Our 15 Favorite Kawagoe Tours & Experiences

Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo,” offers a charming glimpse into Japan’s past with its well-preserved warehouses, historic streets, and local crafts. But beyond just wandering around, this city is a hub for immersive experiences that deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. Whether it’s tasting premium eel cuisine (Tour #1) or dressing in a traditional kimono (Tour #4), Kawagoe’s tours are designed for travelers eager to go beyond the usual photos and souvenirs. One thing we especially like is the Kawagoe Japanese Food Tour—it’s a rare chance to watch a master eel chef perform with over 40 years of expertise, and pair that with sake and fresh wasabi, making it a dining experience you won’t find in your standard izakaya.

Along With culinary adventures, Kawagoe offers custom private tours, hands-on workshops, and cultural experiences such as kimono rentals and wood carving. Whether you want a comprehensive day with a local guide or a focused sushi-making session, the variety here makes Kawagoe a rich destination for all kinds of travelers. Below, we’ve laid out the top 15 tours, with details on what makes each one special.

1. Kawagoe Japanese Food Tour : Unagi Kaiseki and Sake near Tokyo

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary experience with a master eel chef with over 40 years of expertise. This tour pairs premium eel kaiseki dishes with sake and fresh wasabi, giving you an authentic taste of a dish considered a delicacy in Japan. Unlike the usual sushi or ramen, eel is reserved for special occasions, making this experience uniquely Japanese. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is held just 30 minutes from Tokyo by train, offering a perfect quick escape into Japan’s gourmet traditions. The guide’s performance and the high-quality ingredients make this a memorable indulge.

This tour’s rarity and focus on eel’s significance in Japanese culture make it stand out. It’s perfect for foodies wanting something exclusive and educational. Priced at around $181 per person, it’s a bit of an investment but well worth the cost for the quality and intimacy. Reviewers highlight the exceptional skill of the chef and the cultural insights gained during the experience.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking an intimate, upscale culinary adventure that highlights Japan’s love of eel.

2. Kawagoe Private Custom Tour with Local Guide

For around $112, this full-day private tour is tailored to your interests, led by a knowledgeable local guide. It’s the perfect way to explore Kawagoe’s main attractions and hidden corners at your own pace. The guide can customize the itinerary, including sites like Toki no Kane, Koedo Yokocho, and the Kawagoe Kurazukuri Museum. The flexibility means you can focus on history, food, or shopping as you prefer. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s expertise and personable approach.

What makes this tour special is the personalized experience—you’re not just following a schedule but discovering Kawagoe through the eyes of someone who knows its stories. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed day or have specific interests. The tour lasts between 4 to 7 hours, giving plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a flexible, in-depth introduction to Kawagoe, especially if they want a personal touch.

3. Little EDO Sushi Making workshop in Kawagoe

Learn the art of sushi in a historic setting with an English-speaking Japanese female chef. This hands-on workshop lasts about 90 minutes, where you’ll create your own sushi under expert guidance in a 140-year-old building. The chef shares tips on making perfect rice and slicing fish, giving practical skills you can take home. The experience is friendly and interactive, focusing on traditional sushi techniques and cultural insights like nigiri’s significance.

Guests love the opportunity to participate actively and describe the teacher as friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled. The small class size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for beginners or those wanting to strengthen their sushi skills. The cost of $84 makes it a good value considering the quality and culture.

Bottom Line: A fun, educational experience perfect for food lovers who want to learn sushi making in a historic setting.

4. Kawagoe: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

Dressed in a beautiful kimono or yukata, you can walk Kawagoe’s streets and capture stunning photos. For just about $31, this kimono rental is a family-friendly way to learn about Japanese tradition. Experienced staff help you dress comfortably and authentically, with a wide range of styles from traditional to modern designs. You’ll have about an hour to wander the streets and take photos—perfect for creating lasting memories or sharing on social media.

This experience suits travelers of all sizes (including plus-size kimonos), and the flexibility of the duration allows you to customize your visit. It’s an easy, fun way to add a traditional touch to your trip and explore Kawagoe’s Edo streets in style.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a quick, beautiful cultural photo experience without a long commitment or high cost.

