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Little Edo - Kawagoe

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—an area famously known as “Little Edo” for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. It is widely revered as one of Japan’s most powerful Enmusubi shrines, believed to bring blessings for love, marriage, and harmonious relationships.
The sh... read more

Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace

Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace, located within the historic district known as “Little Edo”, represents the political and military heart of the city during the Edo period. While the Kurazukuri Warehouse District reflects merchant culture, the Honmaru Palace reveals the samurai governance that shaped Kawagoe’s importance as a strategic defense post protecting Edo (modern Tokyo).
Ori... read more

Miyoshino Shrine

Miyoshino Shrine is located in Kuruwamachi, historically part of the inner castle district of Kawagoe Castle. During the Edo period, this area was within the castle enclosure (Kuruwa), where access was strictly controlled. Ordinary townspeople could not freely enter or leave the sacred grounds.
This historical restriction is widely believed to have inspired the famous Japanese folk song Tōryanse, ... read more

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

Semba Tōshō gū

Semba Tōshō-gū was established in 1633 to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. After his death in 1616, his remains were temporarily placed here for four days during the grand procession to Nikkō Tōshō-gū. This event sanctified the site and led to the shrine’s construction, closely connected to Kita-in Temple in Kawagoe — often called “Little Edo.&rdq... read more

Taisho Roman Yume dori

Taisho Roman Yume-dori is a short yet distinctive street located in Kawagoe, often known as “Little Edo.” The street reflects the spirit of the Taisho era (1912–1926), a transformative period when Japan actively embraced Western culture while preserving its traditional aesthetics. This fusion gave rise to the elegant and romantic “Taisho Roman” style.
The buildings li... 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

Kashiya Yokocho

Kashiya Yokocho is located in Kawagoe’s historic “Little Edo” district. Dating back to the late Meiji and Taisho eras, the alley originally served as a production and distribution hub for “Dagashi” — affordable traditional snacks enjoyed by local children and residents. Today, it remains a preserved cultural area that reflects the nostalgic charm of old-town Jap... read more