Kawagoe: A Journey Through Time

Kawagoe, a city in the Saitama Prefecture, is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo for locals and tourists. Known as "Koedo" (Small Edo) due to its well-preserved Edo-era (1603-1868) architecture, the city boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic streets lined with museums, shops, and restaurants and enjoy a taste of traditional Japan.

Below is a sample itinerary you can follow for a taste of "Koedo."

Take the Co-Edo Loop Bus for the beginning portion of the trip. Once you get to the Little Edo Warehouse District, I suggest walking back to the station to experience the historic streetscape. Or, you can further explore the area via a guided tour on a jinrikisha.  

Co-Edo Loop Bus

You can board the bus from Kawagoe Station or Kawagoe-shi Station. The bus takes you through popular sites throughout Kawagoe with a Daily Pass costing only 500 yen. Presenting the Daily Pass at select stores, restaurants, and sites can lead to further discounts and benefits. Check out their website for further details.

Jinrikisha

A jinrikisha is a small, two-wheeled cart pulled by a human runner. Designed to carry one or two passengers, the cart has a bench seat and a canopy to protect the passengers from the sun and rain. The jinrikisha was a common mode of transportation in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the widespread adoption of automobiles.

Once you get into the main areas, you can hop onto a jinrikisha. The guide can take you along a course for a fun and unique way to experience the historical streetscape of Kawagoe.

Many shops offer kimono rental services, allowing visitors to dress and immerse themselves in the traditional atmosphere. Some shops provide additional options, such as hair and makeup services or photo shoots in the city. Refer to this website for a list of stores.

Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Line)

Hon-Kawagoe Station is the closest station to Koedo. If you're coming from Tokyo, head to the Shinjuku Station via the Yamanote Line. Then transfer to the Seibu Shinjuku Station, a 5 min walk from the JR Shinjuku Station. You can take either the Limited Express (45min) or Express (60min) directly to Seibu Hon-Kawagoe Station from the Seibu Shinjuku Station.

Kawagoe Station (JR & Tobu Line)

For JR Railpass Holders, you can take the JR Saikyo Line from JR Shinjuku to Kawagoe Station (~60min). Depending on your train, you may need to transfer to the JR Kawagoe Line at Oomiya Station.

Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu Line)

This station is convenient if you are coming from Ikebukuro. The Tobu Tojo Line will take you directly to Kawagoe-shi Station (~30min). Note this train will also stop at Kawagoe Station.