From Tokyo, it takes as little as about 30 minutes to reach Kawagoe in Saitama, known as “Little Edo.” In addition to classic day-trip attractions such as the Kurazukuri Old Town, Toki no Kane Bell Tower, Kashiya Yokocho, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and Kitain Temple, visitors can also rent a kimono and enjoy eel rice and sweet potato desserts. This guide covers transportation from Tokyo to Kawagoe, recommended one-day itineraries, food, seasonal events, and accommodation to help you plan your trip with ease.
Author: Gentle Evening Breeze
Lake Suwa, Nagano Guide: Lake Fireworks, Your Name-Inspired Scenery, Suwa Taisha Shrine, Hot Springs, and Transportation
Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, is surrounded by mountains, with Kamisuwa Onsen along its shore and different scenery in every season. In summer, visitors can enjoy fireworks over the lake; in winter, they can discover the legend of Omiwatari. The panoramic lake view from Tateishi Park has also attracted attention because of its resemblance to Lake Itomori in Your Name. Kamisuwa Station can be reached from Shinjuku by limited express in about 2 hours, making Lake Suwa ideal for either a day trip or a hot-spring getaway. This guide introduces the area's attractions, fireworks, transportation, and more.
Tokyo Nezu Shrine Guide: Senbon Torii Gates, Azalea Festival, Annual Grand Festival, Omamori, and Goshuin
Nezu Shrine, one of the Tokyo Ten Shrines, is home to seven Gongen-zukuri shrine buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Thousand Torii Gates at Otome Inari Shrine and the Bunkyo Azalea Festival in April are must-see highlights, and the shrine is also an essential stop on a Yanesen walking tour. This guide covers Nezu Shrine's top sights, sacred items, seasonal events, and more.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Guide: Yatagarasu, Money-Washing, White Snake Blessings, Omamori, and Goshuin
When visiting Kawagoe, besides exploring the Kurazukuri Old Town and seeing the Toki no Kane Bell Tower, don't forget to add Kawagoe Kumano Shrine to your itinerary. It is only about a 5-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station and offers a spiritual atmosphere filled with many unusual and interactive ways to worship. Let's take a look at what makes Kawagoe Kumano Shrine worth visiting.
Kasai Rinkai Park Guide: Aquarium, Ferris Wheel, Tokyo Bay Sunset, and Seasonal Flowers
Located on the shores of Tokyo Bay, “Kasai Rinkai Park” is a hugely popular metropolitan park near Tokyo Disney Resort. This guide introduces the park's main attractions, including Tokyo Sea Life Park, the giant Ferris wheel, and the observation deck, along with seasonal scenery, transportation, and dining information to help you easily plan a fulfilling trip along Tokyo Bay.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Guide: Enmusubi Power Spot, Marriage Stones, Omamori, Omikuji, Worship, and Transportation
Located in Kawagoe, the charming “Little Edo,” Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine has a history of about 1,500 years and is one of Japan's most popular places for prayers related to love and relationships. The shrine enshrines two divine married couples and has long been famous for blessings of matchmaking, marital harmony, and family happiness. This guide brings together practical worship and transportation information, must-see highlights, distinctive shrine items, different ways to pray for good relationships, the romantic summer “Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival,” and recommended nearby attractions.
Kotoku-in Temple Guide: Great Buddha of Kamakura History, Tickets, Transportation, Interior Viewing, and Nearby Attractions
A must-visit Kamakura landmark, the Great Buddha of Kamakura sits outdoors at Kotoku-in Temple. Standing 11.3 meters tall and weighing about 121 tons, it is the only Buddhist statue in Kamakura City designated as a National Treasure. This guide covers the history of the Great Buddha, must-see highlights, the unique interior viewing experience, ticket information, transportation, and nearby attractions to help travelers plan an easy and memorable Kamakura trip!
Ueno Toshogu Shrine Guide: Shoryu Omamori, Goshuin, Peony Garden Tickets, and Transportation
Located in Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a famous shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and is known for its dazzling “Golden Hall” and the Rising Dragon carving on the Karamon Gate. It is within walking distance of Ueno Station, making it easy to combine with Ueno Zoo and Ameyoko Shopping Street. This guide covers visiting tips, seasonal scenery, and practical information to help you explore this Edo-period heritage site with ease!
Yamanashi Travel Guide: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai, and Mount Fuji Highlights
Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the best places to admire Mount Fuji, and popular attractions such as Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and Oshino Hakkai are all located here. From spectacular natural scenery and hot spring ryokan to Fuji-Q Highland, Yamanashi is ideal for families, couples, road trippers, and photography lovers. This guide covers Yamanashi attractions, accommodation, transportation, food, and recommended itineraries, giving you all the key information you need for an independent Mount Fuji trip.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka Guide: Transportation, Ticket Booking, and Must-See Highlights
Hayao Miyazaki's animated films are probably cherished memories shared by both adults and children, aren't they? The “Ghibli Museum, Mitaka” (Ghibli Museum, Mitaka) in the suburbs of Tokyo has long been one of the must-visit attractions for travelers exploring Tokyo independently. This time, follow our reporter as we make a pilgrimage to this magical museum!