"Tsubaki no Kura" is a Japanese complex facility located on Kawagoe's Ichibangai — a street that retains a deep Edo-period atmosphere. As the city turns cherry-blossom pink, visitors can experience the spring of Edo with all five senses, going well beyond simply "looking."
Cherry Blossom Strolling Around Ichibangai
Starting from the lively Ichibangai and venturing just a short distance, beautiful spring scenery awaits. Here are three cherry blossom spots near Ichibangai that are worth visiting during the Kawagoe Spring Festival.
🌸 Renkeiji Temple (蓮馨寺): about 5 minutes on foot from Ichibangai
A beloved local landmark located right next to Ichibangai. In its spacious grounds, visitors can enjoy Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms while soaking in the Edo atmosphere. On "Edo Day" (Saturday, March 28), the temple becomes a stage for various events throughout the spring festival period — an essential stop on a Kawagoe stroll.
🌸 Shingashi River (新河岸川) Sakura: about 10 minutes on foot from Ichibangai
A cherry blossom tunnel lines the riverbank behind Hikawa Shrine. During the Koedo Kawagoe Spring Festival, which runs from Saturday, March 28, the drooping branches over the water create a spectacular scene. On Sunday, March 29 in particular, the "Koedo Kawagoe Spring Boat Tour" — a spring tradition (advance tickets required) — takes place, offering a painting-like contrast of cherry blossoms and boats.
🌸 Nakain Temple (中院): about 15 minutes on foot from Ichibangai
Famous for its magnificent weeping cherry tree that cascades like a waterfall, Nakain's blossoms reach their peak slightly earlier than the Somei Yoshino variety. The graceful sight against the historic temple buildings is a must-see. In contrast to the bustling Ichibangai, this spot offers a tranquil setting to immerse yourself in the spring scenery — a perfect adult cherry blossom experience. (Evening illuminations are also planned.)
Familiar Shop Staff Transform into Edo Townspeople
Now in its eighth year, "Edo Day" is a special one-day event where the merchants of Ichibangai don wigs and kimono, adopting the guise of Edo-period traders and bringing the vibrant hospitality of that era to life.
The actual merchants of Ichibangai
Edo Dialect Hospitality
"Irasshai!" and "Aiyo!" — spirited Edo shouts echo through the air, and stepping inside feels like entering a thriving Edo town, adding a special flavor to the journey.
Customer: "Hey, give me one of those dango." Merchant: "Welcome! Sure thing — one dango stick. Just a moment!"
Experience Edo Culture in a Pedestrian Zone — Period Drama, Children's Songs, and Matchlock Rifle Demonstrations
The usually car-filled Ichibangai becomes a pedestrian zone, offering opportunities to experience Edo culture firsthand through period drama performances, children's folk songs, traditional instrument concerts, and hairstyling demonstrations. As the opening event of this year's Kawagoe Spring Festival, the dramatic Kawagoe Domain Matchlock Rifle Corps performance and "ladder acrobatics" will be featured, and "Fuma Ninja" from Odawara will also be making an appearance in Kawagoe.
▼ The timetable and further details can be found on the Koedo Kawagoe website:
https://koedo.or.jp/feature/harumatsuri2026/
Spring Reward Sweets at Foot Bath Cafe TSUBAKIYA, Starting March 17
The "Foot Bath Cafe TSUBAKIYA," nestled in the back garden of Tsubaki no Kura on Ichibangai, features a spring limited menu. After walking around to admire the cherry blossoms, visitors can soak their tired feet in a warm foot bath and enjoy the lingering beauty of the season.
Foot Bath Cafe TSUBAKIYA — 2026 Spring Limited Menu
Available from: Tuesday, March 17
◎ Nama-Warabimochi Latte — Strawberry Milk (with imokempi potato chips)
A collaboration menu with warabimochi specialty shop GINZA Bashodou, the "Nama-Warabimochi Latte" now features a spring-limited strawberry milk flavor. The sweet-tart strawberry flavor blends with smooth milk for a gentle, dessert-like latte. Enjoy it alongside the soft, mochi-like texture of fresh warabimochi.
Note: Warabimochi Latte is also available for takeout.
◎ Tasting Comparison Spring-Color Warabimochi (Sakura Flavor) (with choice of drink)
The most popular tasting set at the cafe now features an exclusive "sakura flavor" for this season only. Enjoy three varieties — Kawagoe matcha, kinako (roasted soybean flour), and the seasonal sakura — alongside kuromitsu black sugar syrup.
◎ Grilled Dango (Sakura Bean Paste) (with choice of drink)
The grilled dango lineup now includes a seasonal sakura bean paste variety. Enjoy the different flavors alongside classic sweet bean paste and fragrant kinako with kuromitsu.
Available Drinks
Choose from:
- Kawagoe Matcha
- Kawagoe Roasted Coffee
- Kawagoe Hojicha
- Koedo Black Tea
Ordering System
All set menus (sweets, tea/coffee, or beer) include the foot bath admission fee and an original hand towel. Feel free to stop by empty-handed during your cherry blossom stroll.
View the 2026 Spring Menu: https://bit.ly/3PoUNnI
About Tsubaki no Kura
A Japanese complex facility amid the historic kura-zukuri (warehouse-style) streetscape of Kawagoe, serving as a base for exploring the town.
Address: 3-2 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe City, Saitama (Ichibangai) / Google Maps
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (weekdays) / 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (weekends and holidays)
Foot Bath Cafe: 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, last order 5:00 PM (weekdays) / 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, last order 6:00 PM (weekends and holidays)
1F — Wamonoya Kaya
A Japanese goods brand inspired by the concept of "+NIPPON DNA," evolving and passing on Japan's vibrant cultural spirit. The Kawagoe Tsubaki no Kura store carries a range of original products and souvenirs.
2F — Modern Rental Kimono Harekoromo
Kimono rentals that make sightseeing even more dramatic against the backdrop of cherry blossoms.
2F — Deco Daruma Workshop
A painting workshop where visitors of all ages can create a one-of-a-kind daruma figure.
View Tsubaki no Kura Website: https://bit.ly/4uxJCZX
Access:
- From Seibu Shinjuku Line "Hon-Kawagoe Station": Tobu Bus (5 minutes) to "Ichibangai" stop, or 16 minutes on foot.
- From Tobu Tojo Line / JR "Kawagoe Station": Tobu Bus (7 minutes) to "Ichibangai" stop (right outside).
Please note: On Edo Day, the Kura no Machi Street will be closed to vehicles during designated hours.
