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.
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 at 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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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.)
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.
Nothing speceial.
Hello, I'm Hiroshi.
I am a National Government Licensed Tour Guide Interpreter in English. I have got a master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the U.S.
I have been living in a city of Fujisawa, which is the city next to Kamakura, for more than 20 years, and also lived in Kamakura for more than 10 years. So far, I have visited almost all the temples and shrines in Kamakura. So I am sure I can offer you a pleasant trip to the historical city, Kamakura.
In addition to Kamakura, I can also guide Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Nikko, etc. because I have visited many places in Kanto area. For example, in Tokyo I can show you around the 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.
Ziad H.
“Two days in Tokyo”
I organized a Japan trip for a group of 12 people and Hiroshi was our guide during our 2 days in Tokyo. I found him to be very personable and easy to talk to, his language is clear which unfortunately is not always the case in Japan, and his general attitude easy going and relaxed. He was also very flexible to accommodate the small need and changes of a relatively big group. Very good experience overall.
Hiroshi S.
Thank you very much for the review. I also had a great time with all of you. We visited Meiji Shrine, Takeshita-dori shopping street, Tsukiji, Asakusa, etc. Meiji Shrine was so peaceful even though it is located in central Tokyo. We experienced Kawaii culture in Takeshita-dori shopping street. We also watched Sumo wrestling in Kokugikan. Sumo is the national sport of Japan. I think it must have been very interesting for everyone to see big wrestlers clashing naked. If you ever have a chance to come to Japan again, please contact me. I can take you to Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone, etc. in addition to Tokyo. Thank you for the wonderful two days in Tokyo! Hiroshi
Catherine P.
“Fabulous day with Hiroshi”
We had a fantastic day with Hiroshi. We covered a lot of the major sites in Tokyo. Hiroshi has an easy going style and is very knowledgeable. He has a great sense of humor and was very good at explaining complicated history.
Hiroshi S.
Thank you very much for the review. I also had a great time with you. We visited Ueno, Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, Harajuku and Shibuya. We learned about Japanese history and religion, and also got a taste of young people's culture. Unfortunately, we weren't able to meet the Emperor :-) I think you also learned some basic Japanese greetings, so I hope you'll try to use them during your stay in Japan. There are still many things to see in Tokyo. Please contact me when you come to Japan again. Let's enjoy Tokyo and Japan together! Hiroshi
Zdenek D.
“Wonderful Hakone with Hiroshi”
I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to enjoy the nice views and natural beauty. Hiroshi told us a lot of interesting things and we really enjoyed the trip with him.
Hiroshi S.
Thank you for writing a review. We visited Owakudani by cable car, enjoyed a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, and experienced Japanese history at the Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Shrine. Mt. Fuji was covered in clouds, but gradually revealed its beauty. I am happy that you enjoyed the nature and history of Hakone. Next time you come to Japan, let's enjoy Japanese nature, history, and culture together. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Hiroshi
$248/ per group