Kawagoe: Historical Gem and Shopping Haven

People who are looking for shops in Japan with cute trinkets, culinary appliances, pottery, vintage clothes, artwork and maybe even a place to purchase Snoopy keychains or two, can find those and more at Kawagoe.

Kurazukuri Street—also known as “Little Edo”—is a historic shopping street lined with traditional, warehouse-style buildings called kurazukuri, where the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) stands as the town’s symbol while being close in proximity to Kawagoe’s temples and shrines. Both locations are a quick 10 to 15 minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station and about an hour or so away from Tokyo.

This shopping street is a place where travelers can splurge on fun and traditional gifts and treats while immersing themselves in an Edo period atmosphere.

Kurazukuri Storehouses and Sweet Treats

With sweet potato-inspired shops, modern and fusion stores, a candy alley and a variety of restaurants, this street has more to offer than it may seem. Here are a few favorites:

• Kameya Main Store – A Japanese confectioner founded in 1783, Kameya has received the Kameya Daijo Fujiwara Kaei professional certification from the Kyoto Imperial Palace after many generations of serving their treats in Kawagoe. This store continues to keep flavors and techniques used in the Edo period. Their Kame-no-Monaka is a fan-favorite wafer cake shaped like a turtle shell, and there are also seasonal flavors such as cherry blossoms and matcha green tea.

• Kawagoe Art Cafe Elevato – For people who want a beer mid-shopping experience, this cafe is said to be the best spot in Kawagoe to enjoy the locally brewed Coedo Beer. However, for those who are looking for soft drinks, this history-rich cafe is a great place to stop and rest after exploring the town. Plus, the desserts—such as the sweet potato pudding—are delicious.

• Tsubakiya Foot Spa Tearoom – Making a quick stop at Tsubakiya is probably the best way to relax, rest and relieve tired feet to swiftly get back to shopping. The hot spring in this Japanese garden-style spa is found in the courtyard. People can also enjoy a traditional dessert as they soak. This location also houses a miscellaneous goods and souvenirs shop called Wamonoya Kaya.

• Kashou Umon Bell Tower Shop – Kawagoe’s most beloved food is sweet potato. For those who want to try locally harvested sweet potatoes, go to Kashou Umon. They pride themselves on being traditional sweet potato makers, and their shop is right next to Toki no Kane. Guests can try their sweet potato soft serve cone in a heart-shaped monaka (crisp wafer).

• Fine China Store Yamawa and Cafe Torocco – Right along Kawagoe Ichiban Machi Street is the original Hara Family Residence, which nowadays holds pottery and china. People can purchase everyday glass and ceramicware as well as gift-worthy china. Meanwhile, the cafe attached to the store, Café Torocco, offers a seasonal and regionally inspired menu served on store-made ceramicware.

• Koedo Osatsuan – This spot also serves sweet potato desserts such as purple sweet potato cream and an ice cream chip sundae. Their most popular item is the giant homemade sweet potato chips.

These are only a small yet very popular selection of the stores and cafes lined along Kurazukuri Street, so there are more gems to be found!

Snoopy Lovers Unite

Kawagoe offers a unique Snoopy experience for fans of the series at the Snoopy Village where they can enjoy plenty of sweet treats at their cafe.

• SNOOPY Chaya – A Japanese-style teahouse serving traditional Peanuts-themed sweets. People will find exclusive Kawagoe-themed merchandise, such as Snoopy dressed in his fancy kimono or holding roasted sweet potatoes, on par with Kawagoe’s love for potatoes. Fans can also try “Snoopy Yaki,” taiyaki filled with red bean, custard or sweet potato paste.

• SNOOPY Chocolat – This Snoopy shop combines Japanese flavors with the beloved Peanuts characters. Travelers will find chocolate-coated almonds infused with Kawagoe’s famous sweet potato flavor or shop for Snoopy-themed goods such as mugs, chopsticks and tote bags.

• WOODSTOCK NEST – Inspired by Snoopy’s best friend Woodstock, this shop offers various tiny take-home trinkets and desserts, such as sweet potato cookies.

Studio Ghibli

Other animated classics people can find hidden throughout the street include a Studio Ghibli-themed store.

Donguri Republic Kawagoe Store – Plush toys, figures and other miscellaneous goods inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Laputa, Mary and the Witch’s Flower and other film adaptations from the production studio can be found here.

Toki no Kane, the Famous Bell Tower

The Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) is Kawagoe’s biggest historical highlight in the “Little Edo” district. Despite this 16 meter tall bell tower being rebuilt in 1894 after a devastating fire in the area, it has been operating since the early Edo period and people across the city can hear its ring.

Kawagoe’s Most Beautiful Shrines and Temples

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is known for matchmaking and love blessings. During the summer, this shrine holds thousands of colorful glass wind chimes for the Enmusubi Furin Festival. Next to the torii gate, visitors can write wishes on a fish-shaped ema, collect a charm for love or touch the “marriage stones” said to bring everlasting happiness to couples.

Kita-in Temple – Kita-in Temple is a Buddhist temple that was relocated to Kawagoe by the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu after a devastating fire in 1638. The grounds are surrounded by 500 rakan statues, and guests can see rooms where shoguns once lived long ago. Visitors in early spring will see all of the beautiful plum blossoms come into bloom.