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Kawagoe - Old Edo Era Time Slip (From Tokyo)
Joined 2024
Experience the feel of old Japan only 30 minutes north of Tokyo. Famed for it's Edo period vibe, this nostalgic town is lined with many old Edo period buildings and is a great one day trip from Tokyo. Experience a different side of the city! Snacks and traditional crafts shops line the streets and you can feel the old nostalgia of a by-gone era. Popular with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy Kawagoe with an experienced local guide from the UK.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Shinjuku or Ikebukuro Stations
- (From Shinjuku) - Meet opposite the McDonalds in front of the tall, brown Seibu Station building. (From Ikebukuro) - Meet in front of the Tobu Tojo Line Ticket gate area. After meeting up, travel together to Kawagoe. Get to know each other and get tips & tricks for travel in Tokyo and the surrounding areas : )
Kitain Temple
Notable for housing some of the original buildings of the old Edo Castle, this beautiful temple with its many stone statues is the head temple of the Tendai buddhist sect.
Old Edo Tokyo - Back in time!
A 15 minute walk from Kitain Temple you begin to see modern Japan drop away as you enter a more traditional time. Stop and see some of the many traditional shops and try the local foods
Candy Alley
Nostalgic Showa / meiji era candy shops selling many different traditional snacks for kids. Have gun picking out your favorite teats!
Renkeiji Temple
Small but historic temple with fewer people to rest and buy some 'protection charms.
Travel back to Tokyo from Kawagoe Station
I will assist in the correct train to return to Tokyo. Don't worry, it's easy!
Ending Point
Kawagoe Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide Fee
Transportation fee
Food / Refreshments
Any admission tickets to museums, attractions, etc
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
I am flexible with dates and times and areas to explore. I can arrange an interesting itinerary for you or you can give me ideas as to what you would like to see and do.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Ed J.
Long term Tokyo resident I have been exploring the backstreets of Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 15 years. I can speak and read Japanese, so I am in a unique position to offer you an insight as to what makes things tick! I love history, culture and particularly old downtown tokyo areas away from the neon signs and crowds of people. Let me help you find a more interesting and real Tokyo for you! : )
Reviews
“Taking Ed off the beaten path”
I really appreciated Ed's willingness to discuss subtle cultural differences between Japan and US visitors. He had many insights into language use, norms and food that I have not figured out through visiting my Japanese relatives. Ed was also willing to help me track down an aunt I had lost touch with in Kawasaki - a town he was to that familiar with. We found my aunt - which was super sweet, but also hidden delights of Kawasaki: a neighborhood onsen, the tofu delivery guy on his bike, the local food shop that my aunt orders food from. Such a great day and Ed rocked being a guide and participant! I look forward to coming back for more cultural lessons - and looking for my other relatives.
Ed J.
(8 reviews)What a bizarre, funny, interesting littel adventure we had! Such a memorable day. I can't believe we tracked down your Aunt and had tea with her! Thank you so much for being brave enough to do something a bit different with me. I'll send you the videos of our meeting. Ed
“Best guide for Tokyo”
We are so happy that we found Ed who shared two amazing days with us around this huge city. A wonderful personalised tour that took in everything we needed to see with good coffee and food on the way. We totally recommend Ed and he hasn’t seen the last of us! 11 out of 10! Rina and Gary Cutler
Ed J.
(8 reviews)Gary & Rina, thank you for being amazing guests. I had such a great time with you guys. And I'll see you in Australia ; )
“A hidden gem ”
If I could I would give Ed a 5 + rating he is the hidden gem In Japan we had an excellent day made happy memories with Ed he thought of everything that we would need and we learnt not only about the history but how navigate the train system he gave us a unique experience the old and new Japan and a few more tips along the way friendly and easy to get on with just give Ed your personal interest which he can factor into into your tour
Ed J.
(8 reviews)It was an absolute pleasure showing you guys around Tokyo. My highlight was chatting to the wise, senior lady in Asakusa. We were so lucky having her pose for a photo with us in front of the Gold Mikoshi shrines at Asakusa Shrine. And, also the ice-cream in Yanaka was super delicious : ) Have a safe trip. Ed
