One-Day Trip to discover the Charms of Historic Kawagoe: A Journey Through Time
Kawagoe is known as "Little Edo" for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. This tour offers an immersive experience of Kawagoe's rich history and culture.
The main attraction of this tour is strolling through Kurazukuri Street you will feel the charm of the Edo period.
We can also visit Kumano Shrine, Toki-no-Kane Tower used to tell the time, Kawagoe Festival Museum, Kashiya Yokocho street filled with traditional sweets shops, Hikawa Shrine, Kawagoe Castle, etc. according to your preference.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
- I will meet you near the reception in the lobby of your hotel. Go to Kawagoe by public transportation.
Kawagoe
We will explore Kawagoe.
Kurazukuri Street
This area replicates the merchant streets of the Edo period, featuring historic buildings, stylish cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can feel the essence of old Japan while strolling here.
Kumano Shrine
Kumano Shrine in Kawagoe is known for its blessings of matchmaking and warding off evil. Visitors can pass through the torii gate and find peace in the serene surroundings of the shrine.
Toki-no-Kane (Time Bell Tower)
Toki no Kane, also known as the Time Bell Tower, is one of Kawagoe's most iconic landmarks. Standing at 16 meters tall, this wooden tower has a history that dates back over 400 years. Originally built during the early Edo period, it has been reconstructed several times due to fires, with the current structure dating from the late 19th century. The tower houses a bell that rings four times a day (6 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM), echoing through the streets and serving as a reminder of Kawagoe's rich historical past. This traditional method of telling time adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of the city, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Kawagoe. The Toki-no-Kane not only symbolizes the city's cultural heritage but also connects the present with the bygone days of Edo.
Kawagoe Festival Museum
This museum showcases the splendid floats and the history of the Kawagoe Festival. Exhibits include actual festival floats and costumes, offering a vivid sense of the festival's lively atmosphere.
Kashiya Yokocho
A street filled with shops that have been selling traditional Japanese sweets since the Showa era about 50 years ago. It is a delightful place where both children and adults can enjoy nostalgic treats and traditional confections.
Hikawa Shrine
Famous for its splendid wooden architecture, Hikawa Shrine is a historical landmark in Kawagoe. It is cherished as a shrine for blessings in matchmaking and family harmony.
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
Located in the heart of Kawagoe Castle, the Honmaru Goten is a rare place where visitors can experience samurai life. It is preserved in its original Edo-period architectural style, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Kawagoe
Go back to Tokyo.
Your Hotel
End of the tour.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10496/51927.jpg)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
1. Guide fee
2. Hotel pick-up
* Hotel pick-up is included if your hotel is located near a station on JR Yamanote Line or inside the circle of JR Yamanote Line. If the extra transportation fee is necessary for hotel pick-up, I will let you know.
1. Transportation fee (you and your guide): About 2,000 yen/adult
2. Admission fee (you and your guide): About 1000 yen/adult (Kawagoe Festival Museum, Kawagoe Castle)
3. Lunch (you and your guide)
4. Beverages (beer, juice, etc.)
Tour Important Information
(1) We will stay in Kawagoe about 5 hours. You can choose, add, or delete places you would like to visit in advance or on the day.
(2) This tour is also available for groups of 6 or more. Please inquire about guide fees for groups of 6 or more.
Important message from the supplier
Nothing speceial.
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
About Tour Guide Hiroshi S.
Hello, I'm Hiroshi.
I am a National Government Licensed Tour Guide Interpreter in English. I received a master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the U.S.
I have lived in a city of Fujisawa, which is a city next to Kamakura, for more than 20 years, and also used to live in Kamakura for more than 10 years. So far, I have visited almost all the temples and shrines in Kamakura. I am sure I can offer you a pleasant trip to the historical city!
In addition to Kamakura, I can also guide you around Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Nikko, etc. because I have visited many places in Kanto area. For example, in Tokyo I can show you around many sightseeing spots, such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, etc.
I like baseball and used to play baseball, but now enjoy watching professional baseball games. And I like watching Rakugo, Japanese traditional story-telling performance.
Of course, I also like travelling very much, and am interested in Japanese culture and history. So I would like to show you Japanese tradition and culture.
Let’s enjoy a trip in Japan together.
I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Reviews
Jeetandra T.
“Hiroshi is the guy for you!”
