We are delighted to share with you the memorable experiences of Stefania, an Italian guide based in Lyon, during her stay in Japan. Part three.
If you’re staying in Tokyo for an extended period and wondering where you could go for a day-trip, I recommend Kawagoe.
I’ve visited Tokyo several times, but I have never thought about going to “Little Edo”.
Kawagoe feels like a small version of a Tokyo I’ve seen only in movies, the Tokyo before the big earthquake of 1923 and World War II.
So, on a Tuesday morning I set off early to Kawagoe, eager to see “something different”. I was also convinced that there probably wouldn’t be much to see and I’d be back by early afternoon.
The town is just 30 minutes from Ikebukuro, but it took me nearly one hour and half from my location in Arakawa.
My first impression when I exited Kawagoe station? “Well, this place looks just like many others : a long arcade lined with shops and restaurants… Maybe, I’ll be back to Tokyo sooner than I thought”.
After a short walk among the shops and a little shopping (yes, I gave in to temptation!), I decided to leave the material world behind and explore the spiritual one.
I visited Kitain Temple, the head temple of Tendai Sect. After removing my shoes (can you imagine taking off your shoes to visit Notre Dame? 😊), I wandered through the tatami-covered rooms, and with the help of English documents I received at the entrance, I could imagine life in Edo during the 1600s. The inner Japanese-style garden was simply exquisite: in the background the wind blew strongly, while in front of me, a small stream gently flowed into a wooden fountain. It took a lot of willpower to leave that little haven, but eventually, I continued my journey and stumbled upon a small café for a well-deserved lunch break.
My belly full but my mind still thirsty for culture, I resumed my walk and headed to Honmaru Goten, the only remaining building of Kawagoe Castel. For just 100 yen, I could explore the tatami rooms, enjoy the garden and even get a glimpse into medieval life through models of feudal lords apparently discussing matters of the time!
And just when I thought that my journey couldn’t get any better, on my way back to the station I walked through the historic district, where the streets are lined with traditional-style houses and warehouse-style buildings. What a delightful treat!
In the end, I spent the entire day in Kawagoe, far longer that I originally planned.
I can’t promise that you’ll experience Kawagoe as peacefully as I did during the off-season, but if you’re staying in Tokyo for a few days, a detour to Kawagoe is definitely worth it.