Kawagoe Walking Tour & Traditional Japanese Experience

Kawagoe is the perfect escape from Tokyo's bustling modernity: in fact, even though many foreign tourists don't know about it, Kawagoe is so rich in heritage and tradition and it deserves a full day to be visited. First, we will visit Kitain Temple, a remarkable complex as it shows a two-storied pagoda, together with some parts of the old Edo Castle. Next, we will walk along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, a short yet interesting street, leading to Kawagoe's main attraction, Kura no Machi: we will walk along the beautiful warehouses before moving on to the symbol of the city, Toki no kane: a tower bell that overlooks the central part of town. From there we will move to Kashiya Yokocho, an alley where traditional candy shops are located. At the end of the tour, if you chose one of the option, you will be introduced to a rickshaw rider or a Kimono rental shop: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe, go back to Tokyo, visit the close Sayama city or move to Omiya and catch a Shinkansen train

1. 1

   Kitain

   1 hour

   Kita Temple is going to be the first historical spot we visit in Kawagoe. Located within the Naritasan Temple complex, this temple actually comprises parts of the old Edo Castle that were moved here after the original building was lost in a fire. We are going to visit it inside, walking in the famous wooden corridor and admiring its traditional inner gardens.

2. 2

   Taisho Roman Yume Dori

   Pass by

   This short street, connecting the Naritasan with the old warehouse district, maintains the atmosphere of Taisho era (almost the first half of the past century), with its vintage mood.

3. 3

   Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

   1.3 hours

   Finally we get to the main tourist spot of Kawagoe, the old warehouse district with dozens of preserved old Edo era buildings now used as shops, restaurants and little ateliers. You will have about 1 hour of time to roam around, have fun with street food or try some of the local cuisine.

4. 4

   Toki no Kane

   20 min

   The symbol of Kawagoe, Toki no Kane, is a tower bell that overlooks the central part of Kawagoe city: a beautiful wooden structure dating back to the 1600s, rebuilt more times during its history but still preserving its original look.

5. 5

   Kashiya Yokocho

   15 min

   Confectionery shops and traditional Japanese sweetshops are located in this fascinating alley: you will find never seen before candy and all sorts of sweets!

6. 6

   Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

   30 min

   If you choose the rickshaw ride option, you will enjoy a 30 minutes rickshaw ride on the streets of Kawagoe, starting from Ichiban-gai!

7. 7

   Stop 7

   15 min

   If you choose the Kimono rental option you will be introduced to Kimono Rental Vivian, a few steps away from Toki no Kane. After renting the Kimono, you will be free to dive deep into Kawagoe's atmosphere while wearing traditional Japanese clothes. There are not time limits for the rental, but please be sure to return the kimono to the shop within its working hours (you will receive the details at the shop directly).

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum number of participants: 2 pax (for private plan)
• Please understand that in case of natural calamities or disasters we might cancel the tour.
• In case the tour is cancelled we will inform you at least 2 days in advance, asking you to receive a refund or change to another time set or day.
• Please understand that the route might be altered and some spots might be skipped to end the tour on time.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.