Kawagoe is a city where the old mixes with the new, and the past seeps into the modern. Just 45 minutes away by train from Tokyo, it is known affectionately as Little Edo for the pockets of centuries-old buildings preserved around the city. In particular, the main pedestrian district is lined with Kurazukuri, or warehouses, reminiscent of architecture in ancient Edo. Besides its rich history, the unique things to do in Kawagoe also add to the place’s overall charm. To immerse fully in the offerings of this city, we’ve listed down accommodations that span the spectrum of traditional ryokans to modern hotels to stay in Kawagoe. From the Kawagoe Prince Hotel to vacation rentals, read on to find out about the best places to stay in Kawagoe, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.
1. Ryokan Matsumuraya (from USD 98)
Just 300 m from Candy Lane, Ryokan Matsumuraya is a two-story building with black ceramic tile roofs, and wooden panels across its windows. It is clear how the contemporary interior draws inspiration from the old. Glass sliding doors replace parchment for insulation, and smooth parquet adds a contemporary touch to the floors. The rooms retain a simple charm with tatami-lined flooring, unvarnished wood beams, and alcoves for storage. Guests can change into their yukatas, and enjoy a soothing bath in the ofuros, or hot tubs.
Ryokan Matsumuraya
Address: Motomachi 1-1-11
463 meters (0.3 ft) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
2. Guesthouse in Kawagoe (from 65 USD)
Guesthouse in Kawagoe is a quintessentially Japanese-style home between the train station and the main street. Unlike the other traditional accommodations on the list, this guesthouse exudes a less polished, but more authentic vibe, due to its simple use of wood on its frames and fittings. The real draw of this Airbnb in Kawagoe is a Samurai suit that guests can put on and take pictures with. Talk about living the life of a real Edo-era warrior! On cold evenings, you can even warm your tea in the charcoal brazier, built right into the floor.
While Guesthouse in Kawagoe is fitted with a western-style toilet, guests will have to go to a nearby public bath for a proper shower, as is the custom here.
Guesthouse in Kawagoe
Price: from 65 USD
Number of Guests: 4
3. Kawagoe Prince Hotel (from USD 84)
A mere 4 mins from Honkawagoe train station, Kawagoe Prince Hotel is one of the most value-for-money options. This 3-star hotel is clean, tidy, and surprisingly spacious, with large windows in each room that let in plenty of natural light. While most of the rooms are classic Western, the hotel offers an opulent Tatami suite gilded in black and gold.
It is among the few hotels in Kawagoe that has an onsite beauty parlor where guests can unwind with an aromatherapy massage. A souvenir shop conveniently located in the lobby, and a shopping plaza adjacent to the hotel mean you never need to venture far for entertainment.
Kawagoe Prince Hotel
Address: Shintomi 1-22
1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
4. Kawagoe Tobu Hotel (from USD 79)
Kawagoe Tobu Hotel is a business hotel located between the train station and the historic centre. Although slightly dated in its decor, the carpeted floor and sweeping staircase of the lobby retains that grandeur of older hotels. Likewise, the rooms are comfortable and functional, if not the most up-to-date. The biggest selling point of Tobu Hotel is the impeccable service of its staff, whose professionalism is often warmed by their friendliness.
Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
Address: Wakitahoncho 8-1
2.52 km (1.6 mi) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
5. House in Historical Kawagoe (from USD 68)
This lovely house is great for larger groups as it can comfortably house up to nine people in its two stories. Guests have full private access to the entire house. There is a fully-furnished kitchen should you decide to try your hands at cooking, a bathroom complete with a tub, and futons that you can roll out however you decide on the sleeping arrangements. Of the three bedrooms, two open up to a small balcony from which you can observe the happenings of life in a typical residential neighborhood in Japan.
Right at the doorstep is the beautiful Ukishima Shrine. Though small, the 330-year-old temple is one of the most tranquil sites in Kawagoe. This Kawagoe accommodation is also just a 10-minute walk from the bustling Warehouse District – just far enough away from the noise without missing out on the attractions.
Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
690 meters (0.5 ft) from Kawagoe Hikawa ShrineAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
futons are on cots not on the floor which was great dryer was wonderful loved the japanese toiletsthe house was very comfortable and nice to stay inCleanliness:
the house was very clean and spaciousthe house is cleanvery clean with plenty of space and bedsi would recommend but the cleanliness could be improvedcommunication was super easy and the house looks exactly like it does in the pictures very spaciousHost:
the owner is so kindyasu is a great hostyasu is so kind he very responsive to our needsyasuhiko was very friendly and helpfulour host is very kind and nice and help immediately once we have a problemRead more reviewsLocation:
great place and excellent locationit's a great place in a nice location for a good dealvery comfortable house and so spacious and just a distance walking to kawagoe's tourist spotthis place is in a nice neighbourhoodalso so grateful that he used his camping car drive my family to the train station
6. Wakatake Ryokan (from USD 44)
Wakatake Ryokan is a modest hotel on a quiet but safe corner of the street, 350 m (0.2 mi) from the train station, and approximately 1.2 km (0.75 mi) from the major landmarks. Although the beige and white facade of the building looks wholly modern, it offers both Western-style rooms with single or double beds, and tatami-lined Japanese rooms where guests will sleep on plum futons. Both room types are fully equipped with a television and WiFi.
Wakatake Ryokan
Address: Nakaharamachi 2-21-3
1.73 km (1.1 mi) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
7. Hotel Cooju
Hotel Cooju is a utility hotel located in the vicinity of Kawagoe station as well. Its en-suite rooms, more spacious than most other hotels around, are designed in a sleek monochrome theme and well-equipped with modern appliances. There is also an amenity corner at the lobby where guests can help themselves to a range of quality bath and grooming products. Hotel Cooju is great for those who want a fuss free accommodation to rest and refresh.
Utility Hotel Cooju
Address: Wakitamachi 17-4
2.13 km (1.4 mi) from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
8. Private Japanese-style bedroom
This private Japanese-style bedroom is an affordable B&B 3 mins from Kawagoe station. The apartment reflects the blend of traditional and modern that characterizes Kawagoe. It has an up-to-date kitchen and bathroom, but the bedroom is set in customary Japanese style with thick futons and woven tatami. The standard of service displayed by the host, Miko, far exceeds the price of the place. Not only does she go out of her way to ensure her guests have a memorable stay, the bubbly host also speaks fluent English and Italian, and is more than delighted to direct guests to the best spots in Kawagoe.
Kawagoeshi, Saitama-ken, Japan
2.6 km (1.7 mi) from Kawagoe Hikawa ShrineSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable room with good amenitiesthe trash system in the kitchen was very organized and easy to usethe house was extremely clean with kitchen neccesities for cooking and shampoo/soap providedthe house was clean and tidy and the wi-fi worked very wellCleanliness:
it was clean and the beds were comfortablethe house is very clean and the environment is very quitethe bath was very modern and cleanbeautiful place lovely and clean perfect stayclean space and convenient locationHost:
she is knowledgeable and helpfulmiko was a really nice host and very responsiveshe was very friendly and professionalthe host was super nice and friendlythe host ms miko is very nice and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
good location near train station and tourist attractionsthe place is close to the train station which is idealvery conveniently close to the train station and a very comfortable stayeasy short walk to kawagoe stationthe place is very close to the station and easy to find
Living within history
In this small city of Kawagoe, you rarely have to travel far to get a taste of history and culture. If you want the full-fledge experience of living like the locals, opt for a traditional Japanese-style room or ryokan. There are also a decent range of Western-style hotels for those who prefer a bed to a futon. Regardless of the type of accomodation, you can be sure to receive a warm welcome by the locals.
Frequently asked questions about the best places to stay in Kawagoe, Japan
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