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Little Edo - Kawagoe

Kita in Temple

Kita-in Temple is a prestigious Tendai Buddhist temple located in Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its preserved Edo-period atmosphere. After a devastating fire in 1638, the temple was rebuilt under the patronage of the Tokugawa clan using original structures relocated from Edo Castle.
Most notably, these relocated buildings include the Birth Chamber of the third shogun, Tokugawa... read more

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine with a history spanning over 1,500 years, located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. It is widely revered as one of Japan’s most powerful Enmusubi shrines, believed to bring blessings for love, marriage, and harmonious relationships.
The shrine enshrines five deities who are all members of the same divine family, including two married coupl... read more

Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace

Kawagoe Castle was originally constructed in 1457 and played a vital defensive role in protecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Tokugawa Shogunate. The existing Honmaru Palace building was reconstructed in 1848 during the late Edo period and is the only surviving structure of the original castle complex.
Today, it stands as one of the rarest surviving examples of a daimyo’s residential a... read more

Ichibangai Street or Kurazukuri Street

Ichibangai Street is the most famous historic district in Kawagoe and the symbolic center of “Little Edo.” The street is lined with traditional “Kurazukuri” warehouse buildings constructed after the Great Fire of 1893. These structures were designed with thick plaster-coated earthen walls, dark tones, and heavy tiled roofs to prevent fire damage.
The area has been officiall... read more

Toki no Kane

Toki no Kane is the most recognizable landmark of Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its remarkably preserved warehouse architecture and traditional townscape. The original tower was built in the early 17th century by the local daimyo Sakai Tadakatsu to provide timekeeping for the town.
The current structure was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1893 but faithfully retains its tradit... read more