Many travelers come to Japan with the idea of finding castle towns in Tokyo, only to discover that this international metropolis retains almost no trace of traditional castle towns. In fact, Edo Castle—the heart of Tokugawa shogunate rule—is now the Imperial Palace, and the complete castle town layout disappeared entirely with the Meiji Restoration's urban reforms. However, this doesn't mean there are no places to experience Edo-era charm around Tokyo. Simply take a train or drive, and within 1-2 hours from Tokyo, you can step into beautifully preserved castle towns and experience the daily life of samurai and merchants from three centuries ago.
The Disappearance and Revival of Tokyo's Castle Towns
The castle town development around Edo Castle underwent dramatic changes after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. As the seat of the Emperor, Tokyo was tasked with becoming a modern capital; traditional samurai residences and merchant districts were demolished and replaced with Western-style grid planning. Finding castle town remnants within Tokyo's 23 wards is nearly impossible. However, Ogawamura and Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, as well as nearby Kamakura, are "living castle towns" that have continued since the Edo Period—not only preserving architecture but also maintaining lifestyle and festival cultures.
Little Edo Kawagoe: The Most Complete Castle Town Experience Near Tokyo
Known as "Little Edo," Kawagoe can be reached from Tokyo via the Tobu Tojo Line or JR Kawagoe Line in about 30-50 minutes. This city flourished during the Edo Period as a post town on the Nakasendo Road, and also functioned as a castle town due to the presence of the Kawagoe domain lord. Walking through the Kurazukuri old street, you'll see rows of thick black plaster and earthen-walled buildings—a distinctive fireproof design created by merchants. The red torii gate at Hikawa Shrine is a favorite among photography enthusiasts, while the 500 Rakan statues at Kitoji Temple quietly tell the story of Edo's Buddhist culture.
Kawagoe's Senba Toshodai Temple is a hidden gem that is easy to overlook. Though not as famous as Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, its Yomei Gate features equally exquisite carving, but with far fewer tourists—a place where you can quietly appreciate Edo aesthetics. We recommend planning half a day to a full day to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed castle town stroll.
Tokorozawa: The Low-Key Gem of Samurai Culture
Accessible from Tokyo via the JR Hachiko Line in about one hour, Tokorozawa was an important samurai city in the early Edo Period. It has a deep connection with the historical drama "What Should I Do? Ieyasu"—Tokugawa Ieyasu was once confined at Sounji Temple in this area after the Battle of Hashiratake, making Tokorozawa a key city for understanding Ieyasu's story and the unification of Japan.
Sounji Temple still preserves Ieyasu's study and related artifacts. Behind the temple, "Ieyasu Path" is a trail winding through bamboo groves—reported to be the route of Ieyasu's secret escape. Walking through it, the bamboo rustles, and the weight of history naturally emerges. Compared to crowded popular attractions, this is more of a place where one can reflect and dialogue with history.
Irma: Where Tea and Samurai Culture Intersect
Near the Iruma Smart IC in Iruma City lies a low-key but precious castle town samurai town—Iwafune. Here, the complete layout of Edo-Period samurai residences is preserved: wooden earth walls, black tiled roofs, and narrow stone pavers, walking through which feels like stepping back into life three centuries ago.
Most remarkably, people still live in these traditional residences today—not just operating them as tourist attractions. You can book a guided tour where local guides explain (in Japanese or English) the structure of samurai residences and family stories. This "living" castle town experience is something that the commercial atmosphere of Kawagoe's Kurazukuri old street cannot offer.
Hachioji: The Gateway to Kai on the Koshu Road
As a post town on the Koshu Road, Hachioji was historically the gateway to Kai Province (Yamanashi Prefecture) and the economic center of North Musashino. While the area around Hachioji Station today is filled with high-rise buildings, once you enter the alleys near Megane Bridge, you can still glimpse remnants of Edo-Period town houses.
However, Hachioji's true highlight is the "jinya" ruins at the foot of Takao Mountain—from the early Edo Period, this was a facility used for checkpoint collection and logistics management on the route between Kai Province and Edo. Unlike other castle towns with intact districts, Hachioji's castle town elements are more scattered, requiring a local guide or detailed research to fully explore. But for travelers who enjoy "exploratory tourism," this challenge is precisely the delight.
Practical Information
Kurazukuri old street in Kawagoe has no admission fee and can be visited freely all day. Round-trip fare from Tokyo is approximately ¥1,000-¥1,500 (depending on departure station). Hikawa Shrine offers free admission, and Senba Toshodai Temple costs ¥500. We recommend visiting on weekdays for fewer crowds and a better photo experience.
Sounji Temple in Tokorozawa is a 15-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line's "Hon-Kawagoe Station," admission is free, but the Ieyasu Path requires a guided tour (advance reservation via the official website is recommended). Iwafune Samurai Village offers Japanese or English guided tours via its official website, costing approximately ¥2,000-¥3,000.
The Megane Bridge area in Hachioji is about a 10-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station. We recommend using a local walking map (such as the brochure issued by the Hachioji Tourism Association) to avoid getting lost.
Travel Tips
The castle towns around Tokyo differ from the ancient city atmospheres of Kyoto and Nara—here, it's more like "commoner's Edo." There are no glitzy temples or majestic palaces of imperial nobility; instead, there are scenes closer to the真实 lifestyle of samurai and merchants. When planning your itinerary, choose 1-2 destinations for in-depth exploration rather than trying to check off many places—the charm of castle towns requires time to savor.
Additionally, since 2024, the yen's depreciation has made travel to smaller cities around Tokyo more affordable, and many old shops in castle towns still maintain relatively reasonable prices. For photography, capturing earthen-walled buildings in early morning or evening light best showcases the calm colors of the Edo Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What castle towns around Tokyo do you recommend visiting?
We recommend visiting Odawara Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kawagoe Castle in Saitama Prefecture, and other well-preserved castle towns in the Kanto region for a complete Edo-era experience.
How long does it take to travel from central Tokyo to castle towns?
Depending on the location, it takes approximately 1-2 hours by train or car to reach surrounding castle towns, making them easily accessible.
What are the approximate ticket prices for castle town attractions?
Tickets for castle keeps or historical museums range from ¥500 to ¥1,500, and some attractions offer combination tickets for discounts.
What is the best season to visit castle towns?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer comfortable weather and are the best times to visit castle towns.
What should I note when visiting castle towns?
Some attractions prohibit photography—please respect local regulations and maintain quiet. Those with mobility difficulties should check for accessibility facilities in advance.
