Most people think you have to go all the way to Kyoto to see traditional Japan. But we always tell our clients that there is a time machine sitting just 30 minutes outside of Tokyo.
It’s called Kawagoe, though the locals know it better as “Little Edo” (Koedo). Stepping off the train here feels like stepping onto a film set from the 17th century. You swap the digital billboards and skyscrapers for black clay-walled warehouses and tiled roofs. Instead of the noise of the Yamanote Line, you have the deep chime of the famous Time Bell Tower ringing out over the town. It is the perfect antidote to the neon chaos of the capital.
However, because it’s so close to the city, it can get tricky to navigate if you don’t know what you’re doing. We have made the mistake of taking the slow train or arriving right at peak time, and it changes the experience completely.
In this guide, we are going to walk you through exactly how to plan your the perfect Kawagoe day trip. We will show you which train pass is actually worth your yen, the walking route that helps you beat the crowds, and where to find the absolute best street food.
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Step 1: Choose the Best Train Route & Pass
Getting to Kawagoe is simple, but choosing the right train line can be the difference between a cramped hour-long commute and a smooth 30-minute ride. There are three main ways to get there, and the best one really depends on where you are staying in Tokyo.
From Ikebukuro: The Tobu Tojo Line
If speed is your priority, this is the winner. The Tobu Tojo Line gets you from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe Station in just 30 minutes, making it the fastest option available.
We strongly recommend picking up the Kawagoe Discount Pass (Premium) at the station. For about ¥1,050, it covers your round-trip train fare and gives you unlimited rides on the local Tobu buses in Kawagoe. This is a huge help because the old warehouse district is actually a solid 20-minute walk from the station. Having the option to hop on a bus when your feet get tired later in the day is a lifesaver.
From Shinjuku: The Seibu Shinjuku Line
If you are based in Shinjuku, don’t bother crossing town to Ikebukuro. The Seibu line takes a bit longer, usually 45 to 60 minutes, but it has a massive advantage that most guides overlook: it arrives at Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Hon-Kawagoe is significantly closer to the old town than the main Kawagoe Station, shaving about 10 minutes off your walk to the sights. You can grab the SEIBU Kawagoe Pass for just ¥700 for a round trip.
For JR Pass Holders
We will be honest: if you don’t have a JR Pass, we usually advise skipping this route. It takes longer and costs more than the private lines.
However, if you have an active Japan Rail Pass, the trip on the Saikyo/Kawagoe Line is completely free. The one thing you must watch out for is the train type. Make sure you catch a Rapid or Commuter Rapid train heading towards Kawagoe. If you accidentally hop on a local train, you will stop at every single station along the way, turning a quick trip into a very long morning.
Not sure if the JR Pass is right for your trip? Read this to find out:
Step 2: Map Out Your 1-Day Itinerary
The biggest mistake visitors make in Kawagoe is wandering aimlessly. The town is compact, but the crowds on the main street can be overwhelming by midday. To see the highlights without getting stuck in a sea of tourists, we follow a specific route that moves clockwise around the town.
Morning: Start at the Warehouse District (Kurazukuri Street)
We always recommend heading straight for the Warehouse District the moment you arrive. While most tourists stop for coffee near the station, you want to be on Kurazukuri Street before 11 AM so you can admire the stunning Edo-period architecture and black clay walls without a large crowd blocking your view.
While you are here, make your way to the symbol of the town, Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower). It has been telling time for the locals for centuries. The bell rings four times a day: 6 AM, noon, 3 PM, and 6 PM. If you time your morning walk right, you can catch the deep, resonant chime at noon, which really adds to the old-world atmosphere.
Midday: A Historic Lunch
When it comes to lunch, you have two very different choices depending on your patience and your palate.
Kawagoe is famous for Unagi (eel). It is a local speciality dating back to the Edo period, and the sauce here is legendary. However, the popular spots like Ogakiku usually have massive queues. If you have your heart set on unagi, our tip is to go there first thing to put your name on the waiting list, then explore the town while you wait.
If waiting two hours for lunch sounds like a nightmare, head over to Taisho-roman Street. This street feels completely different, lined with retro 1920s Western-style buildings rather than samurai-era warehouses. It is generally quieter and full of charming cafes serving curries, omelette rice, and excellent coffee, perfect for a relaxed, nostalgia-filled break.
