Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley)
菓子屋横丁
A narrow alley just west of the kurazukuri townscape, packed with about 30 old-fashioned candy shops and Japanese confectionery stores where you can snack as you stroll. Candy makers began gathering here in the early Meiji era, and after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake the alley developed further as a candy-supply hub for Tokyo. From nostalgic treats like fu-gashi (wheat-gluten candy) and hand-pulled candy sculptures to imo-kenpi (fried sweet potato sticks) and sweets made from Kawagoe's famous sweet potatoes, there's plenty to nibble on as you wander the alley's Taisho- and Showa-era retro atmosphere. Selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of Japan's "100 Fragrant Landscapes," the alley draws crowds of tourists and families lured by its sweet, toasty aromas, making it one of Kawagoe's most popular attractions. Deep in the alley stands the Kashiya Yokocho Jizo, said to bring good matchmaking luck, so there's more to enjoy here than just snacking. Set just off the main Ichibangai street, it offers a Showa-retro atmosphere quite different from the kurazukuri townscape — a great place to pick up an assorted box of old-fashioned candy as a Kawagoe souvenir.
Highlights
Wooden candy shops line both sides of the narrow alley, giving it a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the early Showa era. Live demonstrations of fu-gashi and hand-pulled candy are popular, as are skewered dango and sweet-potato snacks eaten on the go. Further in stands the Kashiya Yokocho Jizo, known for matchmaking blessings, a nice stop to break up your stroll.
History
It's said to have begun when Suzuki Tozaemon, who learned confectionery techniques in Edo, opened a shop here in the early Meiji era. When Tokyo's candy makers were struck by the Great Kanto Earthquake, Kawagoe's confectioners stepped in to fill the production gap, and the area developed into a major candy-producing district. At its peak, roughly 70 candy shops are said to have lined the alley.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30-45 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Especially crowded on weekend and holiday afternoons, as the alley is narrow
- Best time to visit
- Mornings right after opening are relatively quiet for a leisurely walk
| Address | 2-chome Motomachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Hours | Varies by shop (roughly 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; closing days also vary by shop) |
| Admission | Free (open to enter) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 15 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)