Kawagoe

Tours

Wander through the streets of Kawagoe, a city that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, with the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert. Visit the iconic Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), stroll through the Kurazukuri Street lined with traditional merchant houses, and discover the timeless beauty of Kitain Temple. Don’t miss the chance to experience the tranquil grounds of Kawagoe Castle and explore hidden gems such as old candy shops and secret alleyways. Learn about the rich history of this “Little Edo” town, its cultural significance, and fascinating local legends. Enjoy the taste of Kawagoe’s sweet potato specialties and traditional snacks along the way. While the tour primarily uses public transportation to provide an authentic experience, a private vehicle can be arranged upon request. Experience the charm of old Japan with our local guide and make unforgettable memories in Kawagoe!

Explore Kawagoe City, known for its architecture from the Edo Period, and relax with round-trip train fare with a pass designed especially for foreign tourists. Wander the scenic streets of Kawagoe and admire the historic houses. After exploring, venture back to Tokyo at the end of the day. Begin your tour in Tokyo as you depart from the Seibu-Shinjuku, Takadanobaba, or Ikebukuro Stations. Watch as the city of Tokyo slips away and you arrive in Kawagoe City. Kawagoe commonly called Koedo, or "little Edo," the town hearkens back to the Edo Period with its striking, old, storehouse-like houses. Feel like you've stepped back in time as you marvel at the black plastered walls and the tiled roofs. Finally, after you've explored this living museum, return to Tokyo with the help of your pass to conclude your tour.

Design your own trips from Tokyo and travel along all Seibu lines (except Tamagawa). Use the Nagatoro pass to travel along the section of the Chichibu Railway Line between Nogami Station and Mitsumineguchi Station. Take in the amazing pink moss fields of Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu. Visit the historic town of Kawagoe and see the warehouse district, which is lined with clay-walled Edo-style warehouse buildings. See the only remaining palace buildings of Edo Castle at Kitain Temple. Shop for Japanese snacks along Candy Alley, a street filled with sweet shops. Choose to explore Chichibu, famous for being the setting of anime movies, hot springs, and steam trains. Also, enjoy an additional Nagator pass, which allows you to travel along the Chichibu Main Line. Visit Nogami, Nagato, and Mitsumineguchi.

Kawagoe is fast becoming a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it is often likened to a mini Kyoto. Based in Saitama prefecture yet only 30 minutes away from Tokyo from Ikebukuro station and 1 hour from Shinjuku/Shibuya stations, it is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city! It is also the perfect stop off on your way to Nagano so you can make the most of your travel time in between destinations! The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including museums, shopping, food and drink, shrines and temples, and iconic architecture. You will have the opportunity to learn all about Kawagoe’s past and significance in the ’Old Town’ and Castle remains, walk the streets lined with Kurazukuri clay warehouses and the famous Toki no Kane Bell Tower, shop for local crafts and delicious street food, and visit some beautiful and unique shrines and temples. This is the perfect opportunity to get out of Tokyo and experience a different side to Japan! Your first destination will be one of Kawagoe’s most famous Buddhist temples. This temple is famous for its Pagoda, part of its main hall being constructed from buildings from the original Edo Castle in Tokyo, as well as its 540 Rakan statues. It is steeped in history and is a must when visiting Kawagoe! Enjoy a guided tour with your guide and some time to take photos and enjoy the grounds at your leisure. Your next destination will be a guided walk and tour of Kawagoe’s Old Town. Comprising of many famous landmarks, architecture, and beautiful side streets, this is the hub of Kawagoe. Your guide will take you back in time, painting the picture of what was once ’Little Edo’. You will pass the famous Kurazukuri warehouses, a culturally significant bell tower, visit an old sake brewery, and many interesting local shops and food stalls. You will have free time and your lunch break here to explore at your leisure, and it is highly recommended that you try the street food on offer! Kawagoe is famous for sweet potatoes, so make sure to try something sweet potato themed! Our final stop will be the remains of Kawagoe’s flatland castle. The structure and its rooms are beautifully preserved. You can walk the halls, step back in time and imagine what it was once like in the Edo period when the Shogun (Samurai) were in power. You can also collect a castle stamp as a free souvenir of your visit! Finally, before leaving Kawagoe, enjoy some free time to visit any remaining attractions, shop, take photos and pick up any final souvenirs before we meet back up to walk to Kawagoeshi train station. There is Kawagoe City Museum and Kawagoe Matsuri Museum which are great attractions to visit in addition to what is covered on the tour.

**Notice: Users of this pass cannot be Japanese citizens. Presenting your passport or resident card is required when picking up your ticket.** Go on interesting day trips from Tokyo and take advantage of unlimited travel for 1 day. Walk through the historic warehouse district in the city of Kawagoe, or see the famous Buddhist temple of Kita-in. Ride the train to Chichibu and relax in the natural landscape, surrounded by mountains. Depart from Tokyo and plan your own tours in cities like Kawagoe and Chichibu. Enjoy unlimited travel along the Seibu Line, (except the Tamagawa Line). Explore the traditional clay warehouses of Kawagoe, known as Kurazukuri, and shop in the sweet shops of Candy Alley. Visit the town of Chichibu, which is surrounded by mountains. Look out for the steam trains which pass through the area, or visit the hot springs. Also, see the setting for many famous anime movies. Have the flexibility to travel at your own pace. *Please note that use of the Tamagawa Line is not included in this pass. *Please note that to use the Limited Express, you must pay a surcharge. Use of the Limited Express is not included in this pass.

