Honmaru Goten Kawagoe
Step back into the Edo period at Honmaru Goten, the sole surviving palace of Kawagoe Castle, offering historical insights and a serene garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Honmaru Goten Kawagoe
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into the Edo period at Honmaru Goten, the sole surviving palace of Kawagoe Castle, offering historical insights and a serene garden.
"A less crowded place, beautiful architecture but sadly there is little exhibition to see."
🎯 Arrive Before Last Entry
Last entry is 4:30 PM, so plan to arrive earlier to fully explore the palace and garden.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Admission is very reasonable at JPY 100, making it a budget-friendly historical experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Honmaru Palace
Main building
The sole surviving structure of Kawagoe Castle, showcasing 1848 Edo-period architecture and historical displays.
Restored Family Elder's Office
Relocated and restored section
Experience the living quarters of feudal lords, complete with tatami rooms and life-size costumed figures.
Tranquil Garden
Adjacent to the palace
A peaceful oasis offering beautiful garden views, perfect for quiet reflection after exploring the history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Deeper Dive
Immerse Yourself in Edo Period Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Last Entry
Last entry is 4:30 PM, so plan to arrive earlier to fully explore the palace and garden.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Admission is very reasonable at JPY 100, making it a budget-friendly historical experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Koedo
Combine your visit with the charming Kurazukuri Street for a complete 'Little Edo' experience.
🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture
Marvel at the preserved Edo-period Japanese architecture and reconstruction efforts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Last Entry
Last entry is 4:30 PM, so plan to arrive earlier to fully explore the palace and garden.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Admission is very reasonable at JPY 100, making it a budget-friendly historical experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Koedo
Combine your visit with the charming Kurazukuri Street for a complete 'Little Edo' experience.
🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture
Marvel at the preserved Edo-period Japanese architecture and reconstruction efforts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Honmaru Goten for its rich history, well-preserved Edo-period architecture, and affordable entry fee. The tranquil garden is a highlight for many, offering a peaceful escape. Some note that the exhibition space is small, but the overall historical significance and charm of the 'Koedo Kawagoe' area make it a worthwhile visit.
"Incredible historical site. Rich history and well placed information for the displays.
I'm a fan of Japanese architecture so seeing a section of how they repaired and reconstructed the castle was awesome.
Japan is incredibly advanced but also has deep history, I greatly enjoyed being able to tour the castle."
Mike Truitt
"A less crowded place, beautiful architecture but sadly there is little exhibition to see. There is a chill quarter where the elders meet with garden view."
Quang Sơn
"The popular tourist spot "Koedo Kawagoe" was once a prosperous castle town, and it still retains the streetscape of the Edo period. Kawagoe Castle is also highly regarded for its location as a fortress in the north of the Edo period, and the Honmaru Palace is the only building left in Kawagoe Castle.
The original Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457 by the Muromachi period general Uesugi Motomori and his retainers Ota Michizane and Michikan. The only building that still exists today is the Honmaru Palace built by the then feudal lord Matsudaira Naranori in 1848 during the Edo period. It is the only remnant of Kawagoe Castle. In addition to Kochi Castle, the only remaining Honmaru Palace is the Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace, which is a prefectural designated tangible cultural property building.
The only area open to the public now is a part of the Honmaru Palace of Kawagoe Castle during the period when Matsudaira Yamatomori was the lord of the castle, such as the entrance hall, the large hall, etc., and the relocated and restored family elder's office."
Antony Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Honmaru Goten Kawagoe is easily accessible from Tokyo. Take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station (approx. 30 minutes). From Kawagoe Station, it's a pleasant walk or a short bus ride to the historic district where Honmaru Goten is located. +1
Yes, Honmaru Goten is situated within the 'Koedo Kawagoe' area, making it walkable from other popular spots like Kurazukuri Street and Kashiya Yokocho.
Walking is highly recommended to soak in the atmosphere of the old town. Alternatively, you can use local buses or rent a bicycle for a more extensive exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Honmaru Goten is typically open until 5:00 PM, with the last entry usually at 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
The entrance fee is very affordable, usually around JPY 100 per person, making it an excellent value for experiencing historical Japanese architecture.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Honmaru Goten. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
While the main attraction is the historical palace and its displays, occasional special exhibitions might be held. It's best to check their official announcements for any upcoming events.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the entrance hall, the large hall, and the relocated family elder's office, which offers insights into the lifestyle of feudal lords. Life-size costumed figures add to the immersive experience.
Yes, there is a beautiful and tranquil garden adjacent to the Honmaru Palace. It's a lovely spot for a peaceful stroll and offers great views.
A typical visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the historical displays and how much time you spend enjoying the garden.
Yes, children can enjoy the historical exhibits and the garden. The life-size figures might also capture their imagination.
Photography rules can vary, but generally, photography is allowed in most areas, especially in the public exhibition spaces and the garden. It's always wise to look for signage indicating restricted areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the palace, the traditional Japanese garden, and the interiors with their tatami rooms and architectural details offer great photo opportunities. The costumed figures also make for unique shots.
Absolutely! The preserved Edo-period architecture provides a stunning backdrop. Try capturing the rooflines, wooden beams, and the overall structure.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for exterior shots, while late afternoon can offer a warm glow on the garden and buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger groups and allow children to explore at their own pace. Pair the visit with a walk through Kurazukuri Street, where they might enjoy trying traditional Japanese sweets from Kashiya Yokocho.
💰 Budget Travelers
This attraction is also a perfect complement to exploring the free-to-wander streets of 'Koedo Kawagoe,' such as Kurazukuri Street. You can easily spend a fulfilling day in Kawagoe without breaking the bank, enjoying both historical sites and the charming town atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Kawagoe Castle and Honmaru Palace
Today, visitors can explore a portion of the Honmaru Palace, including the entrance hall and large hall, which have been preserved and restored. The relocated and restored family elder's office offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine life within these historic walls. The site provides a valuable opportunity to understand the architectural styles and historical significance of feudal Japan.
The Honmaru Goten Kawagoe serves as a crucial link to Kawagoe's past as a prosperous castle town, often referred to as 'Koedo' or 'Little Edo'. Its preservation allows modern visitors to step back in time and appreciate the rich history embedded in its structures and grounds.
Experiencing 'Koedo Kawagoe'
Beyond the Honmaru Palace, visitors can wander down Kurazukuri Street, famous for its old warehouse-style buildings that evoke the Edo era. The street is lined with shops selling local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs, offering a vibrant contrast to the historical solemnity of the palace. Nearby, Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) provides a nostalgic experience with traditional Japanese sweets.
Many visitors find that combining a visit to Honmaru Goten with exploring these surrounding historical streets creates a comprehensive and memorable day trip from Tokyo. The short travel time from the capital makes Kawagoe an accessible escape to a bygone era.
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