Kawagoe and Chichibu Day Trip, Japan | Departing from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Oedo Clock Tower, Hōdō Mountain, Chichibu Shrine, Tokyo Station
- Explore the historic Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and experience the traditional Japanese shrine culture and tranquil atmosphere.
- Wander through Kawagoe Koedo, experience the charm of the old streets from the Edo period, and admire the century-old historical landmark, the "Clock of Time".
- Climb Baoshan Mountain and enjoy the natural beauty of all four seasons: admire the flowers in spring and the maple leaves in autumn, and fully enjoy the mountain scenery. (Baoshan Mountain cable car ticket included)
- Enjoy exquisite sculptures and experience the profound historical and cultural heritage at Chichibu Shrine, which has a history of over 2,000 years.
- A day trip from Tokyo easily connects several popular attractions in Kawagoe and Chichibu, eliminating the hassle of complicated transportation.
Product Info
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Starting from Tokyo Station, embark on a one-day pilgrimage to Kawagoe and Chichibu, combining the ancient charm of Edo, shrine culture, and natural mountain scenery.
Next, we visited the Kawagoe Little Edo area, exploring the old streets and landscapes full of Edo-era charm. Strolling through the old town, we admired the traditional buildings that have been preserved to this day, and visited the iconic Kawagoe landmark, the "Clock of Time." The melodious chimes of the clock intertwined with the nostalgic street scene, as if traveling back in time to experience the prosperity of Kawagoe as a major commercial center in the past.
Next, head to Hōden Mountain in the Chichibu region to enjoy the natural beauty and leisurely time. Take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the Chichibu mountains, each season offering a different charm. Enjoy the blossoming flowers in spring and the autumn foliage; the magnificent mountain scenery and fresh air create a healing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Finally, visit Chichibu Shrine. This ancient shrine, with over a thousand years of history, is an important cultural symbol of the Chichibu region, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings and profound historical heritage. A visit to the shrine grounds allows you to appreciate traditional architectural art and experience the unique charm of Japanese shrine culture and local beliefs.
This route perfectly combines the historical charm of Kawagoe's Little Edo, the natural landscape of Chichibu, and the traditional shrine culture, allowing travelers to experience the most representative and diverse charms of Saitama in one day. It is a classic one-day tour option for easily exploring the suburbs from Tokyo.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine was founded approximately 1500 years ago during the Kofun period, in the second year of Emperor Kinmei's reign (541 AD). After the founding of Kawagoe Castle by Ota Michizane and his son Dokan in the first year of Chōroku during the Muromachi period (1457 AD), Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine served as the guardian deity of the castle and the supreme protector of the domain, receiving devout worship. Even during the Edo period, it continued to be highly valued and revered by successive lords of the Kawagoe Domain. The five deities enshrined at the shrine are all related by family, including two married couples, thus it has long been regarded as a shrine for praying for good marriages and is widely worshipped. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is one of Kawagoe's well-known love-themed energy spots, said to bring blessings for marital harmony, family peace, and successful marriages. Within the shrine grounds, 20 small stones carefully wrapped in hemp rope and blessed through prayer are distributed daily starting at 8:00 AM, and are very popular with visitors. Because Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine enshrines the deity who protects families, it is a popular destination for many people, in addition to wedding ceremonies, praying for safe childbirth, first-time visits, and blessings related to the Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese family ritual). Families whose prayers are accepted receive amulets, omamori (amulet items), or okonomiyaki (amulet slips). Whether praying for finding a partner or for the happiness and well-being of family members, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a worthwhile place to visit for blessings.
Kawagoe is known as "Little Edo" due to its rich history and unique streetscape. During the Edo period, Kawagoe flourished as a castle town, a vital center of commerce and culture, resulting in a cityscape that still retains a strong Edo-era atmosphere. Among these, the streets lined with numerous traditional Tibetan-style buildings still bear witness to their former prosperity. Strolling through them feels like stepping back in time to the Edo period. These buildings, originally designed for fire protection, are characterized by thick walls and small windows, showcasing the ingenuity of merchants in protecting their property and preventing fires. Furthermore, Kawagoe preserves historical buildings and cultural attractions dating back to the Edo period, such as the "Time Clock" and the "Hikari Shrine." These sites collectively contribute to the city's strong Edo-era atmosphere, making them popular tourist destinations. As a result, Kawagoe is widely known as "Little Edo," attracting numerous visitors to experience its charm. Exploring its history and culture here not only offers a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life but also provides a unique experience akin to stepping back into the Edo era.
