- Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace Guide: Must-See Highlights and Fascinating Finds
- Discover Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace through its must-see highlights and hidden stories. A journey into history, craftsmanship, and unexpected discoveries.
Explore Every Corner of Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten: A Complete and In-Depth Guide
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten stands out as the only surviving Honmaru Palace structure in Eastern Japan, making it a uniquely significant site. Originally built as a lodging for the shogun and serving as both the residence and administrative base for the feudal lord, it remains a precious legacy of samurai culture and Edo-period architecture.
In this article, we explore Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten in depth—from its historical significance to the aesthetic design of the entrance and grand hall, and the layout of the rooms where senior retainers once governed.
If you prefer a more concise introduction to the main highlights, we recommend the following article:
Read more about Highlights of Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
From the Sengoku Era to the Late Edo Period: History of Kawagoe Castle and the Honmaru Goten
Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457 by Ōta Dōkan and his father Dōsan, retainers of the Ogigayatsu Uesugi clan. Designed as a strategic point in the Kanto region, the castle later came under the rule of the Hōjō and Toyotomi clans during the Sengoku period, and eventually served as a key northern outpost of Edo under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
During the tenure of Matsudaira Nobutsuna—nicknamed “Chie Izu” for his wisdom—Kawagoe flourished as a castle town deeply influenced by Edo culture.
The original Honmaru Goten was built in the early Edo period as a shogunal residence, but after the third shogun Iemitsu ceased visits, it was dismantled and left vacant for a long time. In 1846, after the Ninomaru Goten burned down in a fire, the existing Honmaru Goten was constructed on the old site. Completed in 1848 (Kaei 1), it became the domain lord’s residence and administrative base, surviving the turbulence of the Bakumatsu era to this day.
| Castle built by Ōta Dōkan and Dōsan | |
| Hōjō clan defeated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Odawara campaign; Tokugawa clan takes control | |
| Matsudaira Nobutsuna becomes lord and develops the castle town | |
| Early Edo Period | Honmaru Goten built for shogunal visits |
| Post-1640s | Shogunal visits ceased; lodging dismantled |
| Ninomaru Goten destroyed by fire | |
| Current Honmaru Goten reconstructed | |
| Meiji Restoration: castle repurposed as prefectural office, public hall, school, etc. | |
| Designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture | |
| Karō Office also designated as a Tangible Cultural Property | |
| 2008–2011 | Preservation and restoration work conducted on roof, earthen walls, and more |
The Majestic Beauty of Samurai Architecture: Kara-hafu Gable and Kushi-shaped Fence
The current entrance of Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten is distinguished by its grand kara-hafu gable design. It features a large copper-tiled roof, a three-bay-wide opening, and massive square columns—truly befitting a daimyo of 170,000 koku.
On both sides of the entrance stretch kushi-shaped fences. Originally only one side remained, but in 1968 both sides were restored. The elegant curves of these fences symbolize the formality of the palace and enhance the harmony of the building’s overall design.
This entrance served not only as an expression of the domain’s dignity toward visitors and the shogun but also as a status symbol within samurai society. In fact, the main entrance was reserved exclusively for the shogun—feudal lords themselves entered through a side gate called Naka-no-Kuchi.
Core Areas of the Castle: Functions and Features of Each Room
Each room in Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten was designed with a distinct purpose to support the feudal lord’s administration and daily life. These preserved spaces still convey the orderly and tense atmosphere of the Edo-period samurai system. Let’s take a look at their individual roles and features.
Room for Envoys | Waiting Area for Visitors
This room was used by envoys waiting to meet the feudal lord. Though simple in structure, it features intricately decorated sliding doors and transoms, creating a refined atmosphere for welcoming guests.
Messengers’ Office | Station for Couriers and Inspectors
The office for official messengers who supported domain governance has a simple design, reflecting the formality of their role. Its efficient layout allowed for quick communication and inspection duties.
Elderly Retainers’ Room | Waiting Room for Retired Officials
Used by retired senior officials, this room is intentionally modest and calm in design. Though removed from the forefront, their experience continued to support the domain’s stability behind the scenes.
Commanders’ Office | Waiting Room for Foot Soldiers’ Leaders
This was the waiting area for commanders of foot soldiers. It features a minimalist layout designed for practicality and quick response in times of conflict.
Meiji Wing | Modern Era Additions Reflecting Historical Preservation
The Meiji Wing, added during the Meiji period, now functions as Exhibition Room 1 and houses displays on the restoration work. It represents the intersection of historical heritage and modernization.
Monks’ Duty Room | Night Watch Room for Temple Priests
This room was where monks stayed on duty, offering spiritual support and performing rituals. Now called Exhibition Room 2, it features timelines and castle maps that help visitors visually understand Kawagoe Castle’s history.
Karō Office | Central Hub for Domain Administration
This space served as the political command center of the domain. Key decisions were made here, including discussions on coastal defense during the arrival of Perry’s Black Ships. The tension of governance is recreated today through life-size mannequins.
