Spots List

Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), Yakushi Shrine

Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), Yakushi Shrine

The Toki-no-Kane (Time Bell) is a landmark of Kawagoe's warehouse district, affectionately called the "bell-ringing tower" by locals. Rebuilt in 1894 after a fire, it stands 16m tall and was restored to its original appearance during seismic retrofitting in 2017. Beyond the tower lies Yakushi Shrine, dedicated to a Buddha said to heal illnesses, especially eye diseases.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Teramachi-dori Street

Teramachi-dori Street

Teramachi Street, a white stone-paved path just west of the Nakamachi intersection. Heading north past historic warehouses leads to Candy Alley, passing temples like Gyoden-ji and Yoju-in. Side streets to Ichiban-gai offer traditional restaurants and unique shops run by young owners, revealing a quieter, diverse side of the tourist area.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tendai Sect Seiyazan Nakain Temple

Tendai Sect Seiyazan Nakain Temple

Located south of Kitain and adjacent to Prefectural Kawagoe Sogo High School. Founded in 830, it moved to its current location in 1639 after multiple fires and reconstructions. The main hall was rebuilt in 1733. With the modern reconstruction of the Shakado and Yakushido halls, the temple's original three-hall layout is complete.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagashima Family Residence (Samurai House)

Nagashima Family Residence (Samurai House)

The Nagashima family residence, a city historic site, is a late Edo-period middle-class samurai house with trifoliate orange hedges flanking the gate. While Saitama once had three castle towns with many samurai houses, this is now the only one remaining that preserves its original appearance.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hikawa-bashi Bridge

Hikawa-bashi Bridge

A bridge over the Shingashi River right behind Hikawa Shrine. Rows of cherry trees stretch for hundreds of meters along both banks. During the Spring Festival, visitors can enjoy Japanese boat rides under the full blooms. The gentle current near the bridge creates a stunning "flower raft" of fallen petals. The curved bridge is a popular photo spot and a walking route after visiting the shrine.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fujimi Yagura Watchtower

Fujimi Yagura Watchtower

The site of the Fujimi Yagura watchtower, located south of Prefectural Kawagoe High School. Although it looks like a wooded hill, it was once the site of a watchtower used for observation at Kawagoe Castle, which had no central keep. A Kawagoe Castle monument stands on the slope, and Mitake Shrine is enshrined on the north side.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Benten Yokocho Nagaya

Benten Yokocho Nagaya

Known as "Benten Yokocho," located north of the "Fuda-no-Tsuji" intersection. The entrance sign retains traces of the former restaurant district. Deep in the alley lies the "Asari Benten Nagaya," said to be over 100 years old, housing three unique spots: "Harema," an architectural office and lab; "Niken-do," a gallery/cafe decorated by its carpenter-owner; and "Gallery Nantouri," a workshop for a textile artist. Each has been renovated to preserve its history, creating retro and original spaces.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matsumoto Shoyu / glass Art Blue moon

Matsumoto Shoyu / glass Art Blue moon

A soy sauce brewery and glass studio continuing since the Tenpo era. In the brewery built in 1830, soy sauce mash (moromi) is aged using traditional techniques and yeast to produce flavorful sauce daily. On-site, artists create glassworks, which are displayed in a 200-year-old renovated shop, drawing in people walking along Teramachi Street.

Saitama
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matoba Tanukiyama Park

Matoba Tanukiyama Park

A park in the Matoba residential area. True to its name, raccoon dog statues sit atop a small hill in the spacious grounds. This wooded hill is actually an ancient round barrow (kofun), and the park was created to preserve it. Though close to the Kawagoe-Hidaka prefectural road, it remains quiet.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Rikendo Hall

A hand-carved seal workshop with a long history, founded in 1937 and located mid-way along Taisho Roman Yume-dori Street. First-class carving technicians still produce seals entirely by hand. Reconstructed in 1997, it won the Urban Landscape Point Award for its harmony with Kawagoe's historic scenery.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Renkeiji Temple

