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Have you ever heard of the term “Koedo”? It’s actually a nickname for Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture. Kawagoe has been referred to as “Koedo” since the Edo period.
Stroll through streets lined with historic warehouses from the Edo period, visit ancient shrines and temples, and soak in the Taisho era’s nostalgic charm. In this town where it feels like time has stopped, you can enjoy delicious food and fun shopping. I’ve picked up the pen to share the charm of Kawagoe with you all.
But for first-time visitors, it might be a bit overwhelming—where should you start? What are the must-see spots? To help you out, I’m sharing a 1-day itinerary packed with the best of Kawagoe, curated by a local!
Whether you’re leisurely exploring the Edo-period atmosphere, snapping a memory at a photogenic spot, or tasting the famous local sweets of Kawagoe, this special course lets you experience everything Kawagoe has to offer.
So, let’s embark on a journey to Kawagoe, a place so captivating that you’ll want to dive in right away!
Your journey starts at Tobu Tojo Line’s Kawagoe Station. From Kawagoe Station, you’ll catch a bus to the more distant tourist spots and eventually return to the station as you explore.
First, purchase the “Koedo Kawagoe One-Day Pass” at the tourist information center just outside the ticket gates (400 yen for adults). Each bus ride in Kawagoe costs 210 yen, so if you plan to take the bus more than twice, the one-day pass is a better deal. Plus, you’ll receive discounts at participating stores, making it an even better value.
You can purchase the pass at the tourist information center or through an app. Check the details below for participating stores and mobile purchase options.
Koedo Kawagoe One - Day Pass - Tobu Bus Official Site
After purchasing the one-day pass, head to the bus stop. Exit through the East Exit, and you’ll find stairs leading down to the bus rotary on the first floor. Board the “Koedo Famous Spots Bus” at platform 3.
Begin your Kawagoe adventure by diving into history.
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten is the only surviving Honmaru Goten (main hall) in eastern Japan, making it a highly valuable historical building. There are only two Honmaru Gotens still in existence: one at Kochi Castle and this one at Kawagoe Castle.
Kawagoe Castle was built to defend the northern approach to Edo. It served as the Honmaru Goten, where Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Iemitsu stayed during their hawking trips to Kawagoe. As you explore Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back into Japanese history, visiting a place once frequented by key historical figures.
If you want to explore more Kawagoe Castle-related attractions, you’ll find plenty of sights scattered around Honmaru Goten. It’s worth taking some time to visit them.
If you have some time before the next bus, I recommend stopping by the nearby Japanese confectionery shop “Doukan,” located just across Hakurikan-dori from Honmaru Goten.
Founded in 1921, Doukan is an established Japanese confectionery shop. They offer a variety of sweets made from Kawagoe’s specialty, sweet potatoes, and other heartwarming treats.
Moreover, if you spend over 500 yen and show your Koedo Kawagoe One-Day Pass, you’ll receive a 5% discount.
Kawagoe Kaho Doukan Official Site
Board the Koedo Famous Spots Bus at the “Museum-mae” bus stop, and get off at the “Hikawa Shrine” bus stop (2-minute ride).
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is about a 6-7 minute walk. If the bus schedule doesn’t align, you can also walk there.
Next on your Koedo Kawagoe tour is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. With a history of over 1,500 years, this venerable shrine is famous for its blessings in matchmaking.
The most striking feature of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is its beautiful colors. The vibrant displays like the “Wind Chime Corridor” and “Windmill” stand out against the solemn atmosphere, making it a popular spot among women.
At night, the shrine is illuminated, creating a magical scene with the softly glowing streams and other captivating sights.
Read more about Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
If the bus schedule doesn’t align, you can also walk there, which takes about 12 minutes.
Next is the highlight of your Koedo Kawagoe tour, the Warehouse District.
Kawagoe’s Warehouse District, with its rows of historical warehouse-style buildings dating back to the Edo period, is still preserved today, making it one of Japan’s three major warehouse districts. When people think of Koedo Kawagoe, this is likely the scene they envision.
While enjoying the Edo-period atmosphere, you can also indulge in food and shopping. There are many places where you can rent yukata or kimono, so you can experience Koedo fully, both in mind and body, as you step back into the Edo period.
Read more about Warehouse District
It’s just a 1-minute walk east from the southern end of the Warehouse District.
