Hidden in Saitama Prefecture, Kawagoe, also known as Little Edo, still retains the atmosphere of ancient Japan during the Edo period. If you wish to escape from the bustling city of Tokyo, this Kawagoe private tour will not disappoint you. In this small peaceful town, there are many traditional Japanese shrines, temples and other amazing attractions, such as Kawagoe castle and the old warehouse district of Kurazukuri. Take a day trip outside of Tokyo and discover the historic Kawagoe.
At your hotel
- I will meet you near the reception. I will show your name on my iPad.
I will pick you up at your hotel near the reception.
Take a train from Ikebukuro station to Kawagoe station and take a local bus there.
Nakain Temple; Enjoy strolling around this small, peaceful temple and be impressed with the spectacular architecture and traditional Japanese garden. Founded in 830 AD, by a Buddhist priest Jikaku Daishi, the temple relatively resembles those in Kyoto. In Spring, all the flowers, including Sakura will bloom together.
Kitain Temple; One of the most famous Buddhist temples in Kawagoe, attracting both locals and foreigners to visit. The over 500 mysterious Buddhist pupil statues, called Gohyaku Rakan, make this temple more amazing. Most of the buildings in this temple are part of the former Edo Castle, which is worth visiting. (Admission: 400 JPY per adult)
Lunch; Please try Japanese noodles with crunchy tempura or BBQ eel, which are the most famous dishes of Kawagoe.
Kawagoe Castle; We will visit the spectacular Kawagoe Castle, which used to be a residence of Tokugawa’s allies, and witness amazing cultural estates, such as the tranquil traditional Japanese garden, tatami rooms, and paintings. (Closed on Mondays, Admission: 100 JPY per adult)
Hikawa Shrine; Enjoy walking around this lovely shrine with its relaxing atmosphere. This shrine is very famous for love and relationships. One of the highlights is that the shrine houses the largest wooden Torii gate in Japan, which was moved from the Meiji Shrine. (Admission free)
Kurazukuri Street and Kashiya Yokocho; No visit to Kawagoe is complete without walking through this historic pedestrian street. In the Edo era, this street was the center of trade, thus there were many warehouses. Now, they became restaurants and souvenir shops. Visitors also can find rare Japanese sweets and desserts in Kashiya Yokocho Alley.
End of the tour
At your hotel
Tour guide fee and hotel pick-up service
On this Kawagoe private tour, the transportation fees, admission fee, and lunch costs of the visitor and tour guide are additional fees and as following:
- Transportation fee: approximately 2,000 yen per person
- Lunch: approximately 1,000-2,000 yen per person
- Admission fees: for Kitain temple, 400 yen for entering the special room in the former Edo Castle and for Kawagoe Castle, 100 yen.
- Kawagoe Castle, museums and some shops in Kurazukuri Street are closed on Monday.
- The tour guide is not available on Monday.
- Please, send a direct message to the tour guide for confirming the availability before booking
Not available on Mondays.
There is little restriction due to COVID 19 in 2023. I was vaccinated six times with the Pfizer one.
“Kanazawa Gardens, Samurai and Geisha districts”
Yoji-san showed around, spoke excellent English, was knowledgeable,very friendly and very experienced. We would recommend him very highly. Our first trip to Kanazawa and Japan but our 3rd Go With Guide experience and Yoji is very good and also great value. Thank you.
Yuki K.
(348 reviews)Dear Sandy, Thank you for your review of my Garden tour in Tokyo. We visited Happo-en Garden, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in the morning. We planned to visit Kiyosumi Garden in the afternoon but I took you to Chidorigafuchi Moat for cherry blossoms. Thank you for taking my tour, Yuki
“Great English ”
Yuki was very punctual very informative and did a great job finding what we wanted His English was excellent. We enjoyed our time with him Would recommend
Yuki K.
(348 reviews)Dear Anthony, I appreciate your review within the tour day. Tsukiji is getting more and more crowded with foreign tourists for Japanese foods. I took you places without long line for Japanese beef and ramen. You missed my favorite sushi place but next time maybe. Thank you for taking my tour. Yuki
“Great experience seeing highlights of Kyoto”
Yuki was a knowledgeable guide and very personable. He customized our tour to hit the major highlights of Kyoto at an efficient pace that allowed us to learn about the sites and cover as much as possible. I would highly recommend this day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto with Yuki.
Yuki K.
(348 reviews)Dear Michael, Thank you for your review just after our tour. It was a long day but everything went well with your help. Thank you for taking my tour. Please give my best regards to your mother. Yuki