Kawagoe ‘Ancient Edo’ Walking Tour

1. Take a stroll with a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter along streets brimming with the atmosphere of Edo city streets.
Kawagoe is a prosperous castle town known as ‘Little Edo.’ Here visitors can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the town’s streets and buildings, the likes of which can’t be found in Tokyo, and feel like they’ve traveled back in time to Japan ages ago.
2. Visit the Kita-in Temple famous for Gohyaku Rakan, which are 538 stone statues of Buddha, and the Hikawa Shrine famous among those who want to pray for love and marriage.
3. A variety of shops line the street at Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Shop Alley), where visitors can get a taste of the Japan of days gone by. Walk around, have a snack, and enjoy shopping.
4. The tour also includes a 1-day pass for the Koedo Loop Bus. After the tour, feel free to enjoy sightseeing on your own in Kawagoe.

08:00 – 08:10
Depart from Check-in Counter on the 3rd floor of Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo’s Main Tower in Shinjuku
Depart from Check-in Counter on the 3rd floor of Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo’s Main Tower in Shinjuku
*Please show your reservation confirmation sheet at reception. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure time.

[Access to Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo]
– 5 min on foot from Shinjuku Station West Exit (JR lines).
– 5 min on foot from Shinjuku Station (Keio Line, Odakyu Line, and Marunouchi and Toei Shinjuku subway lines)
– Immediate access from Exit B1 of Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line)
The tour will walk to Shinjuku-sanchome Station.

Shinjuku-sanchome Station
Train

Kawagoe Station (50 min)

Kita-in Temple　 (40 min)
The room that Tokugawa Iemitsu, one of the most famous shoguns in Japanese history, was born in stands here (moved and rebuilt from Edo Castle), and the beautiful Japanese garden is especially worth seeing in the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. The 538 stone statues of Rakan, each a unique work of art with its own expression, are also a must-see.

If Kita-in Temple is closed, the tour will visit Kawagoe Festival Museum or other paid facilities.

Hikawa Shrine (30 min)
The Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe is said to have been founded about 1,500 years ago, on the 2nd year of Emperor Kinmei during the Kofun period. The current main hall, which houses many intricate carvings, is considered an important cultural property of the prefecture. Many people come here to pray to the five enshrined deities for luck in relationships and matchmaking.

Stroll & Break at Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Shop Alley) (30 min)
The alley is lined with old-fashioned Mom and Pop candy shops, popular with adults and children alike. After walking through the area, take a rest and enjoy a snack of Kawagoe’s specialty sweet potatoes.

If the specialty sweet potatoes are not available, other sweets may be offered.

Old Storehouse Merchant Houses (30 min)
The Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), which has been the symbol of Kawagoe for about 400 years, stands here surrounded by the area’s characteristic storehouse merchant houses. Enjoy a bite while walking around and shopping in this nostalgic area.
– 13:55
Kawagoe Station
After arriving at the station, please head to your next destination on your own.

1. Planning Company: JTB Corp.
Address: 2-3-11 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agent (No. 64)

2. If the minimum number of participants (1) is not met by 4 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date may be cancelled. Please inform us of your accommodation and contact details for the day prior to the tour. Participants will be contacted if the tour is cancelled.

3. If you choose to participate in this tour during the summer, we recommend you wear a hat or visor to protect yourself from the sun. We also recommend you drink enough liquid.

4. Public transportation will be used to move around on this tour. Please note that seating is not guaranteed.

5. The tour will proceed even in case of rain.
Itinerary locations and itinerary order may be changed depending on weather conditions and business hours of tour locations.

6. If Kita-in Temple is closed, the tour will visit Kawagoe Festival Museum or other paid facilities.

7. If the specialty sweet potatoes are not available, other sweets may be offered.

8. Depending on circumstances on the day, transfers within Kawagoe City may be by bus or on foot. Please follow the guide’s instructions.