2025 Kawaguchi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Kawaguchi: A Hidden Gem Near Tokyo In Japan, Kawaguchi City, located next to Tokyo, is like a dazzling pearl hidden by the bustling city, exuding a unique charm, waiting for travelers to unveil its mysterious veil. Stepping into Kawaguchi City, the first thing that greets you is the strong historical atmosphere. On Nikko Street, the old wooden buildings are scattered, as if pulling time back to the Edo period. These buildings retain the traditional Japanese style, with simple tiled roofs and carved wooden doors and windows, every detail shows the precipitation of time. Walking among them, the stone road under your feet makes a crisp sound, and the shops on the roadside sell traditional handicrafts, exquisite washi paper, and elegant tea sets, each of which carries the essence of traditional Japanese culture. Shakujouji Temple is a treasure of Kawaguchi City's history and culture. This thousand-year-old temple is solemn and solemn, with ancient trees towering in the temple, and the sunlight shining through the gaps in the leaves, forming golden spots of light. In the Mahavira Hall, the Buddha statue is compassionate and peaceful, surrounded by the wishes of believers. On major festivals, the temple will hold grand ceremonies, and monks in traditional costumes chant scriptures and pray for blessings. The solemn sense of ritual makes people feel awe, and also allows people to appreciate the profound heritage of Japanese religious culture. When night falls, Kawaguchi City transforms into a vibrant modern city. The commercial streets around Kawaguchi Station are brightly lit and neon lights flicker. In various restaurants, the aroma of food is overwhelming, tender and juicy skewers, exquisite sushi, and rich ramen, every bite is the ultimate temptation to the taste buds. Fashionable clothing stores and a dazzling array of grocery stores attract people to stop and choose. In the izakaya, there is constant laughter and laughter, and people relax and enjoy a moment of leisure in their busy lives. The transportation in Kawaguchi City is very convenient, closely connected with Tokyo, and you can easily travel back and forth by train. In Kawaguchi City, you can explore the traces of history during the day and feel the charm of tradition; at night, you can integrate into the lively urban life and experience the vitality of modernity. This is the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, and a different journey is waiting for you to start.

🏠 Former Tanaka Residence 📍 1-7-2 Suehiro, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0006 Access: 7 minutes on foot from Kawaguchi Motogo Station Admission Fee: 210 yen Reservation: Not required Time required: 60 minutes 📷: ok -------------------------------------------------- It's a large mansion, and I liked every angle, so it was hard to choose a photo. It's a pretty hidden spot, so I had it all to myself. It's been a long time since I've been so satisfied with the quality! To be honest, I don't want to tell anyone, but I want this goodness to spread! You can also get to the former Furukawa Gardens, designed by the famous British architect, Conder, by a single train ride, so I recommend it! #stainedglass #retrocityscape #retroarchitecture #architecture #emotional #retro #historicalsites #triptotourismtotourism #tokyotourism #tokyotrip #oji #domestictrip #trip_outdoor

#Saitama sightseeing #Kawaguchi Auto Race Track #Arrived casually #SMAP #Mori-kun #It was raining #Didn't go inside #Surprised there's a night game #Soon #Tanabata #Festival #Apparently there is one A Japanese person living overseas who came to Japan for the first time in 7 years casually arrived at Kawaguchi Auto Race Track I didn't go inside, but I walked around the outside of the track to my destination It was a surprisingly fun place. If it hadn't been raining, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it even more☺️ There was a colorful picture of a motorcycle painted on the fenced area. (I only took a video😅)

First snow of the season in Saitama prefecture

Totsuka-Ago in Kawaguchi City is a town of trees. There are really a lot of gardeners. We visited Kobayashi Momiji-en, which specializes in maples and maples, which are especially popular during the autumn foliage season. You can just come in to look, so you can enjoy autumn leaves without paying an admission fee. It was a late season when the dead leaves were noticeable, but the car park and bicycle parking area were full. The garden sometimes sells sweet sake. There are various varieties of maples and maples, some of which have labels indicating the variety. If you look closely, you will see that the shape of the leaves has different characteristics, so you can enjoy autumn leaves in a slightly different way than in a park or garden. It's a short walk from Totsuka-Ago Station on the Saitama Stadium Line (about 20 minutes) #trip2211 #autumnfoliage

I went to Kozen-in Temple in Angyo, Kawaguchi City to see the autumn leaves. This place has long been known as a town of plants, and not only the grounds of plant growers, but also ordinary homes all have beautiful gardens. There were many autumn leaves in the grounds of Kozen-in Temple, which was beautiful. Benzaiten is enshrined here, and instead of guardian lion dogs, there are guardian snakes. They are quite popular for their cute faces. #trip2211 #autumnleaves #guardian snakes #Benzaiten

