Day Trips & Local Escapes
5 (43)

Day trip to Kawagoe: travel back in time to "Little Edo"

6 hours English
5 (43)
100% Personalized

Take a trip to 18th-century Japan and explore the perfectly preserved town's warehouses, shops, shrines, and tea rooms on a day trip from Tokyo

Kanae
Kanae
Ayaka
Ayaka

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

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100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

6 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Meeting point:

Shinjuku Tourist Information Center, located close to JR Shinjuku Station South East Exit.

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring:

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

What’s Included:

Private and personalized itinerary
6 hours with a host
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)
Round-trip transportation between Tokyo and Kawagoe

What’s Excluded:

Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs - if you are not a JR pass holder please get in touch so we can adjust your quote
Gratuities (optional)

Key Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich Edo-era history on a day trip to Kawagoe.
  • Shop for the most authentic souvenirs and crafts in the country among the town’s quaint streets.
  • Follow your host off the beaten track and discover hidden gems and local secrets.
  • Visit the area’s most famous sites like Toki no Kane Tower and Hikawa Shrine.
  • Put on a brave face and sample local treats like boiled eel or sweet potato beer.
  • Learn about Japan’s Edo period history from your host, and discover why Kawagoe is so important to it.

What travelers think of our Tokyo experiences

F
Fabio 22 June 2025

An interesting trip with lots to see, well explained by the tour guide who was very friendly and helpful. There are certainly more beautiful places and attractions to see in Tokyo and the surrounding area, but it's definitely worth it for a half day.

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J
Julie 15 November 2024

Our guide Mari was great and we had a wonderful time exploring Kawagoe. It was a relaxing walk around the streets and we really enjoyed all the food we tried as well.

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L
Lorenz 18 October 2024

Good balanced day with museums and historical buildings as well as sightseeing.

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N
Nancy 16 June 2024

I totally enjoyed my day with Lauren. Genuine, authentic, accommodating and kind.

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N
Nancy 16 June 2024

She was on time, patient and took the time to ensure I was getting what I expected from the experience.

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What you’ll do

You’ll catch a train to Kawagoe, a living remnant of Japan’s Edo era, and discover its relics, museums, and unique culture with an insightful host. Together, you could explore Kita-in Temple, where you’ll find a room that once formed part of Tokyo’s iconic Edo Castle, or you could witness the power of the annual Kawagoe Festival when locals take to the streets on extravagant floats to celebrate the arrival of summer.

If you’re not lucky enough to see it live, you can get a taste at the unique Festival Museum! Down in Penny Candy Lane, you might discover a world of sweet delights in a rustic setting, or you could wander along Kurazukuri Street, where traditional charcoal-tiled buildings offer a unique glimpse into the past.

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