Kawagoe: Turn back time in Little Edo
Exit Honkawagoe Station and walk just a couple of blocks, and you will suddenly find yourself in another era. Streets lined with “kurazukuri”, or clay-walled warehouses and old merchant homes, form the historic heart of Kawagoe.
Often called Little Edo, Kawagoe was once a prosperous castle town and an important supply hub during the Edo period. Today, small merchants and family-run shops line the streets with snacks, souvenirs, and local specialties, filling the air with the scent of grilling and sweets. Kawagoe is especially famous for “imo”, or sweet potatoes. You will find everything from freshly grilled “imo” to soft-serve ice cream, pastries, and traditional Japanese confections, all perfect for casual snacking as you explore.
The town’s most iconic landmark is Toki no Kane, also known as the Time Bell Tower. This wooden structure has marked the hours for centuries and still rings daily, anchoring the historic district and reinforcing the feeling that time moves a little differently here.
With travel time from Tokyo at about an hour one-way, Kawagoe makes an ideal half-day escape from the bustle of the city. It is a place made for wandering, getting lost in time, and discovering cute little shops tucked between atmospheric streets and narrow alleys.
Tips
- Traveling from Tokyo takes about 1 hour one-way. Many shops close around 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive earlier in the day.
- Near Toki no Kane, there is a Starbucks designed to blend into the kurazukuri streetscape. It is worth a quick photo stop, even if you skip the coffee.
- While snacking is part of the experience, it is considered more polite to finish your food in one spot rather than eating while walking.