When you think of Ryoke in Kawaguchi City, you might imagine only factories and warehouses, but suddenly, you'll find a relaxing spot filled with greenery. It's a place that only those in the know will know about, and seems to be popular with locals and cyclists. The facility is run by the Oizumi Factory, and includes a cafe, a kombucha brewery, the Oizumi family's old Western-style house and gardens, and more. A farmers' market is also held regularly. #kawaguchi #oks #farmersmarket #trip2211

Highly recommended for families with children❤️ You can stay there all day. It's not hot, it's safe, and you don't have to worry if you leave the adults behind. You can experience a lot of different things, so your children will be delighted. #EastJapan#GoingOutWithChildren #SupportTourism #Kawaguchi

Kawaguchi Highway Oasis opened in April 2022. It is a rest area on the Shuto Expressway, but you can also visit on regular roads. If you are walking, Araijuku Station is the nearest station. It was built adjacent to the original natural park, Iina Park, so in addition to taking a break during your trip, you can also enjoy some light outdoor activities. The shop sells local agricultural products and famous bonsai trees. #HighwayOasis #ShutoExpressway #Kawaguchi

Access: 10 minutes on foot from the east exit of Kawaguchi Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line Tourist Spot: Kawaguchi Shrine A rather large, historic local shrine. It is a relaxing shrine surrounded by nature, standing alone among a group of apartment buildings. It is a place of relaxation for locals to take a break and relax while out for a walk.

#tripaway Kawaguchiko in Japan is really a wonderful destination! the best city to admire the Mount Fuji! A great many smelting and die-casting foundries were set up and the city gained a reputation for small scale steel and precision instrument production, it was apparently the place in Japan for the production of athletic shot-puts. . The station area has been extensively redeveloped with a great many new shops and shopping centers opening up. These two developments have changed the face of Kawaguchi from an aging and declining industrial town into a thriving commuter town with an expanding number of young families. #japan #asia #mountfuji #tripaway

📍Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, Kawaguchi, Japan Saw sakura for the first time in Japan was my finally checked bucket list. I was so happy and grateful to be there. I came here around March. It was so beautiful and it was just pink (my favorite color) everywhere🌸

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip The Kawaguchiko Ropeway is a popular tourist spot located in Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi Prefecture. If you ride the ropeway to the top of the mountain, you can get a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. You can enjoy the scenery in every season, especially in autumn when the leaves are beautiful and in winter when you can see snow-capped Mt. Fuji. There is an observation deck at the top of the mountain, which is also a great place for taking photos and taking a walk. The Kawaguchiko Ropeway offers a wonderful experience where you can feel close to Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan, while relaxing in nature. #tokyo

#springitinerary As part of our Mount Fuji Itinerary, we rode a tour bus which travelled from Tokyo station. Along the way, there are several curiousity and sights like the 7-11 Mount Fuji View, similar to the Lawson Mount Fuji view. Upon arrival, we are in awe to see the famous Mount Fuji view on the crystal kawaguchi lake. We are really happy that the day was clear so that we can see the picturesque Mount Fuji!

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

#cherryblossom25 I previously mentioned Mitsuzouin in Saitama Kawaguchi, a hidden gem for cherry blossoms. At first, I thought the blossoms would only last for a week before they fell, but they were surprisingly resilient, lasting through several rain showers and still maintaining their beauty. What made this visit so special was the rainy day, when the cherry blossoms were intertwined with raindrops. It felt like the whole world was wrapped in a gentle cherry blossom snow. The raindrops falling on the petals, the petals swirling in the wind, created a unique atmosphere that was incredibly calming. 📍 Cherry Blossom Varieties at Mitsuzouin The main varieties here are Sōrō and An'gōzakura, two types that complement each other beautifully. The cherry blossom path here is absolutely worth a visit; it’s a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for any cherry blossom lover! #naturalwonders

Lying in the valley next to the swan lake, the climate is cool and pleasant. The wind blows gently, the sun shines on the hillside. Walking a short distance, everywhere is like in a painting.