Taisho Roman Yume Dori is a street that preserves the charm of the Taisho era in the present day. In contrast to the Edo atmosphere of the Warehouse District, you can now step into the ambiance of the Taisho period.
There’s a highly recommended cafe on Taisho Roman Yume Dori: Shimano Coffee Taishokan.
This cafe is known for its interior that maximizes the Taisho Roman atmosphere, waitresses dressed in maid outfits, and retro-pop, cute drinks and desserts.
It’s a popular cafe with locals and tourists alike, with lines often forming daily, but it’s worth the wait.
Read more about Shimano Coffee Taishokan
Kumano Shrine is located along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, so no additional travel is required.
Kumano Shrine is a compact shrine located along Taisho Roman Yume Dori. Though smaller compared to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, it’s packed with interesting features, making it a must-visit spot in Kawagoe.
The shrine honors Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow also featured in the Japan national soccer team logo, and has many adorable mini white snake statues. There’s also a beautifully decorated purification basin and an impressive array of fortune slips. Kumano Shrine is a top recommendation from locals and is a must-visit when in Koedo Kawagoe.
Read more about Kumano Shrine
It’s a 5-minute walk south.
Your Kawagoe adventure is nearing its end. After exploring castles, shrines, the Edo atmosphere, and Taisho romance, you might want to pick up some souvenirs.
Koedo Kurari is a shopping facility that gathers all of Kawagoe’s specialties and souvenirs in one place. Here, you can find everything from sweets to local sake and crafts.
The facility is housed in former sake warehouses dating back to the Meiji era, which have been renovated and designated as registered tangible cultural properties by the Japanese government. In these three warehouses, you can enjoy shopping, dining, and tasting local sake.
In addition to sweets and desserts made with Kawagoe’s famous sweet potatoes, you can also purchase COEDO beer, a well-known local craft beer, and sake from Koedo Kagamiyama Brewery in Kawagoe.
There’s also a cafe within the souvenir area, and in the adjacent warehouse, you can try almost all the brands of sake from Saitama Prefecture. This facility offers more than just shopping—it’s a place where you can also take a break, have a meal, and enjoy yourself.
Read more about Koedo Kurari
Now, your Koedo Kawagoe tour comes to an end. All that’s left is to head back to Kawagoe Station and catch your train home. However, since you’re here, why not also experience the everyday side of Kawagoe?
The walk from Koedo Kurari to Kawagoe Station is straightforward. Simply head south, and you’ll reach the station in about 10 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass through Crea Mall, a shopping street in front of Kawagoe Station.
Crea Mall is where the daily life of Kawagoe’s residents unfolds. Here, mothers shop, students hang out and grab a bite, and office workers enjoy a drink at an izakaya after work. It’s a typical shopping street, but walking through it will bring you back from the Edo atmosphere of Koedo Kawagoe to the present day.
As you stroll through this ordinary modern shopping street, you can reflect on the Edo atmosphere and Taisho romance you experienced in Koedo while wrapping up your day in Kawagoe.
The map below shows the walking route from Koedo Kurari, through Crea Mall, to Kawagoe Station.
Soon enough, you’ll arrive at Kawagoe Station, concluding your recommended tour that covers Kawagoe’s top attractions.
So, how did you like the 1-day itinerary for Koedo Kawagoe? From the nostalgic charm of a historic castle town to the solemnity of venerable shrines, the Edo-period warehouse district, and the atmosphere of Taisho romance—Kawagoe is a unique destination where you can experience time travel just 30 minutes from Tokyo.
Beyond the places introduced in this article, there are seasonal landscapes and hidden gems waiting for your visit. For example, visiting during traditional events like the Kawagoe Festival in October or the Kawagoe Million Lantern Summer Festival in July is highly recommended. You might also enjoy a sweets-tasting tour featuring local treats like Kawagoe Pudding and Imo Yokan, or strolling around the town in a kimono for a deeper and different perspective on Kawagoe. Kimono rentals are especially popular, and when you visit Kawagoe, you’ll find people of all ages enjoying the Edo atmosphere in traditional attire.
If this sounds like fun to you, be sure to plan your trip to Koedo Kawagoe. By experiencing the town’s history, culture, and scenery firsthand, you’ll discover the many charms of Kawagoe that words alone can’t convey.
Just 30 minutes from Tokyo, experience time travel to the Edo period!
