Kawagoe Walking Tour & Traditional Japanese Experience

3 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Kawagoe Walking Tour & Traditional Japanese Experience, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Kawagoe is the perfect escape from Tokyo's bustling modernity: in fact, even though many foreign tourists don't know about it, Kawagoe is so rich in heritage and tradition and it deserves a full day to be visited.

First, we will visit Kitain Temple, a remarkable complex as it shows a two-storied pagoda, together with some parts of the old Edo Castle.

Next, we will walk along Taisho Roman Yume Dori, a short yet interesting street, leading to Kawagoe's main attraction, Kura no Machi: we will walk along the beautiful warehouses before moving on to the symbol of the city, Toki no kane: a tower bell that overlooks the central part of town.

From there we will move to Kashiya Yokocho, an alley where traditional candy shops are located.

At the end of the tour, if you chose one of the option, you will be introduced to a rickshaw rider or a Kimono rental shop: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe, go back to Tokyo, visit the close Sayama city or move to Omiya and catch a Shinkansen train

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At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: H.I.S.Co., Ltd.

Ages: Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Map of the area
Included: Local snack
Included: English speaking guide
Included: Free Wi-fi
Included: Round trip transportation

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Kitain

one hour Admission included

Kita Temple is going to be the first historical spot we visit in Kawagoe. Located within the Naritasan Temple complex, this temple actually comprises parts of the old Edo Castle that were moved here after the original building was lost in a fire. We are going to visit it inside, walking in the famous wooden corridor and admiring its traditional inner gardens.
Taisho Roman Yume Dori

Passing by

This short street, connecting the Naritasan with the old warehouse district, maintains the atmosphere of Taisho era (almost the first half of the past century), with its vintage mood.
Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

1 h 15 min

Finally we get to the main tourist spot of Kawagoe, the old warehouse district with dozens of preserved old Edo era buildings now used as shops, restaurants and little ateliers. You will have about 1 hour of time to roam around, have fun with street food or try some of the local cuisine.
Toki no Kane

20 min Admission not included

The symbol of Kawagoe, Toki no Kane, is a tower bell that overlooks the central part of Kawagoe city: a beautiful wooden structure dating back to the 1600s, rebuilt more times during its history but still preserving its original look.
Kashiya Yokocho

15 min Admission not included

Confectionery shops and traditional Japanese sweetshops are located in this fascinating alley: you will find never seen before candy and all sorts of sweets!
Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

30 min Admission included

If you choose the rickshaw ride option, you will enjoy a 30 minutes rickshaw ride on the streets of Kawagoe, starting from Ichiban-gai!
Stop 7

15 min Admission included

If you choose the Kimono rental option you will be introduced to Kimono Rental Vivian, a few steps away from Toki no Kane. After renting the Kimono, you will be free to dive deep into Kawagoe's atmosphere while wearing traditional Japanese clothes. There are not time limits for the rental, but please be sure to return the kimono to the shop within its working hours (you will receive the details at the shop directly).

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Main entrance of Seibu Shinjuku Station, by the ATM machine of Japan Post Bank

End point

The tour will end at Kashiya Yokocho: you will be free to explore more of Kawagoe on your own after the tour ends.

Using your ticket

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

If you do not show up at the meeting place on the departure time, we will leave without waiting for you.

[Meeting Information]

Meet at the main entrance of Seibu Shinjuku Station by the ATM machine of Japan Post Bank.

Please look for a staff with a blue black H.I.S. flag.

Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/d8ZzqXKWHWPoFwt37

Address: 1 Chome−30−1 1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo

Email: [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum number of participants: 2 pax (for private plan)
Please understand that in case of natural calamities or disasters we might cancel the tour.
In case the tour is cancelled we will inform you at least 2 days in advance, asking you to receive a refund or change to another time set or day.
Please understand that the route might be altered and some spots might be skipped to end the tour on time.
We are not responsible for external causes that might affect the tour, such as bad weather or late arrival of customers at the meeting place.
Refund requests that involve external causes among the reasons will not be accepted.
We will walk for 3.5 hours during this tour, please wear comfortable shoes.
In case one or more participants will be joining the tour with a wheelchair we will avoid stairs. However please understand that we will take uphill roads that require more effort.

Options

Walking Tour + Rickshaw Ride

Rickshaw Ride: Enjoy a 30 minute rickshaw ride at the end of the walking tour!
Walking Tour
Private Walking+ Rickshaw Ride
Duration: 30 minutes: Enjoy a 30 minute rickshaw ride at the end of the walking tour!

Rickshaw Ride: - Enjoy a 30 minute rickshaw ride at the end of the walking tour!
- minimum participants: 2 pax
Private Walking+ Kimono Rental

Kimono Rental: At the end of the tour you will be introduced to a Kimono rental shop.

(minimum participants: 2 pax)
Private Wlaking Tour

minimum participants: 2 pax
Walking Tour + Kimono Rental

Kimono Rental: At the end of the tour you will be introduced to a Kimono rental shop.