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16 Available Tour Excursions in Kawagoe
Our globally experienced, English-speaking Japanese female sushi chef will teach you the art of traditional sushi making in a 140-year-old historic building, now a beloved local cafe. Class Style: Hands-on Experience: you'll create your sushi under the guidance of our expert sushi chef. Can you replicate the Japanese sushi chef's skillful hand movements? What You'll Learn: Learn how to make perfect sushi rice that you can easily recreate at home. Cultural Insights: Did you know nigiri sushi was created in Japan 300 years ago? See the amazing staircase cabinets in our historic building, once a rice wholesale shop. The beautiful ceiling beams will take you back 100 years! Dietary Options: We cater to a vegetarian menu. Please inform us of any allergies in advance. We are unable to accommodate requests on the day of the class.
Price: $84.35
Duration: 1 hours
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kawagoe! Kawagoe was a prominent castle town in the Edo period and was known at that time as Ko-edo, or Little Edo (former name of Tokyo). About 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, Kawagoe features many historical buildings, shrines and temples, and offers many regional food and drinks, as well as unique souvenir items. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Price: $108.73
Duration: 4 hours
Experience Japan in a Traditional Kimono at WARGO Step into Japanese culture by wearing a beautiful kimono and exploring the streets around any WARGO store nationwide. Capture stunning photos, create unforgettable memories, and fully immerse yourself in the timeless Japanese atmosphere. Choose from a wide range of kimonos, from classic traditional patterns to modern designs. Our experienced staff will assist you with dressing, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience. Plus-size kimonos are available, so everyone can join in! Your package includes the kimono, sash belt (obi), Japanese clutch, sandals, and socks. Hairstyling is also available at an additional cost for those who want the complete look. The dressing process is quick—often under an hour—so you can set off on your adventure right away. Make your visit truly special by stepping out in style, exploring, and creating lasting memories at any WARGO store across Japan!
Price: $31.83
Duration: 1-6 hours
A clean room in a public facility just a 5-minute walk from the popular tourist spot Kawagoe's kura-zukuri district is the place to experience the program. You will finish a small Jizo, one of the most popular Japanese Buddhist statue sculptures, by wood carving. It is easy even for beginners as you only have to finish a half-finished piece up to rough carving. The instructor, who has 24 years of experience as an artist, will kindly and carefully instruct you how to hold and use a carving knife. There are two types of Jizo, a small one and a slightly larger one, but you can prepare your favorite one upon prior consultation if you wish.
Price: $65.90
Duration: 1 hours
Discover Kawagoe, a charming old town that once flourished as a castle town during the Edo period. Stroll through streets lined with beautifully designed buildings, hear the ringing of traditional bells, and experience the elegance of side alleys and backstreets where rickshaws still pass by. The unique architecture here blends elements from three different eras, Edo, Meiji, and Taisho, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture that you won’t find in other cities. ・Explore Kawagoe’s historic streets, filled with traditional shops and timeless charm ・Enjoy the sights and sounds of a town where past and present harmoniously meet ・Experience the easy access from central Tokyo, just 30 minutes away, and visit a venue that hosted the golf competitions during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Price: $98.85
Duration: 4 hours
Escape the bustle of Tokyo and enjoy a relaxing day trip to Kawagoe, a beautifully preserved town known as “Little Edo.” This private walking tour offers the perfect mix of cultural exploration, local food, and authentic Japan just 30 minutes from Tokyo. Stroll through traditional Edo-style streets, visit the iconic Time Bell Tower, and explore Candy Alley, famous for its nostalgic treats. A highlight of your tour is the visit to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, where you can experience the popular Tai-mikuji — a fun “sea bream fortune” you catch with a toy fishing rod! It’s a must-try experience that’s both charming and photogenic, often featured in travel blogs and Instagram posts. Perfect for travelers who want to discover authentic Japan beyond Tokyo in just half a day.
Price: $143.66
Duration: 6 hours
Kawagoe, a charming old town just an hour from Tokyo, is perfect for those looking to experience Japanese culture and history, as well as enjoy shopping and delicious food. Explore hidden places accompanied by a professional Japanese photographer who speaks Spanish, who will take many photos of you. Enjoy a private photo session, a truly magnificent area. I am a freelance photographer and I take portraits of families and business people. I have six years of experience, during which I have photographed more than 2,000 portraits. In addition, I am licensed as a professional Spanish-speaking guide. Forget selfies! If you wish to attend in a kimono, please let me know at the time of request. You can choose from dozens of different kimonos in the colors and prints you like the most. The shopkeeper will help you get dressed. There are also kimonos for men. You don't need to bring anything as you can purchase everything (includes obi, sandals and bag).
