Koedo Kawagoe

Popular Edo-period townscape close to Tokyo

Kawagoe, a town located near Tokyo, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience japan as it was around 120 years ago. Known as Koedo, or “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is a charming destination that showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the Edo period. With its old merchant storehouses, bell tower, traditional candy shops, castle ruins, and ancient temples, Kawagoe provides a glimpse into the past when the area thrived as a bustling transportation and commerce hub.

Don’t Miss
One of the highlights of Kawagoe is its old warehouse district, which features massive earthen buildings that have been preserved throughout the years. These buildings give visitors a sense of the town’s past as a thriving trading center. Another must-visit attraction is Kitain Temple, home to 538 Buddha statues, each with its own distinct features and facial expression. Additionally, strolling along Candy Street, with its quaint shops selling traditional Japanese sweets, is a delightful experience that transports visitors back to the Edo period.

How to Get There
Kawagoe is conveniently located just 45 minutes from central Tokyo in southwestern Saitama Prefecture. The easiest way to reach Kawagoe is by train. Travelers can take the Seibu Shinjuku Express from Seibu Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Seibu Shinjuku Station is a short five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s east exit.

Travel through time
Koedo Kawagoe offers a unique opportunity to travel back in time and experience the Japan of yesteryears. The town flourished as a transportation and commerce hub, and remnants of its prosperous past can still be seen today. Along the highway where the Shingashi River meets the old Kawagoe Road, visitors can explore historic buildings, museums, and unique shops that recreate the ambiance of the Edo period.

Streets lined with storehouses
At the heart of Koedo Kawagoe lies the Storehouse District, a picturesque stretch of Kurazukuri Street adorned with well-preserved merchant storehouses. While many of these buildings have been repurposed as shops and restaurants, they still retain their original exteriors and interiors, providing a glimpse into the town’s history.

The famous bell tower
The bell tower, known as Toki no Kane, is the main landmark in the Storehouse District. This iconic tower still rings four times a day, serving as a reminder of the town’s past. Visitors can listen to its chimes and imagine what life was like during the Edo period.

A walk down Candy Street
Adjacent to the Storehouse District is Candy Street, a charming street lined with approximately 20 candy shops selling traditional Japanese sweets. In its heyday, Candy Street had as many as 70 shops and was a significant confectionary production area in Japan. Today, visitors can sample a variety of delicious treats and experience the flavors of the past.

Experience the Taisho Era in Kawagoe
Kawagoe is not only a window into the Edo period but also offers insights into other eras of Japanese history. Taisho-Roman Street, located in Kawagoe, captures the retro atmosphere of the Taisho era (1912-1926). Its paved streets, elegant ambiance, and Western-style buildings have made it a popular filming location for movies set in that era.

Kitain Temple
Kawagoe is home to several remarkable temples, including Kitain Temple, the head temple for the Kanto region’s Tendai Sect. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Kitain Temple was patronized by the ruling Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. The temple’s most fascinating feature is its collection of over 500 Buddha statues, each with its own unique characteristics and facial expressions.

Kawagoe Castle ruins
For history enthusiasts, a visit to Honmaru Goten is a must. It is the only remaining building of Kawagoe Castle and served as the innermost palace, housing the lord’s residence and personal offices. During the early Edo period, it played a crucial role as a satellite fortress for Edo Castle.

For further exploration, shrine hop through the area
Kawagoe Hikawa-jinja Shrine, founded in the sixth century, is another notable attraction near Kawagoe. The shrine boasts a massive 15-meter torii gate and features ancient trees in its garden that are over 500 years old. Exploring the shrine offers visitors a chance to connect with the region’s rich spiritual heritage.

In conclusion, Kawagoe’s Koedo district is a fascinating destination that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Edo period. With its well-preserved storehouses, iconic bell tower, traditional candy shops, ancient temples, and castle ruins, Kawagoe offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s past. Whether exploring the streets lined with historic buildings or strolling along Candy Street, visitors are sure to be enchanted by the charm and atmosphere of this popular Edo-period townscape close to Tokyo.

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