This review continues our exploration of Japan. With the recent visa-free policy, there has been a surge of Thai tourists visiting Japan. We are eager to explore new cities beyond the typical tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Nagoya, and Hokkaido. It's worth noting that every city in Japan is easily accessible without the need for a tour guide.

On the morning of December 31st, before New Year's Eve, as expected, most shops in Tokyo were closed, preparing for the New Year's Eve celebrations. Therefore, our goal was to go outside the city. We opened the map and found an interesting city for this relaxing day, Kawagoe. Starting from Shinjuku Station, we took the Saikyo Line Rapid, which is similar to the Airport Link in our country but longer and more modern. The train to Kawagoe takes almost an hour from Tokyo. However, if you are staying near Ikebukuro, you can take a direct train to Kawagoe, which takes only half an hour.

Kawagoe is located west of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture. The city is famous for its "Candy Street," which is lined with various confectionery shops. However, most tourists are interested in experiencing the city's vintage atmosphere, which preserves the cityscape of early Edo period (300 years ago). While Tokyo has undergone significant modernization, Kawagoe has retained its old buildings, earning it the nickname "Koedo" or "Little Edo." Edo was the former name of Tokyo until the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868 (the year King Chulalongkorn ascended the throne in Thailand).

The nearest JR station is Kawagoe Station. Exiting from the north side of the station, you will find a street and houses. You can walk freely until you reach another station, Hon-Kawagoe Station. This station is a bit closer and is on the Seibu Line. You can get to both stations from Shinjuku. If you see this station, walk straight ahead and you will reach the Kurazukuri Street, the old commercial district of the city, which is our destination this time.

Kawagoe, strategically located between the ancient capital of Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo), the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, has been a significant city since antiquity. During the Momoyama period under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the renowned builder of Osaka Castle, Kawagoe had its own local lord. Following Hideyoshi's victory over the Hojo clan, who held sway over Edo, he bestowed the vacant territory near Kawagoe to his vassal Sakai Shigetada, who became the feudal lord of the region. Until the Meiji Restoration, Kawagoe flourished as a major commercial hub surrounding Tokyo.

The city's prominent landmark is the bell tower, or fire watchtower, constructed by Sakai Tadakatsu, a prominent figure in the Bakufu government. However, the original bell tower was destroyed in a major fire in 1893. The current bell tower, which stands today, was rebuilt over a century ago, replacing the original structure that had stood for more than four hundred years. Adjacent to the bell tower is a small alleyway called Kashiya Yokocho, or Sweets Alley, where traditional and modern confectionery shops compete for the attention of tourists captivated by the aesthetic appeal (though perhaps not the exquisite taste) of Japanese sweets, particularly sweet potatoes.

Kurazukuri: A Glimpse into Edo's Vintage Charm

Kurazukuri, meaning "storehouse construction," refers to a street lined with rows of gray-brick warehouses, a testament to Edo's (present-day Tokyo) architectural heritage. This unique style emerged as a response to frequent fires that ravaged the city. Unlike Kyoto, which favored wooden structures, Edo opted for fire-resistant brick, ensuring the safekeeping of goods arriving in the capital. Today, only a third of the original Kurazukuri district remains, offering visitors a glimpse into the vintage charm of Edo.

Stroll through the charming streets of Kawagoe, savoring the authentic matcha latte and indulging in the unique bitterness of yakitori, grilled chicken skewers. As the day draws to a close, bid farewell to this enchanting town and return to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Your intended two-hour visit to Kawagoe transforms into a half-day escapade, embracing the crisp winter air and lingering until the evening hours. As shops begin to shutter their doors, make your way back towards Kawagoe Station. Along the Kurazukuri Street, discover the expansive CREA Mall, a shopping haven stretching nearly a kilometer. Explore the diverse offerings, including items that may be sold out in Tokyo. Discover the coveted white Adidas sneakers, a favorite among Korean pop culture enthusiasts, readily available at reasonable prices. However, duty-free shops are scarce in this charming town.

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