Kawagoe, journey to the Edo period 川越市

  • Published on : 16/06/2020
  • by : E.P.
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Little Edo: a visit near Tokyo

From buildings linked to the famous Tokugawa shoguns, warehouses from the Meiji era, passing through the typical constructions of the Taisho era, stroll through the streets of "Little Edo", the nickname of the city of Kawagoe in the Saitama prefecture is to discover the Japan of yesteryear just half an hour by train from Tokyo.

Places to see in Kawagoe

The main street, Ichibangai, and the streets of Kurazukuri no Machinami (the warehouse district) attest to the prosperity of the city by their concentration of kura (warehouses with thick walls and roofs covered with heavy tiles built to resist fires) that the wealthy merchants of Kawagoe had built in the Meiji era (1868-1912). Unfortunately, there are only about thirty left, seventeen of which have been declared "Important cultural property", the rest having perished in a big fire in 1894. They now host cafes, restaurants, and museums.

"Taisho Romance" Street is lined with houses from the Taisho era (1912-1926), inspired by the Western-style. Very picturesque, it is often used as a setting for films or TV soap operas.

Emblem of the city, the bell tower, toki no kane "the bell of time" recalls ancient times by ringing four times a day.

Explore Kawagoe
Cityguide
The great October festival, famed for its lion dance.
The city's main district, lined with traditional warehouse buildings
The city's major temple and its spectacular garden
A picturesque street lined with houses from the Taisho Period
"Time Bell Tower"
NAKA-IN
The main Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of marriage.
The "Candy Alley"

Kawagoe temples and shrines

Kita-In, the city's main temple, was founded in 830 by the monk Ennin of the Tendai Buddhist sect. Destroyed by fire in 1205, it was rebuilt in 1298 and took on great importance in the 17th century when it was placed under the protection of the Tokugawa shoguns.

The temple also contains part of the remains of Iyeyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867).

Sanctuaire shinto à Kawagoe

Sanctuaire shinto à Kawagoe

I.D.O.

Le temple Kita-in et ses cinq cents Gohyaku statues en pierre des disciples du Bouddha

Le temple Kita-in et ses cinq cents Gohyaku statues en pierre des disciples du Bouddha

JNTO

The festivities in Kawagoe

Every year on the third Saturday and Sunday in October, the city vibrates to the sound of traditional instruments and giant floats marched through the city, perpetuating a festival dating back more than three centuries, Kawagoe Matsuri, declared "Important Traditional Intangible Cultural Property " in 2005.

Those who wish can rent kimonos or Yukata to stroll through the streets of "Little Edo".

Jeunes filles en kimono dans une rue de Kawagoe

Jeunes filles en kimono dans une rue de Kawagoe

I.D.O.

Each district Kawagoe manufactures its own tank to challenge others in the course of Kawagoe Matsuri.

Each district Kawagoe manufactures its own tank to challenge others in the course of Kawagoe Matsuri.

DR


Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Timetable

    Tobu Tojo (Kawagoe station: 30 min by express train) and Seibu (Hon-Kawagoe station: 60 min) lines, both via Ikebukuro. Note that, although it is further from Tokyo, Hon-Kawagoe station is closer on-site to the main sites to visit. The JR Saikyo/Kawagoe line also connects Shinjuku to "Little Edo" in 50 min.

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