Let's Time Travel to Edo-Period in Kawagoe, Saitama

Hi, Worldmappin Community! I still have many photos from my Japan trip. Here is my fifth entry of the #winterchallenge. This time, let's go back in time and experience the Edo period in Kawagoe, Saitama.

Kawagoe is about 30-45 minutes by train from Tokyo. I remember taking from Ikebukuro station to reach it. I was excited to travel to the ancient times of Japan, the Edo Period.

Photo Walk at Kurazukuri Street

Let's go straight to Kurazukuri Street, the old Japanese town during the Edo Era. Edo was the old name for Tokyo.

Let's enjoy the photo walk. I took many shots of the old alleys and streets. Different styles and designs of houses were converted into restaurants and shops.

I was using my 50 mm lens here.

Kurazukuri refers to a type of architecture for warehouses that is characterized by steep tiles and fire-resistant clay walls.

Source: here

Too bad I wasn't able to take videos as I was just enjoying taking photos. I was mesmerized by the fact that my trip to Japan always made me feel like I was on a time machine.

I don't understand what was written but everything you see in this photo was aesthetically pleasing. The old windows, the roofs, the lamp and made me wish I was wearing a kimono or a yukata.

And if I had so much money, I would buy anything I see. This barbecue looks delicious. Well, I ate a lot of noodles from my hostel for my breakfast.

The soft-serve ice creams are such a treat.

If you want to experience this ride, hire them. I saw this first when I was in Kyoto.

Taking a photo of this Gingko tree.

I couldn't help but take photos of Japanese calligraphy signs I saw in different shops.

Beautiful colors of autumn

I enjoyed taking photos of people with my 50 mm lens. There are several amazing subjects everywhere in this town.

The artist

The outside of the shop was just beautifully decorated with colorful umbrellas.

I would love to buy this umbrella but it wasn't practical, extra baggage going back to the Philippines.

I was just wandering around feeling like a lost child.

The famous landmark bell tower, Toki no Kane

The Bell of Time or Toki no Kane. It rings four times a day at 6 AM, 12 NN, 3 PM and 6 PM. The bell tower is a symbol of Kawagoe.

Being here feels like I was in a movie or if you're familiar with The Samurai X. But I see no samurai. Haha!

It's better to come early in the morning so that you have all the time to explore Kurazukuri Street before all the shops close at 5 PM.

It's good to know that this is just close to Tokyo. Saitama is in another prefecture. I remember I paid 450 Yen for the one-way trip by train.

Japan looks expensive but you don't need to spend so much money in here. However, if you're from Europe or the US, the flight is surely expensive.

I enjoyed watching the mascots walking around. Part of me wanted to go to them and take selfies. LOL

People-watching would be fun but I shouldn't waste my time just sitting around in one place.

There are so many places to visit in Japan. If only my visa was granted to stay for 30 days, I would love to stay and explore for a month.

And I'll be glad to go to the streets checking out different stalls and restaurants for food.

Just do a vlog all about Japan. <3

Of course, let's have a photo with the Bell Tower.

My eyes sparkled when I saw these young Japanese women wearing yukata. Japanese dolls I want to take them home. Haha! Too bad I never tried renting and wearing a Yukata here. That would have been an amazing experience.

I love those Japanese artworks being displayed outside.

A selfie mirror

I wished I had a paparazzi taking photos of me walking around the old Japanese town. I just want to be the main character in a movie. LOL

There's more to visit here in Kawagoe but it was already late afternoon.

It is nice to spend your time here in the old town street especially if you want to visit different restaurants. Oh, how I wish there was free taste around. Hahaha!

Kitchen knives, you want?

Another alley while the sun was going to set.

Is that my bus?

Funny enough, I found this bus with my last name on it, Tamayo. Hahahaha!

A video to see a glimpse of Kawagoe

This is not my video but sharing it here. There are so many videos on YouTube talking about Kawagoe. I hope I can convince you to visit Little Edo in Saitama, one day.

Public Bath or Sento in Asakusa

Alright, let me end this blog by going to a public bath or a sento in Asakusa. I went back to my hostel it was really tiring walking the whole day. I had dinner in Kawagoe. Since I didn't spend so much money on a day trip to Saitama, I deserved a public bath. Yes, I was all naked with other Japanese women. Everyone was looking at me since I wasn't a local. Hahaha!