Kawagoe Koedo Warehouse District and Candy Alley Course

About an hour from Tokyo, Kawagoe is a town that still carries the strong flavor of the Edo period. Walking the streets lined with black plastered warehouses feels like stepping back in time. Here is an easy one day course.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Hon Kawagoe Station Set out while the morning air is still fresh. Picking up a map at the station makes it easier to find your way.

9:30 Stroll the warehouse district Walk slowly down the main street lined with heavy old warehouses. The morning is best for photos when there are fewer people.

10:30 See the Bell of Time Head to the Bell of Time, the symbol of Kawagoe. The bell still rings several times a day.

11:30 Snack along Candy Alley A narrow lane packed with old fashioned candy shops. Wander while nibbling on sweet potato treats and rice crackers.

13:00 Lunch with local eel or sweet potato dishes Kawagoe is also famous for sweet potato cooking. Choose whatever suits your taste.

14:30 Visit Kitain Temple End the day at this temple linked to the Tokugawa family, wandering its quiet grounds.

Highlights

The warehouse district was built from the Edo into the Meiji era as fire resistant merchant houses. The heavy roofs and black outer walls speak of the wealth of the merchants of that time. Candy Alley drifts with a plain sweet scent and delights both children and adults.

Access and Tips

The starting point is Hon Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, or Kawagoe Station on the JR and Tobu lines. The old streets are a short walk from the stations, so a loop bus makes things easier. Weekends get crowded, so it is best to see the main spots early in the morning.

A Quick Tip

Since snacking is the main activity, a bag that frees up both hands is handy. Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking.