Kawagoe Warehouse District

Kawagoe’s Warehouse District (蔵造りの町並み, Kurazukuri no Machinami) is one of the city’s most iconic areas, offering a scenic stroll through streets lined with traditional clay-walled warehouses known as Kurazukuri. Built with thick, fire-resistant walls to safeguard valuable goods, these sturdy structures reflect the prosperity of merchants who thrived during the Edo Period through trade with Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Today, many of these historic buildings have been repurposed into cafés, souvenir shops, and local eateries, blending history with modern charm along Kurazukuri Street.

Just around the corner, the Bell Tower (Toki no Kane)—a beloved symbol of Kawagoe—chimes several times a day, enhancing the district’s nostalgic atmosphere. A short walk away, Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho) tempts visitors with retro Japanese sweets sold in cozy, traditional shops. Between the Warehouse District and Hon-Kawagoe Station lies Taisho-roman Street, known for its early 20th-century architecture and romantic flair. In October, the area bursts into life during the Kawagoe Festival, a vibrant celebration featuring ornate floats and traditional performances. For visitors coming in other seasons, the nearby Festival Museum offers an immersive glimpse into the spirit of this treasured local tradition.