Kawagoe, nicknamed ‘Little Edo’ for its remarkably preserved streetscape, was a prosperous merchant town during the Edo period whose fireproof kurazukuri storehouses — thick-walled, black-tiled buildings — still line its main street today. A short walk away, Kashiya Yokocho (‘Candy Alley’) is a nostalgic lane of small shops selling traditional penny candies and rice crackers much as they did generations ago, making the combination one of the most complete slices of old Japan within easy reach of Tokyo.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kawagoe, Saitama |
| Hours | Street always open; shops ~10:00–18:00 |
| Admission | Free to walk; shopping/food extra |
| Time needed | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; October for the festival |
What to See
- The Kurazukuri storehouse street, Edo-period merchant architecture.
- The iconic Toki no Kane bell tower.
- Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley), lined with traditional sweet shops.
- Kimono rental shops for a period-costume photo walk.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kawagoe Kimono Rental for a full Edo-era experience.
- Pair with Kawagoe sweet potato snacks tasting.
- Read our Saitama overview .
Getting There
- By train: Tobu Tojo Line or Seibu Shinjuku Line to Kawagoe or Hon-Kawagoe Station, then a 15–20 min walk or bus.
- By car: roughly 1 hour from central Tokyo.
Tips
Visit on a weekday if possible, as the main street gets very crowded on weekends. The Toki no Kane bell still rings four times daily — time your visit to hear it for an authentic touch.
