Cute, small town! It is about 1 hr train ride from shinjuku. You have to buy this round trip pass. Look for Hon-Hawagoe express train. This way, the train doesn't make too many stops. From Hawagoe station, it's about a 15-minute walk. It's worth a day trip. There are plenty of delicious foods there.

Another great spot all within this little area. Many mini attractions making it worth walking through all the roads. This spot in general is known for the sweets and confectioneries.

The area is relatively peaceful and not large but is connected to the main shopping district. the kashiya yokocho area has few popular sweets store which you can get as souvenirs.

The main street, Kurazukuri Zone, is full of shops selling sweets, snacks, and souvenirs – don’t miss the freshly made sweet potato treats, a local specialty. The Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) is a must-see landmark that adds to the nostalgic vibe. Kashiya Yokocho, or Candy Alley, is a lot of fun, especially for kids and anyone with a sweet tooth. The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is another highlight, known for its love-themed charms and serene atmosphere. It’s an easy day trip from Tokyo and perfect for those who want a taste of traditional Japan without going too far. Highly recommend visiting for a relaxed and cultural experience

A small alleyway with so many candy shops! The candies are cheap and so delicious (even for me that do not like sugar). Traditional candy! Please get the pineapple one 🍍

This street has a nice variety of sweet shops. It wasn't an overwhelming number of shops. Unfortunately, some of the unique shops are closed on Monday and I went on a Monday. I recommend visiting this street if visiting the Kawagoe area.

Nice place to feel that old Japanese vibe. It is not as big as what you could find in Kyoto, but nice either way. If you have some days in Tokyo and want to see something Edoish, this is a good option

A lovely shrine to spend the day. Heard that the shrine is famous for matchmaking, and the wind chimes corridor is beautiful and the sounds from the wind chimes are soothing.

Five stars for Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. We came at night and the lantern-lit grounds felt serene and magical—quiet, spacious, and very stroller-friendly. We bought a souvenir chime blessed by a priest, and hearing it at home instantly brings us back to that beautiful evening. Thoughtful staff, peaceful atmosphere, and a perfect spot for families looking for something memorable after dark. Highly recommend.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine feels like something straight out of a daydream — soft wind chimes tinkling, ribbons swaying, and sunlight filtering through the trees. Known as a shrine for love and good relationships, it draws couples and hopeful hearts from all over Japan. People tie little wooden plaques with wishes, or pull “love fortunes” wrapped in tiny, colorful fish — it’s charming and a bit magical.

The shrine has a huge torii at the back which is picture worthy. There were lots of traditional festive activities happening at the jinsha which tourist might be able to observe and enjoy. And if not, you can always enjoy shopping for lucky charm and gochuin.

It’s located near Kawagoe’s old town so it’s easy to combine your visit with exploring traditional streets, cafes, and souvenir shops. The atmosphere is calm and full of positive energy. One of the most special things about this shrine is the love fortune fishing, you can “fish” a small paper fortune using a cute fish-shaped charm, which is a unique and fun experience. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is not only beautiful but also heartwarming. Whether you want to pray for love, take lovely photos, or simply relax, it’s a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommended!

A little far off the main street (about 15mins walk but not hard to navigate, although walking along the road with cars passing by can be a little scary). Interesting activities like “fishing” for luck and also the tunnel to explore. Nearby there is a canal which gives a rustic feel.

The temple is very serene and has a very pretty river flowing behind it. you can walk around and check out the area without going into the temple.

A lovely historic spot with a lot of charm. It was a bit busy when we went, but still worth seeing — the bell tower really stands out and makes for great photos. Nice to just wander around the area and take in the old-town atmosphere.

Kawagoe's central bell tower is a beautiful landmark and a historical reference point for the city. It is often referred to as Toki no Kane, or the "Bell of Time." The area surrounding the tower is the heart of Kawagoe's vibrant downtown. The streets are especially lively on weekends, bustling with locals and tourists alike who come to explore the many shops, restaurants, and food stalls. The atmosphere here is incredibly relaxing and charming, and it's easy to see why Kawagoe has earned the nickname of "Little Edo." This moniker perfectly captures the city's historic charm and its preserved Edo-period streetscapes, offering a delightful glimpse into a bygone era. A visit to this area is a must for anyone wanting to experience the unique blend of history and modern life that defines Kawagoe.