Price: $310.00
Duration: 5-6 hours
Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring a performance by a master eel chef with over 40 years of expertise, paired with traditional Japanese cuisine and kaiseki dishes, complemented by sake and fresh wasabi! Unlike sushi, ramen, tempura, or soba, eel is considered a premium ingredient in Japan—often reserved for special occasions and celebrations. This is an exclusive cultural experience you won’t find in izakayas or standard food tours. Kawagoe is just a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, offering easy access to a charming historic townscape reminiscent of the samurai and ninja era. It’s a popular sightseeing destination that is far less crowded than Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Mt. Fuji. We recommend a full-day itinerary: spend the morning exploring Chichibu or Moominvalley Park, then in the evening, stroll through Kawagoe in a kimono for an unforgettable experience.
Price: $181.22
Duration: 2 hours
Explore the Charming Town of Kawagoe with Japanese University Students! Join us on a fun and interactive walking tour as we explore the streets of Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo.” You’ll discover the fascinating history behind each spot, try local snacks, and enjoy cultural exchange with Japanese university students who are learning English!
Price: $98.85
Duration: 1-2 hours
Celebrate spring in Japan on this seasonal cherry blossom and strawberry picking tour, easily accessible from Tokyo. After meeting at Kawagoe Station, just a short train ride from central Tokyo, visit a local strawberry farm for a hands-on strawberry picking experience. Enjoy tasting fresh, sweet Japanese strawberries at their seasonal peak, known for their exceptional quality and careful cultivation in Japan. Next, travel to Omiya and enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Omiya Park, one of the area’s most popular sakura spots. Relax under blooming cherry trees while enjoying a Japanese bento picnic, and take time to capture beautiful spring photos. The tour concludes with a visit to Omiya Hikawa Shrine, a historic shrine with over 2,000 years of history. Walk through its spacious, tree-lined grounds and enjoy the calm atmosphere before ending the tour at Omiya Station, with convenient access back to Tokyo.
Price: $164.75
Duration: 5 hours
Explore Kawagoe with a Local University Student from Japan’s Top Schools Wander through the charming streets of Kawagoe, also known as Coedo (“Little Edo”), a town filled with Edo-period architecture, retro shops, and a timeless atmosphere. This relaxed walking tour is led by a local university student from one of Japan’s top-tier universities, offering a fresh, youthful, and down-to-earth perspective—no long lectures, just a smooth-paced and friendly experience. Along the way, your guide will also act as your personal photographer, capturing professional-quality photos of you and your group at the most scenic spots—perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to stay in the moment. To top it off, enjoy Kawagoe’s signature dish—Unagi (grilled eel)—a rich local favorite with deep cultural roots. Whether you're here for the culture, the food, or the photos, this tour is a fun and casual way to experience a slice of traditional Japan.
Price: $275.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
Join a workshop at Fukushichimi, a hidden gem in Little Edo (Kawagoe), to craft your own blend of Shichimi (Seven Spice). Learn about the history of Shichimi, originally used as medicine, and discover the unique properties of Japanese ingredients like Sansho (Japanese pepper), Yuzu (citrus), and hemp seeds. Blend the flavors to suit your palate, using professional tools like a mortar and pestle to release the aroma and pack it into a high-quality container. Learn about the historical context of spice as medicine, linked to the Seven Lucky Gods and Chinese medicine, and why it became popular in the Edo period. Get tips on modern food pairings, like using your blend on popcorn, french fries, or even vanilla ice cream.
Price: $71.47
Duration: 1 hours
Enjoy a half-day food experience in Kawagoe, an easy trip from Tokyo, combining seasonal strawberry picking with a sweet walking tour through a historic town. The tour begins with a visit to a local strawberry farm, where you can enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking. Japanese strawberries are known for their exceptional sweetness and juiciness, and you’ll have the chance to pick ripe strawberries by hand and enjoy them fresh at the farm. Afterward, return to Kawagoe and explore the charming streets of this “Little Edo” town. Stroll through Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho) and Kawagoe Ichibangai, famous for its traditional warehouse-style buildings. During the walk, enjoy a curated sweets tasting experience, with up to four local desserts included in the tour price, featuring Kawagoe’s popular sweet potato specialties and photogenic treats. This tour is perfect for dessert lovers and travelers looking for an authentic, relaxed food experience near Tokyo.
Price: $145.64
Duration: 5 hours
Experience Mount Fuji like never before on this full-day private tour, thoughtfully designed for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and authenticity. This is a fully customizable private tour, giving you the flexibility to add or remove destinations based on your preferences. The entire vehicle will be reserved exclusively for you, ensuring a completely private experience with no other guests joining. We offer a customizable private tour where you can choose any 6 destinations from 13 scenic spots-8 popular highlights plus 5 optional places: Lake Saiko, Fujisan World Heritage Center, Lake Yamanaka, Fujiyama Onsen, and Fujiyoshida Honcho Street. The tour lasts about 10 hours with pick-up and drop-off included. Share your preferred locations in advance, and we'll design a smooth and enjoyable itinerary tailored to your interests.
