Welcome to
Kawagoe
Historic Kawagoe and Hikawa Shrine Walking Tour
- Duration2 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryCultural Tours, Historical Tours
Overview
Explore the captivating historical charm of Kawagoe on a 2-hour walking tour that combines the spiritual serenity of Hikawa Shrine with the vibrant atmosphere of Little Edo. Begin at the ancient Hikawa Shrine, where you’ll engage in traditional Shinto rituals like fishing for fortunes and purifying bad luck. Stroll through Kurazukuri Street, lined with beautifully preserved merchant buildings, and savor local snacks as you visit iconic landmarks like the Time Bell Tower. This family-friendly tour offers a personal touch with a knowledgeable local guide, ensuring a rich cultural experience for all ages.
– Immerse yourself in hands-on Shinto rituals at Hikawa Shrine
– Discover Kawagoe’s historic architecture and lively samurai-era merchant town
– Enjoy a leisurely pace suitable for families and strollers
– Expert resident local guide shares insights into Kawagoe’s history and culture
Gallery
What's included
Private, personalised guiding service for your party.
Licensed, professional local Kawagoe resident guide.
Personalized local restaurant, shopping, and cafe recommendations.
What's Not included
Food, drinks, street snacks, and personal souvenir shopping.
Local buses
Itinerary
With over 1,500 years of history, Hikawa Shrine is famous as a major destination for matchmaking, love, and good relationships. Founded in the 6th century, the shrine is dedicated to Shinto deities who are married couples, making it a popular spot for locals wishing for romance, marriage, and family harmony.nnThe shrine is highly interactive and famous for its unique local customs:nn- Fish for Your Fortune: Grab a small fishing rod and hook a colorful, fish-shaped fortune (called Tai Omikuji) out of a wooden tub to check your luck in love.nn- The Ema Tunnel: Walk through an impressive wooden corridor covered in thousands of hanging wooden prayer plaques (ema) left by visitors.nn- The Giant Torii Gate: Stand beneath one of Japan's largest wooden Shinto gates, which stands 15 meters tall.
Wander through Kawagoeu2019s breathtaking Old Town on a highly engaging private tour led by an expert local guide. Together, we will step behind the tourist facade to experience a rare, beautifully preserved historic streets that makes you feel as if youu2019ve slipped straight back into the samurai era. Unlike many historical sites, Kawagoeu2019s old town is alive with energy. We will walk past majestic, black-plastered merchant buildings, discover the fascinating history of the historic castle town, and find out the best local snack stands, unique souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and lunch spots so youu2019ll know exactly where to head for your afternoon of shopping, eating, and relaxing!
You can take a photo in front of the towering wooden Time Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), the most photogenic and iconic symbol of Kawagoe. Standing proud at 16 meters (52 feet) tall, it is considered to be the tallest wooden bell tower in Japan. its bell has marked the daily rhythms of the town since the 1600.
Weu2019ll take a short walk around Kumano Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine dedicated to warding off evil spirits, bringing happy relationships, and granting prosperity. It is home to the mythical three-legged crow, Yatagarasu, whom we believe offers divine guidance on lifeu2019s path. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can try walking down the barefoot Ashifumi Roadu2014a unique pathway paved with smooth river stones designed to stimulate your foot acupressure points for a quick health boost!
Letu2019s soak in the calm atmosphere of this peaceful Buddhist temple . On the temple porch, weu2019ll see Obinzuru-sama, a beautiful, hand-carved wooden statue of a disciple of Buddha. Local folklore says if you gently rub a part of Obinzuru-samau2019s body and then touch the corresponding spot on your own, your physical ailments will be miraculously healed.
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.