Also known as Japan’s ‘Little Edo’, Kawagoe is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo. Nestled in the Saitama prefecture, Kawagoe is a peaceful destination that’s oozing with old-world magic and charm.

Stroll along the historic warehouses

Once a lively trade hub during the Edo period, the area suffered the Great Fire of Kawagoe in 1893. However, not all the warehouses burned down; this was in part due to the decorative roof tiles and clay, instead of wood, that were used to build the warehouses. Indeed, many wealthy businessmen were drawn to Kawagoe, and the architecture of the houses reflected their wealth.

After the fire, many warehouses (or kurazukuri, as they’re colloquially known) were rebuilt or renovated. You’ll see many of these warehouses along Kurazukuri Street, which is the main hub of Kawagoe.

Take your time to explore the various shops, restaurants, and cafés. The interior of the shops are pretty gorgeous too!

Try the senbei (roasted rice crackers), or dango (grilled mochi covered with a sweet sticky sauce). The area is also known for its sweet potatoes.

Don’t miss out on Fukazen, an art supplies store that has been around since 1738! For a more hands-on experience, some of the shops also conduct glass-blowing, arts and crafts, or pottery workshops.

Most of the shops close by 5pm, so be sure to visit before then!

Listen to the Toki no Kane bell tower

Standing at 16 metres tall, the Toki no Kane bell tower is an iconic symbol of Kawagoe. Dating back to the 17th century, the bell tower unfortunately didn’t survive the 1893 fire, and has been rebuilt since then.

The bell will ring at 6am, 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm daily; its sound has been designated as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan”, with the aim of preserving the sounds that cut through the usual hustle and bustle.

Hit the sweet spot at Kashiya Yokocho

Otherwise known as ‘penny candy alley’, Kashiya Yokocho is a rustic lane filled with all things sweet. It has been producing sweets for the people of Kawagoe since the Meiji era, and transformed into the Kanto region’s main dagashi (Japanese childhood sweets) producer in the 1900’s.

There used to be 70 sweet shops in this alley; today, around 20 remain. Interestingly, Kashiya Yokocho is part of the “100 Scent Sceneries” project — indeed, enjoy the addictive smell of candies as you fill your bellies and baskets!

On your way back to the station, drop by Taisho-Roman street to witness the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, where old warehouses are situated alongside Western architecture. You can also grab dinner at the outdoor Crea Mall before taking a train back to Tokyo.

How to get to Kawagoe

The easiest way to get to Kawagoe would be to take a 30-minute train from Ikebukuro via the Tobu-Toju or Seibu lines. There are three stations that you can go to: JR Kawagoe, Seibu Hon-Kawagoe, or Tobu Kawagoeshi; with Hon-Kawagoe being the nearest to the action. Train fares are JPY960 return (~SGD10). From the station, you can either take a 10-minute bus to Kurazukuri Street, or embark on a 30-minute walk.

It’d be best to get a Kawagoe Tourist Pass. There are two types: (a) The basic discount pass for JPY710 (~SGD7), which covers the round-trip train ride; or (b) the premium discount pass for JPY970 (~SGD10), which covers the round-trip train ride, and the Kawagoe city bus. Both passes throw some discounts for shops into the mix too. Either pass can be bought from the Tobu Tojo counter at Ikebukuro Station.