5. Kawagoe 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide

This value-packed private tour gives a rundown of Kawagoe’s highlights in about four hours. Led by a government-licensed multilingual guide, it includes visits to Toki no Kane, Koedo Yokocho, and the Kawagoe Kurazukuri Museum, plus optional exploration of the castle remains. The guide explains the significance of each site, such as how Kawagoe was called “Ko-edo” during the Edo period. Reviewers note the guide’s professionalism and flexibility, especially when customizing the experience.

The tour balances history, architecture, and local food, providing a well-rounded view of Kawagoe’s cultural richness. It’s suited for travelers who want a structured yet personal experience, with enough time to enjoy key sites without feeling rushed.

Bottom Line: An efficient, informative tour ideal for first-time visitors wanting a guided overview within a half-day.

6. Jizo Wood Carving Experience in Kawagoe

Create your own Jizo statue in a quiet studio just minutes from Kawagoe’s popular kura-zukuri district. This wood carving workshop lasts about 105 minutes, led by an artist with 24 years of experience. You’ll learn how to complete a half-finished Jizo, a popular Buddhist figure, with simple tools suited for beginners. The instructor gives careful guidance on holding and using the carving knives, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels.

Guests appreciate the personal attention and the chance to craft a meaningful souvenir. It’s a peaceful, creative break from sightseeing, perfect for those interested in Japanese spirituality and craftsmanship. At $71, it’s an affordable way to take home something handmade and special.

Bottom Line: A calm, hands-on activity for anyone interested in traditional Japanese crafts and spiritual symbols.

7. Day of Edo Exclusive Tour at Kawagoe

This all-in-one tour covers the most iconic sites in Kawagoe, including the Renkeiji Temple, Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street, Toki no Kane, and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It lasts about 3 to 5 hours and focuses on showcasing Kawagoe’s Edo-period atmosphere. The tour emphasizes less crowded, lesser-known spots alongside the main attractions, making it ideal for travelers who want a curated, in-depth experience.

Perfect for those who enjoy discovering local temples, shrines, and traditional streets with a knowledgeable guide. Reviewers commend the guide’s storytelling and flexibility, especially when adjusting to customer interests. Since the tour is free, it’s a cost-effective way to get a thorough overview.

Bottom Line: Best for history enthusiasts who want a detailed, curated tour with a mix of popular and hidden sites.

8. Historic Town of Kawagoe – Small town of Edo 3h Walking Tour

Spend three hours discovering Kawagoe’s Edo-era architecture and cultural sites on this small-group walking tour. Limited to 10 people, it’s a great way to explore the streets, warehouses, and temples that evoke Japan’s past. The tour includes highlights like Kawagoe Ichinagai Street and Dream Street, with commentary on the city’s development from castle town to merchant hub.

Reviewers note the friendly guide and the opportunity to ask plenty of questions, making it perfect for first-time visitors or history buffs. The tour is straightforward but covers key sights at a relaxed pace, ideal for soaking in the atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a personal, informative walk through Kawagoe’s historic streets.

9. Day Tour from Tokyo : Experience Kawagoe and Edo Japan

This full-day tour combines historic Kawagoe with a taste of Edo Japan, including last remaining buildings of Edo Castle and Kurazukuri architecture. It lasts about 6 hours and includes stops at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Kawagoe Castle Remains, and local food tasting. The guided experience offers insights into the city’s role as a castle town and its merchant prosperity.

Reviewer comments highlight the excellent storytelling and the opportunity to ‘fish’ for your fortune at a shrine. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided exploration of Kawagoe’s history and architecture in one day.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full, immersive day with a knowledgeable guide.

10. Half-day Kawagoe Walking Tour

If you prefer exploring on foot, this small-group walking tour is a fantastic introduction. Lasting about four hours, it covers Kawagoe’s most photogenic and historic spots, like Kawagoe Ichinagai Street, Spatiotemporal Bell, and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The intimate group size means plenty of personalized insights from your guide.

It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors who want a rundown without rushing. The tour emphasizes local tips and the atmosphere of the city, making it a memorable short adventure.

Bottom Line: A perfect starter tour for travelers who want to walk and learn about Kawagoe’s Edo charm.

