Kawagoe, located in Saitama Prefecture just 30 kilometers north of Tokyo, is known as "Little Edo" for its remarkably preserved merchant district dating back to the Edo period. The city flourished as a castle town and major supplier of goods to Edo (old Tokyo) during the 17th to 19th centuries. Its strategic location along the Shingashi River enabled prosperous trade, and wealthy merchants built the distinctive clay-walled warehouses that define the cityscape today.
The Kurazukuri Street forms the heart of Kawagoe's historic district, featuring over 20 kurazukuri buildings—traditional fireproof warehouses with thick earthen walls and heavy tiled roofs. These structures, some dating back 200 years, originally protected valuable merchandise from the frequent fires that plagued wooden Japanese cities. The street maintains its Edo-era atmosphere, with many warehouses now operating as museums, craft shops, and restaurants. The Toki no Kane, a wooden bell tower rebuilt in 1893, stands 16 meters tall and still chimes four times daily, serving as the city's symbol for over 350 years.
Visitors can explore Kita-in Temple, established in 830 CE, which houses the only remaining structures from the original Edo Castle, relocated here in 1638. The temple's 538 stone statues of disciples line its grounds, each with unique facial expressions. The Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) contains over 20 traditional sweet shops selling nostalgic Japanese confections in a narrow lane lined with wooden buildings. The former merchant residences, including the Osawa Family Residence built in 1792, offer insight into wealthy merchant life during the Edo period.
Kawagoe is accessible via the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station, reaching Kawagoe Station in approximately 30 minutes, or the JR Kawagoe Line from Shinjuku via Omiya. The Koedo Loop Bus operates throughout the tourist district for ¥200 per ride or ¥500 for an all-day pass. Most historic buildings and museums charge admission between ¥200-500, though strolling the atmospheric streets is free.