Renkeiji Temple

A Jodo sect temple with ties to the Tokugawa family, founded in the Muromachi period by the mother of a Kawagoe castle lord. The grounds bustle with events, including the "Donryu Day" festival on the 8th of every month. Located on the path from the station to the tourist area, it attracts many visitors.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryotei Yamaya

A long-established traditional restaurant located down an alley across from the Saitama Resona Bank Kawagoe Branch. It moved in 1868 after taking over the former Yokota family villa. The 900-tsubo grounds house seven Japanese-style rooms, including a large hall of 28 tatami mats. Dining while viewing the seasonal garden offers a luxurious experience. It is also popular as a wedding venue showcasing the best of traditional Japanese culture.

Saitama
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ichiban-gai Shopping Street

Ichiban-gai Shopping Street

Fire-resistant "Kurazukuri" storehouses formed the cityscape from the late Edo period through the Meiji era after the Great Kawagoe Fire of 1893. These structures were a symbol of status for Kawagoe merchants. From the Taisho era, one can see the era's distinctive architecture, such as the cutting-edge steel-framed reinforced concrete of the former Saitama Resona Bank and townhouses decorated with Western-style finishes like artificial stone wash-outs.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kawagoe City

Known as "Little Edo," it preserves castle town architecture. Iconic for the Time Bell tower and Candy Alley. Located just 30 mins from Tokyo, it's a popular spot for visitors to rent kimonos and walk through history.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park

Japan's largest colony of red spider lilies, where 5 million flowers create a crimson carpet in autumn. The unique scenery along the meandering river is a sensation on social media, offering a breathtaking autumn view.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Saitama City

Saitama's capital, blending modern skyscrapers with history. Home to the world-famous Omiya Bonsai Village, Hikawa Shrine, and the Railway Museum. It offers diverse experiences from traditional crafts to sports.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumagaya City

Known as a rugby mecca and a historic post town. The "Kumagaya Sakura Embankment" features 2km of cherry blossoms and canola flowers. Famous for its summer heat, it's also the best place to try "Yukikuma" shaved ice.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagatoro River Boating (Line Kudari)

Nagatoro River Boating (Line Kudari)

A thrilling boat ride down the Arakawa River past the "Iwadatami" rock formations. Skilled boatmen navigate the rapids, offering scenic valley views. It's a highlight of Nagatoro tourism for experiencing nature and tradition.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kawagoe Castle

A key stronghold for defending Edo. The Honmaru Palace is a rare surviving example of its kind in Japan. Visitors can explore tatami rooms and courtyards, catching a real glimpse into the lives of samurai.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mitsumine Jinja Shrine

Mitsumine Jinja Shrine

A powerful spiritual site 1,100m high in the Chichibu mountains. It uniquely enshrines wolves as messengers of god. Known as the "Shrine in the Sky," its mystical atmosphere and potential sea of clouds attract many seekers.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Menuma Shoden-zan Temple

Menuma Shoden-zan Temple

Called "Saitama's Nikko," this National Treasure temple boasts intricate, colorful carvings. It is a hidden gem for art and history lovers, offering a quiet atmosphere to admire masterful craftsmanship.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamikawa Town

Famous for pear picking and "winter cherry blossoms" (Fuyu-zakura) that bloom from winter to spring. The unique sight of autumn colors and cherry blossoms together is a popular photo spot for international visitors.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chichibu City

A treasure trove of spiritual power spots and traditions. The Chichibu Night Festival (UNESCO Heritage) is world-famous. With unkai (sea of clouds), hot springs, and natural beauty, it's a profound cultural destination.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyoshi Town

The closest agricultural town to Tokyo, preserving Edo-period farming landscapes. Famous for "Kawagoe Imo" sweet potatoes grown with traditional compost. Visitors can enjoy potato picking and fresh produce.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter