Kawagoe is the perfect escape from Tokyo's bustling modernity: in fact, even though many foreign tourists don't know about it, Kawagoe is so rich in heritage and tradition and it deserves a full day to be visited.
First, we will visit Kita Temple, a remarkable complex as it shows a two-storied pagoda, together with some parts of the old Edo Castle. Next, we will walk along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, a short yet interesting street, leading to Kawagoe's main attraction, Kura no Machi: we will walk along the beautiful warehouses before moving on to the symbol of the city, Toki no kane: a tower bell that overlooks the central part of town. From there we will move to Kashiya Yokocho, an alley where traditional candy shops are located. At the end of the tour, if you chose one of the option, you will be introduced to a rickshaw rider or a Kimono rental shop: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe, go back to Tokyo, visit the close Sayama city or move to Omiya and catch a Shinkansen train.
Kimono Rental: At the end of the tour you will be introduced to a Kimono rental shop. (minimum participants: 2 pax)
Kita Temple is going to be the first historical spot we visit in Kawagoe. Located within the Naritasan Temple complex, this temple actually comprises parts of the old Edo Castle that were moved here after the original building was lost in a fire. We are going to visit it inside, walking in the famous wooden corridor and admiring its traditional inner gardens.
This short street, connecting the Naritasan with the old warehouse district, maintains the atmosphere of Taisho era (almost the first half of the past century), with its vintage mood.
Finally we get to the main tourist spot of Kawagoe, the old warehouse district with dozens of preserved old Edo era buildings now used as shops, restaurants and little ateliers. You will have about 1 hour of time to roam around, have fun with street food or try some of the local cuisine.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time. If you do not show up at the meeting place on the departure time, we will leave without waiting for you. [Meeting Information] Meet at the main entrance of Seibu Shinjuku Station by the ATM machine of Japan Post Bank. Please look for a staff with a blue black H.I.S. flag. Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/d8ZzqXKWHWPoFwt37 Address: 1 Chome−30−1 1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo Email: [email protected]