While Tokyo’s near-destruction in World War II means you can’t find many old-style buildings in the capital, you don’t have to travel too far to find some. Just head up to Kawagoe, where a strip of clay-walled, Edo-era buildings in the Warehouse District gives the city its nickname of Little Edo. But there are other things to do in Kawagoe, from Shinto shrines to a whole street of candy stores. You won’t regret heading north.
Kawagoe is lovely year-round, but it’s especially lively during two big festivals. The Kawagoe Festival in the third weekend of October is the city’s largest, when decorative floats parade through the streets of the old part of town, ending in a float battle. The summertime Million Lights Festival in late July is also beautiful and features thousands of colorful lanterns strung up around the city.
The easiest way for independent travelers to reach Kawagoe from Tokyo is by train: it’s a 30–90-minute journey from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro stations, depending on which line you take. Alight at Kawagoe or Kawagoe-Shi Station, from where you can walk to the Warehouse District in 15–30 minutes or catch the Todo Koedo or the Co-Edo Loop Bus to the attractions.
If you’re coming from Tokyo, consider buying a Kawagoe Discount Pass or Premium Pass that is only available to foreign visitors. They provide discounted return train tickets on the Tobu Tojo line between Ikebukuro in Tokyo and Kawagoe or Kawagoe-Shi station, plus bus transport in Kawagoe and discounts at some stores in Kawagoe. If Ikebukuro Station is convenient from where you’re staying, you’ll save time with this pass as Tobu Tojo express trains only take 30 minutes to reach Kawagoe.