#cherryblossom25 Tucked away in Tokyo’s quieter corners, Saifukuji Temple is where time slows down. No crowds, no selfie sticks—just the soft tap-tap of wooden prayer blocks and the earthy scent of incense curling into the air. I went for the autumn leaves but stayed for the matcha-induced zen. 😌 First surprise? The temple’s hidden bamboo grove—a mini Arashiyama without the tourists! Sunlight flickered through the stalks, and for a second, I forgot I was in Tokyo. (Cue Kill Bill soundtrack in my head.) 🎋 Funny moment: Tried copying a local bowing at the altar… and almost knocked over a donation box. Pro tip: Gracefulness is optional, but balance is key. 🙏 Food must-try: The temple’s matcha warabi mochi—jiggly, dusted with roasted soybean flour, and sobitter-sweet it’ll reset your soul. Paired with frothy matcha, it’s a vibe. ⏰ Chill Itinerary: • 8 AM: Arrive early—mist still clinging to the stone lanterns. • 8:30 AM: Meditate in the main hall (or just pretend to, like me). • 9:30 AM: Explore the bamboo path (perfect for moody pics). • 10:30 AM: Refuel with matcha sweets at the teahouse. • 11 AM: Hunt for omamori (charms)—they’ve got one for everything, even Wi-Fi blessings. 📶✨ Why go? It’s serene, quirky, and feels undiscovered. Plus, the monks here don’t side-eye photo takers (bless them). Would you come for the mochi, the bamboo, or the accidental comedy? Tag your zen-seeking bestie! 🌿 #HiddenTokyo #TempleVibes

Kyoto Geisha Street Gion During the day, there are a lot of tourists, so I visited Gion Street again with my wife at night. It’s even better at night. The street seems to have gone back in time, but I really liked the harmony of the houses, the street, and the fires. After walking for a while, I sat down in an alley to rest for a while, and a maiko (apprentice geiko) passed by. I didn’t take pictures because they said it would be prohibited. #prenataltravel #couplelivinginjapan #koreancouple #kyototravel #gionstreet #gionstreetnightview

#cherryblossom25 Tucked away in Kawagoe, Saitama, Mizo-in Temple is a thousand-year-old temple, cherished by locals as a secret cherry blossom haven. Unlike the bustling crowds of Ueno Park in Tokyo, Mizo-in offers a serene, wabi-sabi atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quiet, reflective space amidst nature’s beauty. The temple is mainly home to Somei Yoshino cherry trees, with soft pink and white petals resembling clouds or snow. When paired with the moss-covered stone paths and vermillion temple structures, it's a dreamy setting that effortlessly feels like a scene from a Japanese drama. 📸✨ Cherry Blossom Forecast 🌸 2025 March 17 Update: The blossoms are about 60% open, and by this weekend (around March 22nd), expect the trees to be in full bloom! 🌸 Transportation Guide | 1 Hour Direct from Tokyo 🚄 Address: 3000 Komuro, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture Recommended Route: Train + Bus: Take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station (East Exit). From there, transfer to the "Koeido Circular Bus" and get off at the "Mizo-in" stop. The whole journey takes about 1 hour. 🚌 This hidden gem is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a more peaceful cherry blossom experience, away from the more crowded spots, while still soaking in the beautiful traditional atmosphere. 🌸 #travel

#cherryblossom25 Catch the tail end of plum blossom season at Iina Plum Orchard and enjoy a peaceful, beautiful plum blossom view! While the best time to visit is from late February to mid-March, even if you miss most of the plum blossoms by late March, you might still catch late-blooming varieties like weeping plum blossoms in bloom! 🌸✨ Transportation Guide: Budget-friendly and Easy 🛤️ From Tokyo: Take the JR Takasaki Line to Iina Station, then transfer to a bus (about 15 minutes) to Meirin Park-mae Station, with a fare of about 300 yen. 🚆 By Car: Navigate to Iina City Plum Orchard. There’s a paid parking lot nearby (about 500 yen/day). It’s best to arrive early on weekends to grab a spot! 🚗 Highlights: Perfect for Photos and Strolling 📸🌳 Late Plum Blossoms Although most of the plum blossoms have fallen by late March, you can still find late-blooming varieties (like weeping plums) in full bloom. Combined with mossy stone paths and traditional Japanese pavilions, the scenery exudes a distinct wabi-sabi charm. 📷 Tip: Wear light-colored skirts and shoot from a low angle for a cinematic look! 🎥 Traditional Architecture The park retains the Edo-period plum orchard layout, with wooden corridors and stone lanterns adding a historic charm. Take a break at Meikō-tei and enjoy a cup of hot tea (about 300 yen), while capturing atmospheric photos. 🍵 Killing Child Picnic Area A great spot for families, the western lawn area is perfect for picnics and kite flying under the plum trees. Don’t forget to bring a mat and simple food (the park only has vending machines). 🧺🍱 Extra Tips: Best Times for Photography: Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft, perfect for capturing the details of the plum blossoms and traditional architecture. What to Bring: Camera, a lightweight picnic mat, and simple food, along with a bottle of hot tea to enjoy a relaxing time! 📸🧳 #travel