Funny to write a review about a clock tower. 🤣 Though when you come to see this landmark, it's more about the area then just the clock tower. Old Japanese architecture in the buildings surrounding this area. It is nice to see the old architecture compared to all the new architecture around Tokyo. It brings you into the historic past. There are several shrines in the area too. Though all these old buildings are now modern shops on the inside. Lots of different food, snacks, and shopping to be had. It is a large tourist area with not just foreigners, but many Japanese. And you will see people walking around in kimono attire. It is a fun time. Note: During the week, after 3pm, most of the dining shuts down getting ready for dinner around 5pm. So get there early and enjoy your time before 3pm.

Fun area with very historic buildings. Its so nice taking a step back in time and imagining how people lived back then. The bell tower itself was a bit underwhelming as its been rebuilt. Doing a google search said that the bell tower rings 4 times a day and we waited for the 3pm one. But it never rang. Easy to get to from Tokyo area.

Before continuing our journey to Saitama, we made a meaningful stop in Kawagoe, often referred to as “Little Edo” for its beautifully preserved historical charm. Our main purpose was to visit the iconic Toki no Kane, or Time Bell Tower, one of the most famous and culturally significant landmarks in the city. Standing tall amidst traditional wooden buildings and narrow merchant streets, Toki no Kane is a symbolic structure that has marked time in Kawagoe for over 400 years. Although the current tower was reconstructed after a fire in the late 19th century, it still functions today, chiming its bell several times a day to echo the town’s past. There’s something magical about standing in front of such a historic structure—an architectural reminder of an era where life moved to the rhythm of a bell rather than a screen. The surroundings of the tower added to the charm, with quaint shops, nostalgic alleyways, and the aroma of traditional Japanese street snacks wafting through the air. Despite the gentle drizzle that lingered from the morning, the visit felt calming and immersive—like stepping into a timeless moment. Stopping by Toki no Kane was a beautiful way to reflect on history before heading back into the rhythm of our modern travel itinerary. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Kawagoe, especially those seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s cultural heritage.

Toki no Kane (The Bell of Time) is a historic clock tower located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. It's one of the most iconic landmarks of the area and has become a symbol of Kawagoe, often referred to as "Little Edo" due to its well-preserved Edo-era atmosphere. if you visit kawagoe, it is one od the recommanded point.

Wet LOVED this area of Kawagoe. The shops are really neat and the vibe is just different! Setting the ancient buildings was really cool. Definitely recommend!

Kita-in Temple is a significant Buddhist temple. It is a major historical and cultural landmark, with a fascinating history that ties it directly to the powerful Tokugawa shogunate. But Kita-in is not just a historical site; it's also a vibrant center of local life. Kita-in Temple is easily accessible and a must-visit for anyone exploring Kawagoe, providing a tangible link to the country's feudal past and a serene escape from the bustling city.

I went late in the day and it was very quiet and there was no crowd. It is a beautiful temple area with a lot of history. I found the 500 statues, each with their own personality, to be the highlight of the visit. The entrance took a little time to find because I didn't know it is in a dark corner next to the snack shop. The ticket to see the statues includes the museum...or the other way around. The museum has a lot of interesting items in the actual rooms that were used. For non-Japanese speakers, like me, not everything is marked in English so i had to use my phone to translate for me. Not a problem anymore. Taking the bus was easy but check the schedule since it doesn't come too often. This is a good place to visit while in Kawagoe.

Nice, peaceful, and quiet temple, not far from the station. It did not take us more than 30 minutes to completely visit the temple ground but more than that to sit down and enjoy the beautiful sceneries.

