Part of the magic of GNOME Asia is going out to explore wonderful places, sharing meals, and making new memories with friends, both new and old.
Dec 15th, Kawagoe Day Trip
About Kawagoe
Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo,” is a historic town in Saitama known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets. The Kurazukuri Warehouse District and the iconic Toki no Kane bell tower give visitors a glimpse of life 400 years ago. The town blends tradition and modern culture, with local sweets, crafts, and temples attracting many international travelers.
Major highlights include Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten, Kashiya Yokocho, and the Hikawa Shrine. Because it’s close to Tokyo, Kawagoe is a popular day-trip destination. Overall, the town offers an immersive cultural experience through architecture, food, and festivals.
https://www.koedo.or.jp
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6500.html
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (We will walk 6.5 km in total)
- JPY 300 in cash for entrance fee to Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
- JPY 200 in cash for entrance fee for Kawagoe Museum (only when it rains)
- Suica or Pasmo card with JPY 1,000 (see our travel guide for the details)
Itinerary
09:00 - Meet up at Ikebukuro West Exit (Central)
- Train departing time: 9:23 AM
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=35.730771&mlon=139.709959#map=19/35.730771/139.709959
10:00 - Arrive at Kawagoe Station Visitor Center
10:20 - Koedo Kurari
- Duration: 30 min
- Shopping for lunch
11:00 - Koetoko
- via Ashibumi Kenko road
- Duration: 45 min
- Photo spot and shopping
12:45 - Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
- via Taisyo Roman Street
- Lunch at free rest area
- Duration: 90 min
- Entrance fee JPY 300
14:30 - Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
- Shin-Kashi river
- Duration: 15 min
- This shrine is famous for its deity of matchmaking. You are free to explore the grounds at your own pace.
15:00 - Kashiya-yokocho Street
- Duration: 30 min
- Shopping
15:40 - Tokino-kane
- The symbol of Kawagoe
- Duration: 20 min
16:10 - (TENTATIVE) Matsumoto Craft Soy Sauce Factory
- Only when we have more than 15 attendees
17:00 - Kawagoe-shi Station
- The tour will end at Kawagoe-shi Station, which is the next station of Kawagoe
