Kawagoe, also called Koedo, Saitama is close enough to visit as a day trip from Tokyo! Here is a sightseeing guide for places to go, and tips and itinerary for sightseeing! Historical street makes you have a great experience such as going back in time to the Edo era. Let’s explore Koedo!
What is Koedo, Kawagoe?
Kawagoe is also called “Koedo” which literally means “little Edo” (Tokyo was called “Edo” years ago). There is a lot of historical architectures, temples, shrines, restaurants, cafes, etc. where you should visit in the main area.
How to Access to Kawagoe
Closest Station to Koedo, Kura Dukuri Street
There are 3 stations that you can use for sightseeing in Koedo, Kawagoe.
- Hon Kawagoe Station – Seibu Shinjuku Line
- Kawagoe Station – JR Line, Tobu Tojo Line
- Kawagoeshi (city) – Tobu Tojo Line
Day Trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo
It’s not very close though, not war away from Tokyo. Just an hour from Ikebukuro and Shinjuku in Tokyo. I found that you can buy the good-deal ticket; train + sightseeing bus by the train stations in Seibu Line.
How To Enjoy Koedo, Kawagoe
There are many ways to enjoy sightseeing in Kawagoe.
Try to Wear a Kimono / Yukata
Some of you may know we have some kinds of traditional costumes in Japan. Mainly “Yukata” in summer, and “Kimono” in other seasons.
Kimono is quite heavy when you put on, so i recommend you to wear Yukata in NOT humid/hot day if it’s first time for you to try to wear Japanese traditional costume. You can rent it around Kawagoe station.
Rent a Bicycle
If you are not interested in wearing Yukata, or you don’t have enough time to look around, i would recommend you to rent a bicycle. Surely you need to know the traffic rule in japan.
Kawagoe Sightseeing Itinerary for a Day Trip
Here is an itinerary to enjoy Kawagoe as a day trip!
- Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine
- Kitain Temple
- Kawagoe Kumano Jinja Shrine
- Ichiban Gai – Kura Dukuri Style houses
- Toki no Kane – Time Bell Tower
Kawagoe Hachimangu – Shrine
Built in 1030.
[Japanese] Kawagoe Hachimangu – official site
Various “Gods”
There are some kinds of “God” in Kawagoe Hachimangu, for instance, God for good eyes, God who listens your grumbles and so on. Also there is a tree “Tarayou” which has leaves origin of “Hagaki” (postcard).
A Pair of Ginkgo Trees
Those trees used to be separated as a normal tree, however, it became connected such as lovers. According to this unbelievable connection, people think that it is a special spot. For their happy love life, they touch those trees on each hand and make a wish.
Kitain – Temple
Kitain Temple is Buddhist Temple in Kawagoe, it was built in 830.
[ENGLISH] Kitain – official site –
Daruma Festival
It’s famous for Daruma festival on 3rd of January for taking good lucks in and bad lucks away, praying wellbeing of each family and traffic safety. (I will write more of Daruma in another article.)
Old Tales and 7 Mysteries
They have some old tales and 7 mysteries (it seems like not “7” mysteries though), im writing one of them here.
The bottomless hole
– there was a hole but no one knew how deep it was. Some people threw some things into it to check its depth, but they couldn’t hear any sounds. Although, others found the things floating on the pond which is 500m away from the hole. They told that it’s still mysterious, and named this “bottomless hole”.
Important Cultural Property
There are many very important properties certified by Japanese national organization.
Kawagoe Kumano Jinja – Shrine
Built in 1590. This is known to bring you good luck for success in business and matchmaking.
[Japanese] Kawagoe Kumano Jinja – official site
Tori no Ichi – Festival
On 3rd of December, it is a big festival called “Tori no ichi”. You can buy “Kumade” which is a good luck charm for success in business.
Matchmaking
Many young people come to this shrine for good matchmaking.
Ichiban Gai – Kura Dukuri
A hundred years ago, people in Kawagoe built houses in “Kura” style which is very fire-resistant. You can see those of them on this street, it makes you feel that you are back at that time.
Toki no Kane – Time Bell Tower
“Toki no kane” directory means “telling time bell” – it has been rung to announce the time since Edo period. It once had destroyed by the great fire in 1983 and 2 more times before that, so it is the 4th one and now it’s the symbol of Kawagoe.
The Building of Former Saitama Risona bank
This outstanding western-style building has been serving as a bank since 1918 – Taisho era. It is now a tangible cultural properties. Looks beautiful, doesn’t it?
Kawagoe Sightseeing Information
[ENGLISH] Kawagoe tourist information – official –
Information Center Around Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Office
(Kawagoe Station Ticket Gate on Tobu Tojo Line)
Honkawagoe Station Tourist Information Office
(Ground floor of Honkawagoe Pepe)
Hope you enjoy Kawagoe 😉 xx
