Last updated on March 31st, 2026 at 11:01 am
Going Back in Time to the Edo Period
I have to say I’m not the sort of traveler who does lots of pre-trip planning. I never even heard of Kawagoe (川越) in Japan before I googled “day trips near Tokyo”.
And it was only on that day that I decided to visit Kawagoe when I discovered that it was just 30 minutes away from Tokyo, where I was staying at the time, via train at Ikebukuro Station on the Tobu Tojo Line.
Kawagoe is a small city in Saitama Prefecture, with a population of around 340,000.
Not a big city when compared to Tokyo, but if you’re looking for that old world Edo period charm, then Kawagoe won’t disappoint you.
What to Do and See in Kawagoe
One of Kawagoe’s claims to fame is the Bell Tower located near Kurazukuri Street, which is a popular section of the city famous for its old warehouse style shops.
It’s an area made up of small alleys upon back alleys, and it’s really fun to walk around and just get lost for a while.
There is supposed to be an area loaded with shops selling snacks and treats that is very popular with tourists and locals alike.
But I missed it. I guess I should do a little more pre-trip planning (“my sarcastic inner child tells me”).
You truly get a sense of how things were back then during Japan’s classical Edo era. I truly appreciate Japan’s effort to recapture and retain its culture and not lose its identity in today’s fast paced world.
We visited Kawagoe during the weekend, and yes, it was packed full of locals and sightseeing folks like us.
The weather was terrific, around mid 70°F, and just a total pleasure to be outside with so many smiling folks out and about.
And even though there were a lot of people all around, which I normally don’t prefer, being there on a busy weekend at Kawagoe was still very enjoyable.
I already mentioned Kawagoe is famous for its confectionery, which I had not known about.
Kawagoe is also very famous for its sweet potatoes, which I love eating. But again, I had no idea. Which could be a good thing as I’m avoiding carbs.
So my wife and I went around and about looking for some grub. After a bit of walking around and a whole lot of indecision, we dropped into a very busy restaurant and were lucky enough to score two seats.
There was a simple menu in Japanese with pictures, luckily. We just chose a set menu, not knowing what we really ordered, but there are buckwheat soba noodles.
There was also some grilled sticky rice dumpling, which I just discovered after some googling while writing this post, called Dango.
The buckwheat soba noodles were delicious. Though I’m not sure if we were in a vegetarian restaurant or not.
Because, as far as we could tell, everyone around us didn’t have any sort of meat in their bowls. And I have to admit I was expecting some sliced pork in my bowl of soba noodles, just digging around, but there was only bamboo and Dango.
The Dango, however, we were not a great fan of. Now I’m not saying it’s not any good. I honestly do not want to insult the establishment. They have lots of happy customers dining at Dango. We just weren’t digging it.
After a little while of strolling and exploring the side streets, it was about time for a little bit of rest. And a snack too, while at it. And oh yeah, coffee!
We passed by Vanitoy Bagel shop and decided to drop in for some much needed afternoon coffee buzz.
The first floor is the shop’s counter space display with dozens of varieties of bagels, with the bakery in the back. The seating space is upstairs, and it’s very cozy and comfortable.
They do have English picture menus, and two items caught my eye instantly: the bread pudding and the Shakerato. While my wife ordered a hot latte.
Our order was delicious. Do yourself a favor, if you’re in Kawagoe, drop by the Vanitoy Bagel shop. If I’m ever back in Kawagoe, Vanitoy Bagel shop is my go to pit stop.
Kitain Temple
There is a bit more to Kawagoe besides charming shops and possibly one of the best bagel shops in my book.
You should also drop by Kitain Temple, which is within walking distance of the main street.
There is an entrance fee of 400 Yen at Kitain Temple.
Besides the temple, there are smaller complexes which were a part of an old Edo Castle that survived a fire and was moved to Kitain in the mid 1600’s.
That in itself is a good reason why you would want to visit Kawagoe. It’s not a big section, however, and you will get to see a classic example of a fine Japanese garden in the back.
Back near the entrance where you purchased your ticket is a smaller courtyard filled with 540 small statues.
Wander around these statues, and you’ll see that each has distinctive features. You might even receive some good luck as the story goes.
These statutes are called Gohyaku Rakan. You’ll find that coins are placed on these statues, too, as an offering for good luck in return.
Kawagoe is not a huge area, and it’s a great day trip kind of place because it’s only 30 minutes away by train from Tokyo.
From my experience, many times it’s great to get and explore such places away from the big cities.
And even though Kawagoe doesn’t have too much to do, I would still go there again.
Especially for that bread pudding at Vanitoy Bagels. Okay, enough about the bagels.
How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
There are only three train lines that go from Tokyo to Kawagoe:
- Tobu Toju Line – At Ikebukuro Station takes 3o minutes on an express train and cost 470 Yen one way. There is a discounted round trip fare you can buy at the station booth for 700 Yen. This is the train we took while we stayed at a hotel near the station.
- Seibu Shinjuku Line – Seibu Shinjuku Station takes about 1 hour and fare cost 500 Yen one way.
- JR Saikyo/Kawagoe Line – Shinjuku Station takes about 1 hour and fare cost 760 Yen one way. Kind of expensive luckily but this route is covered by JR Rail Pass.
Been to Kawagoe? Let me know about your experience. Make sure to comment below if you have any questions about visiting Kawagoe!
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