Kita-in Temple was founded in 830. After 1612, the temple became more prosperous because of the deep trust of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the master of Jigen, Tenkai. In 1638, a fire broke out and almost all the buildings of Kita-in Temple were burned down. Later, Tokugawa Iemitsu moved the guest halls in Edo Castle, the "Birthplace of Tokugawa Iemitsu" and the "Kasuga Tsubone Makeup House", and they were successfully rebuilt here. The entire Kita-in Temple area has been designated as an important cultural property. There are more than 500 arhats in the temple. These "five hundred arhats" are one of the three great arhats in Japan. They have vivid expressions and unique features. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Kawagoe.

A beautiful shrine in the city of Kawagoe. A good place to visit, with different attractions near it, like the 500+ stone statues of the Rakan, each depicting a different personality

Traditional looking temple but very well maintained. It is quiet and peaceful. One thing quite unique about it was that there was some kind of plaza around it where there are many shops for food. Most of them were closed when I visited but seems like on the weekends must get busy. The temple was undergoing some contructions as well which is a good sign to show that they still care about it.

It’s one of the most beautiful shrines I have been. We can also pay entrance fees and take a look at the temple inside. This temple has a history of 1200 years. The temple is well preserved and maintained for us to experience the history. So it’s a must to take a look inside. Buddha’s idol inside is very powerful.

Regular Starbucks in an edo periode Japanese house facade, inside is pretty modern with the usual Starbacks interior, drink list is pretty much the same, the only difference is this place has a Japanese garden style backyard seatings

Kawagoe Starbucks – A Hidden Gem in Edo-style Visited with 3 people and fell in love with this Edo-style Starbucks in Kawagoe! The building blends beautifully into the historical street with a traditional wooden facade and noren curtain — so photogenic! 📷 Inside, the space is calm and welcoming, and the back garden surprised us with a lovely Japanese rock garden. You can sip your coffee while enjoying nature — total zen! 🪴 The interior design is refined, featuring sumi-e art and chalkboard illustrations of Kawagoe. We ordered drinks and snacks, and everything was tasty as expected. Though it's a popular spot, staff were polite and service was smooth. A must-visit café for anyone strolling through Kawagoe! #StarbucksJapan #KawagoeTrip #HiddenGemsJapan #KawagoeCafe #TravelWithCoffee #EdoVibes #日本咖啡巡禮 #スタバ巡り

The quality here is just like any other Starbucks — consistent and reliable — but what makes this location special is its beautiful building. The architecture has been preserved from the Edo period, giving it a charming, traditional look on the outside, while the interior is modern and comfortable. There’s also a small, lovely backyard area where you can sit and enjoy your drink in a peaceful setting. Some of the staff are deaf or hard of hearing, and the store provides an information sheet showing how to say ‘thank you’ in sign language, which is a really thoughtful touch. A perfect blend of history, inclusivity, and modern comfort, highly recommend visiting.

A lifesaver! We arrived pretty late in Kawagoe so most things were closed but this coffee shop was still open - we enjoyed the architecture and ambience here.

I had such a great experience at this Starbucks in Japan. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the visit feel warm and pleasant from the moment I walked in. The store itself has a unique design with a beautiful traditional Japanese aesthetic, which makes it stand out from any other Starbucks I’ve visited. One of my favorite parts was the stunning back garden featuring bonsai trees — it’s peaceful, relaxing, and the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery. Overall, this location is truly special and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

I never go to Starbucks, but this one is really something. Such a beautiful building, with a stunning garden. They have deaf employees which do a wonderful job, very inclusive space.

The most unique Starbucks I have ever been to. It's like drinking coffee in one of those tea houses back in Edo Era(not sure if I get the timeline right) We ordered ice cafe lattes and boo (Halloween special) and sat behind in the open area where there was a picturesque garden. Slowly sipping and enjoying the good coffee. Loved the ambience but just that it can be quite crowded at times.

This is a 300 year historic gem in Kawagoe Saitama. After a very fun food trip around Kawagoe, it’s such a great experience to have a formal dinner before heading to Tokyo. Their unaju is so perfect, great sauce and the eel is so delicious!

I shared one of my first moments in Japan, here with a friend from Chiba. We had such a good time visiting the 7 temples, coming here for a meal before we visited our last temple for the day. The food was delicious and the very first time I had eaten eel. the flavours we're exquisite the eel itself was so tasty, this was my very first time going out for a meal in Japan and it was the best moment ever, the staff were amazing. The atmosphere was out of this world. They were very kind and the location is also very beautiful.

