Kawagoe City Museum serves as the central hub for understanding the historical development of Kawagoe, famously known as “Little Edo” for preserving the atmosphere and layout of an Edo-period merchant town. Built on the former grounds of Kawagoe Castle, the museum perfectly complements a visit to the nearby Honmaru Palace.

Major Highlights

1) Large-Scale City Diorama
One of the most impressive features is the detailed city model illustrating Kawagoe’s evolution from a fortified castle town to a prosperous commercial hub. The layout of moats, streets, and merchant districts becomes much easier to visualize here than by walking the town alone.

2) Kurazukuri Cutaway Model
A rare architectural display reveals the internal structure of a traditional Kurazukuri warehouse, including thick clay walls (approximately 30 cm) designed for fire resistance after historic city fires. This exhibit explains why Kawagoe’s warehouse district still stands today.

3) Kawagoe Festival Exhibition
The museum features a dedicated section on the Kawagoe Festival, showcasing ornate festival floats (dashi) and explaining the historical relationship between the shogunate and local townspeople.

Hands-on Experience

• Certain sections allow visitors to lift replica tools or touch traditional building materials.

• Interactive elements make it especially engaging for families.

• These tactile displays enhance understanding beyond written panels.

Special Exhibitions

In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts seasonal special exhibitions.
Some may require a small additional fee, while others are included in promotional combination tickets. It is advisable to check the current exhibition schedule upon arrival.

Language Support

• Key exhibit panels include English explanations.

• Multilingual brochures are available (occasionally including Thai).

• Introductory videos may include subtitles.

Recommended Viewing Order:
If available, watch the introductory historical video first. In about 10 minutes, it provides a clear overview of Kawagoe’s 1,000-year history, making the city diorama and exhibits much easier to understand.

• From Kawagoe Station (JR or Tobu Tojo Line), take a bus toward Kawagoe Castle and walk a few minutes.

• About a 10-minute walk from Kurazukuri Street (the historic warehouse district).

• Located directly across the street from Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace.

• Visit the castle first, then the museum for full historical context.

• Allow 60–90 minutes for your visit.

• Free Wi-Fi is available inside.

• There is a resting area overlooking a pleasant garden—ideal after walking around the old town.

• The 300-yen Common Ticket for 3 places including Kawagoe Castel Honmaru Palace + Kawagoe City Museum + Kawagoe City Art Museum, offering exceptional value: since the museum alone costs 200 yen, adding just 100 yen grants access to two additional nearby sites.

Admission Fee:

• Adults: 200 yen

• High school & university students: 100 yen

• Junior high school students and younger: Free

Opening Hours:

• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry around 4:30 PM)

• Closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)

• Closed during the New Year holiday period (late December – early January)