11. Tokyo: Gunma Scenic Day Trip with Fruit Picking, Crab Lunch

While not strictly in Kawagoe, this day trip from Tokyo combines fruit picking, farm visits, and snow fun in Gunma, with a stop in Kawagoe for its streets. Highlighting Harada Farm’s fruit harvest and Numata Castle Park, it’s a mix of outdoor activities and cultural exploration. The trip includes a crab lunch and visits to historical sites, making it ideal for active travelers wanting variety.

Travelers love the full-day experience with a guide, which balances nature, history, and local food. It’s a bit longer but offers a broader Japanese experience beyond Kawagoe alone.

Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an all-in-one day trip with outdoor adventures and cultural sights.

12. Tokyo: Kawagoe Private Day Trip with National Licensed Guide

For travelers who want exclusivity, this private tour offers personalized exploration of Kawagoe with a licensed guide. At a flat rate of $472 for up to five people, it covers major sites like Kitain Temple, Toki no Kane, and the castle ruins, with flexibility to include your preferences.

The private nature ensures a relaxed pace, with detailed explanations suited to your interests. Perfect for families or groups wanting tailor-made sightseeing with comfort.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a flexible, private experience with a dedicated guide.

13. Tokyo Kawagoe: Kimono Photoshoot

Combine culture and photography with this kimono photoshoot experience in Kawagoe. For $303, you can wear a premium kimono and have professional portraits taken amidst Edo-style streets. The guide arranges the attire and settings, ensuring elegant photo results that make for unforgettable keepsakes.

This experience is perfect for travelers wanting beautiful, high-quality photos in traditional dress, whether for a special occasion or simply to capture your trip. It’s especially popular among couples, families, or solo travelers looking for a stylish memory.

Bottom Line: An elegant, personalized way to combine tradition and photography.

14. Shinjuku to Kawagoe: Tour with food Tasting & Photo Session

This guided walking tour from Shinjuku takes you into Edo-period streets filled with local foods and photo opportunities. It’s a great way to experience Kawagoe authentically, with tastings of famous local dishes and a guide who will also serve as your photographer. The tour emphasizes delicious bites and memorable images, making it perfect for travelers who want both food and visual memories.

The focus on local specialties and photo session makes this tour stand out, especially for social media lovers. It’s suitable for those with limited time but a desire for a rich cultural snapshot.

Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want great photos and local flavors in a short, guided experience.

15. Kawagoe Tour: Kimono Experience, Local Tastings and Sake

This tour combines kimono dressing, local food tastings, and a sake experience. For around $195, you get to wear a kimono and enjoy a traditional jinrikisha (rickshaw) ride through Kawagoe’s historic streets. The inclusion of local delicacies and sake adds a flavorful dimension to the day, perfect for those interested in Japan’s culinary traditions.

The kimono and hairstyle included ensures a complete cultural package, and the rickshaw ride adds a nostalgic touch. It’s well-suited for travelers wanting a full immersion in Kawagoe’s traditional lifestyle.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want a comprehensive, stylish experience blending fashion, food, and tradition.

How to Choose the Perfect Kawagoe Tour for You

Picking the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you have. For a culinary adventure with a cultural twist, the Kawagoe Japanese Food Tour offers something special with eel and sake. If you’re seeking a personalized, flexible day, the Kawagoe Private Custom Tour will give you the most tailored experience.

For those wanting to immerse in traditional dress and take beautiful photos, the Kimono Photoshoot or the Kimono & Sake Tour are excellent choices. Budget travelers should consider shorter, small-group options like the Half-day Walking Tour or Historic Town Tour.

Booking early is advised, especially for popular activities like kimono rentals and private guides, to secure your preferred times and avoid disappointment.

To sum it up, Kawagoe offers a diverse range of tours and experiences that appeal to different types of travelers. Whether you want to savor premium eel cuisine, learn to make authentic sushi, or dress in a kimono and explore, you’ll find memorable ways to deepen your visit. For a mix of history, culture, and fun, the private guided tours and hands-on workshops stand out as top picks. Don’t wait too long—these experiences fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Start planning now and make your trip to Kawagoe truly special.