The unagi was amazing. Well seasoned, portions were big and came out steaming hot. Service... Meh. Japan lives up to not very English friendly but they tried, and they had an English menu. Value-wise, not a steal nor overpriced. Definitely worth what you pay. Check it out if you're ever in Kawagoe.

This Unadon restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional and upscale ambiance. The Unadon is prepared in four delicious variations, making it a satisfying and versatile meal. I particularly enjoyed the version with wasabi, which added a delightful kick.

Fragrant, not too sweet or salty. Sashimi is very fresh. Good service. Lots of parking.

Best Unagi I ever had in my life. Please come to try. Usually they have a long line waiting to be seated. Reservation if you can. They have writing cue at the entrance and waiting area are comfortable. English menu are available. Staffs are busy and sometime cannot come to the table. Food are really good. Most of the dishes are Unagi if you don't like it I recommend not to come.

The portion was on point, the service was great and it was so tasty. Saw lots of Japanese comedians and celebrities pictures and there were lots of local customers who came for lunch too. It was a traditional and authentic ( since 1832 ) eel restaurant and I definitely recommend you to visit there. If you have a small child, you might wanna get a private room as the it is not very family friendly but a bit more quiet and celebration kind atmosphere.

This was a fun (and tasty) experience if you enjoy sake! There were many options to choose from with indicators on the machine as to personal taste preferences so you would know what numbers to select. There was indoor and outdoor seating options.

Our vehicle was parked nearby and we chanced upon this place. It was a place that showcased all the sake breweries’ products in kawagoe. There was a corner where one can buy three small cups of sake using 500 yen, more like a sake tasting nativity. They have a number of the sakes on sale as well. Within the compound, there was also a restaurant in which we didn’t try. Interesting place to shop for sakes produced in the region.

I had high hope of finding a sake that I like. It's cool that you can try different sake's in the vending machines for 100 yen. However, all were slightly bitter at the back end.

If you have a weekness of souvenir and a fondness of Japanese sake, this place is your wonderland. Everything was nicely packaged and displayed. There was even some restaurants inside the building that served decent food (as well as a variety of local sake)!

Great place to be if you are visiting this place. It has many local products and foods, some you will find hard to find elsewhere. There is a cafe inside, it serve goid coffee and homemade deserts. I enjoy some if them. There is sake tasting too. At the other building next to It, has cooked locsl food and vegetables for sell, you can eat there too, there is microwave and few tables.

Very cool shops with neat souvenirs. There are also sake tasting vending machines so you can try before you buy.

Interesting place. Besides souvenirs and snacks, it laso has a separate section which has 3 types of sake tasting for 500JPY from the vending machine.

I took my mum to Kawagoe and most of the restaurants were still full after 2pm so we took a chance on this unagi restaurant when they had some tables available. We ordered an unagi lunch set - one was grilled with sauce and the other without. I personally like plain grilled unagi. The unagi was nicely seasoned and the texture was firm and nice. The restaurant’s edo decor looks pretty and is quite instagramable.

Great eel rice with a long history. Tips remember to get the queueing tickets asap so you could walk around the area while waiting to be seated. wait time- roughly 45mins to 1hour

Authentic unagi experience. The place specializes in unagi and don't have much outside of that. Be careful when you attend. They have tickets machine outside which you get and can shop around until it's your turn. The food is nothing short of amazing. The charcoal grilled unagi resemble the aromatic grilling smell and taste that of robatayaki. Stuff are friendly and helpful. English menu is available. Would recommend to tourist for a quick lunch.

One of the best unagi meals we’ve ever had, and we’ve had many! Staff was so warm and friendly, quiet atmosphere with a very retro old Edo feel (appropriate for the area). The unagi was fluffy and perfectly prepared, and my wife really appreciated the extra kabayaki sauce on the side. Just a really wonderful meal, we will have to return next time we’re in Kawagoe!

