Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
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Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)

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(6 reviews)
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kawagoe!

Kawagoe was a prominent castle town in the Edo period and was known at that time as Ko-edo, or Little Edo (former name of Tokyo). About 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, Kawagoe features many historical buildings, shrines and temples, and offers many regional food and drinks, as well as unique souvenir items.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!

Note*: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Available options

Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)

Pickup included

What's included

Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo or Kawagoe
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list

Detailed itinerary

1

Toki no Kane is a symbol of Kawagoe. Because there were no clocks in the Edo period, this tower has told the time to the people of Kawagoe by its ringing bell. Even today, you can hear the bell at 6 am, 12pm, 3 pm and 6 pm. Toki no Kane, along with the surrounding environment retains the vestiges of the Edo period.

2

There are many restaurants in this warehouse-style building. You can eat Japanese dishes such as kamameshi (a rice, meat and vegetable dish served in a small pot) and ramen. There is also a free rest place, so why not take a rest here when you are tired from walking?

3

Not only did Kawagoe flourish as a castle town, but there were also many prosperous merchants living in warehouse-style architectures. Such a streetscape, where many warehouse-style buildings remain is rare even in Japan. In this museum, you can actually enter the warehouse and look around it.

4

Kawagoe was a castle town of Kawagoe Castle in the Edo period. Most of the Castle does not remain anymore today, but the entrance and a few rooms are open to the public. The outfit back in those days and dolls of feudal lords are on exhibit. The stately atmosphere makes you feel almost as if you were back in those days.

5
Stop 5

As a sacred place for love, “Hikawa Jinja [shrine]” is an extremely popular place among attractions of Kawagoe. There is an amulet called “Enmusubi dama [love success stone]”, which is very famous as a lucky charm for love. You must get one when you visit Kawagoe with someone you care about.

Other than that, people visit this place to pray for safe delivery, baby’s health, and shichigosan celebration (young child celebration). They also open for shinto wedding ceremonies. Really holy place. Come and visit to pray for a happy love life. You can get pretty shinto charms and paper amulets, which would be good souvenirs and gifts.

6

Kawagoe City Museum is another must-visit place as an attraction of Kawagoe. There are many historical buildings in Kawagoe, and that is why this city is called Koedo [little Edo]. The exterior of this musuem is distinctive and impressive. A museum with a simple tranquil Japanese appearance would be rare. Definitely worth to see!

Thier exhibits include: artworks created by artists related to Kawagoe, exhibitions, citizenship gallery, etc. Being a locally based museum, this place is very popular among students too. Interesting place to visit.

7

“Kitain” is a buddhist temple which you will not want to miss when you travel to Kawagoe. This temple has been standing there for about 1200 years. Its magnificent atmosphere keeps attracting people who visit. There are many highlights inside the temple, but the view around this place is also excellent. Being filled with beautiful green plants and flowers that bloom in each season, this temple is a great place where people can enjoy its natural environment.

This temple has 7 mysterious stories passed from generation to generation. You might want to hear them. Nice temple to visit and refresh yourself. You would feel great.

8

Japanese castles are very popular as a tourist attraction. Highly admired by not only domestic but also foreign tourists because those castles directly offer a sense of Japanese history. Since there are various castles all over Japan, many people would visit to enjoy a distinctive castle view owned by each area.

Kawagoe has such a castle attraction too. It is not that the entire castle remains as it was, but this place is a great historical attraction. With brilliant cherry blossoms blooming, it looks really elegant in spring. Perfect place for history lovers. Head there and enjoy a castle view in Kawagoe.

9

To enjoy onsen is one of the best things about traveling in Japan. Kawagoe also has a popular natural hot spring facility, “Kawagoe Onsen”. They offer various types of wood made baths and stone made baths.

The various baths includes: warm bath, hot bath, carbon dioxide bath, special bath, and lie-down bath. So much fun! Beyond that, sauna, eatery, and massage are also available. Tourists often need to walk for sightseeing in Kawagoe because the entire town is an attraction. Take a break at Kawagoe Onsen when you are tired.

10

There are many various festivals in Japan. Some people would get excited just by thinking about them. There must be many tourists who want to experience local festivals in each area. Kawagoe also has a traditional festival, “Kawagoe Matsuri [festival]”. By this traditional local event, the entire town gets so busy and filled with enthusiasm.

The sad point is that those kind of experiences are on offer only in festival season. However, at Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan, it is possible to feel the excitement all through a year. There are many things that relate to Kawagoe Festival such as displays of floats, photo corners, and so on. Fun place to experience a dynamic festival world.

What's not included

Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Available languages

Guide guide
JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3
3 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
3 reviews
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Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Japanese
  • Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air
  • Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
  • Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko
120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura
50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone
90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

  • Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
  • Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
  • Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
  • Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Childs
Age 6-11
0
Infants
Age 0-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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