9:15 AM, Kawagoe Station – Greeted by Sweet Potatoes
When I arrived at Kawagoe Station at 9:15 in the morning, I was in for a sweet surprise. Stepping onto the platform, I noticed the lines marking where to wait—each one shaped like a sweet potato! I couldn’t help but laugh. They even had little “feet” drawn on the potatoes, like they were standing there to guide passengers. “So, this is the kind of playful humor Kawagoe is known for,” I thought, feeling my excitement rise for the day ahead.
Honestly, unexpected detours are the best part of traveling. Funny enough, until this morning, I didn’t even know there was a “Hon-Kawagoe” station—I found out only after stopping at a shaved ice shop somewhere between Kawagoe Station and Hikawa Shrine. I kind of wished I’d researched a bit more before setting out, but hey, sometimes you just have to roll with it. Starting from Kawagoe Station, I wandered through the shopping street, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and noticing little shops and details I might have missed otherwise. Those “off-plan” moments? Definitely not a bad thing.
Summer Stroll in Kawagoe, with a Brief Shaved Ice Break
At the end of the shopping street (getting closer to Hikawa Shrine, and wow, it was hot!), I spotted a shaved ice spot and my inner voice was screaming, “You HAVE to have one!” I asked for mine without the usual milk topping (not really my style, honestly), and that first bite of ice—so refreshing, it practically brought me back to life. Reenergized, I was ready to keep going.
10:20 AM – Welcome to the Little Edo District
Then, after a couple of quick breaks, I finally reached the famous Koedo (“Little Edo”) district at the end of the shopping street’s T-junction. The vibe was exactly like you see on TV— lively, and full of character. I wanted to check out every shop, but with limited time, I had to keep it moving.
For the kids, I grabbed some panda-themed kushidango (grilled rice dumplings) and some candy cans that came with a fortune slip—both of them got “Great Blessing” and “Blessing” fortunes, as if the universe was cheering us on, haha!
Narrow Streets Near Hikawa Shrine
Approaching Hikawa Shrine, the sidewalks got narrower and narrower, almost disappearing. Honestly, walking got a bit tricky, especially with buses passing by. “Maybe I should have just taken the bus,” I thought, but hey, I made it by around 11:00. The walk from the station was definitely longer than I’d expected.
Wind Chimes and a Sacred Atmosphere at Hikawa Shrine
My main goal? Catching a glimpse of the shrine’s summer-exclusive wind chimes. The gentle, soothing sound was like a mental reset, melting away the daily fatigue. But more than that, what really struck me was this huge tree and the quiet, almost sacred mood—even with all the people around, the air felt peaceful and reverent. (I wish I could capture that feeling with words… but just know, it was special.) Definitely not something you experience at your local shrine back home.
The Magic of the One-Day Pass
A word of travel advice: Kawagoe is bigger than I thought! If I visit again, I’d definitely use one of those handy “Koedo Meguri Bus” or “Koedo Shuttle Bus” passes. They let you hop on and off as much as you like for around 400–600 yen (adults) or 200–300 yen (kids)—you can get them on the bus, at the station’s info center, or at some convenience stores. Even if you make a detour (like, say, starting at the wrong station), the buses are there to save the day, running about every 30 minutes. It’s a real lifesaver on hot or crowded days, or when you want to save your energy for exploring.
Check out the official sites of Tobu Bus West’s Kawagoe Office or Eagle Bus if you want the full details.
The Walk Back
In the end, I walked all the way back to the station. I’ll admit, I was pretty tired! I wanted to check my step count, but back at home, I totally forgot. In the end, how many steps did I actually take? Who knows! But honestly, every detour and little misstep is just part of the memories.
Sometimes, it’s the walking that makes the trip. But next time, I’ll mix it up—walking, hopping on the bus, taking detours, and just going with the flow. Kawagoe in the summer? Absolutely wonderful!
If you’d like a slightly shorter or more conversational (“blog post” style) version, just let me know! Also, if you want to highlight any aspect—like your interest in Japanese cultural spots, sweets, or tips for fellow travelers—I can tweak it to match your blog’s tone even more.
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