Wondering where to go for a day trip near Tokyo?
Kawagoe is your answer. Just 30 to 60 minutes away, it’s a compact town filled with Edo-style warehouses, famous shrines, and delicious street food.
Whether you like history, photography, or simply strolling, Kawagoe has it all.
This guide gives you the best things to do, how to get there, and a ready-to-use itinerary so you can enjoy it with no stress. 😊
1. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Overview
- Historic shrine about 1,500 years old, dedicated to five deities linked to family and marriage.
- Famous across Japan as a matchmaking shrine.
- Grounds feature a massive 15m wooden torii, peaceful stream, and sacred 600-year-old zelkova trees.
- Popular for seasonal displays such as summer wind chimes and nighttime light-ups.
Best Things to Do
- Walk through the Ema Tunnel lined with thousands of wooden wish plaques.
- Visit in summer for the Wind Chime Festival where glass bells create relaxing sounds and are lit up at night.
- Try Tai-mikuji, a fortune where you fish out a red snapper charm containing your fortune slip.
- Circle the sacred zelkova trees in a figure-eight pattern for blessings.
- Pick up special charms like the red pencil symbolizing destined love.
2. Shingashi River (Behind Hikawa Shrine)
Overview
- Scenic river running just behind Hikawa Shrine.
- Famous for its 500m row of cherry blossoms that form a pink tunnel in spring.
- Peaceful spot compared to the busy shopping streets.
Best Things to Do
- Visit in late March or early April to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.
- Join the limited spring boat ride under blooming cherry trees.
- Take photos of bridges, reflections on the water, and seasonal scenery.
- Sit along the riverbank with a snack or coffee and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
3. Kitain Temple
Overview
- Important Buddhist temple founded in 830.
- Houses the only surviving rooms of Edo Castle after the 1638 fire.
- Known for its peaceful grounds and cultural treasures.
Best Things to Do
- Tour the Edo Castle rooms including the birthplace of Shogun Iemitsu.
- Explore the Gohyaku Rakan statues, 538 stone figures each with unique expressions.
- Walk through the gardens and enjoy seasonal views of flowers and trees.
- Collect a temple stamp (goshuin) as a unique keepsake.
4. Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street (Kurazukuri Warehouse District)
Overview
- Main sightseeing street lined with traditional clay-walled warehouses.
- Nicknamed Little Edo for its preserved Edo-period atmosphere.
- Over 100 shops and restaurants fill the district.
Best Things to Do
- Stroll and admire the kura architecture with tiled roofs and wooden facades.
- Try local foods such as sweet potato ice cream, candied sweet potatoes, grilled eel skewers, and senbei.
- Shop for crafts, pottery, fabrics, and edible souvenirs.
- Spot historic buildings like the Osawa House (old storehouse) and enjoy views of the Time Bell Tower.
5. Starbucks Coffee Kawagoe Kanetsuki Street
Overview
- Starbucks built in kura-style to match the old town streetscape.
- Located just steps from the Time Bell Tower.
- Blends modern café comfort with traditional design.
Best Things to Do
- Admire the cedar siding and tiled roof that reflect Kawagoe’s history.
- Relax in the Japanese garden patio at the back of the shop.
- Look for Kawagoe-exclusive merchandise or seasonal Starbucks specials.
- Use it as a central stop for coffee or as a meeting point.
6. Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower)
Overview
- Wooden bell tower standing 16 meters tall and symbol of Kawagoe.
- Originally built in the 1600s and rebuilt in 1894 after a fire.
- Still chimes daily at 6am, 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm.
Best Things to Do
- Hear the bell at one of the chime times to experience a tradition that continues today.
- Photograph the tower from Ichiban-gai with old warehouse roofs in the frame.
- Walk underneath the tower and visit the small Yakushi Shrine nearby.
- Browse local shops selling bell-shaped sweets and charms.
7. Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley)
Overview
- Narrow stone lane filled with traditional candy shops.
- Once a major candy production area in the 1920s.
- Fun and nostalgic for both children and adults.
Best Things to Do
- Sample classic sweets such as karinto, candied apples, senbei, and sweet potato chips.
- Buy cheap dagashi candies packaged in retro style.
- Visit different shops, each with their own specialties and displays.
- Enjoy the lively but quaint atmosphere with retro music and nostalgic toys.
8. Chiikawa Mogumogu Hompo Kawagoe
Overview
- Character-themed shop opened in February 2025 inside Candy Alley.
- Dedicated to the popular Chiikawa mascot series.
- Blends cute pop culture with historic surroundings.
Best Things to Do
- Shop for Kawagoe-exclusive Chiikawa goods such as plush toys and keychains.
- Try themed snacks including Chiikawa dorayaki and crackers.
- Take photos with life-size character displays inside the store.
9. Kawagoe Festival Museum
Overview
- Small museum showcasing the Kawagoe Festival.
