Kawagoe from Tokyo 2026: Seibu vs Tobu Pass Guide
Planning a day trip from Tokyo to Kawagoe in 2026? Compare the Seibu Kawagoe Pass and Tobu Discount Pass to find the best way to travel to Little Edo.
Where? π―π΅ Japan | Type: Historic Town |
Tokyo to Kawagoe Transit Guide |
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(c o n t e n t s) | |
01 | How long does it take from Tokyo to Kawagoe by train? |
02 | Which station should you get off at? |
03 | Seibu Pass VS Tobu Premium Pass Comparison |
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If you are looking for a charming day trip from Tokyo,
Kawagoeβoften called "Little Edo"βis the perfect escape.
Located just about 22 miles northwest of Tokyo, it transports you back to old Japan.
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Here is a complete guide on how to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo,
and how to choose between the Seibu Pass and Tobu Pass
to save money on your transit!
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1. How long does it take from Tokyo to Kawagoe by train?
Kawagoe is incredibly accessible, taking only about an hour by train from central Tokyo. It's close enough for a stress-free day trip, and since it requires no complicated transfers, navigating the route is a breeze.
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Since Hon-Kawagoe Station offers the best walking access to the historic warehouse district, let's look at how to get there first.
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π How to get from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station
Category | Details |
Line Used | Seibu Shinjuku Line |
Departure Station | Seibu-Shinjuku Station |
Arrival Station | Hon-Kawagoe Station |
Travel Time | Approx. 60 mins |
Regular Train Fare | One-way: ~600 JPY (~$4) Round-trip: ~1,200 JPY (~$8) |
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*If you opt for the Limited Express train, it takes only 45 minutes and costs ~1,200 JPY (~$8) one-way.*
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π How to get from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe
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Category | Details |
Line Used | Tobu Tojo Line |
Departure Station | Ikebukuro Station |
Arrival Station | Kawagoe Station / Kawagoeshi Station |
Travel Time | Approx. 44 mins |
Regular Train Fare | One-way: ~490 JPY (~$3) Round-trip: ~980 JPY (~$6.50) |
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2. Which station should you get off at?
Kawagoe has three main stations:
Kawagoe Station, Kawagoeshi Station, and Hon-Kawagoe Station.
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π Hon-Kawagoe Station
1 Chome Shintomicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0043, Japan
π Kawagoe Station
Wakitamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1122, Japan
π Kawagoeshi Station
1-chΕme-4-4 Rokkenmachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0041, Japan
Having three stations so close to each other can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors.
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The best station for you depends entirely on where your Tokyo hotel is located and which transit pass you choose to buy.
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β | Rating | Key Features |
Hon-Kawagoe Station | βββββ | Closest station to the main tourist sights. β Highly recommended if using the Seibu Shinjuku Line. |
Kawagoe Station | βββββ | Convenient for JR and Tobu Line passengers. β Sights are a 20-25 min walk or a quick bus ride away. |
Kawagoeshi Station | βββββ | Accessible via the Tobu Line, but less commonly used by tourists. |
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βοΈ Destination Pass Selection Tips
ββ Hon-Kawagoe Station π Go with the Seibu Pass
ββ Kawagoe/Kawagoeshi Station π Go with the Tobu Premium Pass
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If your goal is to explore the iconic Kurazukuri Zone (historic warehouse district) and Toki no Kane (the famous Bell Tower), starting from Hon-Kawagoe Station is by far the most convenient choice.
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It is only a 10-minute walk to the main historic strip, which is why most day-trippers prefer this route.
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3. Seibu Pass VS Tobu Pass Comparison
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Seibu Kawagoe Pass VS Tobu Kawagoe Discount Pass Premium?
β | Seibu Kawagoe Pass | Tobu Discount Pass Premium |
Price | 1,000 JPY (~$7) | Adult: 1,200 JPY (~$8) Child: 600 JPY (~$4) (Ages 6-11) |
Departure Station | Seibu-Shinjuku Takadanobaba Ikebukuro | Ikebukuro |
Arrival Station | Hon-Kawagoe Station | Kawagoe Station Kawagoeshi Station |
Features | Round-trip train fare included β *E-Ticket & Physical Ticket Both available | Round-trip train fare + Unlimited Kawagoe city bus rides + Discounts at 10 local shops + 7% Tobu Department Store (Ikebukuro) discount coupon |
Booking |
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The Seibu Pass
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π·οΈ Is the Seibu Pass worth it?
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The Seibu Pass saves you about 200 JPY (~$1.30) compared to buying standard round-trip tickets. It's a great, simple option.
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π How to Use It
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1οΈβ£ E-Ticket Option
In the past, you had to visit a tourist information center to exchange your voucher for a physical ticket. Now, you can use e-tickets with a QR code directly on your phone, making the journey seamless.
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2οΈβ£ Physical Ticket Option
If you love physical souvenirs, you can still exchange your voucher for a hard-copy ticket. The ticket design is beautifully traditional, making it a lovely keepsake from your trip.
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ποΈ Physical Ticket Exchange Location
SEIBU Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro
π 8:00 AM β 3:00 PM
π SEIBU Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro
1-chΕme-28-28 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0022, Japan
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π Book Your Seibu Pass Online
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The Tobu Discount Premium Pass
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π Tobu Discount Premium Pass Benefits
β Round-trip train fare |
β‘ Unlimited local bus rides |
β’ Discount coupons for 10 local shops |
β£ 7% discount coupon for Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro |
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π Quick Tip
π Single bus ride in Kawagoe: 210 JPY (~$1.40)
(If you pay out-of-pocket without a pass)
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While the official child price is 600 JPY,
booking through Klook gets you a slight discount at 540 JPY (~$3.60).
Booking on Klook is incredibly straightforward and saves you hassle at the station.
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π Book Your Premium Train + Bus Pass
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π·οΈ Tobu Pass Unlimited Bus Route Map
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Enhance Your Experience
π Try a Kimono or Yukata Rental! β
Book Vasara Kimono Rental Online (1-Day) - Klook
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If you have some extra time,
I highly recommend renting a traditional kimono or yukata.
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Kawagoe's stunning Edo-period architecture
makes the perfect backdrop for traditional clothing.
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Seeing so many travelers walking around in gorgeous garments
made me wish I had booked it myself!
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For those who want to skip the crowded streets of Asakusa
and enjoy a quieter, historic day trip,
Kawagoe is a must-visit.
Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the perfect pass
and save a bit on your travel budget!
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Have an amazing trip! :)
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βTABIYA