Very nice unagi rice, they have different options for your pick. Also, beef rice and kid menu, together with side dishes. We have to take a queue ticket and the wait is about 15-30 mins or probably longer. They also have a sister restaurant that 5 mins away by walk and they said no line, I just didn’t go there.

Specialist Eel restaurant serving traditional grilled eel and hitsumabushi. Popular with both locals and tourists. Eel was soft and well-broiled with a soya- sauce base that had a mellow (not overpowering) sweetness. The fattiness of the eel melded with the steamed rice! You can taste the freshness and grassiness of the farmed eel. They offer Bando- Toro Eel at a premium 8800 Yen. Be prepared to wait during the lunch hour- we came at 11:40am on a weekday and there were at least 2 tables ahead of us.

Incredible eel restaurant, been around for 200 years!! Great service as well. Definitely coming back. Be ready for a very long queue though, grab your ticket then go for a walk haha

Apr 2025: it was our first time travelled to Kawagoe. It was around 11am, not many restaurants open. Luckily, we saw some people line up outside this restaurant. Found it was a handmade Udon restaurant. We waited for 20 mins. Waiter sent us English menu politely. We ordered four bowls of Udon. The portion was large. The Udon with chewy texture. The tempura was crunchy and fresh. The price is friendly with this portion. No wonder many people came.

It was my first time visiting Kawagoe, and this udon spot is truly a hidden gem! We ordered their cold udon along with a few fried sides, and everything was excellent. The handmade noodles were incredibly smooth and silky—such a satisfying mouthfeel. Slurping them felt so effortless, I honestly didn’t want to stop 😄 The staff were also very kind and even showed us the best way to enjoy the udon. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by!

Super delicious, never knew udon tasted so good. Was a very pleasant ambience too. Very satisfying! A little travel from central Tokyo.

This was a great find for us. Very large portions for very reasonable prices. The large size was a bit too large for me. I wouldn't reccomend you get it unless you are incredibly hungry and don't have far to walk afterwords. The tempura was excellent. I got the maitake and tamago. The egg was cooked perfectly and was runny on the inside. The maitake tempura was crunchy all the way through and held it's delicious juices.

We tried both the cold and hot one and the texture of the udon is unbelievable. The broth is with great flavor. Totally worth the wait before visiting Kawagoe.

I don’t have many udon experiences to compare this one to but I did enjoy the food a lot. Had to wait about 20 minutes but it was well worth it. There was an English menu provided inside as well. I had the fried chicken udon and really liked it. The noodles were thick and tender and the tempura was well made as well. I could definitely see myself here again.

It’s tasty and worth to wait for a while. Fried stuff are recommended as well.

A shop specializing in fried purple sweet potatoes, their main menu revolves around this local specialty. Offerings include fried purple sweet potatoes, purple sweet potato ice cream, and various other fried vegetables like pumpkin, lotus root, and sweet potatoes. The dishes are served in sets with a selection of dipping sauces. For a unique twist, you can even dip the fried items in the ice cream—it’s surprisingly delicious!

Nothing special about the food. Just a crisp with the a lot of sauce Varian. It about 400 ¥ for minimal buy. Lots of people make a line. Just once try, and not go there anymore.

Crispy thin sweet potatoes with dips. Seems to be the common snack in the area but this has selectable dips. I took the honey cream dip and didn't regret it.

It just looks nice, the crisp taste super lame

Don’t understand what was the hype. Normal crisps. Cannot really taste the salt or the caramel. Skip it if you don’t have time

An amazing snack to eat while you browse the streets and shops. The sweet potato chips come with many different sauces, I recommend the cream & black honey sauce! Service is really fast, so even if there is a long line, you will not wait for very long at all.

Famed for their thin long sweet potato chips, Koedo Osatsu An is a kiosk on the bell tower street in the Kawagoe store / warehouse district. There is almost always a queue for the potato chips and its the main reason I hadn't tasted them to date. We were lucky to pass by while the queue was short and took advantage. Definitely worth the hype. 500 yen for one bag of their chips. You can choose a sauce to go with, include in the price. The salty butter is the most popular, but I thought the chocolate cream was much nicer. They sell ice-cream as well. No indoor seating.