Trip to Kawagoe

June 27, 2008 on 6:47 pm | In Travel | | Email This Post

Lots of posts on Kawagoe!

This was one of my last trips before I left Japan back in May.

This time I’m posting some pictures of the traditional architecture there known as Kurazukuri.

In the background of this picture you can see the famous Tokino Kane (Bell Tower). It is believed to have been built by Sakai Tadakatsu (1587-1662), who was the third lord of Kawagoe Castle. Like many old structures in Japan, this is a reconstruction. The original tower burned down in 1893. The bell still rings four times a day. Most of this information I am getting from the tourist pamphlet that was handed out near the station!

The picture above is an example of the Kurazukuri. Kurazukuri refers to homes that are built in the same style as traditional fire-resistant storehouses. The lower level was used as a shop, and the shop owners lived upstairs. There are also some Western style buildings in the town as well, you can see one that is on picture above this one on the left side. Sorry for the cut off shot, wasn’t really aiming for those!

The weather was great. Love that blue sky!

If you want to know more about things to do and eat in this day-trip-from-Tokyo getaway, check out the following blog entries:

The recent Unagi feast in Kawagoe…

The unique 500 Statues of Rakan…

And from last year, Kawagoe Matsuri.

Enjoy!

- Harvey

Related Posts... (in theory)   Kawagoe - 500 Statues of Rakan    Kawagoe Matsuri in Saitama    Unagi in Kawagoe  

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  1. Gravatar

    Wow! This is crazy nostalgic for me. One of my first trips outside of Tokyo was to Kawagoe. I called it “Purple Potato Town” because my Japanese was crappy and I was trying to be hip. (Ha ha. Failed.) Man, good memories. Thanks for sharing!

    Comment by Deas — June 28, 2008 #

  2. Gravatar

    One of my favorite places in all of Japan. I lived for sometime in Sayama city a few stops away from Kawagoe on the Seibu Shinjuku line and would often go to Kitain and Kurazukuri row to check out what was going on there. I have to recommend the Kawagoe Matsuri museum which is on Kurazukuri row. It is a great little museum with lots of interesting information about the festival and the dashi that are the main attraction. Don’t forget to go down Confectionery row (Kashi-ya yokocho) as well!

    Comment by Jordan — July 3, 2008 #

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