Embrace Edo-Inspired Autumn: Kawagoe Festival & Historic Street Journey

Kawagoe, often called Little Edo, is a delightful tourist destination renowned for its preserved streets, where you could travel back to the Edo period. Places like Kurazukuri Street and Kawagoe Castle’s Honmaru Goten immerse yourself in that rich historical atmosphere. The Kawagoe Matsuri Festival in fall takes center stage, making it the liveliest season of the year. Visitors can enjoy the festival and savor the town’s picturesque beauty simultaneously. We will highlight some must-see attractions in Kawagoe.

Spectacular Music and Dance at Kawagoe Matsuri Festival–Autumn Highlight

The Kawagoe Matsuri Festival, originating in the Edo period, is Kawagoe’s liveliest event. It boasts a history of around 370 years. This festival is a precious tradition of Japan, holding the prestigious titles of Japan’s Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The splendid and luxurious floats parade through the town, accompanied by the spirited performance of music and dance known as “Hikkawase” when the floats intersect. The energetic rhythm and chants contribute significantly to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The festival primarily unfolds in the Kurazukuri Street district, where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the Edo period ambiance.

Date	October 14 and 15, 2023
Address	17-1 Renjaku-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture (Kawagoe Kumano Shrine)
Access	From Urawa Washington Hotel, walk 6 minutes to Urawa Station, take a 5-minute JR train ride to Omiya Station, transfer trains, and take approximately 30 minutes to Kawagoe Station.
URL	https://www.kawagoematsuri.jp/

Experience Edo Era Ambiance at Kawagoe Honmaru Goten Castle

Kawagoe Castle’s Honmaru Goten (the main palace) is part of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, providing a glimpse into the Edo period’s ambiance. The castle had a pivotal role as a military and political stronghold from the 16th-century Sengoku period to the 19th-century Edo period, serving as the northern defense of Edo. Today, the castle lacks its walls and secondary palaces, leaving only the Honmaru Goten Palace, one of just two surviving main palaces in Japan. The building exudes a subdued atmosphere with minimal ornate decorations. In particular, visitors can savor its dignified ambiance through the cedar wood panel paintings on sliding doors. With an affordable entrance fee of 100 yen and a slightly secluded location from the Kurazukuri Street district, it’s a recommended hidden gem with fewer crowds. Take your time to explore at your leisure and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of that bygone era.

Hours	9:00AM-5:00PM
Address	2-13-1 Kurumachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Access	From Urawa Washington Hotel, walk 6 minutes to Urawa Station, take a 5-minute JR train ride to Omiya Station, transfer trains, and take approximately 30 minutes to Kawagoe Station. Finally, disembark at the Honmarugoten stop via Koedo Circuit Bus.
URL	Kawagoe-City

Savor Autumn’s Delightful Sweet Potato Sweets at Koedo Osatsuan while Strolling Kurazukuri Street

In the heart of Kawagoe’s tourism scene lies the captivating Kurazukuri Street, a charming district characterized by its enduring fire-resistant architecture that beautifully preserves the essence of Japan’s Edo period. Recognized as an Important Preservation District for a Group of Traditional Buildings by the national authorities, this district offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Edo atmosphere. Here, you can leisurely wander the streets, savoring delectable bites through the way and capturing photogenic moments. Among the many culinary delights, the sweet potato-based treats are remarkable at Koedo Osatsuan, a renowned hotspot with long queues. Their sweet potato chips, delicately balancing the genuine essence of the sweet potato with a subtle sweetness, make for the ideal on-the-go snack. These delectable offerings are available until the day’s supplies last, so planning an early visit is highly recommended.

Hours	11:00AM-5:00PM / Closed on Wednesdays
Address	15-21 Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Access	From Urawa Washington Hotel, walk 6 minutes to Urawa Station, take a 5-minute JR train ride to Omiya Station, transfer trains, and take approximately 30 minutes to Kawagoe Station. Finally, disembark at the Ichiban-gai stop via Koedo Circuit Bus.
URL	https://www.instagram.com/koedoosatuan/