Tokyo's Most Underrated Day Trip Is A Traditional Japanese City Full Of History And Sweets

Most people visiting Japan flock to its number one city, Tokyo, for sights, bites, and interesting culture — but it can get crowded. Visitors looking to escape the chaos of busy city life can hop aboard a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo to a quaint town steeped in history. Kawagoe, nicknamed "Little Edo," is a beautiful, underrated day trip just a short distance from Tokyo which was once a bustling merchant town and a transportation hub. The name "Edo" refers to the Edo Period (between 1603 and 1867), when the Tokugawa family ruled Japan. 

According to WorldHistory.org, the era is named after the city of Edo, which is now modern-day Tokyo, and is sometimes referred to as the early modern period of Japanese society. Evidence of this era can be seen throughout the town in the form of unique architecture, built by wealthy merchants, such as clay warehouses and decorative roof tiles. Old merchant storehouses line the cobbled streets, leading the way toward ancient temples, castle ruins, and even a street dedicated to the production of candy. A visit to Kawagoe is like taking a step back in time, and one that shouldn't be missed if you are seeking to experience historic Japan. 

A must-see sight on any trip to Kawagoe is its preserved old town also known as Kura no Machi (the Old Warehouse district). Its streets are lined with beautiful traditional wooden homes and historic storefronts dating back over a century. These buildings, called Kura, were fashioned from clay to protect merchants' goods from fires. This method of construction was costly, however, the merchants of this area were well off and able to build their shops in this style. Many of the buildings were created with intricately embellished designs to show off the merchants' status. Pair a visit to the old town with one to the "Bell of Time," or the Toki no Kane — a bell tower that has stood as the symbol of the town for over 400 years. After a fire in 1894, the bell tower was rebuilt in its original form to preserve its traditional architectural style. Today, visitors come to listen to its melody chime four times per day, filling the air with sounds of the past. 

From Toki no Kane and Kurazukuri Street, wander over to Kashita Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane) for some delicious, traditional Japanese sweets. What began as 70 stores lining this delectable historical street has now been reduced to 20 — however, these shops continue to craft sweets and snacks using ancient recipes and techniques. During the 1920s, after an earthquake ravaged Tokyo and neighboring regions, this area became the number one candy supplier to the capital. It's a delightful place to savor not just the treats but also a taste of history that makes Kawagoe so special. Beyond the old town lies numerous temples and shrines for visitors to explore, each providing a glimpse back into Japan's past.

One of the most popular sites to visit (especially amongst young couples) is the Hikawa Shrine, which is believed to house five deities (or gods). Two of these deities are married — making this shrine a popular place for people to pray for their own happy love stories, much like the Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine in Osaka, which is dedicated to Japan's version of Romeo and Juliet. The shrine is about 1,500 years old, and its entryway stands at a towering 50 feet tall — the tallest wooden torii gate in Japan. People come from all over to enjoy different activities there, including exploring the Ema Tunnel (an open-air tunnel decorated with around 30,000 wooden prayer plates), "fishing'" for fish-shaped fortunes with a small rod, exploring and praying by two giant, 600-year-old zelkova trees, and simply taking in the beauty of the shrine complex. From July to September, the shrine also hosts the Enmusubi Furin Festival, where visitors can write a wish and attach it to one of the 2,000 colorful glass windchimes hung along a tunnel. 

If your trip to Kawagoe happens to coincide with cherry blossom season, be sure to explore the Shingashi River for some beautiful views without the crowds. Another popular place is the Kita-in Temple, the most renowned Buddhist temple in Saitama, with a courtyard containing 538 "disciples of Buddha" statues, also known as "rakan." Today, it houses many valuable artifacts that once belonged to Edo Castle, now the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The best way to get to Kawagoe is from the Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, and take an express or semi-express train on the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoeshi Station.