With a population of about 35 and an area of 3 km², it has long developed as a core city for industry, economy, culture and tourism.Located within 109.1km from the city center, there are many sightseeing spots such as "Kurazukuri Townscape", "Toki no Kane", and "Kashiya Yokocho". You can feel it.
The flower of the city is "Yamabuki".It is a flower that appears in the anecdote of Ota Dokan, who was the warlord who built Kawagoe Castle, the castle builder, and also the master of waka poetry.In the spring, you can see pretty yellow flowers all over the city.
The bird of the city is "Goose".Goose is a migratory bird that has been often written in Japanese poems that represent the Kawagoe region since ancient times.Kawagoe Castle was also known as "Hatsukari Castle".In addition, there are several junior high schools, high schools, companies, etc. with the name of "Hatsugai" in the city.
In the first year of Choroku (1457), Kawagoe Castle was built by Michizane Ota and his father and son Dokan.Since then, Kawagoe has been developing year by year as a castle town that represents Musashi Province.In the Meiji era, Kawagoe developed as the number one commercial city in Saitama prefecture, with grains, textiles, chests of drawers, etc. as its main special products.In 11, the first city system was enforced in Saitama Prefecture, and in 1922, the 4th anniversary will be celebrated.
One of the characteristics of Kawagoe is that there are many shrines and temples."Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine", which has an elaborate carving unique to the Kanto region called Edo carving, has been relocated from Momijiyama in Edo Castle to the guest hall, the Shoin, and the back of the warehouse by the order of Tokugawa Iemitsu. Institute ".In addition, there is "Renkeiji Temple" where "Renkeiji" is enshrined, which fulfills people's wishes, including child-rearing and easy delivery.
In addition, the "Koedo Kawagoe Shichifukujin Tour", which you can easily visit in about half a day, is also a popular course.
Kawagoe is the largest festival in Kawagoe, consisting of the "Grand Festival" and "Shinko-shiki" of the Hikawa Shrine, as well as the gorgeous "Dashi Festival".
In the first year of Keian (1648), the Kawagoe feudal lord Matsudaira Nobutsuna donated portable shrines and lion heads to Hikawa Shrine to encourage festivals. Is the biggest highlight.
In addition to being designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property as a "Kawagoe Hikawa Festival float event," it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 28 as one of Japan's mountain, hook, and stand events.
In addition to the Kawagoe Festival, there are also events of intangible folk cultural properties designated by Saitama Prefecture and Kawagoe City, and we are carrying out activities to inherit the tradition.
With the reconstruction of Kitain in the wake of the great fire of Kanei, the Shinkawagishi River's boat transportation, which began when the Edo Castle building was carried to Kawagoe through boat transportation and relocated, brought Kawagoe's prosperity.In addition, the connection with Edo became deeper as the end point was connected to Asakusa (Hanakawado) from the Shingashi River, over the Arakawa and Sumida rivers.From Kawagoe, agricultural products such as rice and wheat and wood are brought to Edo, and from Edo, in addition to loads such as textiles, salt and sake, Edo culture (festivals, etc.) is also coming into Kawagoe.
"Kawagoe Karaji" was once woven around the Kawagoe area.Various types of vertical stripes are beautiful, woven with extremely fine and beautiful cotton threads, and with a silky texture, it was very popular at that time as an indispensable item for the Edo townspeople's attire.Now, in addition to kimono, you can buy cute accessories at souvenir shops in the city.
One-third of the city was burned down by the "Kawagoe Great Fire" that occurred on March 26, 3, but at that time, only the Kurazukuri building remained unburned, and the store noticed the fire resistance of the warehouse. Since then, the Lords have all adopted Kurazukuri.After that, due to the efforts of the government and civic groups, it was selected as an important traditional buildings preservation district in 17.In addition, many signboards from the Taisho era to the Showa era are left behind, and they are still used as stores.
Kawagoe's symbol "Toki no Kane" stands out in the brewery townscape.Since the beginning of the Edo period, it has been familiar to the common people by telling the time to the castle town.The bell tower and bronze bells were destroyed by repeated fires, and the current building is the 4th generation.It is still telling the time as it used to be, and in 8, its tone was certified as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment.
There are many confectionery shops that convey the simple and nostalgic taste.It is said that there were more than 70 stores in the early Showa period, and although the number of stores has decreased since then, the atmosphere of Yokocho, which is full of humanity, still remains.Kashiya Yokocho, which has a nostalgic scent of Nikki, Hacka, and dumplings, was selected as one of the "13 Kaori Landscapes" by the Ministry of the Environment in 100.
You can enjoy various specialties in Kawagoe.The famous sweet potato is an agricultural product that has been cultivated in this area for a long time.In addition, the "Kawagoe Matcha" brand has become very popular these days because tea has been cultivated for a long time.It is used for sweets and gourmet food throughout the city.Furthermore, because it is an area surrounded by rivers, there are many long-established eel shops in Kawagoe that have been visited by locals for a long time.
Kawagoe is also known as an area where agriculture is flourishing.
Leafy vegetables are produced in the southwestern part of the city, and rice is actively produced in the northeastern part of the city.In particular, the shipment volume of Japanese mustard spinach, spinach, turnip, etc. is very large, and Kawagoe also plays a role as a food supply area in the metropolitan area.In addition, Kawagoe Imo, which is also a brand, is being visited by potato digging, and various sweets have been developed, which is appreciated by many tourists.