Best Daytrip from Tokyo: Explore Traditional Kawagoe (Little Edo)
Kawagoe, known as Little Edo, is a great day trip from Tokyo – just 40 minutes from Ikebukuro Station. Here, you can walk through the old warehouse district with traditional kurazukuri black buildings and visit historic sites like Hikawa Shrine, Kumano Shrine, Kita-in Temple, and the Bell Tower (Toki no Kane). Don’t miss Kashiya Yokocho, a street full of nostalgic candy shops. Try local specialties like matcha noodles and sweet potato treats. There are also craft shops and seasonal festivals, including Children’s Day with koinobori flying overhead. A perfect spot to experience Japan’s history and culture outside the city.
📍 Honkawagoe Station – 〒350-0043 Saitama, Kawagoe, 新富町１丁目２２
🕒 shops are open at around 10am – 5pm
📌 Tobu Toju Line to Kawagoe station or Kawagoe-shi station, Fukutoshin Line + Seibu Shinjuku Line to Honkawagoe Station
📌 Festivals & Events: Kawagoe Festival (Third Saturday and Sunday of October), Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival (Late July), Kawagoe Fireworks Festival (Late July)