Saitama, Japan May. 05 Sun 8:34AM
One-day trip: A trip to experience the streets and culture of Kurazukuri
The city of Kawagoe is full of historical buildings.
With shrines, rickshaws, street foods, and much more, the fun is endless. You can enjoy the view of the streets with many Kurazukuri (warehouse) style buildings, which are unique from those in other historical cities such as Kyoto and Nara.
You can immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere even more by taking a stroll wearing a kimono.
If you are traveling by train, Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station is convenient.
Both are easily accessible by train from Tokyo, making them perfect for a day trip.
Kawagoe Station (30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo)
Starting from the station, pass through the street bursting with the nostalgic atmosphere of the Taisho era to reach the main street of Kawagoe.
Strolling in Kawagoe
Don’t miss your opportunity to take some pictures at the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower).
Lunch
For lunch, be sure to try the Kawagoe specialty, eel.
Kabayaki is a cooking method in which the eel is broiled after being dipped in a sweet and savory sauce made of soy sauce and mirin (sweet rice wine), and is a prevalent cooking method in Japan.
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Transfer (Kawagoe Station to Toro Station: about 40 min. by train, then a 5-min. walk from Toro Station)
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Omiya Bonsai Museum and Omiya Bonsai Village, Saitama
Known as a sacred place for masterpiece bonsai, the Omiya Bonsai Museum is visited by many enthusiasts from all over the world.
In addition to learning about bonsai at the Omiya Bonsai Museum, visitors can appreciate the unique bonsai in each of the six bonsai gardens in the Omiya Bonsai Village.
You can also try a bonsai-making class at the Bonsai Village.
Saitama City Bonsai Museum
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Transfer (5-min. walk to Toro Station, Toro Station to Omiya Station: 5 min. by train)
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Omiya Station
Omiya Station is a terminal station that serves as the gateway to Saitama. The Shinkansen bullet train also stops at the station.
Major cities in the Tokyo prefecture such as Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Ueno can all be reached in about 30 minutes by train.
With its close proximity to Tokyo, it is a great destination when you want to add a quick one-day trip.