Karō Office
Naka-no-Kuchi | Side Entrance for Non-Shogunal Access
The Naka-no-Kuchi entrance is slightly smaller than the main entrance, measuring two and a half bays wide. As the main entrance was reserved exclusively for the shogun, even the domain lord entered through this side entrance—an example of strictly observed protocols.
Guards’ Room | Station for Palace Guards
This room served as a waiting and operational area for guards assigned to protect the palace. It played a crucial role in ensuring the lord’s safety.
Grand Hall | Formal Reception Space
This 36-tatami mat room was used for receiving guests. The coffered ceiling, ornate fusuma paintings, and the solemn atmosphere elevate the grandeur of the palace.
Within this hall, a ceremonial suit of armor known as Murasaki Susogo-odoshi Dōmaru Gusoku is on display.
Decorated with purple silk cords and created in the Edo period, this armor was likely used for ceremonial purposes, symbolizing the lord’s prestige. The gradient color technique known as “susogo” and the fine detailing are notable highlights. It harmonizes beautifully with the grand hall’s refined space.
Together with the lavish fusuma paintings, this armor embodies the aesthetic ideals of samurai culture. The path leading from here to the lord’s audience chamber was part of a formal ritual.
Tranquil Courtyard Bringing Life to the Palace: Rock Garden and Stepping Stones
A beautiful courtyard spreads beside the Honmaru Goten, blending perfectly with the palace’s traditional wooden architecture.
This courtyard is believed to stand on the site of the former Great Drawing Room from the Edo period. Today, it features a dry landscape rock garden (karesansui) and a path of stepping stones.
The stone path creates an open, flowing garden space that incorporates the surrounding natural scenery. As you walk, the view subtly changes, creating an elegant and peaceful experience that complements the architecture.
The white-sand rock garden offers tranquil beauty, with sand patterns and plants arranged like a painting—easily appreciated from inside the palace.
Where once the feudal lord and retainers walked, there now lies a serene garden, softening the solemn atmosphere of the interior.
From Meiji to the Present: Preservation and Restoration of Honmaru Goten
After the Meiji Restoration, many castles were lost due to the Castle Abolishment Edict. However, Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten survived—a rare case. Its preservation is thanks to its continued use as a prefectural office, public hall, tobacco monopoly factory, martial arts hall, and school, adapting to the times and escaping demolition.
Remnants of its use as a gymnasium—volleyball marks are still visible on the ceiling of the Grand Hall
In 1967, the entrance and grand hall were designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Saitama Prefecture. In 1991, the Karō Office was also added, officially recognizing the site’s historical value.
Between 2008 and 2011, a large-scale restoration project took place over about two and a half years. The work included roof replacement, timber repairs, seismic retrofitting, and restoration of the earthen walls. These efforts preserved traditional building techniques while meeting modern safety standards—laying the foundation to pass this heritage on to future generations.
Thus, Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten has survived the tides of history and continues to stand today.
Location and Method for Collecting the Japan’s Top 100 Castles Stamp
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Castles. A stamp for the official stamp rally is available for visitors.
The stamp is usually placed inside Honmaru Goten and is available to the public during opening hours (9:00 am–5:00 pm).
Note that the last admission is at 4:30 pm, so if you want to stamp your booklet, please arrive with enough time.
If your visit falls on a day the palace is closed (Mondays or the fourth Friday of each month), the stamp will be temporarily relocated to the Rest Area in Hatsukari Park, where it’s also available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
During the New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3), both Honmaru Goten and Hatsukari Park Rest Area are closed, so the stamp is instead available at the Kawagoe City Hall Night Duty Office (Main Building B1).
Reference: Location of the Japan Top 100 Castles Stamp (No. 19 Kawagoe Castle) | City of Kawagoe
Experience the Sole Surviving Honmaru Palace in Eastern Japan
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten still carries the dignity of samurai architecture and the tension of administrative spaces. The grandeur of the kara-hafu entrance, the quiet elegance of the grand hall, and the historically rich Karō Office—all quietly tell the stories of the past.
As the only existing Honmaru Palace in Eastern Japan, it offers a rare chance to experience the architecture and culture of the Edo-period samurai elite. Take your time walking through the building, and feel the history come alive around you.
Basic Information About Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
- Business hours
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm （最終入館 4:30 pm ）
- Regular holiday
- Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3), Fourth Friday of each month (excluding holidays)
- Telephone number
- +081-49-222-5399 (Kawagoe City Museum)
- Official site
- https://www.city.kawagoe.saitama.jp/museum/honmaru/1011573.html
- Parking
- Free parking available
- Address
- 2 - 13 - 1 Kuruwamachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | 100 yen |
| College/High School Students | 50 yen |
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten Pamphlet [PDF]
Be sure to also check out the following articles related to Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten.
Read more about How to Get to Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
Read more about Highlights of Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
Read more about Inside Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
Read more about Historic Remains of Kawagoe Castle
