Kawagoe - The Land Of Fire

Every morning in the centre of a small town known as "Little Tokyo", when the mist simmers from the rising sun, a large bell rings. Although I was snoring at this time, the tour guide said it was 'really something'.

Kawagoe retains a lot of old Tokyo history. When I tag this town as the land of fire, I mean nearly all of its buildings have been burnt down then rebuilt. There were even many fireproof storehouses built of which around 30 survived and still stand today in their modified original form.

The large bell tower

The streets

Old Style Buildings

More old buildings

The town boasts candy shops, sweet potato ice cream and even a beer branded, "Coedo" or "Ko Ēdo" meaning "Little Tōkyō" beer, which is also made from sweet potato. On October the 13th the town celebrates a "sweet potato day" festival. This "small" town of around three hundred and forty thousand people have festivals all year round. Within a short walk from Kawagoe station, the streets start their metamorphosis into a town that looks a lot like what you would see in a museum. Every year, in October, the biggest festival, appropriately named "The Kawagoe Festival" sends numerous rolling musical castles to do battle by traditional music. That’s a must “go-to” festival. Kawagoe is definitely a town that strives to keep its cultural history.

Check Kawagoe on Under Japan for the history rundown if you're into it.