Werbung
Traveling in Japan has always been about contrasts. The energy of Tokyo, the quiet charm of traditional towns, the seamless transport systems that connect them. Each element adds another layer to the journey. On one of my recent trips, I wanted to step outside the capital while still staying connected. This led me to Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its preserved historic streets, centuries-old culture, and a unique atmosphere that feels worlds away from the skyscrapers of Shinjuku or Shibuya..
The best part? Kawagoe is only around 30 minutes from central Tokyo when traveling with Tobu Railway, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding day trips you can take. At the heart of my stay was the Tobu Hotel Kawagoe, a comfortable and modern base located directly in a shopping mall, blending convenience, design, and accessibility. Whether for a quick day trip or a longer weekend escape, this hotel offered everything I needed to experience Kawagoe fully.
Kawagoe: A Town with Centuries of Character. Kawagoe is unlike any other town close to Tokyo. While many travelers immediately think of Nikko or Hakone when planning excursions, Kawagoe remains slightly under the radar internationally, though incredibly popular among locals. Its charm lies in its Edo-period warehouse district, a stretch of streets lined with clay-walled kurazukuri houses. Walking here is like stepping back in time. Wooden facades, tiled roofs, and narrow lanes filled with traditional shops create an atmosphere that feels cinematic. The town is also known for its time bell tower (Toki no Kane), which still rings out four times a day, echoing through the historic streets. This simple yet striking landmark has become a symbol of Kawagoe’s balance between past and present. For travelers like me who are always searching for authentic experiences, it is these details – sounds, textures, traditions – that make a place unforgettable.
The Sweet Potato Capital of Japan. Kawagoe is also famous for something delightfully unexpected: sweet potatoes. Known as “imo” in Japanese, they have been part of Kawagoe’s identity since the Edo period. Farmers cultivated them in the area’s fertile soil, and today you can find sweet potato in every imaginable form. During my visit, we tasted sweet potato ice cream, candied sweet potatoes, just to give an example. Cafés and street vendors celebrate this humble root in creative ways, turning it into a culinary attraction in its own right. Walking through Kashiya Yokocho, the old candy alley, I discovered traditional sweets alongside sweet potato chips and colorful confections, making it one of the most playful streets to explore in town. For anyone with a curious palate, Kawagoe is a true discovery. Unlike Tokyo’s gourmet scene, which often emphasizes innovation and luxury, Kawagoe’s food culture feels rooted, warm, and nostalgic.
The Advantage of the Tobu Premium Pass. One of the reasons Kawagoe makes such a seamless excursion is the Tobu Premium Pass, a ticket designed to simplify travel between Tokyo and destinations like Kawagoe or Nikko. For a flat fee, you gain unlimited access on Tobu bbusses within a designated area, as well as discounts at cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants. For me, the real benefit was flexibility. Instead of worrying about single tickets or recalculating fares, I could simply hop on and off the bus, knowing that my day trip was fully covered. The pass also opens doors beyond transport. In Kawagoe, several shops and museums offer discounts to pass holders, making it more than just a train ticket – it becomes a curated experience. For travelers who want to maximize both budget and time, the Tobu Premium Pass is a smart companion.
Staying at Tobu Hotel Kawagoe. While Kawagoe is perfect for a day trip, I decided to extend my visit and stay overnight. The reason was simple: I wanted to experience the town in the evening and early morning, times when the streets are quieter and the atmosphere even more magical. The Tobu Hotel Kawagoe proved to be the ideal choice. Integrated into a shopping mall, the hotel offers direct access to stores, cafés, and restaurants, making it incredibly convenient. After a day of exploring, I could simply step inside, drop off my shopping bags, and continue browsing or dining without even leaving the building. Inside, the hotel balances modern comfort with understated design. Rooms are thoughtfully arranged to maximize space, with large windows that bring in light and views of the city. The décor emphasizes clean lines, calm tones, and practicality, creating a soothing environment after a full day of walking.
Kawagoe by Day and by Night. Exploring Kawagoe in daylight is captivating. Crowds of visitors fill the streets, exploring traditional shops, tasting local specialties, and taking photographs of the time bell tower. The energy is lively and vibrant. But in the evening, when the day-trippers return to Tokyo, a different Kawagoe emerges. Lanterns glow softly, restaurants begin to fill with locals, and the historic facades take on a new depth under the streetlights. Walking through Kurazukuri Street at night felt intimate and cinematic, as though I had the entire town to myself.
Shopping and Modern Comforts.Breakfast is served at In the Park, a stylish restaurant located on the second floor of the shopping center directly connected to the hotel. Easily reached by elevator in less than two minutes, it offers a modern yet cozy atmosphere and a well-balanced breakfast selection that provides the perfect start to the day. Guests will also find a range of convenient services within the hotel, including laundry facilities, ice machines, microwaves, and vending machines. The rooms emphasize a contemporary design, with smart features such as lighting and air-conditioning controlled through a tablet, adding both comfort and ease to the stay. The lobby continues this refined design approach, combining elegance with stylish comfort. High windows fill the space with natural light and open views of the mountains and the rooftop garden, creating a welcoming sense of openness. Thanks to the hotel’s direct bridge connection to the station, arriving and departing could not be easier, offering a seamless transition from train to hotel without the need for stairs or escalators.
Since the hotel is located inside a shopping mall, I had the advantage of combining historic exploration with modern convenience. Kawagoe’s boutiques sell everything from traditional crafts to modern Japanese fashion, and the mall itself offers a variety of international brands and lifestyle stores. For travelers who like to balance cultural immersion with a touch of shopping, this location is ideal. Dining options are equally abundant. Beyond sweet potato delicacies, the mall houses restaurants serving everything from sushi to Western cuisine, ensuring variety without effort.
Kawagoe encapsulates what makes Japan so fascinating: the harmony between history and modernity, tradition and innovation. With its Edo-period streets, culinary uniqueness, and warm atmosphere, it feels like a time capsule that is still alive and evolving. The proximity to Tokyo makes it unbeatable for short trips. In just 30 minutes, you can step into another era, yet still enjoy the modern comforts of a well-connected city. For those who prefer not to rush, Tobu Hotel Kawagoe transforms a day trip into a weekend getaway, adding layers of depth to the experience.
My visit to Kawagoe reminded me of why I love traveling in Japan. It is not just about the famous sights, but about finding places that surprise, delight, and tell stories through their streets, food, and people. With the Tobu Premium Pass, the journey itself becomes effortless, and with Tobu Hotel Kawagoe as a base, the town transforms into more than a day trip. It becomes a place to pause, explore, and truly connect. For anyone planning a trip to Tokyo, I highly recommend adding Kawagoe to your itinerary. Whether you come for the sweet potatoes, the Edo-period streets, or the comfort of a modern hotel, Kawagoe offers an experience that is both authentic and accessible.
