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Kawagoe, the little Edo town you can reach in under an hour from Tokyo
If you want a day trip from Tokyo that actually feels like stepping back in time, Kawagoe is one of the best options.
Often called Koedo meaning “Little Edo”, Kawagoe preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s Edo period through its old warehouses, shrines, and traditional streets. And the best part? You don’t need a long train ride or a JR Pass.
How to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
Reaching Kawagoe is simple and affordable:
From Ikebukuro Station: Tobu Tojo Line, about 30 minutes
From Shinjuku Station: Seibu Shinjuku Line, about 50 minutes
From Tokyo Station: JR Saikyo or Kawagoe Line via Shinjuku, about 60 minutes
Once you arrive at Kawagoe Station, most attractions are within walking distance.
What to do in Kawagoe
Toki no Kane (the Bell of Time)
The iconic wooden clock tower is the symbol of the town. It has marked time for over 400 years and still rings several times a day. The surrounding street is lined with kurazukuri warehouses converted into cafés, shops, and sweets stores.
Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane)
A narrow alley filled with traditional snack shops selling rice crackers, old-fashioned candies, and sweet potato treats. It’s nostalgic, lively, and perfect for a slow stroll.
Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine
A calm shrine known for prayers related to relationships and personal wishes. Visitors often draw omikuji or write wishes on ema plaques.
Hikawa Shrine
Less visited and very peaceful, especially known for its seasonal decorations and local atmosphere. A good stop if you want something quieter and more intimate.
Is Kawagoe worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want:
A historical atmosphere without leaving the Tokyo area
A walkable town with Edo-period architecture
Street food, shrines, and quiet backstreets in one place
Practical tips
Best seasons: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and festivals
Try local specialties: Sweet potato ice cream, cakes, and snacks
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll want to explore on foot
Kawagoe is easy to reach, easy to explore, and surprisingly immersive. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and enjoy Japan at a gentler pace.
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Marie creator behind @Tabimawari
Hi, I’m Marie, the creator behind @tabimawari.
I lived in Kyoto, learned Japanese, and keep returning to explore Japan beyond the obvious.
Planning a trip to Japan usually breaks at the same point: you save a lot of places, but don’t know how to turn them into a realistic route. Cities are large, distances are not intuitive, and it’s hard to know what actually fits in one day.
This guide was created to solve that. It helps you understand how places connect, how many days make sense per area, and how to build an itinerary that flows.
With the interactive map, you can explore curated spots across Japan, follow ready-made itineraries and day trips, mix my routes with your own, and adapt everything to your pace.
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Marie creator behind @Tabimawari
Hi, I’m Marie.
French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.
I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.
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