We visited a beautiful area of Tokyo today called, Kawagoe. It is also known as “old town”, or “Little Edo”. This area was not destroyed in the war, so it still has a lot of original architecture.
One of the highlights was a stroll down Kashiya Yokocho, or “Penny Candy Lane”. This was a street full of original Japanese candy and sweets vendors.
We watched some Japanese kids making their own suckers and the girls wanted to try. The man put what looked like salt water taffy on a straw, he then instructed the girls to blow into the straw.
They blew the candy up like a balloon.
Then, the man held it up to a fan to harden. It was just like hard candy when it was finished.
We loved this man, he was very friendly and spoke “just enough” English.
The finished product.
Then we came across a temple and cemetery.
Everything is always well-kept and beautiful!
The cemetery.
This was the main street, with lots of fun shops.
I loved the chopstick store! Hundreds to choose from.
This is not a bakery, rather, some very cute chopstick holders!
The girls liked the Hello Kitty store!
The back of this candy store had a very traditional Japanese tatami room. It had tatami mat flooring, a Japanese style table, and sliding doors. I loved it!
The Toki no kane (Time Bell Tower) has been rung to announce the time since the early Edo period. The bell still rings four times daily.
There is also a traditional kimono shop where you can rent a kimono to wear for the day. There are professional dressers to help you into the kimono properly. I am doing this next time!
Kawagoe, a great glimpse in to Japan’s past.