Warehouse District Kurazukuri (Kawagoe)

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Facts & Figures

The entire Warehouse District (known as Kurazukuri no Machinami) in Kawagoe, near Tokyo (a 30-minute train ride away), offers a genuine insight into life in this area more than 100 years ago. Going on a tour with a two-wheeled rickshaw (jinrikisha) is a great way to explore the district, known as Old Town, with its traditional storehouses along Ichibangai Street. My must-see highlights were the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), Kurazukuri Museum, Kawagoe Festival Museum, Osawa House, Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane), and the Saitama Resona Bank building. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kawagoe Ryokan or Hotel.
 Find Your Perfect Place Now > The black plaster finish of some storehouses clay-walled facades is really a unique feature. These days, the storehouses are turned into shops, cafes, restaurants, and living quarters. Many movies were made here to capture this old-town atmosphere. Be aware it can be really crowded during the weekends, as you can see in my pictures. My tip: The famous Kawagoe Festival, held in October, is the event highlight of the year in this area.

My tips for local activities

Explore the best parts of this beautiful town Kawagoe, also called Little Edo, with a local guide. The day trip starts in Toyko. For more details check out this page >

History

The city of Kawagoe is located near Tokyo. It is also known as Koedo (Little Edo). The city gained its importance during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) when it was used as a northern protection for Edo Castle. During the Edo and Meiji eras (1868 – 1912), fire-resistant storehouses (kura) with thick walls and safety measures against intruders were built for wealthy merchant families. These buildings stored the goods manufactured or traded through Kawagoe. In 1999, the area was designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings of Japan.

Sightseeing spots within Kurazukuri in Kawagoe

Top:

Saitama Resona Bank - The building, a registered tangible cultural property, is still used as a bank and has a distinct green copper dome roof. It was constructed during the Taisho period (1912 - 1926) in the year 1918.

Osawa house - The oldest storehouse in Kawagoe was built in 1792 by a wealthy kimono merchant. Luckily it survived a huge fire during the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) and it is still used as a folk craft store. The government gave this building the status of a National Important Cultural Property.

Kurazukuri Museum - Before the property was turned into a museum it belonged to the tobacco wholesale merchant Bunzo Koyama. Here you can learn more about the construction process of these old warehouses (kurazukuri), and the traditional tools used and it is also very interesting to study interior design.

Toki no Kane (Time Bel Tower) - This landmark building of Kawagoe has been used since the Edo period to announce the time by ringing the bell. The tower was built by daimyo (feudal lord) Tadakatsu Sakai (1587 - 1662). The building was destroyed by the Great Fire of Kawagoe in 1893 and immediately reconstructed in 1894. You have a chance to hear the bell sound daily at 6:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The Ministry of the Environment selected this sound as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan: Preserving Our Heritage. The tower was burned down 3times in its history.

Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane) - This narrow street with a length of 80 meters is a dream come true for all candy lovers:) You can explore in total of 22 hard candy shops and traditional sweet shops. Many inexpensive sweets like fugashi (wheat gluten sweets) or dango (skewered rice flour dumplings) and my favorite senbei (rice cracker) can be bought here.

Kawagoe Festival Museum - The Kawagoe Festival has a tradition of more than 360 years. The museum is full of photographs, audio and video recordings, various materials, and real floats.

Nearby:

Taisho-roman Street - Buildings, like the 1901 Tea House, in this 200-meter-long street, dating back to the Taisho era (1912 - 1926) and creating a unique atmosphere.

1901 Tea House - This beautiful cafe occupies a former storehouse dating back to the Taisho era, originally constructed in 1901. After five years of careful restoration to preserve its authentic vintage character, the building reopened to the public as a cafe in 2022. Try out the traditional matcha tea and just have a good time :)

Hikawa Shrine (Hikawa Jinja) - The shrine dates back to 541 (Asuka period) and is popular for people who search for love and make a wish for it. Here you will find one of the tallest gates (torii) in Japan. The wooden structure with a height of 15 meters is an impressive sight. Read more >

Kitain Temple - The temple, built in 830, is known for its 540 rakan buddhist statues. It is also the head temple of the Tendai Sect within the Kanto Region. Kitain was destroyed by a fire in 1638 and it could be reconstructed with the help of shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa (1604 - 1651).

Festival & Events in Kawagoe (dates can change without notice)

October

Kawagoe Hikawa Festival (17th/18th)
Appr. 1 Mio. tourists enjoy the biggest event in Kawagoe every year. The traditional Japanese matsuri (festival) dates back more than 360 years. It lasts for 2 days and the parade of 29 floats (Dashi) is the absolute highlight. In 2016 something important happened to the Kawagoe Hikawa Festival. It made it on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as an outstanding float festival in Japan.