Kawagoe (川越) is located about 30 minutes by train on Tobu Railway from central Tokyo and is a wonderful day trip destination!
Here is my exact Kawagoe Day Trip from Tokyo Itinerary:
Take the Tobu Express train from Ikebukuro Station(Tojo Line Express to Ogawamachi)
Kitain Temple
One of the most important temples in the Greater Tokyo area, Kitain Temple, is one of Kawagoe’s main attractions! It is famous for its main hall, which was part of the original Edo Castle, and the statues of 540 Rakan, disciples of the Buddha. It is also known informally as the Kawagoe Daishi. I visited during the sakura season and enjoyed the spring decorations and cherry blossoms!
Lunch at Kappo Kawashima (Traditional Japanese Cuisine). The food is delicious and you dine in a private room! You can make a reservation here:
Hikawa Shrine
The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to be approximately 1500 years old and is where five deities are enshrined: Susanoo no Mikoto, Kushinadahime no Mikoto, Ashinazuchi no Mikoto, Tenazuchi no Mikoto, and Oonamuchi no Mikoto.
With two sets of deities that are regarded as married couples, the shrine has been historically worshiped for “matrimonial happiness”, “happiness in the family” and the “deity of matchmaking”.
Kashiya Yokocho Lane (Traditional Style Japanese Candy Lane)
Ichibangai Historical Shopping Street
Its main street, lined with Kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse-styled) buildings, retains an ambiance reminiscent of an old town from the Edo Period (1603-1867). Visiting feels like stepping back in time to imagine the streets from past centuries. Because of this, Kawagoe became known as “Little Edo”.
Roman Sabo Umon Café (Japanese Tea & dessert). I always recommend trying the desserts that are in season and special to the time of year you are there.
Take Tobu Express train from Kawagoe Station (Tojo Line Express to Ikebukuro)
Tobu has an amazing discount pass that includes a roundtrip ticket and special discounts and freebies at various restaurants and retailers.
Where to purchase the pass:
Tobu Tourist Information Center IKEBUKURO
Tobu Tojo Line counter in Ikebukuro Station
TOBU TOP TOURS Ikebukuro Station branch
More info here:
If you are traveling to Tokyo, I sincerely suggest you take a day trip to Kawagoe. If you visit during the fall or spring, you are super lucky!
Also watch Top Things to do in Tokyo with Kids: Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Aquarium, Solamachi, and Sensoji Temple:
Kawagoe is super easy to navigate, even with kids! We took taxis and found them easy to find and reasonably priced.
We love our Contours Baby ‘Bitsy’ Compact Stroller:
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE
Keep up with my daily adventures here:
Website:
Music:
Music by Joakim Karud
Music Provided by Free Vibes: goo.gl/NkGhTg
Music provided by Free Vibes:
Folk Chinese (Royalty Free Music) by PeriTune:
Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
Dreams by Dj Quads
Music promoted by Audio Library
AloJapan.com