Walking Tour from Tokyo: Experience Kawagoe and Edo Japan

6 hours Free cancellation

Walking Tour from Tokyo: Experience Kawagoe and Edo Japan, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Please note that this tour does not use a private vehicle and uses public transport. This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors

You will have the opportunity to learn all about Kawagoe’s past and significance in the ’Old Town’ and Castle remains, walk the streets lined with Kurazukuri clay warehouses and the famous Toki no Kane Bell Tower, shop for local crafts and delicious street food, and visit some beautiful and unique shrines and temples. This is the perfect opportunity to get out of Tokyo and experience a different side to Japan!

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Admission fees for Kitain Temple and Honmaru Castle remains
Included: In-person guide is licensed or certified

Not included

Not included: Trains and transport before and after the tour
Not included: Food & Drink

Itinerary

Kitain

one hour Admission included

Your first destination will be one of Kawagoe’s most famous Buddhist temples. This temple is famous for its Pagoda, part of its main hall being constructed from buildings from the original Edo Castle in Tokyo, as well as its 540 Rakan statues. It is steeped in history and is a must when visiting Kawagoe! Enjoy a guided tour with your guide and some time to take photos and enjoy the grounds at your leisure.
Stop 2

2 hours

Walk for 15 minutes to your next destination, Kawagoe’s ‘Old Town’. This is the centre and hub of Kawagoe. You will have a guided tour of the ‘Old Town’ and its landmarks. You will then have your lunch break here to enjoy the many drinks and foods on offer!
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

45 min

Your next destination will be one of Kawagoe’s most famous and beautiful shrines! Famous for its match making power, many people come here to pray for good fortune in love and their relationships. Your guide will give you a tour of the Shrine complex and tell you about its unique features and history! You will have the opportunity to fish for your fortune, walk through a beautiful ’Ema’ tunnel (wooden fortune plaques), and walk around 600 year old sacred trees that are said to bring you spiritual enlightenment! The tranquil Shingashi river is just behind the shrine where Koi Carp swim, and in Spring it is filled with Cherry Blossom!
Kawagoe Castle Naka no Mon Remain

45 min Admission included

Our final stop will be the remains of Kawagoe’s flatland castle. The structure and its rooms are beautifully preserved. You can walk the halls, step back in time and imagine what it was once like in the Edo period when the Shogun (Samurai) were in power. You can also collect a castle stamp as a free souvenir of your visit!
Stop 5

one hour Admission not included

Finally, before leaving Kawagoe, enjoy some free time to visit any remaining attractions, shop, take photos and pick up any final souvenirs before we meet back up to walk to Kawagoeshi train station. There is Kawagoe City Museum and Kawagoe Matsuri Museum which are great attractions to visit in addition to what is covered on the tour.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

At Ikebukuro station, follow the signs for the Tobu Line. Following the signs with TJ Tobu Line and for Central Gate 1. You will pass a restaurant on your left called Tantan and a Uniqlo on the right, keep walking until you see green ticket gates on your left for JR. Your tour guide will be there

End point

At Ikebukuro station, follow the signs for the Tobu Line. Following the signs with TJ Tobu Line and for Central Gate 1. You will pass a restaurant on your left called Tantan and a Uniqlo on the right, keep walking until you see green ticket gates on your left for JR. Your tour guide will be there