When it comes to day trips from Tokyo, two tend to stand out above all the others: Nikko and Kamakura, usually i that order.
I understand why this is, of course. The only experience that could possibly rival Nikko’s haunting Tosho-gu shrine is the temples of ancient Kamakura, particularly when paired with enchanting Enoshima island, or underrated Yokohama.
Still, if you’re on the hunt for a Kawagoe day trip itinerary, I do think this is a worthwhile pursuit—especially if you love the Edo-era architecture for which the city is famous.
How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo
Taking a Kawagoe day trip from Tokyo is extremely easy, not matter how you eventually end up feeling about your decision to do so. The first step is getting to Ikebukuro, which is a station on the JR Yamanote Line. You can also get here via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, if you’re staying in Ginza or Akasaka or otherwise not directly on the Yamanote-sen.
Once you’re there, follow the signs to the Tobu Tojo Line. Whether you ride a Kawagoe Limited Express or take a local train (sometimes, one of these will be the next departure available), you can either get off at Kawagoe Station or Kawagoe-shi Station, which also connects to Hon-Kawagoe Station. Here, you can ride the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Seibu-Shinjuku Station. In either case, journey time is less than an hour one-way.
How to Spend Your Day in Kawagoe
Walk under the Toki-no-kane
The most famous place to see in Kawagoe, and the one that best illustrates the town’s “Little Edo” nickname, is Toki-no-kane. Although the current structure dates back only to 1894, a bell tower was first built on this site in the mid-17th century, aka the heart of the Edo period.
Have a sweet time along Kashiya Yokocho
Another highlight of traveling from Tokyo to Kawagoe? Having a stroll along Kashiya Yokocho. Even if you don’t have a major sweet tooth—confession: I don’t—traipsing through this alley while others snack on candy and ice cream is a delightful use of your shrine.
Visit a temple or shrine
I’ll be honest: None of the temples or shrines in Kawagoe really reach “best in Japan” status, for me. On the other hand, whether you visit the city’s namesake Kawagoe Shrine or dig deeper and explore further, they can nonetheless prove a respite from the crowds.
Eat unagi (or don’t)
Many travelers to Kawagoe from Tokyo, especially Japanese and Asian ones, come here to eat unagi or freshwater eel. I am not among them. Eel has just never really appealed (ap-eel-ed?) to me, even though I’ve tried it in many different incarnations. I personally prefer Kawagoe’s selection of imo, or sweet potato, treats.
Plot your next move
Kawagoe probably won’t take you a full day to explore, so you’ll need to go somewhere else afterwards. For most travelers, this is back to Tokyo, whether you spend the evening in Ikebukuro, or ride the Yamanote Line down to Shinjuku or Shibuya. If you’re visiting in winter…well, continue reading of my advice about that.
Should You Stay Overnight in Kawagoe?
Kawagoe itself, in my opinion, doesn’t have much to offer overnight guests. Well, again, unless you have some deep interest in the Edo period. On the other hand, if you happen to be visiting Japan in early December, then the Chichibu Yomatsuri festival may inspire you to stay overnight in Saitama prefecture, albeit in a different city. But more on that in another post.
The reality is that because of the Tokyo to Kawagoe train, whether you ride it from Ikebukuro or Shinjuku, the town is close enough to Tokyo that a day trip is sufficient. This is especially the case if you’re staying multiple days in Tokyo—why would you uproot yourself for a night, when you should stay sleeping in the same place? (That too, of course, may be a discussion for a different post.)
Other FAQ About Taking a Kawagoe Day Trip
Is Kawagoe worth visiting?
Kawagoe is definitely worth a day trip from Tokyo, even if for many travelers it’s usually the third or fourth place on the list. From Edo-area architecture to sweet treats along Kashiya Yokocho (aka “candy alley”), it definitely justifies peeling yourself away from the capital for half a day.
How much time do you need in Kawagoe?
Although you could stay the night in Kawagoe if you have a particular interest in the Edo period, I’d say that for most travelers, a half- or full-day is sufficient. The town center isn’t very big; it’s close enough to Tokyo—an hour each way—that can see it in as little as 4-6 hours door-to-door.
Is Kawagoe crowded on weekends?
Kawagoe often seems crowded, because most tourists who go there are concentrated in one area; the Edo-era alleyways simply aren’t very spacious. However, compared to Nikko or Kamakura (two other Tokyo day trips), Kawagoe isn’t actually very crowded, on weekends or otherwise.
The Bottom Line
Taking a Kawagoe day trip from Tokyo is usually a second (or even third) choice. It’s where people go if they don’t plan to visit Nikko or Kamakura, and potentially even after they’ve gone to Mt. Fuji for a day. While I understand the fact that some travelers places Kawagoe low on their list of preferences, I will say that a day in this understated—and underrated town—could be just what the doctor ordered, particularly if you have any interest in Japan’s Edo period. This is just one of countless insights I have to share, of course. When you hire me to plan your Japan itinerary, I’ll infuse them throughout your entire trip!
