Kawagoe

Kawagoe (��z) is located about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo and is suitable as a day trip destination. Its main street, lined with Kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse-styled) buildings, retains an ambience reminiscent of an old town from the Edo Period (1603-1867) and allows us to imagine the streets from past centuries. Thereby, Kawagoe became known as "Little Edo".

During the Edo Period, Kawagoe prospered as a supplier of commodities to Tokyo (then named Edo). As Kawagoe was an important city to the capital for trade and strategic purposes, the shogun installed some of their most loyal men as lords of Kawagoe Castle. Close ties ensued between the two cities and over the years, Kawagoe inherited many aspects of the Edo culture and architecture.

One of the most important temples in the Greater Tokyo area, Kitain Temple, is Kawagoe's other main attraction. It is home to the only remaining structures of the former Edo Castle.