7 Best "Little Edo" Towns to Experience Japan's Old Traditions and Scenery
The fascinating Edo period (1603 - 1868) lasted for over 200 years, leaving a wealth of historical wonders. You can learn more about this culturally rich era and truly get a taste of old Japan by exploring some of Japan's best traditional towns known as "Little Edo," including gorgeous Kawagoe and Sawara which make great day trips from Tokyo. Thanks to their traditional atmosphere reminiscent of old Japan and the many preserved buildings dating back to the Edo period, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time!
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1. Kawagoe - Saitama Prefecture
Kawagoe is the city that made the "little Edo town" term famous. The townscape from the Edo period has been preserved well, and when you walk along the Kawagoe streets, it feels as if you slipped into the world of old Edo.
2. Tochigi - Tochigi Prefecture
Tochigi city prospered as a post-town on the road to Nikko and also as a merchant-town that thrived on the trade thanks to the water transportation system of Uzumagawa river. The town keeps the streetscape with storehouses and white walls and shows the scenery of Edo.
3. Sawara - Chiba Prefecture
Sawara is the town called "Edo Masari"(superior to Edo), thanks to the transportation by Tonegawa river. Even now, there are many merchants who take over family business. The city is designated national "Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings".
4. Otaki - Chiba Prefecture
This is the castle town developed by Tadamasa Honda who was the powerful commander of Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is believed that the current townscape was completed during the Genroku era, and there are a number of buildings that were specified as cultural properties that were safely retained in the old town.
5. Atsugi - Kanagawa Prefecture
Atsugi was a post-town along the Oyama road, but it is now crowded with residences of the Tokyo suburbs. There are efforts to revive Atsugi as a small Edo by reviving the post-town atmosphere of Edo in the Higashi-cho district of Atsugi city.
6. Kaketsuka - Shizuoka Prefecture
Kaketsuka is a town located at the mouth of the Tenryu River, which used to be busy as the water-based interchange between Edo and Osaka. Because of the location, the town has been influenced by Edo culture and such historical culture still remains in the town.
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7. Hikone - Shiga Prefecture
Hikone prospered as the castle town of Hikone castle (a national treasure) constructed by the Li clan. "Hiko-nyan" Yurukyara (the promotional mascot character) which sparked "Yurukyara boom" is the mascot character of Hikone. The castle and the castle road which imitated the streetscape of Edo are must-see landmarks.
Thumbnail: PixHound / Shutterstock.com
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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