Bell of Time (Bell Tower)

Kitain Temple

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Tobu Koedo Loop Bus

Kawagoe flourished as a castle town in the Edo period (1603-1867) and the streets lined with old storehouses and merchant houses in a style of architecture known as Kura-zukuri (warehouse construction) remain which has been called "Koedo" by the common people. A popular historical sightseeing spot that preserves the atmosphere of Edo (old Tokyo) and allows visitors to experience 4 different eras including Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras.

The Bell of Time (Bell Tower) (get off at Ichibangai) ringing four times a day (6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) has been selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan to Preserve". The area is also the center of sightseeing in Kawagoe with plenty attractive side streets, shopping arcades and restaurants.

Kawagoe Daishi Kitain Temple (get off at Kitain mae) is a temple that is widely known as 500 statues of Rakan and the Daruma Doll Festival (Hatsudaishi) on the 3rd of New Year. It is famous nationwide as a temple that represents Saitama Prefecture. Plenty of the buildings are important cultural properties and precious arts and crafts and quaint gardens are popular and are crowded with seasonal holidaymakers.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (get off at Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja) is a shrine that is worshiped as the total guardian of Kawagoe. The main shrine has an elaborate sculpture called "Edo carving" which is an important cultural property of the prefecture. Also, it has been popular as a god of marriage for a long time and the amulet called "Matching balls" which is limited to 20 pieces a day is a popular amulet that can be lined up early in the morning. Other unique and playful events such as the "Tai-Mikuji" that catches sea bream dolls and the wind chime festival in July will entertain worshipers.

There are also many other signboard architecture from the Taisho and Showa periods which offer a modern view of the area. We also recommend a gourmet walk such as Japanese sweets and sweets made with the specialty sweet potatoes and a long-established eel restaurant.

In the Kawagoe area, each famous place and important point is compactly organized, so you can go around efficiently by using a walk + bus. Take advantage of the "Tobu Koedo Loop Bus" that tours around the city. Also with the "Tobu Bus Koedo Kawagoe One Day Pass", you can ride the Tobu Koedo Loop Bus and the Tobu route bus (some sections) that run in the suburbs for 1 day. You can go to popular places by bus and you can get coupons for popular spots which is a great deal! You can easily explore the city of Kawagoe with just one smartphone.