- Displays real festival floats and costumes.
- Lets you experience the matsuri atmosphere year-round.
Best Things to Do
- See two full-sized floats up close and study their carvings and decorations.
- Catch live ohayashi music performances on weekends and holidays at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM.
- Watch videos of the festival and learn its history.
- Browse the souvenir shop for float-themed goods.
10. Taisho Roman Street
Overview
- Retro street with Western-style architecture from the 1910s to 1930s.
- Granite-paved walkway lined with historic buildings.
- Acts as a link between the Warehouse District and modern shopping areas.
Best Things to Do
- Stroll and admire early modern buildings such as the old Bushu Bank.
- Visit cafés, kissaten (old-fashioned coffee shop), and small boutiques.
- Take photos of the flagstone street lit with vintage-style lamps.
- Use it as a pleasant walking route between attractions.
11. Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
Overview
- Local shrine established in 1590 as a branch of Kumano Shrine in Wakayama.
- Known for hands-on blessings related to health, money, and relationships.
- Welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families and casual visitors.
Best Things to Do
- Play the ring toss game to pray for love, health, or success.
- Wash coins at the Treasure Pond to invite money luck.
- Walk barefoot on the pebble Health Road for a reflexology challenge.
- Visit the three-legged crow statue and buy themed charms.
My Suggested Itinerary (Weekend & Weekday)
Saturday or Sunday (Suggested Itinerary)
- 9:21 AM: Take Bus C01 (CO-EDO Loop Bus) from Hon-Kawagoe Station to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
- 9:49 AM: Arrive at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
- 10:56 AM: Take Bus C02 (CO-EDO Loop Bus) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine to Kura no Machi (Old Town). From there, walk about 4 minutes to Kashiya Yokocho.
- 11:03 AM: Explore Kashiya Yokocho.
- 11:30 AM: Visit Chiikawa Mogumogu Hompo Kawagoe.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Yuno Udon or Kawagoe Kou Sushi.
- 1:00 PM: Stop by Miffy Kitchen & Bakery Kawagoe.
- 1:30 PM: Stroll through Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street.
- 2:30 PM: See Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower).
- 3:00 PM: Coffee break at Starbucks Kawagoe Kanetsuki Street.
- 3:30 PM: Try sweet potato snacks at Koedo Osatsuan.
- 4:00 PM: Walk along Taisho Roman Street.
- 4:30 PM: Visit Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at Ogakiku (famous for unagi – grilled eel) or Kawagoe Ichinoya (traditional unagi rice).
- 6:00 PM: Walk about 8 minutes to Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Note:
Bus C01 and C02 are part of the CO-EDO Loop Bus.
You don’t need to buy the daily pass (600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children under 12) because this itinerary only uses the bus twice.
A single ride costs 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children (under 12), so paying per ride is cheaper.
You can also use IC cards like PASMO and Suica for payment.
The rest of the route is very walkable, with most places only 1 to 5 minutes on foot.
Monday to Friday (Suggested Itinerary)
- 9:03 AM: Take the Tobu Bus [川越06] from Hon-Kawagoe Station to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
- 9:10 AM: Arrive at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
- 10:06 AM: Take Bus C02 (CO-EDO Loop Bus) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine to Kura no Machi (Old Town). From there, walk about 4 minutes to Kashiya Yokocho.
- 10:10 AM: Explore Kashiya Yokocho.
- 11:00 AM: Visit Chiikawa Mogumogu Hompo Kawagoe.
- 11:30 AM: Stop by Miffy Kitchen & Bakery Kawagoe.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Yuno Udon or Kawagoe Kou Sushi.
- 1:00 PM: Stroll through Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street.
- 2:00 PM: See Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower).
- 2:30 PM: Coffee break at Starbucks Kawagoe Kanetsuki Street.
- 3:00 PM: Try sweet potato snacks at Koedo Osatsuan.
- 3:30 PM: Walk along Taisho Roman Street.
- 4:30 PM: Visit Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at Ogakiku (famous for unagi – grilled eel) or Kawagoe Ichinoya (traditional unagi rice).
- 6:00 PM: Walk about 8 minutes to Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Note:
On weekdays, you will use the Tobu Bus [川越06] once and the CO-EDO Loop Bus (C02) once.
There’s no need to buy the CO-EDO Loop Bus daily pass (600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children under 12) since this plan only requires two rides.
A single ride costs 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children (under 12).
Both buses also accept IC cards like PASMO and Suica for payment.
The rest of the itinerary is covered on foot, with walks of just 1 to 5 minutes between spots.
How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
1. Fastest – Tobu Tojo Line
- Train line: Tobu Tojo Line Express
- Board: Ikebukuro Station.
- Arrive: Kawagoe Station or Kawagoeshi Station (both Tobu).
- Time: 30 minutes (no transfer).
- Cost: ¥490 one way (IC card accepted).