Take a day trip from Tokyo to Kawagoe, a city located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. Experience the four eras of the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei while retaining the atmosphere of old and traditional style. Take a train from Ikebukuro Station and travel to Kawagoe. Explore the city, which is called Koedo (Small Edo-Tokyo), and is a popular location for a day visit. Visit a cute cafe with historical buildings, cultural properties, seasonal nature, and delicious gourmet food. See a lot of Kura-Zukuri style houses in the main street after the great fire in 1893. Go on a little extraordinary trip in the retro townscape of "Koedo" Kawagoe.

Embark on a captivating journey from Tokyo to Kawagoe, a historic town brimming with Edo-period charm and cultural treasures. Enjoy a private day tour with the ultimate blend of luxury, comfort, and immersive exploration, ensuring an unforgettable experience with your knowledgeable English-speaking guide . Enjoy seamless travel from Tokyo to Kawagoe in a comfortable, luxury vehicle. With hotel pick-up and drop-off , your journey is stress-free, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive. Tailor your day to match your interests. Whether you love history, culture, shopping, or gastronomy, this tour offers flexibility to create your perfect Kawagoe experience. Stroll through the beautifully preserved district of Kurazukuri Street, featuring traditional clay-walled warehouses. Wander charming streets lined with Edo-era architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. Indulge in local specialties like sweet potato treats, matcha desserts, and more. Visit Kawagoe’s iconic wooden bell tower, a symbol of the city’s rich history. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the tower’s significance and the town's heritage. This is a perfect spot for memorable photos. Explore one of Kawagoe's most revered Shinto shrines, known for its romantic "matchmaking" blessings. Participate in traditional rituals and soak in the serene atmosphere. Your guide will explain the customs and history of this spiritual landmark. Step into a nostalgic world of traditional Japanese sweets and snacks. Wander through this vibrant alley, taste handmade candies, and learn about the history of these delightful confections from your guide. Dive into samurai history with a visit to the only remaining part of Kawagoe Castle. Explore authentic tatami rooms and exhibits showcasing historic artifacts. Your guide’s insights will deepen your understanding of feudal Japan. Enhance your adventure by dressing in an elegant Kimono. Stroll the historic streets in traditional attire, creating unforgettable memories and photo opportunities. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, with options like Unagi (grilled eel), Soba noodles, or Bento-style meals. Your guide will help you navigate the menu and recommend specialties.

Get dressed up in a traditional Japanese kimono and stroll through the streets of Japan, capturing beautiful photos and creating cherished memories. We offer a wide selection of kimonos, ranging from traditional patterns to modern designs, with experienced staff to assist you with the dressing process. Our packages include the kimono itself, sash belt (obi), Japanese satchel, tradiotional shoes (sandal-like footwear), and socks. And don't worry, hairstyling is also available at an additional cost. If it's not too busy, the dressing process should take less than an hour, allowing you to quickly embark on your adventure. If you wish to enjoy Japan in a kimono throughout the evening, next-day return is also possible (additional fee). Have a fantastic time exploring Japan! [What is the Wargo Deluxe Plan?] This plan gives you the flexibility to choose from additional options: Upgrading the grade of the kimono and obi (Japanese belt) is also possible up to a certain level. Additionally, a standard hairstyle is included (only for women). Please note that the available choices of kimono grades may vary by store, so please check with the store for specific options.

・Mimi will guide you through her favorite spots in the city, capturing your story amidst the charming and peaceful scenery of Tokyo. This package is available for families, solo travelers, and couples. It's a not-to-be-missed opportunity for those of you seeking a unique, personalized experience in Tokyo. ・Mimi has developed a simple, minimalistic, and peaceful photography style that beautifully encapsulates the Japanese vibe. Mimi ensures that her clients always feel relaxed and comfortable during the photoshoot, which is evident in the candid beauty of her work. ・With Mimi, you'll receive from 100 to 200 edited images within 48 hours (the number depends on your package), all capturing your Tokyo journey. Simple editing includes lighting and color. ・As your personal photographer, I recommend taking photos at some of my Tokyo's favorite places, such as: 1. Asakusa 2. Shibuya Crossing 3. Harajuku/Omotesando 4. Shinjuku Park 5. Nakameguro 6. Kawagoe (Little Edo) ・These places are perfect for capturing the unique energy of the city and its people. We can also venture off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions in the city. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a great time and come away with some amazing photos.

Meet your host in Tokyo and travel back in time to visit Little Edo, a reference to the grand, feudal Tokyo of old times located less than an hour north of the city. You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them. Discover the relicts of the Japans Edo era and take in museums and the fascinating culture in Kawagoe. Here Japanese history and culture have been preserved in the shape of traditional wooden buildings, fascinating museums, and a festival that celebrates the glory of past eras.  Explore Kita-in Temple, where you find a room that once formed part of Tokyo’s iconic Edo Castle. Witness the power of the annual Kawagoe Festival when locals go to the streets on extravagant floats to celebrate the arrival of summer. If you’re not lucky enough to see it live, you can get a taste at the unique Festival Museum.  Marvel at the remnants of the centuries-old castle town preserved along the modern streets. Your host will help you navigate colossal stone walls to discover the Toki no Kane bell tower, a local icon.  Discover a world of sweet delights in a rustic setting at Penny Candy Lane. Wander along Kurazukuri Street where traditional, charcoal-tiled buildings offer a unique glimpse into the past. Your host will show you how to eat local delicacies like a boiled eel and if you are open all kinds of quirky sweet potato-infused treats before you head back to Tokyo.