Saitama in Half a Day: Take the bus to Hikawa Shrine — Guide Ayaka

Title: What Is a Private Kawagoe Day Tour Like During Golden Week? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Asia. They first traveled to Japan 15 years ago and have been completely captivated by the country ever since, returning many times. They especially love Japanese cuisine, and said that no matter which restaurant they enter, the food is always delicious — they have never once had a bad meal. They appeared to be seasoned travelers. This time, after staying in Tokyo, they planned an 8-day itinerary of Kawagoe, Karuizawa, and Tokyo.

They had already visited the main tourist spots in Tokyo, so this time they wanted to see somewhere a little different.

It was extremely crowded during Golden Week. The bus heading to Hikawa Shrine got caught in traffic, and what normally takes 10 minutes took at least 30 minutes. It turned out to be the right decision to give up on the bus from Hikawa Shrine and continue on foot. Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Alley) was as crowded as rush hour, so packed that we could only move in one direction. There were many sweet potato desserts with a great variety, and the guests enjoyed treats such as a croissant filled with sweet potato. Since we had not yet had lunch, we ended up at a soba restaurant where the noodles were kneaded with sweet potato powder, which was very unusual and delicious. One of the guests was delighted, saying, "I love these kinds of traditional Japanese restaurants."

There were many new shops along Ichibangai (the main street), each with a long line. On Taisho Roman Yumedori, we happened to see koinobori (carp streamers), which made for great photos. Since there was no time left to visit Kitain Temple, we walked through Crea Mall and parted ways at Kawagoe Station.

Click here for more details: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by AYAKA

Hello! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.