Kawagoe Scala-za
川越スカラ座
A working cinema nestled in Motomachi, near Ichibangai. Its predecessor was the "Ichirikitei" variety theater, founded in 1905 (Meiji 38), which remained at the heart of the entertainment district through several name changes—"Oide-kan" and "Kawagoe Engei-kan"—before being rebuilt as the first-run cinema "Kawagoe Shochiku-kan" in 1940 and renamed to its current name, "Kawagoe Scala-za," in 1963. The current building dates from 1986 (Showa 61) and conveys a Showa-era retro atmosphere quite different from the town's storehouse streetscape. In 2007, the theater faced closure when its owner retired, but the nonprofit organization Playground, formed by local volunteers determined to keep the city's last remaining cinema alive, took over its operation, drawing on crowdfunding to relaunch it. Screening a wide range of films from independent releases to acclaimed mini-theater titles, it is beloved by locals and visitors alike as a uniquely Koedo movie-going experience to enjoy between strolls through the storehouse streets.
Highlights
The interior, built in 1986, retains seating and a lobby with the atmosphere of a bygone-era cinema. The lineup ranges from independent films to acclaimed mini-theater titles, and many visitors enjoy a cool break to watch a movie between sightseeing along the storehouse streets. The historical materials and posters displayed inside are also worth seeing.
History
Its roots trace back to the "Ichirikitei" variety theater that opened in 1905, which remained at the center of the entertainment district through the Taisho and Showa eras under a series of names and forms of business. When its owner's retirement in 2007 threatened the cinema with closure, the nonprofit Playground, formed by local volunteers, stepped in to save it, relaunching it with community support. The history of supporting Koedo Kawagoe's entertainment culture for over a century lives on today.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 120 minutes (varies by film)
- Crowd levels
- Can get crowded on weekends when popular films are showing
- Best time to visit
- Weekday daytimes tend to be relatively relaxed for viewing
| Address | 1-1-1 Motomachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama |
|---|---|
| Hours | Varies by film (check official website for details) |
| Admission | Varies by film (general admission around ¥1,800 as a guide) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 15 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
- 25 min walk from Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line / Tobu Tojo Line)