Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo,” is one of the best day trips you can take from central Tokyo. It’s famous for its Kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse) architecture and nostalgic atmosphere.
If you are looking for a day out from Tokyo I can recommend Kawagie. It was easy to get there and there’s plenty to see and do there.
Getting to Kawagoe: Our Journey from Tokyo
Kawagoe is an easy and affordable day trip from central Tokyo. Depending on where you are staying, there are a few great ways to reach “Little Edo”:
- The Fastest Way: Take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station. It takes about 30 minutes on an express train.
- The Scenic Route: The Seibu Shinjuku Line connects Shinjuku to Hon-Kawagoe Station, which is the closest station to the historic warehouse district.
- Our Experience (From Meguro): Since we were coming from Meguro City, we took the local route via the Tokyu Toyoko Line. It was a relaxed 1.5-hour journey, but it’s a great example of how well-connected Tokyo’s outskirts are.
Tip for Travelers: Whatever route you choose, look for the “Kawagoe Pass.” Most rail companies offer a special discount ticket for tourists that covers your round-trip fare and sometimes even includes local bus access within Kawagoe. It’s a simple way to save a few yen for more street snacks!
Getting Around Kawagoe: A Scenic Walk through History
Once you arrive at Kawagoe Station, you’ll find that the best way to soak in the atmosphere is on foot. While there are “Co-Edo” loop buses available, we decided to walk from the station to reach the main sights.
The Route to the Old Storehouse District (Kurazukuri Street) It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to walk from Kawagoe Station (or Hon-Kawagoe Station) to the famous “Old Street.”
- Why we chose to walk: The walk itself is a great way to see the transition from a modern Japanese city to the nostalgic Taisho-era architecture. You’ll find charming local shops and cafes along the way that you’d miss from a bus window.
Continuing to Hikawa Shrine From the main Old Street (near the Bell Tower), it’s another 10 to 15-minute walk to reach the serene Hikawa Shrine.
- The Experience: The path leads you through quieter residential areas, giving you a glimpse of daily life in Kawagoe. By the time you reach the shrine’s massive stone torii gate, you’ll feel like you’ve truly earned the peaceful atmosphere of the sacred grounds.
Our Practical Tip: The total walk from the station to Hikawa Shrine (with a stop at the Old Street) is about 2.5 to 3 kilometers. It’s a gentle, flat route, but we highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes. If you find yourself tired after exploring the shrine, you can always catch a bus from the “Hikawa Jinja-mae” stop back to the station!
What to see
Toki no Kane: The Iconic Time Bell Tower
Standing tall in the heart of the historic district, Toki no Kane (the Bell of Time) is the undisputed symbol of Kawagoe. Originally built in the early 17th century, the current wooden tower dates back to 1893, reconstructed after the Great Fire of Kawagoe.
For over 400 years, this bell has signaled the time to the townspeople. Even today, it rings four times a day—at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
We made sure to be nearby at noon to hear its deep, mechanical chime. It is a beautiful, grounding sound that cuts through the modern chatter of the streets, reminding everyone of the town’s long, resilient history.
You can get free maps at the Tourist Information Office which is at the train station.
A Hidden Gem for Sake Lovers: The Tasting Vending Machines
On our walk back to the station, we stumbled upon a brilliantly fun spot that offered exactly what we needed after a long day of exploring: Sake Vending Machines.
This shop features an incredibly extensive range of local sakes, and the system is simple but addictive. For ¥1,000, we exchanged our cash for 8 tokens. Each drink typically costs just one token, making it a very affordable way to sample a variety of profiles.
The Experience:
- Self-Service Fun: You take a small cup, insert your token, and the machine dispenses a perfect pour. It’s incredibly efficient and feels like a playground for adults.
- Warm or Cold: There is even a dedicated machine to heat up your sake if that’s what the specific bottle recommends. We loved this attention to detail, ensuring we tasted each brew exactly as the maker intended.
- Find Your Favorite: It’s a great, low-pressure way to try different types without committing to a full bottle. Of course, once we discovered a few favorites, we browsed the attached shop to see the full-sized versions.
For us, it was the perfect ending to our Kawagoe trip—balancing the traditional “Little Edo” history of the morning with a bit of modern, playful Japanese culture in the evening.
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