Kawagoe Walking Tour & Traditional Japanese Experience

3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Kawagoe is the perfect escape from Tokyo's bustling modernity: in fact, even though many foreign tourists don't know about it, Kawagoe is so rich in heritage and tradition and it deserves a full day to be visited.

First, we will visit Kita Temple, a remarkable complex as it shows a two-storied pagoda, together with some parts of the old Edo Castle.
Next, we will walk along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, a short yet interesting street, leading to Kawagoe's main attraction, Kura no Machi: we will walk along the beautiful warehouses before moving on to the symbol of the city, Toki no kane: a tower bell that overlooks the central part of town.
From there we will move to Kashiya Yokocho, an alley where traditional candy shops are located.
At the end of the tour, if you chose one of the option, you will be introduced to a rickshaw rider or a Kimono rental shop: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe, go back to Tokyo, visit the close Sayama city or move to Omiya and catch a Shinkansen train.

What's Included

Map of the area
Local snack
English speaking guide
Free Wi-fi
Round trip transportation
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Main entrance of Seibu Shinjuku Station, by the ATM machine of Japan Post Bank

End point

The tour will end at Kashiya Yokocho: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe on your own after the tour ends.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Kitain

    Kita Temple is going to be the first historical spot we visit in Kawagoe. Located within the Naritasan Temple complex, this temple actually comprises parts of the old Edo Castle that were moved here after the original building was lost in a fire. We are going to visit it inside, walking in the famous wooden corridor and admiring its traditional inner gardens.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    This short street, connecting the Naritasan with the old warehouse district, maintains the atmosphere of Taisho era (almost the first half of the past century), with its vintage mood.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

    Finally we get to the main tourist spot of Kawagoe, the old warehouse district with dozens of preserved old Edo era buildings now used as shops, restaurants and little ateliers. You will have about 1 hour of time to roam around, have fun with street food or try some of the local cuisine.

    1 hour 15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Toki no Kane

    The symbol of Kawagoe, Toki no Kane, is a tower bell that overlooks the central part of Kawagoe city: a beautiful wooden structure dating back to the 1600s, rebuilt more times during its history but still preserving its original look.

    20 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    Kashiya Yokocho

    Confectionery shops and traditional Japanese sweetshops are located in this fascinating alley: you will find never seen before candy and all sorts of sweets!

    15 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 5
    Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

    If you choose the rickshaw ride option, you will enjoy a 30 minutes rickshaw ride on the streets of Kawagoe, starting from Ichiban-gai!

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    If you choose the Kimono rental option you will be introduced to Kimono Rental Vivian, a few steps away from Toki no Kane. After renting the Kimono, you will be free to dive deep into Kawagoe's atmosphere while wearing traditional Japanese clothes. There are not time limits for the rental, but please be sure to return the kimono to the shop within its working hours (you will receive the details at the shop directly).

    15 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum number of participants: 2 pax (for private plan)
  • Please understand that in case of natural calamities or disasters we might cancel the tour.
  • In case the tour is cancelled we will inform you at least 2 days in advance, asking you to receive a refund or change to another time set or day.
  • Please understand that the route might be altered and some spots might be skipped to end the tour on time.
Supplied by H.I.S.Co., Ltd.

Show 4 more

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Rail Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}