A Window to the Past

Kitain temple thrived after Tenkai Sōjō became its abbot in 1612, entrusted by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Most of the temple burnt down in the Great Fire of Kawagoe in 1638, but the “Iemitsu Birth Room” and “Kasuga Bunkachi Makeup Room” were relocated from Edo Castle by the third generation shogun Iemitsu. In addition, the entire area was designated as an important cultural property. Of the “Five Hundred Arhats” around the world, one of the three great arhats of Japan, can be seen here.

The Kawagoe Castle was built in the first year of Chōroku era (1457) under the command of the vassals, Ōta Dōshin and Dōkan (father and child) for Ōgigaya Uesugi Mochitomo to combat against Koga Ashikaga Shigeuji. In the Edo period, it was of utmost importance to protect the north side of Edo, which is why the top vassal traditionally become the lord of the castle. The current building was constructed in the first year of Kaei era, 1848. After a two and a half year restoration, the palace is currently open to the public.

The history of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine dates back to the 6th century, when the Kofun "burial mound" culture was introduced to the area. It is said that the shrine was established as a branch shrine of Omiya Hikawa Shrine, and a top ranking "Ichinomiya" shrine in Musashi, during the reign of Emperor Kinmei in the 6th century. The shrine has been revered as the head shrine of the area since Ota Dokan built Kawagoe Castle, and is affectionately called "O-Hikawa-sama."

Kurazukuri Zone is the most popular place to visit in Kawagoe. Kurazukuri is a unique style of architecture, used to rebuild the area after fires decimated the town in 1893. These traditional storehouse buildings remain preserved and still in use by many shops today. The Time Bell Tower, also known as Toki no Kane, stands over the street in the center of Kurazukuri Zone. Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, the bell’s chimes can be heard ringing throughout the area four times a day, while visitors shop and sample the local cuisine.

Koedo Kurari is an improved facility of what used to be the building Kyūkagamiyama brewery established in 1875, with the atmosphere of the original brewery remaining to this day. The brewery, built through the Meiji, Taisho, and Shōwa periods, has been remodeled and three warehouses designated as national registered tangible cultural properties: the souvenir shop (Meijigura), restaurant (Taishōgura), Japanese sake shop (Shōwagura). There is also a meeting space (Tenjigura).