travel

Six magic spots to see on a day trip to Kawagoe

0 Comments
By Jes Kalled

Imagine cobbled streets, 1,500-year-old shrines and traditional culture evoking memories of a time that has long since passed—this is Kawagoe, a small town suspended in time.

Dating back to the Edo period of 1603-1867, this “Little Edo” is tucked away in Saitama Prefecture, under an hour north of Tokyo. Historically a bustling commercial supply town, Kawagoe thrived throughout the Edo and Meiji periods. These days it’s an enchanting piece of living history, filled with charm.

Kawagoe has a lot to offer, so let’s look at six truly magical spots that’ll give you a taste of Japan’s old days.

1. Kura No Machi

A stroll down the main street of "Kura no Machi" (蔵の町) will have you lost in a time warp. The buildings on either side of the street selling sweet rice dumplings and ice cream have seen more days than you.

Kawagoe-Travel-Guide-Kura-no-Machi-.jpg
Step back in time along Kura no Machi.

In 1893, a fire destroyed a substantial part of the city resulting in the reconstruction of several buildings using layers of clay, called “Kura.” This architectural technique shaped the beautiful old buildings you see today.

You’ll find various souvenir stores selling kitsune (fox) masks, chopsticks, beautifully-crafted ceramics, and handkerchiefs. Take your time exploring the intricacies within each shop, or take a rickshaw for the full Edo experience.

A visit to Kawagoe is also well-known for being a great excuse to wear a yukata or kimono, whatever the occasion. The town plays well into its reputation, with rental shops lining the streets ready to help you pick out your best color for your stroll through its time-honored streets.

Click here to read more.

© GaijinPot Travel

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

No Comment
Login to comment

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites