Kawagoe Day Trip from Tokyo: Little Edo Walk
Clay-walled warehouse streets and the Bell of Time, snacking along Candy Alley and a shrine known for matchmaking. A walking day trip around Kawagoe, known as "Little Edo".
Old town walksFoodShrines and temples
Free, no sign-up. Share one link with your friends and family, edit the plan together, and print it as a travel booklet.
Why go to Kawagoe
Kawagoe preserves a streetscape of Edo-style kurazukuri warehouses, giving a taste of old Tokyo. It is only about 30 minutes from central Tokyo, making it one of the easiest day trips from the city.
Getting there
- From Ikebukuro: about 30 minutes on the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe Station.
- From Shinjuku / Shibuya: the JR Saikyo Line or Seibu Shinjuku Line also reach Kawagoe.
- In town: walk, or take a local bus between the station and the old warehouse district.
Tips for avoiding the crowds
- The warehouse district gets very busy on weekend afternoons; weekdays and mornings are calmer.
- Start at Kitain Temple in the morning, then reach the main street before lunch.
- Many small shops accept cash only, so bring some coins.
House rules for this trip
Little challenges to share with your group. Every Tabishiori itinerary has three.
- ① On Candy Alley, each person buys a different sweet and you swap.
- ② Take one group photo with everyone in front of the Bell of Time.
- ③ Show each other your omikuji fortunes at Hikawa Shrine.
Itinerary
- 10:00
TravelMeet at the East Exit of Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe Station (map) / 川越駅
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check each official website before you go.
- 10:20–11:10
SightseeingVisit Kitain Temple
Kitain Temple (map) / 喜多院
Look for a face that looks like yours among the 500 Rakan statues.
- 11:30–12:30
SightseeingWarehouse district and the Bell of Time
Kawagoe Ichibangai (map) / 川越 一番街
Rule ②: one group photo in front of the Bell of Time.
- 12:30–13:30
FoodLunch in Kawagoe
Kawagoe Ichibangai (map) / 川越 一番街
Decide on a place together and write it in here.
- 13:30–14:20
FoodSnacks along Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho)
Kashiya Yokocho (map) / 菓子屋横丁
Rule ①: buy different sweets and swap.
- 14:40–15:30
SightseeingVisit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (map) / 川越氷川神社
Rule ③: show each other your omikuji fortunes.
- 15:40–16:30
FoodBack to the old streets for a café break
Kawagoe Ichibangai (map) / 川越 一番街
- 16:45
TravelBus to Kawagoe Station and say goodbye
Kawagoe Station (map) / 川越駅
Well done! Add everyone's photos to the "Photos" section of your itinerary.
Packing list
- Comfortable walking shoes
- IC transit card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
- Reusable bag (for souvenirs)
- Wet wipes (for street food)
- Coins (for shrine offerings and small shops)
- Power bank
- Folding umbrella (one for the group)
How to use this itinerary
- Open Tabishiori and create a new trip (free, no account needed).
- Add the stops from this page and adjust the times to suit your group.
- Send the trip link via LINE, WhatsApp or email so everyone can add plans, packing items and shared expenses. You can also print it as a booklet.
Opening hours, prices and closing days may change. Please check each official website before you go. Place names in Japanese are shown so you can search for them in maps or show them to staff.