Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Kawagoe When Renting a Kimono in Spring

Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo,” is beloved by many as a popular destination. Along with Chichibu and Nagatoro, it is recognized as one of Saitama’s representative tourist spots.

There are various ways to enjoy your visit, and one of them is exploring Kawagoe while dressed in traditional kimono.

If you’ve experienced spring in Kawagoe and are wondering where to go next, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll introduce several must-visit sightseeing spots when you rent a kimono in spring at Lika Kimono Rental Kawagoe Store.

* This article is supervised and created by TripFarm Co., Ltd., the company operating Lika Kimono Rental Kawagoe Store.

Is Kawagoe Crowded with Tourists in Spring?

Kawagoe itself attracts numerous tourists every year, not only in spring but also during summer, autumn, and winter.

First, let’s talk about the number of tourists visiting Kawagoe.

Kawagoe City’s Tourist Numbers for Reiwa Year 4

In Reiwa Year 4, Kawagoe City had approximately 5,509,000 visitors.

Some may find this number surprisingly high. Here is the breakdown of tourist numbers for each month:

130,247219,808

	Tourist Numbers in Kawagoe City for Each Month
January	447,047
February	278,656
March	363,748
April	363,576
May	456,735
June	334,850
July	533,181
August	495,700
September	386,116
October	1,010,514
November	436,834
December	402,342
Total	5,509,299
July	111,917	118,050	229,967
August	113,375	157,884	271,259
September	129,081	128,972	258,053
October	145,154	116,662	261,816
November	131,069	146,557	277,626
December	97,772	131,338	229,110

In March and April, the number of visitors exceeded 100,000 not only on holidays but also on weekdays. Events such as the Kawagoe Festival, Kawagoe Hyakuman Akari Summer Festival, and Kawagoe Industry Festival contribute to variations in tourist numbers.

It’s essential to plan your sightseeing routes with the consideration that Kawagoe may be crowded with tourists, not only in spring but throughout the year.

International Visitors

Kawagoe attracts a significant number of international visitors. In Reiwa Year 4, the number of foreign tourists who visited Kawagoe City was 99,000.

The trend of international visitors to Kawagoe City is as follows:

	Kawagoe City’s International Visitor Numbers
2011	25,000
2012	46,000
2013	45,000
2014	77,000
2015	119,000
2016	171,000
2017	197,000
2018	279,000
2019	313,000
2020	39,000

Due to the impact of infectious diseases, the number of cases in 2020 has significantly decreased compared to 2019.
From 2011 to 2019, the number of cases continued to increase, and there were years with over 300,000 cases.

In the 4th year of Reiwa, the number of tourists from overseas using the Kawagoe City Tourist Information Office is as follows:

	Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Office	Hon-Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Office	Nakamachi Tourist Information Office
January	67	24	0
February	66	4	6
March	104	21	29
April	138	14	14
May	139	60	38
June	120	24	22
July	155	167	20
August	206	160	20
September	229	82	28
October	535	183	70
November	902	260	160
December	1,451	443	192
Total	4,112	1,442	599

Depending on the season, the number of visitors varies.
From July onwards, it exceeds 300 people.

In November and December, it is characteristic that it exceeds 1,000 people.
It attracts interest from various countries including the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Crowdedness of Kawagoe’s Kimono Rental Shops in Spring

In March and April, many tourists use kimono rental shops in Kawagoe.
From March 13th to March 24th, it gets crowded, so if you are planning to visit Kawagoe for spring vacation or graduation, please be cautious.

There is no guarantee that you can rent a kimono on the day itself.

Spring is the season for cherry blossom viewing.
We recommend making reservations in advance and enjoying the streets of Kawagoe.

We recommend adjusting your schedule with some flexibility.

Recommended Sightseeing Courses in Kawagoe in Spring

You may be wondering where to visit to enjoy spring in Kawagoe.
With many attractive tourist spots, planning your route is part of the fun.
Create your own sightseeing course and make the best memories.

Lastly, we introduce recommended sightseeing courses for spring in Kawagoe.
If you are interested, please refer to it.

Kimono Rental Lika Kawagoe Store

Many visitors to Kawagoe use Kimono Rental Lika Kawagoe Store every year.

There are also branches in Asakusa, Kamakura, and Kyoto, so some may have experience renting kimonos from Lika Kimono before.

It is located just a 2-minute walk from Seibu Railway Hon-Kawagoe Station.

If you plan to visit Kawagoe from Tobu Railway Kawagoe-shi Station or JR Kawagoe Station, please be aware that it may take more time compared to Seibu Railway Hon-Kawagoe Station.

Choosing the right public transportation is also important when exploring spring in Kawagoe.

Located just a 7-minute walk from Kurazori Street and Taisho Roman Yume Street, it has a convenient location. If you are considering renting a kimono in Kawagoe, we recommend checking out Rental Kimono Lika Kawagoe Store.

With nearly 300 kimonos available, you can find your favorite among the wide selection, which is one of the charms of Rental Kimono Lika Kawagoe Store.

