Want to leave central Tokyo to see something entirely different? Perhaps you’ve already been to the top of scenic Mount Takao. Maybe you’ve explored the hot springs and waterfalls in the mystical mountains of Nikko. If places steeped in tradition and history interest you, it’s time to visit the charming Kawagoe Warehouse District.
With streets lined with preserved kurazukuri warehouses from the Edo Period (1603-1867), the city of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture retains an old-world charm that central Tokyo cannot match.
Why are the buildings in Kawagoe so different?
Traditional Japanese buildings are usually constructed of wood. In contrast, the walls of the kurazukuri in Kawagoe are built with layers of fire-resistant clay. You can easily identify these warehouses by their dark walls and stone-like appearance. Today, you’ll find them in the Old Town sector of Kawagoe, where many local shops and restaurants have taken up residence.
There are many interesting sights around the Old Town sector. This includes the symbolic bell tower—The Bell of Time (時の鐘 Toki no Kane)—and the famous “Candy Lane” (kashiya yokochō 菓子屋横丁), a small backstreet alley with shops selling traditional sweets and snacks. Sugar-coated peanuts and satsuma imo (Japanese sweet potatoes) are popular here.
Getting to the Kawagoe Warehouse District from downtown Tokyo
Via train: Shibuya Station → Ikebukuro Station → Kawagoe Station
On the JR East Yamanote Line, take the train from Shibuya Station to Ikebukuro Station. Get on the Tobu Tojo Line and ride the express train directly to Kawagoe Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, making Kawagoe a very suitable day trip destination.
The train takes you out towards Greater Tokyo, away from the busier commercial districts. It passes many interesting residential areas and it is definitely refreshing to get away from the skyscrapers of the big city.
Once you exit Kawagoe Station, locate Crea Mall, a long street crammed full of every kind of shop you can imagine. From florists to ramen bars to large gaming arcades, you’ll likely get a little distracted. Keep walking along the shopping alley and you will arrive at a main street lined with the kurazukuri warehouses.
For information about events happening in Kawagoe, visit the KOEDO KAWAGOE Tourist Association website.
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