The Clock of Time, a designated cultural property of Kawagoe City and one of the symbols of Kawagoe in the Edo period, has long served the important mission of telling time. Its chimes resound four times a day—at 6:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00—and was selected by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment in 1996 as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan You Want to Preserve." Standing approximately 16 meters tall, the Clock of Time stands out prominently against the backdrop of a traditionally charming streetscape. The current clock tower was rebuilt the year after the Kawagoe fire in 1893 (Meiji 26), but its origins can be traced back to 1627 (Kan'ei 4), making this long-standing clock an important cultural symbol of Kawagoe.
The Hōdō Ropeway connects the summit of Hōdō Mountain to its foothills. A 5-minute aerial ride offers breathtaking views of the beautiful natural scenery of the Nagatoro region. From the summit, you can not only admire the magnificent landscape of the Chichibu Mountains but also experience the changing charm of each season. Spring brings blooming plum and wintersweet blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant red leaves – each season presents a unique spectacle.
Hōden Mountain, located in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture, is a superb vantage point for panoramic views of the Chichibu Mountains and their natural beauty. Climbing to its approximately 497-meter summit offers breathtaking vistas, with clear skies revealing the majestic Mount Bukō, the Chichibu mountain range, and the ever-changing mountain scenery throughout the seasons. The summit offers different charms in each season: spring brings plum and cherry blossoms, painting the mountains with soft colors; summer provides lush greenery and refreshing breezes; autumn paints the mountains in vibrant red leaves; and winter offers clear, expansive mountain views and a tranquil atmosphere. Near the summit are Hōden Mountain Shrine's inner shrine, a small animal park, and gardens, making it a popular tourist destination combining nature, culture, and leisure. Standing atop the mountain and gazing at the surrounding mountains and the cityscape of Nagatoro, one can truly appreciate the grandeur and serenity of Chichibu's natural beauty.
Chichibu Shrine, nestled in the Osaka Forest in the heart of Chichibu City, is the main shrine of the Chichibu region and boasts a history of over two thousand years. The shrine enshrines four deities, including Yashinobu, considered the god of wisdom. Its main hall is designated an Important Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture. The Gongen-zukuri architectural complex, rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu, includes the main hall, the offering hall, and the worship hall. The most famous feature is the "Connecting Dragon," sculpted by the renowned craftsman Higashikata Jin'goro. Other exquisite sculptures, such as the "Child-Bearing Tiger" and the "Three Spirit Monkeys," are also popular with visitors. The shrine houses one of the oldest portable shrines in Saitama Prefecture and is designated a Prefectural Cultural Property. The annual grand festival, "Chichibu Night Festival," held on December 2nd and 3rd, is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is one of Japan's most famous traditional festivals. The Kawase Festival, also known as the Gion Festival, is a summer festival held annually on July 19th and 20th and is deeply loved by the local residents. The "Tenno-shrine erection ceremony," which begins at 7 pm on the 19th, is described as a traditional ritual full of mystery.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point & destination: Tokyo & Saitama
Trip duration: Same-day round trip
Transportation: Bus
Bus company name: Sanshin Trading Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation: None
Minimum group size: 7
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: Sanshin Trading Co., Ltd.
Address: 1-1-1 Jinmeiminami, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tokyo Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2, 7084
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Association (Regular Member)
Reminders
A minimum of 7 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Epilepsy, Pregnant women, Asthma, Acrophobia, Heart disease, High blood pressure
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please ensure that the phone number/APP contact information you provided is reachable during your trip to Japan. If you are unable to join the tour due to being unreachable, late, or other reasons, no refunds or compensation will be provided.
