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Kawagoe: A Hidden Gem In Saitama
Kawagoe is a small city located in Saitama prefecture, Japan. It is often referred to as “Little Edo” because of its well-preserved historic buildings and traditional streetscapes. As a National Geography journalist, I had the opportunity to explore Kawagoe and see what makes it so special.
The city has a charming atmosphere that takes you back to the Edo period. The streets are lined with old warehouses, shops, and houses that have been carefully maintained to preserve their historical value. Many of the buildings are made with kura, a type of traditional Japanese storehouse that was used to keep goods safe from fire and theft.
What I like most about Kawagoe is how authentic it feels. Unlike some other tourist destinations in Japan, it doesn’t feel overly commercialized or touristy. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a real sense of community here.
One thing I didn’t like about Kawagoe is that it can be quite crowded on weekends and holidays. With its close proximity to Tokyo, it can get overrun with tourists. However, if you plan your visit carefully, you can avoid the worst of the crowds.
The average cost of living in Kawagoe is quite reasonable. A day trip to Kawagoe would cost around $50 to $100 per person, depending on how much you spend on food, transportation, and souvenirs.
Now, here are the top 20 points of interest in Kawagoe that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Kitain Temple – 1-20-1 Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0052, Japan – 4.6 stars on Yelp
2. Toki no Kane – 15-1 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan – 4.2 stars on Yelp
3. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – 2-11-3 Miyashitamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0052, Japan – 4.5 stars on Yelp
4. Kashiya Yokocho – 2-14-3 Motomachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0062, Japan – 4.4 stars on Yelp
5. Kawagoe Festival Museum – 2 Chome-7-15 Motomachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0062, Japan – 4.4 stars on Yelp
6. Renkeiji Temple – 5-5-5 Motohachimangu, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0052, Japan – 4.6 stars on Yelp
7. Nakaichi Honten – 2-8-13 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan – 4.2 stars on Yelp
8. Kawagoe Castle – 6-1 Kuruwamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0053, Japan – 3.8 stars on Yelp
9. Honmaru Goten – 2 Chome-14-14 Motomachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0062, Japan – 4.4 stars on Yelp
10. Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street – 2-1-1 Motomachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0062, Japan – 4.3 stars on Yelp
11. Warehouse District – 2-18-9 Motomachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0062, Japan – 4.4 stars on Yelp
12. Kameya Amefurikozo – 2-1-16 Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan – 4.5 stars on Yelp
13. Kurazukuri Museum – 14-5 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan – 4.5 stars on Yelp
14. Kumano Shrine – 2-2-3 Miyashitamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0052, Japan – 4.6 stars on Yelp
15. Kawagoe Daishi Kyodo Denki – 4-4-4 Otemachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0044, Japan – 4.2 stars on Yelp
16. Yamazaki-ya – 2-3-14 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan – 4.3 stars on Yelp
17. Taisho Roman Yumejiro Triangle Park – 3 Chome-3-1 Namikibashi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0042, Japan – 4.5 stars on Yelp
18. Kawagoe City Museum – 7-16 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan – 4.2 stars on Yelp
19. Kawagoe Deco-kan – 11-16 Motomachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0062, Japan – 4.3 stars on Yelp
20. Syaukiura – 1 Chome-18 Kuruwamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0053, Japan – 4.4 stars on Yelp
Now, let’s talk about the top 20 street foods in Kawagoe:
1. Sweet potato chips – 200 yen – Kashiya Yokocho
2. Imokoi – 150 yen – Kameya Amefurikozo
3. Kawagoe-style croquettes – 150 yen – Maruhiro
4. Karinto (sweet fried dough) – 200 yen – Nakaichi Honten
5. Melon-pan (sweet bread) – 210 yen – Kuramoto
6. Dango (sweet rice dumplings) – 120 yen – Kaki no Ki
7. Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) – 150 yen – Tengu
8. Kakigori (shaved ice) – 300 yen – Gomaya Kuki
9. Ebi gyoza (shrimp dumplings) – 500 yen – Baikotei
10. Takoyaki (octopus balls) – 400 yen – Asadachi
11. Senbei (rice crackers) – 100 yen – Ishibashi
12. Tororo soba (buckwheat noodles topped with grated yam) – 700 yen – Matsuya
13. Anmitsu (sweet bean jelly with fruit) – 580 yen – Yamazaki-ya
14. Oyaki (steamed buns stuffed with vegetables) – 200 yen – Nozakisan
15. Ramen – 650 yen – Sugimotoya
16. Monjayaki (savory pancake) – 1,200 yen – Monja Taro
17. Soft serve ice cream – 300 yen – Imokan
18. Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with filling) – 150 yen – Taiyaki Suzukake
19. Okonomiyaki (savory pancake with cabbage and meat) – 1,200 yen – Okonomiyaki Bento
20. Kintsuba (sweet bean cake) – 150 yen – Yamasan
In terms of accommodations, here are the top 10 hotels and Airbnb listings based on traveler reviews:
Hotels:
1. Kawagoe Tobu Hotel – $90/night – 4.4 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Candeo Hotels Kawagoe – $100/night – 4.3 stars on TripAdvisor
3. Kawagoe Prince Hotel – $85/night – 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor
4. Smile Hotel Kawagoe – $55/night – 3.8 stars on TripAdvisor
5. Kawagoe Urban Hotel – $70/night – 3.9 stars on TripAdvisor
Airbnb:
1. Entire home/apartment in Kawagoe – $60/night – 4.8 stars on Airbnb
2. Vintage Japanese Guesthouse – $150/night – 4.7 stars on Airbnb
3. Japanese-style room in Kawagoe – $50/night – 4.7 stars on Airbnb
4. Traditional Machiya House – $200/night – 4.8 stars on Airbnb
5. Private Guesthouse with Garden – $100/night – 4.7 stars on Airbnb
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective options, I would recommend the Smile Hotel Kawagoe or the Japanese-style room in Kawagoe Airbnb listing. Both offer good value for the price and have positive reviews from travelers.
In terms of a 3-day itinerary, here’s what I would recommend:
Day 1:
– Kitain Temple
– Toki no Kane
– Kashiya Yokocho for lunch
– Warehouse District
– Nakaichi Honten for a snack
– Honmaru Goten
– Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street for dinner
Day 2:
– Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
– Kumano Shrine
– Kawagoe Castle
– Kurazukuri Museum for lunch
– Yamazaki-ya for a snack
– Taisho Roman Yumejiro Triangle Park
– Kawagoe Festival Museum for dinner
Day 3:
– Renkeiji Temple
– Kawagoe Deco-kan
– Syaukiura for lunch
– Kawagoe City Museum
– Monja Taro for a snack
– Kameya Amefurikozo for dinner
Overall, Kawagoe is a fantastic destination for those looking to experience the beauty and authenticity of traditional Japan. With its quaint streets, historical landmarks, and delicious street food, it’s a must-visit for any traveler. I would give it a 9 out of 10 stars.
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