- Notes: This is the fastest way from central Tokyo. However, Kawagoe and Kawagoeshi Stations are about 20 to 25 minutes on foot from the old town, so you will need to take a bus to reach the main attractions.
Discount Passes
If you are using Tobu Railway, these passes can save you money and add bus rides in Kawagoe:
a. Discount Pass (Tobu Kawagoe Discount Pass):
- Price: ¥710 for a round-trip between Ikebukuro Station and Kawagoe Station or Kawagoeshi Station.
- Savings: A normal round trip costs about ¥980, so you save about ¥270.
- Extras: Discount coupons at shops and Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro.
- Where to buy: Tobu Tourist Information Center (Ikebukuro Station or Asakusa Station) or Tobu ticket counters.
- How to use: Show the pass at the staff gate when entering and exiting. Keep it for the return.
b. Discount Pass (Tobu Kawagoe Discount Pass Premium):
- Price: ¥1,050 (includes round-trip train plus unlimited Tobu buses in Kawagoe).
- Best for: Visiting Hikawa Shrine or if you want to use buses multiple times.
- How to use: Show the pass at the staff gate for trains. Show the bus ticket to the driver when boarding.
2. Cheapest – Seibu Shinjuku Line (from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro)
From Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Shinjuku):
- Train line: Seibu Shinjuku Line.
- Board: Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
- Arrive: Hon-Kawagoe Station.
- Time: About 1 hour on Express, 50 minutes on Koedo Limited Express (extra ¥600 reserved seat fee).
- Cost: ¥520 one way.
From Ikebukuro Station:
- Train line: Seibu Ikebukuro Line (transfer at Tokorozawa to Seibu Shinjuku Line).
- Board: Ikebukuro Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line).
- Route: Ride to Tokorozawa, then transfer to a Seibu Shinjuku Line train bound for Hon-Kawagoe.
- Arrive: Hon-Kawagoe Station.
- Time: About 60 minutes total with one transfer.
- Cost: ¥490 one way.
Why choose Seibu: Hon-Kawagoe Station is the closest to the old town, about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk to Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street, Toki no Kane, and Candy Alley.
Discount Passes
If you take the Seibu Line, these special passes for foreign visitors give you cheaper fares and optional bus rides:
a. Discount Pass (Seibu Kawagoe Pass):
- Price: ¥700 for a round-trip from Seibu-Shinjuku, Takadanobaba, or Ikebukuro to Hon-Kawagoe.
- Savings: A normal round trip costs ¥980 to ¥1,040, so you save ¥280 to ¥340.
- Eligibility: Foreign passport holders only.
- Where to buy: Seibu ticket offices (Ikebukuro Station, Seibu-Shinjuku Station, Takadanobaba Station) or Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro.
- How to use: Get the date stamped at the Seibu counter. Show the pass at the staff gate to enter and exit. Keep it for the return.
b. Discount Pass (Seibu Kawagoe Pass plus Loop Bus):
- Price: ¥1,300 (round-trip train and unlimited Koedo Loop Bus rides).
- Best for: If you plan to visit Hikawa Shrine or use the bus several times in one day.
- How to use: Same as above for trains. Show the bus ticket to the driver when boarding.
Co-Edo Loop Bus (Eagle Bus): Easy Way to Explore Kawagoe
The Co-Edo Loop Bus is one of the most convenient ways to move around Kawagoe, especially if you want to get to places like the old warehouse district (Kurazukuri), Candy Alley, and Hikawa Shrine without walking too much.
The buses are retro-style, and you’ll spot them easily around town.
a. Fares and Passes
- A single ride costs ¥220 for adults and ¥110 for kids under 12.
- For the short stretch between Kawagoe Station West Exit and Hon-Kawagoe Station, it’s only ¥100.
- If you think you’ll be hopping on and off more than three times in a day, get the Daily Pass: ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for kids. You can buy it directly from the driver or at tourist information centers.
- The pass also gives you little perks and discounts at over 100 partner shops in town.
b. Where to Buy the Pass
- Directly from the bus driver when you board.
- At the Tourist Information Center in Kawagoe Station (West Exit).
- At the Tourist Information Center in Hon-Kawagoe Station.
c. How to Pay
- You can pay in cash, but it’s much easier to just tap a Suica or PASMO card when you get on and off.
- If you’re using the Daily Pass, just show it to the driver when you leave the bus.
d. Routes
- There are two routes:
- C01 Route: Goes past Kita-in Temple and Kashiya Yokocho.
- C02 Route: Covers Kurazukuri Street (Old Town) and Hikawa Shrine.
- Both routes start from Kawagoe Station West Exit (Bus Stop #2) and stop at Hon-Kawagoe Station as well, so it’s handy no matter which line you came in on.
e. When to Use a Pass
If you’re mainly walking around the old town and only taking the bus once or twice (for example, just to Hikawa Shrine), paying single fares is cheaper.
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Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA