Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa
Kawagoe Pudding (川越プリン) is the first pudding specialist from Kawagoe. Its logo, Toki no Kane Clock on a plate, makes it really clear where the pudding was made. After iterating through many cycles of trial and error with premium-grade ingredients, such as the highest quality Madagascar vanilla beans, the shop finally landed upon a recipe […]
Kawagoe Pudding: The Must-Try Pudding Shop in Kawagoe Read More »
A must-try traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Kawagoe is Kameya (亀屋). It was established in 1783 and was chosen as a dedicated sweets maker for the lord of the Kawagoe Domain. As you can imagine, the highly regarded confectionery maker had earned a fortune. So in 1894, the fifth owner of the shop spent a
Kameya: The Top Traditional Confectionery Maker in Kawagoe Read More »
If you like beer, the best spot in Kawagoe to enjoy the locally brewed COEDO Beer (COEDOビール) is Kawagoe Art Cafe Elevato (川越アートカフェ エレバート). But even if you don’t like alcohol, the cafe in the history-rich building is a great place for a break from exploring the traditional township. The desserts, such as the sweet
Kawagoe Art Cafe Elevato: The Place to Enjoy COEDO Beer Read More »
While Kawagoe has many mouthwatering restaurants and cafes, most are not vegan-friendly. But don’t be too disappointed! Not far from the town’s landmark, Toki no Kane Clock, there is a long-established traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant called Kawagoe Kou Sushi (川越 幸すし) that offers a few vegan options. It can also accommodate both gluten-free and halal
Kawagoe Kou Sushi and Its Amazing Vegan Set Menu Read More »
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) is arguably the most famous and popular shrine in Kawagoe. The old shrine, more than 1,500 years old, is where the locals pray for marriage ties. In addition to the normal things you would do at a Japanese shrine, such as writing wishes on the back of an ema plaque, there
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – The Must-Visit Attraction in Kawagoe Read More »
If you are an aviation buff, the 50-hectare Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park (所沢航空記念公園) in Tokorozawa City is a spot of your interest! The Tokorozawa Aviation Museum is where you can get close to an aircraft and better understand the aviation industry. In addition, the vast park built on the site of Japan’s first official airfield
A Guide to What to Do at Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park Read More »
If you are a fan of Ghibli’s movie My Neighbor Totoro and the beauty of Japanese nature, the Totoro Forest (トトロの森) in Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture is a destination that you don’t want to miss! Just one hour from Shinjuku by train, you will be immersed in Mother Nature’s generosity. A deep forest with beautiful lakes, a vast
Ghibli Fan’s Must-Visit Spot: Totoro Forest and Kurosuke’s House Read More »
If you have a car and plan to visit Tokorozawa in late spring or autumn, visit Tamon-in (多聞院). The temple is a renowned spot for peony and the beautiful fall foliage. Besides the natural scenery, pilgrims can enjoy a couple of fun rituals. In addition, it is a temple filled with tiger elements!
Tamon-in Temple and the Cute Tiger Figure-Covered Precinct Read More »
Renkeiji (蓮馨寺) is the temple in Kawagoe closest to Taishō Roman Yume-dōri. It is close to the street’s popular udon restaurant, Udon Tsumugi. The temple has a serene atmosphere and is rich in history. Since its establishment in the mid-16th century, the locals would go there and pray for various things, especially child-related matters, such
Renkeiji: A Temple to Pray for Child-Related Matters in Kawagoe Read More »
Kawagoe Hachimangū Shrine (川越八幡宮), the most prominent Hachimangū shrine in Kawagoe City, was erected over 1,000 years ago. Among more than 200 shrines in the city, it is the only one with Kawagoe in its name. Despite its location, Kawagoe Hachimangū is quiet and serene compared to other shrines in the historical township. So if
Kawagoe Hachimangū – The Spot to Swap Bad Luck for Happiness Read More »
