is also required. By Smooz In English.

Seibu Kawagoe Pass ensures Tokyo Central To Kawagoe and Back, there is only 700 yen (4.85 USD). You can buy it yourselft Limited Express ticket counter Seibu-Shinjuku Station. Or, purchase a digital pass By Klook It is strongly recommended that you board the train directly by displaying the QR code on your mobile device only.