Kawagoe: Strawberry Picking In An Edo Townscape Just One Hour From Tokyo

Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is only an hour away from midtown Tokyo. A castle stood here during the Edo Period, as the town had a powerful influence at that time. The castle no longer remains, but visitors can appreciate the Kurazukuri (Kura-style architecture) from that period, which has been well-preserved in Kawagoe.

This article is about sightseeing and things to do in Kawagoe, including strawberry picking at a nearby farm.

How to Get to Kawagoe

As Kawagoe is in the southwestern part of Saitama, neighboring Tokyo, riding a train is the best way to go. There are many stations in Kawagoe: Kawagoe Station (JR Keihin Tohoku Line/Tobu Tojo Line), Honkawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), and Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu Tojo Line). For sightseeing, head for either Kawagoe Station or Honkawagoe Station. In addition to the routes listed below, Honkawagoe Station can be reached directly by taking the Red Arrow Express from Seibu Shinjuku Station or Takadanobaba Station.

Public Transportation in Kawagoe

Kawagoe is divided into three areas: Kita-in Area, Ichibangai Area, with Kura-style buildings, and Kawagoe Castle area, where Honmaru Goten is located. Although the sightseeing spots are close to each other, it is recommended to ride a bus or a taxi when moving from one area to another. Visitors should take the Koedo Loop Bus and Koedo Famous Locations Loop Bus, as the bus stops are all located near sightseeing spots.

Koedo Famous Places Loop Bus (Tobu Bus)

One-day Fare: 300 yen

This bus departs from the east entrance of Kawagoe Station, and stops at various spots such as the Kita-in Temple, Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Alley). The ticket can be purchased both at the tourist information center in Kawagoe Station, and from the bus driver. It can also be used for buses running regular routes, in a designated area.

Koedo Loop Bus (Eagle Bus)

One-time Fare: 200 yen/One-day Fare: 500 yen
This bus departs from the west entrance of Kawagoe Station, and stops at various spots such as the Kita-in Temple, Kuranomachi, and Kashiya Yokocho. The announcements on the bus are made in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Please note that there are two routes (orange/purple), so choose the route according to your destinations.

Taxi

Base Fare (up to two kilometers): 740 yen/Additional Fare: 90 yen per 296 meters.
While most sightseeing spots can be visited by bus, it would be best to use a taxi to some spots in the suburbs, including places to enjoy strawberry picking.

Strawberry Picking in Kawagoe

Kawagoe Strawberry Field Sujino

Located near Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten, visitors can taste and compare four types of strawberries, including Benihoppe and Akihime. The farm operates on a first-come-first-served basis and will close as soon as the berries run out. For further information, please check this page.

Check this page for details.

@FARM

This farm is located away from the sightseeing areas, so it would be better to use a taxi. The facilities include a fruits shop and a café along with the greenhouse, so visitors can also enjoy shopping or beverages as well. Please note that a reservation is required for the strawberry picking.

Check this page for details (Japanese website).

Major Sightseeing Spots in Kawagoe

Be sure to visit the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), a symbolic tower in Kawagoe, and the Kurazukuri Zone, where old merchant buildings are well preserved. Kashiya Yokocho, where visitors can try Japanese candy, is located nearby. Don’t miss Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, famous for enshrining the god of married couples, and Kita-in Temple, built in 830.

Recommended Dining in Kawagoe

Ichinoya

Ichinoya, established in 1832, specializes in unagi (Japanese eel), a Kawagoe specialty. They offer menus such as unaju (barbecued eel on rice), kabayaki (broiled eel), along with full-course meals.

Makotoya

Makotoya is a restaurant that serves futomen yakisoba, a Kawagoe cuisine. The thick noodles resembling udon are cooked using sauce, salt, or ketchup, offering a variety of flavors and toppings.

Recommended and Relaxing Cafes

Akariya – Japanese Sweets

Located inside a renovated house, this café serves traditional menus such as an-mitsu and kaki-gori, along with menus using sweet potatoes, another Kawagoe specialty.

Art Café Erebato

This cafe, located inside a renovated retro Western-style building, serves a daily special meal, confections, and coffee. Visitors can also enjoy craft beer brewed in Kawagoe, and various side dishes.

Soothing Natural Hot Springs

Kawagoe Yuyu Land and Hotel Sanko

This facility is a complex consisting of a communal bath, banquet hall, hotel, and a restaurant. The main bath, furnished with towels and toiletries, has nine tubs.

Kawagoe Onsen

Kawagoe Onsen is divided into two zones: Ki no Yu, which has wooden bathtubs, and Ishi no Yu, furnished with stone tubs. The zones are segregated by gender, and the designation changes every day. Visitors can also enjoy dining and relaxing in the rest area.

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary in Kawagoe

9:30

Start from Kawagoe (or Honkawagoe) Station.
↓Taxi

10:00

Strawberry picking at Strawberry Field Sujino or @FARM.
↓Taxi

11:00

Visit the Kita-in Area (Kita-in Temple, 500 Statues of Rakan, etc.)
↓Walk/Bus

12:30

Visit the Kawagoe Castle Area (Honmaru Goten, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, etc.)
↓Walk/Bus

14:00

Visit the Ichibangai Area for sightseeing and a late lunch. Visit Toki no Kane, Kashiya Yokocho, and other areas for shopping.
↓Walk/Bus

17:30

Return to Kawagoe (or Honkawagoe) Station.