Would you like to do time-travel and feel the Edo atmosphere? If so, you can do it easily in Japan. Are you curios where is it? Just read the post!
What is so unique about Kawagoe?
Would you like to experience some time-travelling in Japan? Move back till the Edo period? Walk along streets with old buildings, many temples, shrines and atmospheric areas? I think that would be great! To feel that unique atmosphere where local products melt with some modernity. Where people in kimonos stroll on the same lanes as people in jeans, T-shirts and sneakers? For me, that is a nice experience. Even though a little bit artificial, it is still a pleasant view and if you use your imagination, you will feel marvelously. Of course, do not forget to try some local delicacies, Japanese sweets and obligatory drink matcha tea!
Where is the ‘Little Edo’ in Kawagoe located?
Actually, this place is probably easily accessible for you because it is located not so far away from Tokyo. And I doubt you would miss the capital if you were in Japan for the first time.
Yes, Kawagoe is known for its special atmosphere and architecture. It is even called ‘Little Edo’. And it is not surprising. Once you come there, you will have no doubts why.
Why go to Kawagoe?
Kawagoe is a little town that you should visit no matter whether you are interested in culture, tourist attractions, food or shopping. There you will find all that in one place. What is more, most of the places of interest are located in walking distance, so as long you do not mind a stroll from place to place, you will manage. And if you get tired, no worries. There are plenty of cafeterias, restaurants and patisseries where you can chill and relax.
How to get to ‘Little Edo’ in Kawagoe from Tokyo?
Another good thing about Kawagoe is the fact that it is easily accessible from Tokyo. No matter whether you are traveling by car or you are using public transport, it is a nice day trip from Tokyo.
From my point of view, the best way to get there is to take a local train that would take you directly to the town. The train station is located close to all sights and tourists’ attractions and a short walk from the railway station would be a nice experience to see how people in a small Japanese town lives.
Best streets to walk through in Kawagoe
Although a stroll on almost all streets in the old part of Kawagoe would be nice, there are a couple of streets and areas that are really nice.
Saiwacho
One of them is Saiwacho that is a wide area with old buildings on both sides. There are located many shops with souvenirs, desserts, restaurants and cafeterias. Wooden one-story houses create a special atmosphere. If you are looking for souvenirs, here you will find them too. Starting from T-shirts, through fans, chopsticks and ending on original linen clothes.
Of course, if you are a matcha lover, you will have a lot of chances to buy matcha ice-creams or a traditional Japanese tea.
Kanetsuki Dori
You should walk along Kanetsuki Dori where you will be impressed by the traditional architecture. One of the most significant buildings is a Bell Tower that is so often pictured, and once you see it, you will not be surprised why. Although a little bit out of place, from my point of view, it is really charming. When you add to that people wearing Japanese kimonos, strolling with paper umbrellas and wearing traditional Japanese shoes, you would like to stay there for a long time.
And if you get tired with sightseeing you should definitively have a rest in a Starbucks Coffee Shop where you could relax and have a break in the interior designed in a Japanese style.
Chill and relax in Starbucks Coffee Shop
Although it is so commercial, so popular and so western style in what Starbucks serves, I think you will enjoy the interior. With a perfect view over a Japanese style rock garden and bamboos you would be able to sip your coffee in a unique environment. As always, extra snacks or cold beverages would be a nice option too. Especially if they are based on local flavors and tastes. Worth recommending are all matcha products, that are so rare in other countries. Apart from that, an air-conditioned area, with pleasant music and so comfortable chairs will let you relax and regain energy for the next hours of walking and sightseeing.
Candy Alley Keshiya Yokocho
Then you cannot skip the Candy Alley. It is so cute, so traditional and with many hidden Japanese gems. Little shrines, colorful shops, boutiques and of course a lot of places with candies. This lane is not far away from Starbucks Coffee Shop. Desserts, sweets, ice creams, candies and many other sweet snacks are all around. They are not only beautiful but also tasty and prepared with local ingredients. Even if you are not a big fan of sweets, you should walk there just to look at them.
Honmachi Dori
If you want to go a little bit further and combine the stroll with some temple sightseeing, choose Honmachi Dori. Although the street is not as spectacular as all mentioned above, it is still a good option to include in your itinerary. Honmachi Dori is relatively wide and is the main tourist street of Kawagoe.
Now it is time for real sightseeing. Let’s stop with souvenirs, refreshments, candies and desserts and let’s visit some historical places. Kawagoe offers many attractions for tourists looking for heritage landmarks, places of worship and traditional buildings. While the local architecture can be seen also in the souvenir area, temples and cultural spots are not on these paths.
However, as the town is relatively small itself, they are not so far away from the railway station either.
Date: 2025-04-17
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
