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There’s a place where you can feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to the Edo period, and it’s none other than Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture. Known affectionately as “Little Edo,” this town is just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo but offers an entirely different world, preserving the charm of Edo-era Japan.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the must-visit spots in Kawagoe’s Kurazukuri Townscape.
First, let’s explore why Kawagoe is referred to as “Little Edo.”
Interestingly, Kawagoe has been called Little Edo for quite some time.
Kawagoe has been recognized as Little Edo since the Edo period, often described as “Though there are many Little Kyotos, there is only one Little Edo, and that is Kawagoe.” This recognition comes from Kawagoe’s long history as a merchant town, its well-developed waterways that served as a hub for transportation, and its role as the castle town of Kawagoe Domain, which was governed by important retainers and relatives of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Because of this, Kawagoe has been known as Little Edo since the early Edo period.
The town’s landscape has remained largely unscathed by major disasters, preserving its precious historical scenery. In today’s wave of urbanization, the fact that such historical landscapes remain is nothing short of a miracle.
Visitors can enjoy strolling through the town in rental kimonos and indulge in some street food while experiencing the charm of Little Edo.
Though Little Edo is quite extensive with numerous attractions, this article focuses on the most popular Kurazukuri Townscape area, so be sure to use it as a guide for your exploration.
Ichiban-gai Shopping Street is the main street of Little Edo Kawagoe. Stretching about 400 meters north to south, it is lined with Kurazukuri-style buildings and is the most bustling street in the area.
The street is filled with shops housed in traditional Kurazukuri buildings, making it a great place to enjoy both shopping and the historic townscape. You’ll find a variety of shops here, from long-established stores to trendy boutiques, making it a fun place to stroll around.
Among them, be sure to visit Kawagoe Pudding.
Their pudding is truly delicious and highly recommended. When in Little Edo, street food is a must! By the way, Kawagoe is famous for its sweet potatoes.
Read more about Kawagoe Pudding
Kanetsuki-dori Street extends from the center of Ichiban-gai Shopping Street. Kawagoe’s symbol, the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), is located on this street.
Toki no Kane is a historic bell tower built around 400 years ago in the 1620s. Since the early Edo period, it has been a vital part of the local community, announcing the time.
The current bell tower was rebuilt in 1894. It stands three stories high, with a height of about 16 meters, gracefully overlooking the town of Kawagoe.
This bell was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes to Preserve in 1996. So, it’s not just a visual attraction, but also an auditory one. The bell rings four times a day at 6:00 am, 12:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. Be sure to time your visit to enjoy the sound!
There is a Starbucks on Kanetsuki-dori Street that blends perfectly with the Little Edo townscape. The store’s design, which integrates seamlessly into the Edo-era atmosphere, has made it a popular tourist attraction. It’s like, “What if there was a Starbucks during the Edo period?”
In fact, this Starbucks was selected as one of the “20 Starbucks stores to visit in 2020.”
20 Starbucks stores to visit in 2020 - Starbucks Stories
There’s also a Japanese garden at the back of the store, embodying the spirit of Edo and Japanese aesthetics. I travel to Starbucks stores across Japan, and I must say, this is the most beautiful Starbucks in Japan.
Kanetsuki-dori Street has no car traffic, making it the best place to feel the Edo atmosphere.
If you’re visiting Little Edo Kawagoe, Kanetsuki-dori Street is a must-see spot.
Kashiya Yokocho is a street on the west side of Ichiban-gai Shopping Street, lined with traditional candy shops. The 100-meter street is home to various shops, offering everything from nostalgic sweets to modern treats and souvenirs.
This alley, which retains the atmosphere of early Showa-era Japan, once housed over 70 candy shops. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, it became the main supplier of traditional sweets for Tokyo. Although the number of shops has decreased to about 20, its charm remains. You can find old-fashioned candies like peppermint drops and Kintaro candies, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience for visitors.
Walking through the alley, you’ll be enveloped in a sweet aroma, feeling as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. This unique atmosphere earned Kashiya Yokocho a place on the Ministry of the Environment’s “100 Scentscape Selection” in 2001.
Kashiya Yokocho is a vibrant street. It’s a magical place where both adults and children can relive their childhoods. Whether you’re here for the sweets or the atmosphere, this is a great place to enjoy some street food.
Inari-koji Alley is a narrow street extending from Ichiban-gai Shopping Street. Here, you’ll find a little-known power spot called Shiawase Inari.
Shiawase Inari Shrine, also known as “Kousushi Inari,” is a shrine that brings good fortune.
Located on Inari-koji Alley is a sushi restaurant called ”Kousushi.” Since its founding in 1878, people who prayed at this “Kousushi Inari” have reported many blessings, leading to its nickname “Shiawase Inari” or “Happiness Inari.”
The pink female fox at Shiawase Inari is associated with love and marriage, while the yellow male fox is believed to bring success in business and fortune.
Locals especially regard it as a love power spot, so it’s a must-visit for girls.
Kawagoe, the Little Edo town. We’ve introduced some of the most famous and popular streets, centering on the main street, Ichiban-gai Shopping Street.
But this is just a glimpse. There are many more streets, including small alleys, where you can experience the essence of Edo and Japanese aesthetics at every turn.
To fully enjoy Kawagoe, take a step off the busy main streets into the quieter alleys. It’s a great way to take a break and relax in a café.
Kawagoe, the Little Edo Town.
Experience the charm that only a town with such a long-standing history can offer. Let your senses fully absorb the ambiance.
