Looking for traditional culture, history and lots and lots of candies in Japan? You can find that within 45 minutes from central Tokyo at Kawagoe. 

KAWAGOE – EXPERIENCE LITTLE EDO

This quaint and traditional town is perfect for a day trip from Tokyo city. It is the closest town to Tokyo that has kept its Edo style appearance and hence is often called “Little Edo” or “Koedo (小江戶)”.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are rapid/express trains that leave from Ikebukuro (Tobu-Tojo Line – Disembark at Kawagoeshi and costs¥470) or Shinjuku-Sanchome (Seibu-Shinjuku Line – Disembark at Hon-Kawagoe and costs ¥640).  Both should take approximately 30-45 minutes to arrive at Kawagoe.

WHAT TO SEE

If you have a sweet tooth you’d be delighted to visit the Candy Store Street (Kashiya Yokocho) where it’s teeming with traditional candy shops. You can also shop for traditional Japanese crafts like Japanese paper umbrellas, hankerchiefs, knives, pottery etc. Just keep in mind that it is targeted towards tourists and you may be paying a premium. Or you can just walk around and snap shots! This is such a photogenic town with all its traditional buildings.

MY OUTFIT

For today’s outfit I opted for a quirky schoolgirl look that I think fits well for this cute little town.

Vivetta Embroidered Shirt
Alice + Olivia Leather Skirt (Similar here)
Alice + Olivia Beaded Cardigan (Similer here)
Tabitha Simmons Suede Pump
Kimono Lady Box Bag by Olympia Le Tan

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I absolutely love the details of this embroidered collar and cuff by Vivetta. 

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There were three Japanese women dressed in traditional kimonos shopping around Kawagoe and I managed to snap a shot of the pink lady. Her kimono was simple but elegant. I love that it is still reasonably common to see women dressed in traditional kimonos even on regular days in Japan, most being elderly women. 

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Hey Mister!

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