Price: $360.00
Duration: 10 hours
Wander through the streets of Kawagoe, a city that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, with the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert. Visit the iconic Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), stroll through the Kurazukuri Street lined with traditional merchant houses, and discover the timeless beauty of Kitain Temple. Don’t miss the chance to experience the tranquil grounds of Kawagoe Castle and explore hidden gems such as old candy shops and secret alleyways. Learn about the rich history of this “Little Edo” town, its cultural significance, and fascinating local legends. Enjoy the taste of Kawagoe’s sweet potato specialties and traditional snacks along the way. While the tour primarily uses public transportation to provide an authentic experience, a private vehicle can be arranged upon request. Experience the charm of old Japan with our local guide and make unforgettable memories in Kawagoe!
Price: $164.75
Duration: 5 hours
This small-group walking tour explores Kawagoe as a living merchant town, where commerce, faith, and daily life have coexisted for centuries. Often called “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is not simply a preserved historic area. Old streets are still used, family-run shops remain active, and temples and shrines continue to shape everyday routines. As you walk through merchant streets and quiet back lanes, your guide explains how trade built the town and how belief supported daily life. The route follows a relaxed walking pace with optional light tastings such as traditional sweets, offering a natural glimpse into local food culture. Rather than rushing between landmarks, this experience focuses on understanding Kawagoe as a place to live, work, and pray, where history remains part of everyday scenes.
Price: $54.00
Duration: 2 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English
- Climate: Humid Subtropical
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Kawagoe has a population of approximately 350,000 people.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Kawagoe is during spring and autumn for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements For Kawagoe, as part of Japan, visa requirements vary by nationality. Citizens of the US, EU, and UK typically do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days. Some countries may be eligible for visa-free entry, while others may require a visa on arrival or an e-visa. It's advisable to check the latest visa policies before traveling.
About Kawagoe
Kawagoe, often referred to as "Little Edo," is a charming city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture, which transports visitors back in time. The city's main appeal lies in its nostalgic atmosphere, with many traditional shops and restaurants lining its streets. Visitors can explore the historic Kurazukuri Street, visit the Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten, and enjoy local delicacies like sweet potato sweets. Kawagoe is an ideal day-trip destination from Tokyo, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Kawagoe Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Saitama Prefecture
- Duration Range: Custom Durations
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Kawagoe is during spring and autumn for pleasant weather. Visitors should pack comfortable shoes for walking and respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Safety is generally not a concern, but it's advisable to carry some cash as not all places accept credit cards. For money and payments, both cash and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $250
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. **Kurazukuri Street**: This historic street is lined with traditional Edo-period buildings, offering a glimpse into Japan's past. 2. **Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten**: Although the original castle is gone, the remaining structures provide insight into the city's history. 3. **Bell Tower**: A symbol of Kawagoe, this tower is a beautiful example of traditional architecture. 4. **Kitain Temple**: Famous for its beautiful gardens and historic significance. 5. **Candy Alley**: A popular spot for traditional Japanese sweets and snacks.
Popular Activities
Kawagoe offers a variety of activities, including cultural experiences like traditional tea ceremonies and visits to local temples. Visitors can also enjoy shopping for traditional crafts and sweets along Kurazukuri Street. For adventure seekers, there are nearby hiking trails and scenic parks. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Kawagoe Festival, which showcases traditional performances and food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Kawagoe's local cuisine is rich in traditional Japanese flavors, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include unagi (grilled eel) and sweet potato sweets, which are a specialty of the region. Visitors should try local desserts like imuraya confectionery's sweet potato sweets. Dining customs often involve enjoying local delicacies at traditional restaurants, where the atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food.
Getting Around
Kawagoe is easily accessible by train from major Tokyo stations like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Local transportation includes buses and taxis, but walking is a great way to explore the city's historic areas. The cost of transportation is generally affordable, with train fares from Tokyo typically under 1,000 JPY.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Kawagoe is during spring and autumn for pleasant weather. Visitors should pack comfortable shoes for walking and respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Safety is generally not a concern, but it's advisable to carry some cash as not all places accept credit cards. For money and payments, both cash and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Culture & Customs
Kawagoe's culture is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese customs. Visitors should respect local etiquette by removing shoes before entering temples or homes and using chopsticks correctly when dining. Significant local festivals include the Kawagoe Festival, which celebrates the city's history and culture. Social customs emphasize respect for elders and tradition, making it a unique cultural experience for tourists.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
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Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
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Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..