#cherryblossom25 Hidden in the foothills of Mt. Hiei, this 1,200-year-old Tendai Buddhist temple offers a crowd-free cherry blossom experience unlike Kyoto’s famous spots. Its "Blood Moon Cherry" —a rare variety with deep crimson buds that fade to pale pink—blooms dramatically against moss-covered stone lanterns and ancient cedar trees. 🌸 Why It’s Unique ✔ Sacred Microclimate – At 400m elevation, blooms arrive 1 week later(early April) than downtown Kyoto, extending hanami season ✔ Esoteric Atmosphere – The temple still operates as a strict training ground for monks (visitors may hear chanting) ✔ Legendary Tree– The 300-year-old "Blood Moon Cherry" is said to bloom brightest under full moons

I was so lucky able to see the beautiful and perfect cherry blossom view with Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi. I can’t believe that day have blue sky and able to see the clear Mount Fuji view. Lake Kawaguchi is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan. It is easy access from Tokyo by bus and takes around 2 hours. From the lake, you can see the amazing view of Mount Fuji, and during the cherry blossom season, you can see the cherry blossom everywhere near the lake. #cherryblossom25 #snowmountain #kawaguchiko #japan #cherrybloosom 📍Address: Lake Kawaguchi, Japan

The Vernal Equinox is the perfect time to enjoy flowers. With the days getting longer and the temperature getting warmer, even the busiest people will want to make time to go outside. The Angyo Sakura at Mikkō-in Temple has quietly begun to bloom, even before the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. The small flowers turn the temple approach into a pink tunnel, and people bring their loved ones here to look forward to the coming spring together. [March 20, 2024 | Mikkō-in Temple, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture | Angyo Sakura in full bloom] #photo #Japan trip #cherry blossom season

The cherry blossoms at Mikkō-in Temple in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, are a variety called Daikanzakura, which was created by crossbreeding a Taiwanese variety with a Japanese variety. Because they bloom earlier than regular cherry blossoms, I was a little hesitant before visiting, but luckily I was able to visit when they were in full bloom. Some of the cherry blossoms have already started to fall, and the ground is covered with cherry blossom petals. The temple is located in a residential area, next to a school and a park. There are few visitors, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calm. There are also several free parking lots, and the cherry trees line both sides of the uphill road, creating a very beautiful view. #Kawaguchi #Mikkō-in #CherryBlossomSeason

Luckily we got to see Fujisan whole day during our 1st trip to Kawaguchi. 1st time renting and driving in Japan though, it was smooth since renting out from Trip.com, easy to drive and great to see all the nice scenery along the way. My parents loved the trip so much. ❤️ #familytrip #fujisan #familytravel #japan

#japantrip 📍My Route: FujisanSimomiya OmuroSengen Jinja > Arakurayama Sengen Park > Ohashi Bridge > Kawaguchiko Lake > Oshino Hakkai Mount Fuji has always been on my bucket list, and this trip exploring its surrounding gems truly exceeded my expectations. From ancient shrines to stunning panoramic views, every stop along the way felt like a perfect blend of culture and nature. ❣️First Stop: Fujisan Simomiya Omuro Sengen Jinja Tucked away in a peaceful forest, this historic Shinto shrine felt like stepping into another world. It’s one of the oldest Sengen Shrines dedicated to Mount Fuji worship, with towering trees and a tranquil atmosphere. Walking through the torii gates, I could feel the deep spiritual connection the locals have with the mountain. It was the perfect place to start the journey—quiet, sacred, and filled with history. ❣️A Classic Fuji View: Arakurayama Sengen Park Next, I headed to Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the iconic Chureito Pagoda. The climb up the 400+ steps was a challenge, but reaching the top made it all worth it. The view of the five-story red pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background looked exactly like the postcards! Even though it was a bit cloudy, the breathtaking scenery left me in awe. ❣️Crossing Ohashi Bridge: A Hidden Gem Most visitors rush past this spot, but Ohashi Bridge turned out to be a great surprise. With Lake Kawaguchi stretching out on one side and Mount Fuji towering in the distance, it was a peaceful spot to soak in the scenery. I took a moment to just breathe and admire the reflections on the water—one of those simple yet unforgettable travel moments. ❣️Relaxing by Kawaguchiko Lake Walking along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi felt incredibly refreshing. The crisp air, the stillness of the water, and the view of Mount Fuji peeking through the clouds made this spot one of my favorites. I took my time strolling around, stopping for coffee at a lakeside café while enjoying the view. To end the trip, I visited Oshino Hakkai, a small village famous for its eight clear spring ponds fed by Mount Fuji’s melted snow. The water was unbelievably clear, and the reflections of the thatched-roof houses gave the whole place a storybook feel. If you’re looking for a day trip that combines culture and nature, I highly recommend this itinerary! Would you take this route for your next Fujisan adventure? Let me know your favorite spots! ⛰️✨

It was an incredible trip to Kawaguchiko. Very beautiful nature, I advise everyone to visit this place. You can see my selection of photos. #japan #kawaguchiko