🇯🇵 Tokyo Day Trip to Kawagoe | A Journey Back to the Edo Period

#tokyospots If you’re looking for a unique, hassle-free day trip from Tokyo, Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo,” should definitely be on your list! Just about 30-60 minutes from central Tokyo, this charming historical town offers a refreshing escape from the modern metropolis and a glimpse into Japan’s Edo-era atmosphere. 🌟 Why I Recommend Kawagoe: Unlike bustling Tokyo, Kawagoe preserves well-maintained streets, traditional warehouses, temples, and shrines that instantly transport you back in time. It’s a perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, or anyone wanting to slow down and soak in a different side of Japan. 🗺️ Suggested Day Trip Itinerary: ➡️ Tokyo → Ikebukuro Station I highly recommend stopping by the Tobu Tourist Information Center at Ikebukuro to purchase the Kawagoe Discount Pass, which includes round-trip train tickets and bus rides within Kawagoe — great value! ➡️ Kawagoe Station → Kita-in Temple Especially beautiful during spring! Aside from the classic Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, you can also catch early-blooming varieties here. ➡️ Kumano Shrine A small but charming shrine located at the entrance of Taisho Roman Street. Worth a quick visit! ➡️ Taisho Roman Dream Street Best visited between March and May, when the street is decorated with colourful koinobori (carp streamers) — super photogenic! ➡️ Kawagoe Ichiban-gai (Main Street) The heart of Kawagoe’s preserved old town, lined with traditional kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse) buildings, giving off strong Edo-period vibes. Great for exploring shops and cafes. ➡️ Toki no Kane (Bell Tower) Kawagoe’s most iconic landmark. The historic bell still rings four times a day — don’t miss it! ➡️ Hikawa Shrine Known for its Ema Tunnel all year round — walls of wooden wishing plaques create a romantic atmosphere. In summer, the shrine features a stunning Wind Chime Tunnel (Furin), perfect for taking photos. ➡️ Shingashi River During sakura season, this riverside is a must-visit. The cherry blossoms along the river, especially with boats drifting through, rival Kyoto’s Fushimi Jikkokubune experience — but with fewer crowds! ➡️ Return to Kawagoe Station → Back to Ikebukuro → Optional Ikebukuro shopping 📝 Final Tips: ✔ Kawagoe is very walkable, but the local buses included in the discount pass save time and energy. ✔ Best seasons to visit are spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and koinobori, and summer for the wind chimes at Hikawa Shrine. ✔ You can easily cover all key spots in half a day, making this a perfect day trip with time to spare for evening shopping or dinner in Ikebukuro. #travel #myitinerary