Private Kawagoe "Little Edo"- One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Nicknamed “Ko-Edo” (Little Edo), Kawagoe makes a lovely day trip from Tokyo. Located in Saitama, just 30 minutes from Ikebukuro Station, this former castle town retains historic buildings well-preserved from different eras. Highlights include the iconic Toki-no-Kane (Bell Tower), Kurazukuri storehouses street, Candy Alley, impressive temples/shrines. Seasonal flowers are also pretty here.
Let’s take a journey together back in time to explore an atmosphere that was lost in modern Tokyo!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Tokyo
- I'll meet you at your hotel in Tokyo.
Take train (30min - 60min)
The line we take depends on your hotel location in Tokyo. You can reply on me to select the best transportation for your case.
(OPTION) Kimono Rental
Walking in Kimono is available with advance booking.
Standard Kimono Plan 3,300JPY~
Kurazukuri Street
The main historic district of Kawagoe, where traditional warehouses with iconic clay walls and tiled roofs line both sides of the street. Today, it’s a wonderful spot to shop for charming souvenirs and enjoy local sweet potato treats!
Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower)
Kawagoe’s iconic 16-meter wooden bell tower, still chiming four times a day just as it did in the Edo period. (It rings daily at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.)
Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho)
A nostalgic stone-paved alley lined with traditional sweet shops, offering a taste of classic Japanese retro treats.
Lunch (flexible)
Let me know your food preferences and allergies. Variety of restaurants available. Kawagoe is famous for its delicious unagi (grilled eel), which I highly recommend trying!
(Basic) Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
A famous 1,500-year-old shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of marriage and matchmaking. It is popular for its beautiful matchmaking charms, wooden picture plaques (ema) tunnel, and the colorful summer Wind Chime Festival. Photogenic!
(Option for history lovers) Kitain Temple
A major Buddhist temple in Kawagoe, famous for its connections to the Tokugawa Shogunate. It houses historical structures moved directly from Edo Castle (which is very precious today), as well as a striking collection of 538 unique stone statues of Buddha's disciples (Gohyaku Rakan) in outer garden.
Admission 400 JPY/person
Closed on Dec 25 to Jan 8, Feb 2-3, April 2-4.
(Option for architecture lovers) Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten
Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457, and its remaining Honmaru Goten (Primary Palace) is the only surviving castle palace in the Kanto region. Visitors can step inside the grand wooden hallways, admiring historic tatami rooms, sliding screen paintings. A serene Japanese Rock Garden can be appreciated from the historic retainers' quarters, offering a peaceful Zen atmosphere.
Admission : 100JPY / person
Closed: Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday), the 4th Friday of the month, and Dec 29–Jan 3.
Walk back or take local bus to Train Station
Take train back to Tokyo (30min - 60min)
Ending Point
At your hotel in Tokyo
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
•Guide's transportation fee
•Hotel meet-up and send-off in Tokyo 23 wards
•Public Transportation for you (approx. 1,500-2,000JPY /person)
•Food and drinks (you and guide)
•Lunch cost : Casual 1,500JPY~2,500JPY, Unagi eel 3,500~6,000JPY /person
•(Option) Kitain Temple : 400JPY /person
•(Option) Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten : 100JPY /person
Tour Important Information
*Bring some cash as some shops/restaurants, most temples/shrines don't accept credit card in Japan.
Important message from the supplier
NOT AVAILABLE for next spring season (March, April and Golden Week 2027). Sorry for inconvenience.
- Kindly make an inquiry only for open days on my Calendar.
- I offer tours UP TO 4 people.
- I'm Tokyo based. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee and accommodation fee (if need).
- For Mt.Fuji / Hakone, refer to the map of location on my gallery.
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 Kaori S.
Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively.
I love travel both international and domestic. I myself love travel freely. That's how I love helping individual travelers like you. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love and sharing my seasonal favorites.
I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.
・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour
I often spend multiple days with the same group to accommodate itinerary for multi days by including my seasonal favorites.
I often do Mt.Fuji or Hakone tour. In many cases, the locations are mixed up between Mt.Fuji Five Lakes area and Hakone area, which are not the same place. Please refer to the map I uploaded on gallery to check the sites you are interested in. Also my blogs will help your understanding both areas - "The location difference of Mt.Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes) and Hakone".
As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. But more than that, I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!
Reviews
Nancy G.
“Kaori's custom quirky tour!”
We asked for a tour to include classic "must see" Kamakura sights AND every day people fun things. We were fortunate to visit on a national holiday and to be able to combine both aspects in a single day. As cat lovers, we asked for and Kaori found, a cat cafe: treats for the most magnificent felines and us! She shared her wonderfully deep knowledge about history, religion, and culture ( and the railway system!). She provided maps and schedules as well as her own tablet to show us significant eras in Japanese history. That helped us make sense of all the historical sites which we saw. Her communication in advance of the trip was considerate of our wishes, thorough in her replies and research, and helped us prepare the perfect day. We look forward to touring with her again.
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Kaori S.
