Just a 30-minute train ride from Ikebukuro, Tokyo, lies Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture. Known as “Little Edo” for its well-preserved atmosphere of the Edo period, Kawagoe offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life with its retro streetscapes and delightful street food culture.
From Kawagoe Station, the city center is easily accessible on foot or by a nostalgic bonnet-style bus. One of the first must-visit areas is Ichiban-gai, famous for its “Kurazukuri” (traditional warehouse-style buildings). These striking black-walled structures line the streets, creating a scenery that feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. Many house long-established Japanese confectionery shops, cafés renovated from old soy sauce warehouses, and local craft stores—making the area a visual and cultural feast.
A highlight of exploring Kawagoe is its walk-and-eat food culture. Sweet potatoes are a regional specialty, featured in treats such as purple sweet potato soft-serve, candied sweet potatoes, and crispy sweet potato sticks—each shop offering its own unique flavor. You can also enjoy soy sauce-glazed rice dumplings, meat buns, or a glass of locally brewed craft beer as you stroll, satisfying your appetite while soaking in the town’s charm.
A symbolic landmark of Kawagoe is the “Toki no Kane” (Bell of Time), which has marked the hours for the town since the Edo period. Even today, the bell rings several times a day, and hearing its chime while walking through the town evokes a calming sense of timelessness. Nearby, you’ll find “Kashiya Yokocho” (Candy Alley), a quaint lane lined with nostalgic sweets, handmade candy art, and treats that evoke childhood memories.
In the afternoon, a visit to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is highly recommended. Revered as a deity of matchmaking, the shrine is especially popular among young women and couples. The grounds are adorned with seasonal decorations such as wind chimes and omikuji (fortune slips), creating a beautiful and ever-changing ambiance. During summer, a corridor of wind chimes fills the air with gentle sounds, while winter brings a magical light-up display—making the shrine a beloved photo spot throughout the year.
Before heading back, consider relaxing at a café housed in a renovated traditional home. Enjoying a matcha latte or a traditional Japanese sweet while surrounded by historic architecture offers a moment of tranquility and reflection. The view from the window—cobblestone streets and rickshaws passing by—adds another layer of charm unique to Kawagoe.
Although just a short distance from Ikebukuro, Kawagoe is a rare blend of Edo-period nostalgia and modern creativity. Its accessibility makes it an easy day trip, yet its atmosphere allows for a truly immersive cultural experience. Kawagoe continues to captivate visitors as a destination where the past and present harmoniously intertwine.