Shinjuku City Trip Overview
Kawagoe is the perfect escape from Tokyo’s bustling modernity: in fact, even though many foreign tourists don’t know about it, Kawagoe is so rich in heritage and tradition and it deserves a full day to be visited.
First, we will visit Kita Temple, a remarkable complex as it shows a two-storied pagoda, together with some parts of the old Edo Castle.
Next, we will walk along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, a short yet interesting street, leading to Kawagoe’s main attraction, Kura no Machi: we will walk along the beautiful warehouses before moving on to the symbol of the city, Toki no kane: a tower bell that overlooks the central part of town.
From there we will move to Kashiya Yokocho, an alley where traditional candy shops are located.
At the end of the tour, if you chose one of the option, you will be introduced to a rickshaw rider or a Kimono rental shop: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe, go back to Tokyo, visit the close Sayama city or move to Omiya and catch a Shinkansen train.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Starts: Shinjuku City, Japan
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Rail Tours
Explore Shinjuku City Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
Kawagoe is the perfect escape from Tokyo’s bustling modernity: in fact, even though many foreign tourists don’t know about it, Kawagoe is so rich in heritage and tradition and it deserves a full day to be visited.
First, we will visit Kita Temple, a remarkable complex as it shows a two-storied pagoda, together with some parts of the old Edo Castle.
Next, we will walk along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, a short yet interesting street, leading to Kawagoe’s main attraction, Kura no Machi: we will walk along the beautiful warehouses before moving on to the symbol of the city, Toki no kane: a tower bell that overlooks the central part of town.
From there we will move to Kashiya Yokocho, an alley where traditional candy shops are located.
At the end of the tour, if you chose one of the option, you will be introduced to a rickshaw rider or a Kimono rental shop: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe, go back to Tokyo, visit the close Sayama city or move to Omiya and catch a Shinkansen train.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kitain, 1-20-1 Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe 350-0036 Saitama Prefecture
Kita Temple is going to be the first historical spot we visit in Kawagoe. Located within the Naritasan Temple complex, this temple actually comprises parts of the old Edo Castle that were moved here after the original building was lost in a fire. We are going to visit it inside, walking in the famous wooden corridor and admiring its traditional inner gardens.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Taisho Roman Yume Dori, Renjakucho, Kawagoe 350-0066 Saitama Prefecture
This short street, connecting the Naritasan with the old warehouse district, maintains the atmosphere of Taisho era (almost the first half of the past century), with its vintage mood.
Stop At: Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street, Nakacho, Kawagoe 350-0063 Saitama Prefecture
Finally we get to the main tourist spot of Kawagoe, the old warehouse district with dozens of preserved old Edo era buildings now used as shops, restaurants and little ateliers. You will have about 1 hour of time to roam around, have fun with street food or try some of the local cuisine.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Toki no Kane, 15-7 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe 350-0063 Saitama Prefecture
The symbol of Kawagoe, Toki no Kane, is a tower bell that overlooks the central part of Kawagoe city: a beautiful wooden structure dating back to the 1600s, rebuilt more times during its history but still preserving its original look.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kashiya Yokocho, 2 Motomachi, Kawagoe 350-0062 Saitama Prefecture
Confectionery shops and traditional Japanese sweetshops are located in this fascinating alley: you will find never seen before candy and all sorts of sweets!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street, Nakacho, Kawagoe 350-0063 Saitama Prefecture
If you choose the rickshaw ride option, you will enjoy a 30 minutes rickshaw ride on the streets of Kawagoe, starting from Ichiban-gai!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Vivian Kimono Rental, Japan, 〒350-0063 Saitama, Kawagoe, Saiwaichō, １４−５
If you choose the Kimono rental option you will be introduced to Kimono Rental Vivian, a few steps away from Toki no Kane. After renting the Kimono, you will be free to dive deep into Kawagoe’s atmosphere while wearing traditional Japanese clothes. There are not time limits for the rental, but please be sure to return the kimono to the shop within its working hours (you will receive the details at the shop directly).
Duration: 15 minutes