We booked a full-day private tour with Hiroshi S. on March 27 for our family of four (2 adults and 2 children, ages 12 & 15), and it was the absolute highlight of our time in Tokyo. From the very beginning, the communication and planning were seamless. Professional & Knowledgeable Hiroshi was waiting for us exactly on time at the Meiji Jingu Shrine parking lot as promised. Throughout the 10+ hour day, he was incredibly knowledgeable and informative, sharing deep insights into Japanese culture, religion, and family life that kept all of us—including our teens—thoroughly engaged. A Truly Customized Experience Hiroshi went above and beyond to make the day special for us: Shibuya: He was happy to take videos of our family crossing the famous Shibuya Scramble and even assisted us with shopping at the Nintendo Center in Shibuya PARCO. Cruising & Culture: He accompanied us on the Symphony Cruise, providing wonderful commentary on our surroundings. He also guided us expertly through the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and Nakamise Street. Magical Evening: We visited the Tokyo Skytree for sunset and then had a breathtaking walk along the Meguro River to see the night cherry blossoms (Yozakura) The Grand Finale: We ended our epic day at the glowing Tokyo Tower. Flexible and Fair We actually ended up exceeding our scheduled time by about an hour, and Hiroshi was incredibly reasonable with the additional charges. His flexibility made the end of our long day stress-free. If you are visiting Tokyo and want a guide who is professional, informative, and truly cares about your experience, Hiroshi is the guy for you! We would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a personalized Japanese adventure.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10496/51927.jpg)
Hiroshi S.
Thank you for taking your time to write a review. I’m so glad you enjoyed our one-day tour of Tokyo. Meiji Shrine is a very peaceful place, even though it’s right in the middle of the city. Shibuya is close to Meiji Shrine, but it's a vibrant area for young people and is always bustling with energy. I’m sure you were surprised by the crowds at the Scramble Crossing. On the Symphony Cruise, we were able to enjoy views of Tokyo’s cityscape from the boat, including Odaiba, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, etc. The nighttime cherry blossom viewing was also quite charming. If you have the chance to visit Japan again, let’s enjoy Japanese culture and customs together again. This time we were able to see the beautiful cherry blossoms, but next time, please come to see the beautiful autumn leaves. I look forward to seeing you again in Japan!
Delara M.
“Great Times”
We had a wonderful experience with our tour guide Hiroshi in Tokyo and Kawagoe. He was incredibly attentive, well‑organized, and thoughtful throughout the day. He kept us on schedule while still making sure we fully enjoyed each stop on our itinerary, which allowed us to see everything we had planned without ever feeling rushed. What truly stood out was how far above and beyond he went at the end of the tour - he personally escorted us all the way to the Shinkansen platform to ensure we boarded the correct train to Osaka on time. Knowing we wouldn’t miss our train gave us so much peace of mind. His time management, attention to detail, and genuine care for our experience made the entire journey smooth and stress‑free. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Tokyo or Kawagoe.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10496/51927.jpg)
Hiroshi S.
Thank you for writing a review. I also had a great time with you. Kawagoe isn't too far from central Tokyo, but it's a place where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period. Besides the Edo-era ambience, Kawagoe also boasts many delicious foods, and we enjoyed things like eel and sweets. In Tokyo, we visited Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tsukiji Market, and Asakusa. Meiji Shrine is very peaceful despite being in the city center. Shibuya, Tsukiji, and Asakusa were crowded, but I think you were able to enjoy both the quiet and bustling sides of Tokyo. Was the Shinkansen ride to Osaka comfortable? If you have the opportunity to come to Japan again, let's enjoy Japanese culture and food together!
Jolanta J.
“great day with super nice guide”
I really recommend to visit Tokyo with a guide. This way you avoid being lost many times and waste of time. I am very happy I met Hiroshi! He not only showed me great places in Tokyo, but also helped me find a gift I was looking for. I am very grateful for all his help and very nice company. The trip in his company was a great pleasure. He is not only competent guide, but also very good and kind man. Thank you again Hiroshi, for great time and all your help!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10496/51927.jpg)
Hiroshi S.
Thank you for taking your time to write a review. Tokyo's transportation system is very convenient, but also very complicated. I hope this tour helped you become familiar with it a little. We visited the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya, and I hope you were able to feel the Edo period atmosphere at the Imperial Palace, the New Year's mood at Meiji Shrine, and the crowds at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. If you have the opportunity to come to Japan, please contact me again. Let's enjoy Japanese culture and customs together!
