Kawagoe City Museum

Kawagoe City Museum (川越市立博物館, Kawagoe Shiritsu Hakubutsukan) takes you on a journey through Kawagoe’s rich history, from ancient times to the present day. Through real artifacts, full-scale models, and excavated relics, the museum illustrates how the city evolved over the centuries. A standout exhibit is the kurazukuri (warehouse-style) construction model, which shows how the thick walls of traditional buildings were built. Another highlight is a detailed model of the old castle town, revealing how Kawagoe developed over time.

The museum also explores Kawagoe’s growing connection to Edo (now Tokyo) in the 17th century, which led to its nickname “Little Edo.” Right next door is the Kawagoe City Art Museum, which features modern and contemporary works by artists connected to the city. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year, offering visitors fresh perspectives on local and diverse styles of Japanese art.