Dear Nancy-san, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, especially while you're still traveling! I’m so happy to hear that my explanations helped you enjoy and understand each spot in Kamakura. We were so lucky to have such a lovely autumn day for our tour. Spending time at the cat café was such a relaxing treat to wrap up our day! I look forward to seeing you again for another adventure - a quirky Tokyo tour next time! Wishing you a fantastic and memorable trip to Kyushu! Please pass my best love to Mary-Ann san too! Big hugs, Kaori
Uta und konrad K.
“Perfect stay at Tokyo with Kaori ”
Kaori was an amazing guide! She showed us wonderful places in Tokyo, shared many useful local tips, and made the whole day enjoyable and interesting. Her knowledge, kindness, and enthusiasm were outstanding. We learned so much and discovered places we would never have found ourselves.Thank you, Kaori, for a fantastic and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended! Uta & Friends
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Kaori S.
Hello Uta-san, thank you so much for taking the time to write such wonderful feedback! I’m so glad to hear that you had a great start to your journey with me. I tried to share as much about our basic customs, culture, and travel tips as possible so that you can better understand everything you’ll see during your time in Japan. Please pass along my heartfelt thanks to your husband and dear friends for their wonderful friendship! I hope to see you all again in the future. Big hugs, Kaori
Alexei M.
“10 star experience! if you only do one thing - do the.”
If we could give 10 stars, we would. The Mt Fuji trip with Kaori (and her husband Ichiro) was the highlight of my wife and mine trip to Japan. When booking, I asked Kaori for very specific trip, and she tailored the day trip for us. Despite the weather (torrential rains), it turned out to be the best experience. The most important part – this did not feel like a tour – it felt like a couple showing another couple the place where they live (Kaori is from Mt. Fuji area) and giving us a personal view of their world.
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Kaori S.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming and wonderful comments. My husband Ichiro and I are delighted to hear you felt time with us more than a tour. That is what we exactly value most on our car trip - personal tie as person to person. We were so happy to be able to help each of you fulfill your dreams. Standing on Mt.Fuji for Irina-san, and Ice cave for you. A photo of us all together on Mt.Fuji 5th station in the heavy rain is a memory we will never forget. We recently made your local dish you introduced us and loved it!! We appreciate this wonderful encounter with you. Big hugs, Kaori and Ichiro
$405/ per group
More tours by Kaori S.
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Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more besides the list. As full day tour (up to 8h), please pick up 3 or 4 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
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Tokyo Half-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more to experience besides the list. As half day tour, please pick up 1 or 2 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo Half-day As You Like with Kaori
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Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
A private Kamakura with flexibility. Kamakura is one of the most popular day-trip destinations, located just one hour south of Tokyo. This coastal city used to be the center of Japan during the 12th to 14th century, where first Samurai government ruled. Zen (meditation) Buddhism flourished here with Zen style rock gardens, making Kamakura unique place. Seasonal OPTION【 Enoshima Island Lit-up Events 】, check the details on itinerary. Summer Aug 01 - Sep 23, 2026, Winter (TBA)
Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
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Private Mt.Fuji -one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Private Mt.Fuji only for your group, starts/ends at Tokyo. Basic plan takes Express Train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchi-ko (one of the Fuji 5 Lakes). Transportation options are available upon your preferences. *Make an inquiry one month prior for train booking. Car Option is recommended as public transportation at the destination is not good. If with public transportation, we might need to take a taxi occasionally to escape from too packed local buses. I'll support you to move smoothly.
Private Mt.Fuji -one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Tokyo
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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
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Enjoy the most magnificent views of Mt. Fuji around Lake Kawaguchiko area!
This is one day tour from Shinjuku Station to the area around Lake Kawaguchi. We take Fuji Panorama Ropeway to Mt. Tenjo to see Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. We visit Oshino Hakkai which is known for its crystal-clear spring water originated from the nearby Mount Fuji. Its eight ponds are formed from the filtered water of the mountain, creating a serene and picturesque environment.
Enjoy the most magnificent views of Mt. Fuji around Lake Kawaguchiko area!
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Shibuya/Shinjuku/Harajuku Day Trip
¡Descubre tres de las zonas más icónicas y emocionantes de Tokio en un solo día! Exploraremos Shibuya, Harajuku y Shinjuku, desde lugares emblemáticos y calles llenas de vida hasta rincones locales y zonas menos conocidas. Durante el recorrido, te ayudaré a conocer Tokio desde una perspectiva más local, compartiré recomendaciones y podremos adaptar el tour según tus intereses para que aproveches al máximo tu visita a la ciudad.
Shibuya/Shinjuku/Harajuku Day Trip
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Kamakura One-day Walking Tour
1) Visit must-see spots of 3 or more in Kamakura. 2) Meet you up at hotel in Tokyo or at Yokohama area 3) By public transportation & on foot. 4) Destination are among Hase-temple/Great Buddha/Komachi St./ Hachiman-gu-Shrine and more if time allows. Lunch time is included. Restaurant is near along the Komachi-St or Wakamiya St. or around K-station 5) It wholly depends on guests whether spending enough time to spare for each spot or covering as many spots as possible.
Kamakura One-day Walking Tour
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