TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kawagoe Kura-zukuri Townscape is a district in the center of Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, where a row of "kura-zukuri" architecture, modeled after merchant houses and storehouses (kura) from the Edo to Meiji periods, remains. During the Edo period, Kawagoe flourished as a castle town and commercial city that supported "Edo's Kitchen," and the highly fire-resistant storehouse-style streetscape developed as a fire prevention measure. Today, it has been developed into a tourist destination known as "Little Edo Kawagoe," and the unique scenery of its heavy black plaster walls, lattice windows, and rows of storehouses has been preserved and restored, making it popular with history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and food lovers. The iconic "Tokino Kane" Bell Tower and shops and cafes that make use of the storehouse architecture are also part of its charm.
Highlights
- Kura-zukuri buildings (around Ichibangai and Nakamachi) — A main street lined with stately black plaster exteriors. Many photo spots.
- The Bell Tower of Time - A symbol of Kawagoe, this bell tower has been telling the time since the Edo period. It has a strong presence when seen up close.
- Kashiya Yokocho — A narrow alley lined with traditional sweet shops and souvenir stores. A great food spot for both children and adults.
- Kawagoe Festival Hall — An exhibition hall showcasing the Kawagoe Festival's floats and festival culture.
- Koedo Kurari - Storehouse Shops and Museum - A souvenir shop renovated from a storehouse, featuring local materials, local sake information, and more.
- Nearby temples, shrines, and historical sites (Kitain Temple, Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace, etc.) - You can combine your stroll through the storehouses with a tour of historical spots.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train (main route)
- From Ikebukuro: Take the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe-shi (Kawagoe-shi Station) or Kawagoe (Kawagoe Station). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes (depending on the train type).
- From Shinjuku: Take the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Honkawagoe Station (approximately 60 minutes). Honkawagoe Station is relatively close to the kurazukuri district.
- By JR: From Kawagoe Station on the JR Kawagoe Line, walk 15-20 minutes, or take a city bus to the Kurazukuri district.
- Approximate travel time from the station
- Hon-Kawagoe Station → Kurazukuri Street: Approximately 5-7 minutes on foot
- Kawagoe Station (JR) → Kurazukuri Townscape: Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot, or 5-10 minutes by bus
- Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu) → Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot
- Other: Tourist buses (city loop buses), taxis, and bicycle rentals are also convenient.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short walk: 1-1.5 hours (quickly see the main sights)
- Standard sightseeing: 2-4 hours (including Kurazukuri Street, Kashiya Yokocho, Toki no Kane Bell, snacks and souvenir shopping)
- Thorough sightseeing: Half a day to a full day (including visiting the nearby Kita-in Temple, Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace, and museums)
Nearby spots
- Kita-in Temple — A temple associated with the Tokugawa family. It has many attractions, including a garden and 500 Arhats.
- Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace — A part of the existing Honmaru Palace, where you can see exhibits and restored architecture.
- Kashiya Yokocho — A famous street lined with old candy stores.
- Kawagoe Festival Hall — An exhibition facility where you can get a close-up look at the gorgeous floats of the Kawagoe Festival.
- Koedo Kurazato Kurazukuri Museum — A facility where you can learn about local history and the workings of storehouses, and also has a souvenir shop and a restaurant.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion
- It gets very crowded on weekends, holidays, during the spring and autumn tourist seasons, and around the time of the Kawagoe Festival (held every year on the third weekend in October). Please plan your visit well in advance as it will take time to take photos and travel.
- It is relatively quiet in the early morning (before the shops open) and in the evening, so if you want to take photos or take a quiet stroll, these times are recommended.
- Manners
- There are many narrow sections of roads and sidewalks, and cars and bicycles also pass through. Please be aware of your surroundings when walking, and be careful not to obstruct traffic when taking photos.
- Please note that the buildings are historical and therefore touching or climbing is prohibited. Please dispose of trash in the designated areas and smoke only in designated smoking areas.
- At stores and restaurants, you may have to queue when it is busy, so please follow the queue and store rules.
- Seasonal precautions
- In summer, you need to take measures against the sun and heat, and in winter, against the cold. In rainy weather, the cobblestones and paved roads can become slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Please note that there will be traffic restrictions and changes to store opening hours during the festival, so please check official information in advance.
- others
- As this is a tourist destination, restaurants and souvenir shops are crowded, and cashless payment and card acceptance varies from store to store. It is convenient to have coins and a transportation IC card.
- The use of drones and other unmanned aircraft is often restricted, so please refrain from using them.
The kurazukuri streetscape is a fascinating place where traditional scenery and modern life blend together. If you visit early in the day, wearing comfortable clothing, you can enjoy the atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