Afternoon: Luck & Love at Hikawa Shrine
After lunch, walk or take a short bus ride north to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This isn’t just another shrine; it is one of the most fun spiritual spots in the area, especially if you are looking for love or good relationships.
Instead of the usual method of shaking a box to get your fortune, here you have to fish for it. You pick up a tiny fishing rod and hook a red snapper (Tai) toy from a basket. Inside the fish is your omikuji (fortune slip). It makes for a great photo and a unique souvenir. If you are visiting in the summer, you are in for a treat, as the shrine sets up a massive tunnel of wind chimes that tinkle beautifully in the breeze.
Late Afternoon: Snack Time on Candy Alley
Start looping back towards the station via Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho). We like saving this for the end of the day because it is the perfect place to grab souvenirs. The stone-paved alley is packed with small stalls selling dagashi—nostalgic penny sweets that every Japanese person remembers from childhood.
You will likely see people walking around holding enormous, metre-long black sugar sticks called fugashi. Grab one for the train ride home, or just sample the hard candies and traditional rice crackers as the sun starts to set over Little Edo.
Step 3: Plan What to Eat
You cannot visit Kawagoe without noticing the obsession with sweet potatoes (satsumaimo). Because of its history as a farming supplier to Edo-era Tokyo, the vegetable is everywhere. It might sound like a strange highlight, but embracing the sweet potato culture is essentially a requirement for the full experience.
Must-Try Street Food
There are dozens of potato-themed snacks, but you really only need to focus on a few.
First, look for Imokoi. This is a rustic steamed bun filled with a thick slice of sweet potato and red bean paste. It is warm, not too sweet, and perfect for a cold day. You will also inevitably spot people walking around holding paper cups filled with massive, paper-thin sweet potato chips.
Honestly, they are a bit of an Instagram trend, but the salt-and-butter dipping sauce they come with makes them addictive. If you are visiting in summer, the purple sweet potato soft serve is the best way to cool down.
Drink Local: Coedo Beer
If you prefer your local produce in liquid form, you are in luck. Kawagoe is home to Coedo Brewery, one of Japan’s most successful craft beer brands.
You can find their beers all over Japan now, but drinking them at the source is different. Keep an eye out for stalls or liquor shops selling draft versions to take away. We recommend trying the “Beniaka”, it is an amber ale actually brewed with local sweet potatoes. It is rich, smooth, and unlike anything else you will find in a standard Tokyo izakaya.
Step 4: Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Walking the streets of the Warehouse District is one thing, but if you really want to feel the atmosphere of the Edo period, you should dress the part. Kawagoe is one of the most popular places in Japan to rent a kimono because the black clay walls and traditional architecture provide the perfect backdrop.
You will see plenty of visitors strolling the streets in traditional dress, and it transforms a standard sightseeing trip into a genuine memory. However, navigating the rental shops, dealing with language barriers, and finding a quality photographer can be stressful if you try to wing it on the day.
From arranging a seamless Kimono fitting to booking a craft workshop or a guided shrine visit, we can help you find and book an authentic cultural experience for your trip.
→ Browse and Book Cultural Experiences in Japan
Kawagoe Day Trip FAQs
Is Kawagoe really worth a day trip?
Absolutely. It offers a unique Edo-period atmosphere you simply won’t find in modern Tokyo. If you love architecture, history, or street food, it is a must-visit.
Kawagoe vs. Kamakura: Which one should I choose?
It depends on the vibe you want. Kamakura is about temples, hiking, and the ocean. Kawagoe is about merchant history, warehouse architecture, and town strolling. Kawagoe is also closer to Tokyo and easier to see in half a day.
Do I strictly need cash?
Yes. While some bigger shops take cards, many of the best street food stalls and small souvenir vendors are cash-only. Bring plenty of small notes and coins.
How much walking is involved?
A fair bit. The terrain is flat, but the Old Town is a 20-minute walk from the station, and you will be on your feet exploring for hours. Comfortable trainers are essential.
Can I store my luggage there?
There are coin lockers at Hon-Kawagoe and Kawagoe Stations, but they are limited and fill up very early. We strongly recommend leaving large suitcases at your hotel in Tokyo.
What time do things close?
Surprisingly early. Most street food stalls and souvenir shops start winding down by 5:00 pm. This is definitely a day-trip destination, not a nightlife spot.
Is Kawagoe crowded?
On weekends, yes. The main street can get packed. Arriving before 10:00 am is the best strategy to enjoy the atmosphere in peace.
