As the warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa was establishing his hold over Japan and took control of Edo (today’s Tokyo) in 1590, he sent one his top lietenants to secure the domain of Kawagoe, which had vast holdings over the local countryside and was a vital defensive position to secure Edo from enemy attack. The town became a lifeline to not only protecting the river that flowed down to Tokyo, but also supploying the new capital with critical goods, earning the town the nickname “Little Edo” (Koedo).

Today, the town is is famous for the large number of wooden buildings that remain standing (despite a devastating fire that swept through the city and burned down the castle about 120 years ago), particularly the bell tower and large number of traditional Japanese warehouses known as “Kura,” traditional storehouses with safe-like doors and windows.

The Lady Curzon and I visited Kawagoe over the New Year holiday and are pleased to present a few pictures from the trip.

The famous 350 year old Kawagoe Bell Tower

Traditional “Kura” line the main street.

An entrance to a local temple, Naka-in.

The temple Yoju-in.

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