$251/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi S.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3306/58609.jpg)
One-Day Historic Tokyo and Sky Adventure (Tsukiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Boat Cruise)
Enjoy shopping and spectacular view, and feel the atmosphere of Buddhism and Shinto! We will visit Tsukiji outer market and enjoy shopping and dining. We also visit Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Honganji Temple, which are the heart of Tsukiji people. From Hinode pier near Tsukiji we will take a boat to Asakusa. You can enjoy the view of Tokyo from the river. In Asakusa we will visit Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree.
One-Day Historic Tokyo and Sky Adventure (Tsukiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Boat Cruise)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3626/63478.jpg)
One-Day Hakone Nature and History Expedition (Owakudani, Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi, Hakone Sekisho)
Feel the atmosphere of Hakone volcano, and enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi! Owakudani and Lake Ashi were made by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hakone about 3,000 years ago. At Osakudani you can see the sulfur vapor blowing up and beautiful Mt. Fuji on sunny days. From a boat on Lake Ashi you can enjoy beautiful scenery every season. Hakone sekisho, which was built about 400 years ago, was a facility to investigate travelers. You can learn more about it in Hakone.
One-Day Hakone Nature and History Expedition (Owakudani, Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi, Hakone Sekisho)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3627/63506.jpg)
One-Day Spiritual Highlights of Nikko (Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin, Futarasan Shrine)
Feel the atmosphere of Tokugawa Shogunate at the world heritage site! Rinnoji was established by Saint Shodo in the 8th century, and the beautiful Taiyuin mausoleum is located in the precincts of Rinnoji. Toshogu was built in the 17th century to worship Tokugawa Ieyasu. You can see the beautiful carvings of Yomeimon Gate, three wise monkeys, etc. Futarasan Shrine is famous for the benefit of good marriage and inviting good luck. The beautiful Shinkyo Bridge is a property of Futarasan Shrine.
One-Day Spiritual Highlights of Nikko (Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin, Futarasan Shrine)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2763/51314.jpg)
One-Day Ancient Wonders in Kamakura(Bamboo Temple, Hachimangu Shrine, Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple)
Enjoy the historical city Kamakura and feel the old Japanese atmosphere of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrine! At Hokokuji Temple you can enjoy matcha tea while viewing a beautiful bamboo forest. Then we will visit Tsurugaoka-Hachimangu Shrine which was a shrine for samurai warriors and enjoy shopping at Komachi-dori shopping street near this shrine. After lunch we will visit Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple using Enoden local train.
One-Day Ancient Wonders in Kamakura(Bamboo Temple, Hachimangu Shrine, Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple)
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Tokyo
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/10454/151087.jpg)
One day tour to Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
This is a trip to see the highest and most beautiful mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji and one of five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi. Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted from 1707 to 1708. At 3776m meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and its top and gentle slopes are surrounded by rich and unspoiled nature. The mountain attracts many climbers during summer, while in winter its snow-covered top and slope gleam pure white in the sun.
One day tour to Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/20633/77612.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1611/35290.jpg)
Private tour around Tokyo
You can choose the places to visit from the lists. Or you can say the places to visit. You can enjoy the trip in local area. You will go to Mt. Tsukuba. You will visit Tsukuba Shrine. After that, you will go up to the top of Mt. Tsukuba by cable car to see nice view.
Private tour around Tokyo
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/6653/86852.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3299/58482.jpg)
Wonderful Hakone to be left in your memorial album
Hakone is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations with easy access from Tokyo, attracting both of international and domestic visitors seeking a break from busy city life. There are many hot spring resort with numerous inns, restaurants and gift shops. You can enjoy the magnificent beauty of nature including breathtaking views of nearby Mt. Fuji. With this tour you will have wonderful experience to be left in your memorial album.
Wonderful Hakone to be left in your memorial album
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/7038/9d38e961-111e-46e9-8b51-c78b5f910bd7.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17573/fb014ad5-aeaf-4a46-a357-c0baf9cfde4e.jpeg)
A one-day tour to explore Kamakura’s major spots
Kamakura is just about an hour's train ride from Tokyo Station, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. This historic city is home to ancient shrines and temples, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
A one-day tour to explore Kamakura’s major spots
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/20047/933ddbf2-7c9e-46a1-a4db-746f3f6dd780.png)