Key Tour Highlights

Edo Castle’s Only Surviving Palace Rooms

Walk inside actual palace chambers where ancient Japanese shoguns lived, slept, and ruled. Explore the gorgeous Shoin guest hall, the birthplace chamber of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, and look up at a breathtaking ceiling adorned with hand-painted floral designs.

The Spiritual Power of Priest Tenkai

Learn how Kitain Temple grew into a massive spiritual and political stronghold because its chief priest, Tenkai, served as a deeply trusted, close political adviser to three consecutive shoguns of Japan.

Find Your Reflection Among the 500 Rakan

Wander through a quiet, enclosed courtyard to admire over 500 hand-carved stone statues of Buddha’s disciples. No two are alike—each exhibits a unique human expression, from joy and quiet laughter to deep, solemn meditation.

A Bustling Samurai-Era Merchant Town

Transition to the historic shopping district and experience a beautifully preserved merchant town bustling with traditional shops, street food eateries, and welcoming cafes. Walk past the double-story Kurazukuribuildings that make this area so lively.

Stand Beneath the Photogenic Time Bell Tower

Capture beautiful photos of the iconic wooden Time Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), a historic landmark that has stood over the old town since the early 1600 as a enduring symbol of the Kawagoe.

Why Choose This Tour?

The Ultimate Two-in-One Experience: Save time by combining Kawagoe’s two most historically significant zones—the Togukawa shogun family temple and the lively merchant old town—into a single, comfortable walkink tour.

Fascinating Shoguns Heritage: Stand in the very birthplace chamber of the third shogun Iemitsu and hear stories about the secret alliances, political rivalries, and medival lifestyle that shaped the destiny of old Japan.

Warm, Local Storytelling: Experience the town through the eyes of a passionate resident guide who loves sharing neighborhood folklore, hidden spots, and authentic recommendations.

Itinerary

Kitain Temple

We will walk through the centuries old Sanmon Gate, explore the peaceful main courtyard and visit the Main Hall of the temple. Founded in the year 830 AD, this historic site has stood as a spiritual pillar for nearly 1,200 years. Kitain rose to incredible religious and political prominence because its chief monk, Priest Tenkai, was a trusted adviser and key strategist to three consecutive shoguns of Japan. The guide will share the fascinating stories of his strong political bonds and how they shaped the destiny of Kawagoe.

Original Shogun’s Edo Castle Chambers

We will step inside the only surviving palace rooms of Tokyo’s historic Edo Castle. When a devastating fire swept through the Kitain temple in 1638, the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, ordered parts of his own Edo Castle residence to be dismantled and floated down the river to rebuild the temple complex. As we walk inside actual palace chambers where ancient Japanese shoguns lived, slept, and ruled, we will discover the beautifully preserved Shoin guest hall, look up at the stunning hand-painted floral ceiling of the shogun’s birthplace, and learn how the chief monk, Priest Tenkai, served as a trusted adviser to three consecutive shoguns.
(Edo Castle Remains & 500 Rakan – ¥400 Admission Fee)

The Courtyard of 500 Rakan Statues

Next, we step into a quiet, stone-walled courtyard to marvel at the famous Gohyaku Rakan—over 500 hand-carved stone statues of Buddha’s disciples. Carved by dedicated artisans over a span of 50 years in the late Edo period, no two of these expressive figures are identical. Some are laughing, some are whispering secrets, and others are lost in quiet contemplation.

Stroll through the Historic Old Town

We arrive in the historic heart of Little Edo on the legendary Kurazukuri Street. Here, you will step into a beautifully preserved, bustling samurai-era merchant town. The streets are alive with energy, traditional shops, active street food eateries, and cozy local cafes. Your guide will explain about its long and fascinating history, black-waaled fireproof architecture, point out unique traditional craft workshops, local sweets stores, and popular street food stands as we walk.

The Time Bell Tower (Toki no Kane)

You can take a photo in front of the towering wooden Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), the most photogenic and iconic symbol of Kawagoe. Standing proud at 16 meters (52 feet) tall, it is considered to be the tallest wooden bell tower in Japan. its bell has marked the daily rhythms of the town since the 1600.

Optional Tour Extensions

Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho)

Nostalgic Candy Alley is lined with about two dozen sweet shops, cheap toy stores and eateries. Here, you can discover traditional treats like Fugashi (giant, light-as-air brown sugar stick snacks), sweet potato treats, and many kinds of colorful hard candies. If our timing is just right, we can stop by two of the traditional candy-making shops where you can witness the captivating handmade process of making those small, beautifully designed candies.

Cost: ¥2000 per group flat rate (select as in “Extra” during checkout). 30 min