TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kashiya Yokocho is a narrow shopping street in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, lined with shops specializing in traditional Japanese sweets and snacks. It is said to have developed from the Taisho to Showa periods, and even today, the charm of the area is evident in the wooden storefronts, low eaves, and colorful rows of snacks that still retain the atmosphere of that time. The street is lined with nostalgic sweets such as candy, rice crackers, karinto, and sweet potato confectionery, making it a popular tourist spot that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Highlights
- A variety of cheap and traditional sweets: You can taste old-fashioned packaged sweets, handmade Japanese sweets, and sweets made with Kawagoe's specialty sweet potatoes (Daigakuimo, Imo Yokan, Imo Koi, etc.).
- Retro Streetscape: The Showa-era signs and wooden storefronts lining the narrow alleys are photogenic. Perfect for families and couples to stroll around.
- Handmade products and demonstration sales: Some stores offer demonstrations of candy making and deep-frying in front of the store, allowing you to see the process up close.
- Souvenirs: Individually wrapped snack sets and local sweet potato snacks make great easy souvenirs.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station (on foot): Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line/Hon-Kawagoe Station)...About a 7-10 minute walk to the kura-zukuri townscape.
*Honkawagoe Station is convenient for accessing tourist spots. - Nearest station (JR/Tobu): Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line) / Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu Tojo Line) - about a 20-minute walk, or we recommend taking a bus or taxi.
- Bus: From Kawagoe Station, you can take the city loop bus or local bus to the Kurazukuri area. Please check the latest route information at the tourist information center.
- Car/Parking: There are paid parking lots (coin parking) scattered around the area, but they get crowded during the tourist season, so it is best to use public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- If you want to leisurely explore Kashiya Yokocho only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- If you also visit the surrounding area (Toki no Kane, Kurazukuri Street, etc.): 1.5 to 3 hours
- If you want to travel from the station and enjoy eating, drinking, and shopping at your leisure, you should allow yourself half a day (3-4 hours).
Nearby spots
- Tokinokane (Time Bell): Kawagoe's iconic clock tower. Within walking distance.
- Kurazukuri Street (Kawagoe Ichibangai): A street lined with merchant houses from the Edo and Meiji periods. There are many souvenir shops and places to eat while walking around.
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine: A shrine known for matchmaking and marriage proposals. Seasonal events are popular.
- Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace: A cultural facility where you can experience history. It's easy to combine a visit with a stroll through Kashiya Yokocho.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, Kawagoe Festival (October), etc. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going on weekday mornings.
- Narrow aisles: The alleys are narrow, making it difficult to pass through during busy times. When stopping to take photos in front of a store, please be considerate and not obstruct pedestrians.
- Food and drink/garbage: Eating and drinking outdoors is permitted, but please take your trash home with you or use the designated trash cans. There are only a few trash cans, so it is convenient to bring a portable trash bag.
- Cash recommended: There are many small, privately owned shops, and some do not accept cards. It's a good idea to have coins ready to make your journey smoother.
- Allergies: Some products do not list the ingredients, so if you have any allergies, please check with the store staff.
- Pets/Strollers: Because the aisles are narrow, it may be difficult for strollers and pets to pass through during busy times. Please be careful during busy times.
- Business hours: Varies by store, with some stores closing earlier (approximately 9:00-17:00). If you're coming from afar, it's a good idea to check in advance.