Depending on the plan, you can also enjoy hair set services.
Additionally, you can rent small accessories to customize your look as you like.

Here are the provided plans:

1. Kawagoe Kimono and Yukata Rental with Hair Set Student Discount Plan
2. Kawagoe Kimono and Yukata with Hair Set Plan
3. Kawagoe Kimono and Yukata Couple Plan
4. Kawagoe Kimono and Yukata Basic Plan
5. Kawagoe Hakama with Hair Set Plan
6. Kawagoe Kimono and Yukata Men’s Plan

Plans are available for students and couples.

Keep in mind that there are price differences between rental plans, and adding small accessories costs an additional 500 yen per item.

Once you’ve rented your favorite kimono, enjoy exploring the streets of Kawagoe to the fullest before your return time.

Be aware that late fees may apply if you don’t return it on time.

Warehouse-style Streets

If you plan to explore Kawagoe, you can’t miss the warehouse-style streets. It’s a famous tourist spot designated as one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Historic Landscapes and a National Important Traditional Building Preservation District.

There are many shops lining the streets where you can enjoy meals and shopping. With picturesque locations and delicious food, capturing a memorable Instagram-worthy photo to share with others is one of the joys of visiting here.

If you have any specific shops in mind, it’s important to check their operating hours and plan your sightseeing accordingly. Some shops may have regular closing days, so keep that in mind.

Toki no Kane (Time Bell)

The Toki no Kane (Time Bell) is a well-known tourist spot in Kawagoe. When people hear “Kawagoe,” they often think of the Toki no Kane. It has been a symbol of Kawagoe since the early Edo period and is also designated as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan” that people want to preserve.

Depending on the time of day, you can listen to the bell’s chimes. The bell rings at the following times:

1. 6:00 AM
2. 12:00 PM
3. 3:00 PM
4. 6:00 PM

When renting a kimono at Rental Kimono Lika Kawagoe Store, consider the Toki no Kane’s chime times as well. You may even choose to listen to the bell’s chimes before renting. Capturing a photo with the Toki no Kane as a Kawagoe memento is also an enjoyable experience. Depending on the day, you might capture an unexpected shot.

Saitama Resona Bank Kawagoe Branch

In addition to the warehouse-style streets, you’ll also find Western-style buildings like the Saitama Resona Bank Kawagoe Branch. Built in 1918, this bank has a long history.

If you want to capture even more Kawagoe memories, consider taking a photo in front of this Western-style building. Choosing a kimono that complements the Western architecture is part of the charm when renting a kimono in Kawagoe.

Hikawa Shrine

Hikawa Shrine is famous for its enshrined deity who is believed to bring good luck in relationships and domestic harmony. You can also enjoy “aiai-taishi omikuji,” which are fortune-telling slips shaped like sea bream. These omikuji often include information about the timing of meetings and compatibility with others, making them quite unique.

Depending on the season, you can draw omikuji of different colors. The sacred tree that is said to bring happiness and good relationships, known as “the couple’s zelkova,” is a sight to behold. It consists of two zelkova trees growing side by side.

Moreover, there are various amulets available for sale, so consider getting one as a memento of your visit. They also offer “enmusubi tama” (good-luck charms for matchmaking), limited to 20 per day, in the morning. If you’re interested, it’s recommended to line up for them before renting a kimono.

After your visit, you can take a break at the “Musubi Café” located inside the Hikawa Hall wedding venue. Enjoy some tea and engage in pleasant conversation while resting.

Taisho Roman Yume Street

After enjoying Hikawa Shrine, why not take a stroll down Taisho Roman Yume Street? There, you’ll find several shops and buildings dating back to the Taisho and Showa eras.

If you’ve developed an interest in the early 20th century through manga or other means, this street is highly recommended. Capturing yourself in a kimono against the backdrop of buildings that exude the atmosphere of the Taisho era is another enjoyable way to experience spring in Kawagoe.

Enjoying Kawagoe’s Spring in Your Favorite Kimono

Wearing your favorite kimono and enjoying various activities, shops, scenery, and shrine visits is the charm of spring in Kawagoe. Depending on the timing, you might even get to enjoy cherry blossoms.

From the Toki no Kane (Time Bell) to numerous other appealing tourist spots, Kawagoe has a lot to offer.

Planning your own sightseeing route is also part of the experience when visiting spring Kawagoe. Consider the return time for your kimono rental and decide where to go.

Keep in mind that the crowd levels at kimono rental shops may vary depending on the day, so be prepared.

If you’re planning to enjoy springtime in Kawagoe with a kimono for events like spring break or graduation trips, we recommend making reservations as early as possible.

About the Author

Rikawafuku Kimono Kawagoe Store
(Operated by TripFarm Corporation)
〒350-0043
1-3-5 Shin-Tomi-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Actree Kawagoe 7F
2 minutes walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Hon-Kawagoe Station”
9 minutes walk from Tobu Tojo Line “Kawagoe-shi Station”

1. List of Kimono and Yukata Rental Plans in Kawagoe