🚉 [90 Minutes from Tokyo] Retro Kawagoe: Street Food, Kimono Stroll & Chiikawa Treats

A charming half-day trip full of flavor, culture, and cute surprises!

Looking for a quick getaway from Tokyo that’s packed with culture, food, and Instagram-worthy spots?
Just 90 minutes from central Tokyo lies Kawagoe, affectionately known as “Little Edo” for its well-preserved historical streets and traditional architecture.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to enjoy a half-day trip to Kawagoe, featuring:
👘 Kimono rental and strolls through Edo-style streets
🍡 Delicious street food you can eat as you walk
🐰 Chiikawa Mogumogu Honpo — a must-visit for fans!
📷 Photo spots that feel like a time slip

🗺 Suggested Itinerary (Approx. 3–4 hours)

Arrive at Kawagoe or Hon-Kawagoe Station
Kimono rental & quick transformation
Explore the historic district with tasty street food
Visit Chiikawa Mogumogu Honpo for cute snacks & goodies
Snap photos at famous landmarks
Relax at a traditional cafe before heading back

👘 1. Start by Dressing Up in a Kimono

Immerse yourself in the Edo-period atmosphere by renting a kimono!
There are plenty of rental shops near the station and the Kurazukuri (warehouse) district offering full styling and accessories.

🎀 Recommended Kimono Rental Shops:

VASARA Kawagoe – Just 3 min from the station, with a wide range of plans and couple sets.
Kawagoe Kimono Rental Koto – Popular for its retro-modern kimono styles, great for photos!

🍠 2. Taste Your Way Through the Streets of Kawagoe

As you stroll through the historic streets in your kimono, be sure to sample some of Kawagoe’s signature snacks!

🍢 Must-Try Street Food:

Imo Koi (Yam-filled steamed bun) – A warm combo of sweet potato and red bean.
Toki no Kane-yaki – Coin-shaped pancakes with custard or cream cheese.
Koedo Osatsu-an – Giant spiral-cut sweet potato chips, perfect for Instagram!
Nekomamma Grilled Onigiri – From a traditional dried bonito shop. Fragrant and savory!
Kurano Machi Coffee – Sip coffee while watching the world go by.

🐰 3. Stop by Chiikawa Mogumogu Honpo – Kawagoe’s Kawaii Hotspot!

One of the latest must-visit shops in Kawagoe is Chiikawa Mogumogu Honpo — a themed store dedicated to the adorable Chiikawa characters like Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi.

🍡 What You’ll Find:

Chiikawa-yaki – Imagawayaki-style warm sweet buns with cute character faces
Dango skewers – Adorably decorated and super photogenic
Exclusive merchandise – From chopsticks to keychains, only available here!

Wear your kimono and pose with your Chiikawa treats — it’s a winning combination for social media!

📍 Location: 2-9-2 Motomachi, Kawagoe (1-minute walk from Toki no Kane)
🕙 Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Check their Instagram for latest updates)

📷 4. Best Photo Spots in Kawagoe

Toki no Kane (Bell Tower) – Iconic symbol of Kawagoe
Kurazukuri Street – Historic warehouses with Edo-period charm
Taisho Roman Yume-dori – Retro-style shopping street
Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane) – Colorful, nostalgic, and playful

🍵 5. Unwind with Traditional Japanese Sweets at a Retro Café

After walking around and filling up on treats, rest your feet at one of Kawagoe’s cozy cafés.

Recommended Cafés:

Akariya – A restored old home serving sweet potato parfaits and seasonal desserts
Kawagoe Akariya – Traditional sweets like zenzai and matcha
Hikawa Shrine Café – Relax with lucky-themed sweets and drinks

🚃 Access Info

From Ikebukuro: Take the Tobu Tojo Line (Express) to Kawagoe Station (~60 min)
From Shinjuku: Take the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hon-Kawagoe Station (~70 min)
To the historic district: 15–20 min walk from the station (or take a loop bus)

✨ Final Thoughts: The Perfect Day Trip for Retro-Lovers & Chiikawa Fans

Whether you’re into cute characters, old-town charm, or authentic Japanese food, Kawagoe delivers a beautiful blend of past and present.

From wearing a kimono and strolling through Edo-style streets to munching on Chiikawa-shaped sweets — it’s a delightful half-day escape that feels like a mini vacation.

📸 Don’t forget your camera — you’ll want to capture every moment!