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Kawagoe, often referred to as “Little Edo,” is a place where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Edo period. As you walk through the streets lined with traditional warehouses, it feels as though you’ve stepped into a historical drama. But Kawagoe offers more than just the Edo experience. Step into one of its alleys, and you’ll find yourself transported to the Taisho Roman era.
Today, we’re introducing “Taisho Roman Yume-dori,” a popular tourist spot in Kawagoe. Here, you can enjoy a unique time-travel experience where the Edo, Taisho, and even Showa periods intersect, as if you’re turning the pages of history.
Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the new charm of Kawagoe, with its nostalgic buildings, retro ambiance, and flavors of the past that are still alive today.
Taisho Roman Yume-dori is a street in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, where buildings from the Edo, Taisho, and Showa periods still stand. The street is characterized by its nostalgic atmosphere, with beautiful buildings that have stood the test of time for over 100 years. Many of the establishments here have preserved the original structures, making it a popular spot among visitors to Kawagoe.
Taisho Roman Yume - dori Official Website
Kawagoe is known as “Little Edo,” famous for its Edo-period townscape. However, just one step off the main path, you can slip into the Taisho period. This is where Taisho Roman Yume-dori comes in.
Taisho Roman Yume-dori is located right next to Kawagoe’s main street, Kurano-machi.
Before we dive in, let’s understand what the Taisho period was all about.
The Taisho period refers to a 15-year period in Japanese history, spanning from 1912 to 1926. This era was a fascinating time when Western culture strongly influenced Japan, leading to a unique blend of Western and traditional Japanese culture.
Following the rapid modernization of the Meiji period, the Taisho period saw a blossoming of culture and arts, spurred by the global economic boom following World War I. It was common to see men in Western suits and women in stylish Western outfits walking the streets, with new entertainment venues like cafes and cinemas also emerging.
Ginza in 1921
In architecture, a unique style known as “Taisho Roman” emerged, characterized by a harmonious blend of Western and Japanese elements. These buildings, with their beautiful exteriors and interiors, continue to captivate people even today.
This era also witnessed a rise in movements advocating for democracy and individual freedom. In literature and the arts, new forms of expression were constantly being developed, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese culture.
Though short, the Taisho period gave birth to a cultural and artistic legacy that is still cherished as “Taisho Roman.” It carries a distinct charm that blends nostalgia with modernity, and walking through Taisho Roman Yume-dori feels like stepping back in time to experience this enchanting era firsthand.
Taisho Roman Yume-dori is home to modern architecture from the Taisho and Showa eras, offering a nostalgic atmosphere.
This is the Kawagoe Chamber of Commerce, originally built as the Bushu Bank Kawagoe Branch in 1927.
This is the Nakacho Tourist Information Center. This building was originally the “Former Kasama Residence,” a traditional warehouse-style building known for its historic plasterwork.
In addition to buildings, you’ll also encounter nostalgic scenes like old-fashioned games and Coca-Cola vending machines from the Showa era. Taisho Roman Yume-dori retains these retro elements, preserving the charm of the past.
Taisho Roman Yume-dori is a place where you can immerse yourself in this nostalgic atmosphere.
Taisho Roman Yume-dori is home to eateries that have preserved their historic buildings, some dating back to the Edo period, allowing you to enjoy meals within these timeless structures.
This is Ogakiku, a well-established eel restaurant founded in 1807. It is a more than 200-year-old restaurant designated as an “Important Urban Landscape Building” by Kawagoe City.
This is “1901 TEA SALON,” a cafe where you can enjoy Japanese sweets. It operates in a warehouse built in 1901 (Meiji 34).
This is a tart shop. Although the building itself is a reproduction, it complements the street’s overall aesthetic beautifully.
One shop that always has a line is Shimano Coffee Taisho-kan.
The retro interior and nostalgic coffee shop menu make it a hit with young people for its retro-pop atmosphere that is perfect for photos.
Read more about Shimano Coffee Taisho-kan
Kawagoe is synonymous with Little Edo, where the energy of the Edo period is palpable through its traditional warehouse buildings. On the other hand, Taisho Roman Yume-dori offers the chic streets of the Taisho period. The quiet, nostalgic atmosphere is the very essence of “Taisho Roman.”
It’s rare to find a place in Japan where you can step back in time by just turning off the main street.
When you visit Kawagoe, make sure to enjoy the Taisho streets along with the Edo ones. Taisho Roman Yume-dori is a highly recommended spot where you can truly feel the dreamlike charm of Taisho Roman.
