Kawagoe Half-Day Trip from Tokyo — Guide Hiro
October, 2024
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Tokyu Stay Shinjyuku Meet From Shinjuku 3-chome (Fukutoshin Line) to Hon-Kawagoe Station by taxi (customer's own expense 700 yen) to Kitain Temple and 500 Rakan Statues by bus get off at Otemachi Time Bell Tower Former Yamazaki Family Villa Kurazukuri Street Candy Alley strolling and lunch from Nakacho by bus Kawagoe Station by train accompany to Ikebukuro After that, the customer will return on their own, so we disband at 3:30pm
What Is a Private Kawagoe Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from North America for a one-week trip around the Tokyo area. They chose to visit Kawagoe because of their interest in Japanese history. Kitain Temple, which has deep connections to the Tokugawa family from the Edo period, was a perfect place to introduce the history of Edo, the Tokugawa shogunate, the shoguns, Kawagoe, and "Little Edo," along with the 500 Rakan statues. The former Yamazaki family villa, the Bell of Time, and the warehouse-style townscape were completely different from anything back home, and the guests found them fascinating as they strolled through the area. During a coffee break at a coffee shop, I quickly made a handmade celebration board and presented it to them. A staff member at the coffee shop, learning of the occasion, kindly offered a complimentary drink, and we all enjoyed a delightful moment together. (The photo was taken later at a soba restaurant.)
Click here for more details: Kawagoe Half-Day Trip from Tokyo with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shinjuku 3-chome (Fukutoshin Line) near the hotel～Hon-Kawagoe Station | 659JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kitain Temple～Otemachi (near the Time Bell Tower) | 200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nakacho～Kawagoe Station | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kawagoe Station～Ikebukuro | 481JPY |
| Total | 1,540JPY | ||
I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed visiting the beautiful gardens and shrines. Hiro was a great guide. Having him guide us made the day stress free and much more enjoyable. It was interesting learning about Japan and the culture. I would definitely recommend this tour and visiting Kamakura.