Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kawagoe Castle is a historic site and tourist spot centered around the castle ruins that were located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. From the Sengoku period to the Edo period, Kawagoe was a strategic point in Musashi Province, serving as a castle town and a base for roads, and Kawagoe Castle was developed as the Kawagoe Domain's administrative center. Today, the remains of the main castle are the Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace, gardens, and parts of the stone walls and moat, making it a place where you can learn more about the atmosphere of a feudal lord's residence from the Edo period and the history of feudal domain government.
The charm of Kawagoe is that you can stroll through the townscape of warehouses known as "Little Edo," the Time Bell, and temples and shrines, and you can get a close-up look at the lifestyle and culture of the time through the historical buildings and exhibits. Seasonal flower and light events are sometimes held, making it a popular photo spot.
Highlights
- Honmaru Palace (remains of the Honmaru): You can see the structure of the feudal lord's residence and reception space, as well as the tatami room. You can learn about the feudal domain's government and lifestyle from the restored and preserved rooms and exhibits.
- Gardens, stone walls, and moat remainsThe stone walls and moat remains of the castle's defensive structure, as well as the well-maintained gardens, are perfect for a stroll. The seasonal plantings make for beautiful photos.
- Exhibition/Reference Room: Materials related to Kawagoe Castle and the Kawagoe Domain, such as excavated items, ancient documents, and replicas of armor and weapons, are on display (exhibition content varies depending on the museum).
- A set tour of the surrounding historical sites: You can enjoy a stroll through "Little Edo" by combining it with the nearby Kita-in Temple, the Kurazukuri streetscape, and the Bell of Time.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: Accessible via multiple lines including the Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Line, and JR. The nearest stations are Hon-Kawagoe Station and Kawagoe Station (accessible by foot or bus from the station).
- Walking distance: Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station, approximately 15-25 minutes on foot from JR Kawagoe Station (depending on route and walking speed).
- Bus: Take the bus in front of the station or the city loop bus and get off at the bus stop in front of City Hall or in front of the Museum, and it is just a few minutes' walk away.
- By car: Accessible from the Kan-Etsu Expressway and Ken-O Expressway. Paid parking is available in the area (it may fill up during the tourist season, so we recommend using public transportation).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Only viewing of the Honmaru Palace: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Tour including strolling around the castle ruins and gardens: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Half-day tour including the Kurazukuri townscape and surrounding temples and shrines (Kitain Temple, Kashiya Yokocho, Toki no Kane, etc.): 3 to 4 hours, 1 day if you take your time
Nearby spots
- Warehouse-lined streets and Ichibangai (a typical street of Little Edo)
- Tokinokane (Bell of Time)
- Confectionery Alley
- Kitain Temple - A temple and shrine with ties to the Edo period, housing historical documents and buildings related to the Tokugawa shogunate
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (popular as a shrine for matchmaking)
- Kawagoe Festival Hall (Kawagoe Festival floats and historical exhibits)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion:On weekends and holidays, especially during the Kawagoe Festival in October and the autumn foliage season, there are a lot of tourists. When it gets crowded, you may have to wait to enter or there may not be enough parking spaces. We recommend visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
- Manners inside the building:There are some areas where you must take off your shoes, such as the tatami-floored rooms in the Honmaru Palace. Eating and drinking are prohibited in many areas of the museum, so please follow the instructions. Photography may also be prohibited in some exhibits.
- Walkability:The grounds include stone pavement, steps, and stairs in some areas. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Barrier-free access is limited in some areas, so if you are using a wheelchair, please check with the facility in advance.
- climate:In the summer, it is hot and humid, so protection from the sun (hat, hydration) is necessary. In the winter, it is cold, so take measures to protect yourself from the cold. In rainy weather, outdoor attractions will get wet and slippery, so be careful.
- Surrounding rules:In tourist areas, please be considerate of the living environment of local residents, take your trash with you, refrain from stopping on the street, and refrain from talking loudly.
*It is a good idea to check the official website and local information (opening hours, closing days, admission fees, special exhibits) before visiting.