Vehicle type: Vehicles will be arranged according to the number of participants. For small groups, a driver will also serve as the accompanying staff to provide full-time tour services; no additional tour leader or guide will be provided. Some drivers/guides may use translation software to communicate with passengers; please be aware of this before booking. This product is a shared service, meaning you will be traveling with other passengers. Participants must adhere to the designated stop times at each attraction and cooperate with the tour leader or driver/guide's arrangements. For small groups of 7–14 people, the driver will also act as the guide; the driver will not disembark to accompany the group. For bus tours of 15–49 people, a private guide will be provided; actual arrangements will be adjusted based on the number of participants on the day of the tour.
This tour includes a complimentary ticket to the Baoshan Mountain Cable Car, which is not included in the tour price. If the visit is cancelled due to weather, traffic control, temporary closure of the scenic area, government announcements, force majeure, or adjustments to the itinerary by the travel agency, or if the visit is voluntarily cancelled by the traveler, it will be considered a voluntary waiver of the complimentary item. No refunds, cash rebates, or other compensation will be provided. We apologize for any inconvenience.
In the event of force majeure (including natural disasters, war, strikes, government bans, mechanical failures, traffic accidents, and other circumstances beyond the company's control) leading to trip cancellation before departure, the company will provide a full refund of the tour fee before departure. If the trip is interrupted on the departure day or during the trip due to the above reasons, the remaining tour fee will be refunded after deducting actual expenses incurred. No additional compensation claims will be accepted in such cases; any other losses or additional expenses incurred will be borne by the traveler. Return travel time may be delayed due to objective factors such as road conditions and weather on the day of the trip, especially during holidays when traffic congestion is more likely. The company will flexibly adjust the itinerary according to the actual situation, and the return time may be later than expected. If you need to take a night flight or connect to subsequent trips on the day of the trip, it is recommended to allow sufficient time to avoid affecting subsequent arrangements. No refunds or compensation will be provided for itinerary delays. Please be aware that passengers who need to catch a flight should carefully assess the situation before registering or make appropriate arrangements for subsequent trips.
The bus operates on a one-person-one-seat system to ensure the comfort and safety of every passenger. Seats cannot be reserved in advance. Depending on the actual bookings on the day, passengers of different genders may be seated next to each other; your understanding is appreciated. According to local Japanese regulations, children aged 3 and above also require a seat; therefore, children aged 3 and above will be charged the same fee as adults. If you are traveling with children, please inform customer service when placing your order. If you do not inform customer service in advance and have not paid the relevant fees, and the bus becomes overloaded due to children on the day of the tour, the tour guide has the right to refuse boarding to the child and accompanying parent in order to comply with local regulations and ensure the safety of all passengers. In this case, our company will not be held liable, and the fees already paid will not be refunded. Any additional losses incurred will be borne by the traveler. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Children and minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with full civil capacity. Travelers aged 70 and above are advised to be accompanied by family or friends and must sign a waiver on the day of departure. To ensure your safety and the rights of other group members, if you have a chronic illness, mobility impairment, or other special health conditions, please inform us truthfully at the time of registration so that we can make necessary arrangements and assistance in advance. Any expenses incurred due to special assistance required for the traveler's personal reasons must be borne by the traveler.
If you are carrying multiple pieces or large luggage, please inform us in advance. Each passenger is limited to one suitcase.
For the return trip, you can choose to disembark at Shinjuku or Tokyo. If passengers choose to disembark at Shinjuku, the bus will stop at the Shinjuku stop; otherwise, the bus will skip Shinjuku and proceed directly to the Tokyo Station stop. Return times are for reference only; actual arrival times may be earlier depending on smooth travel and good road conditions, or later due to traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Due to road conditions, congestion may occur along the route, causing drivers to exceed their working hours. In such cases, to comply with relevant regulations, the itinerary will be adjusted to end at Shinjuku Station and will not continue to Tokyo Station. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you need to take a night flight or connect to subsequent travel plans on the same day, it is recommended to allow sufficient time to avoid affecting your travel arrangements.
