Stay in Kawagoe, Eat in Kawagoe

Kawagoe is a popular tourist spot for international travelers.
It is said to have prospered as a castle town in the Edo period (1603-1867) and came to be called “Koedo” (Little Edo) because its warehouse-styled streets and float festivals retain an Edo-style atmosphere.
Many people visit Kawagoe on a day trip, but why not stay overnight and enjoy the town of Kawagoe at a leisurely pace?

Guesthouse Chabudai

There are ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels in Kawagoe, but did you know that there is a guesthouse in an old private house that is over 100 years old?
This guesthouse is very popular among overseas travelers as a place to experience a traditional Japanese house.

Guesthouse Chabudai is a handmade guesthouse that was built over 100 years ago and renovated by everyone, including the staff and townspeople.
The staff welcomes you with the hope that you will enjoy the town of Kawagoe.
The concept of the guesthouse is “connect, enjoy, and expand,” and they will give you information on not only sightseeing spots but also restaurants, public bathhouses, movie theaters, and various other places in the town, so be sure to ask about Kawagoe’s charms when you check in.
*Please note that on-site payment is cash only*.

The exterior of the building is wonderful, but once inside, you can further appreciate the atmosphere of an old private house.
The interior is a well-balanced mix of Japanese and Western styles, with tiles and Western touches in places while retaining the traditional structure.

Behind the door is the common living room for guests.
Shower, toilet, washroom, and kitchen are also shared.
There is a kitchen, but please go to Kawagoe town for meals.
There is a map in the shared living room with recommended restaurants written on it.

There is a café space in front of the common living room.
Depending on the time and day of the week, the café and bar are also open for use by those not staying overnight.
If you are short on time, please stop by the café or bar.
If you wish, you can also ask the staff to show you the courtyard.

There is a mixed dormitory on the first floor (max. 8 people) and private rooms on the second floor.
There are two types of private rooms: (1-4 people) and (1-3 people).

The room in the photo is a private room for (1-4 persons).There are two bunk beds in this room, and each bed is equipped with a desk lamp, a power outlet, and a USB socket. The other private room (for 1-3 persons) is a Japanese-style room with futon bedding on tatami mats instead of beds. The room is an old wooden house built more than 100 years ago, so it is very noisy.
Therefore, please note that the lights are completely turned off after 23:00.

Reservations are required the day before, but you can request breakfast for a fee if you wish. You can choose between Japanese and Western breakfast.This time, I requested Western-style breakfast.
I chose scones, which are also sold at the cafe. It is served in the common living room.

Chabudai has a courtyard, a small rental space, and a store of Sawaguchi Meganeisha, a glasses shop specializing in custom-made handmade eyeglass frames. There is also a space where visitors can enjoy kotatsu in winter, so please inquire at the time of reservation if you would like to use this space.

Sawaguchi Meganeya is a popular store where customers wait a year from order to delivery. It is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so you may be lucky if it is open.
*Since we specialize in eyeglass frames, we do not offer lenses*.

Guest House Chabudai
1-14 Mikubo-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
Phone number: 049-214-1617 (Hours: 8:00-11:00, 16:00-22:00)
For lodging reservations, please visit our website at
https://www.chabudai-kawagoe.com/

Sawaguchi Optician
tel:080-7295-8008
Business hours: 10:00~17:00
Open: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (with occasional holidays)
Reservations preferred (you can come in without a reservation if available)
https://sawaguchi-meganesha.com/

goen

There are many restaurants in Kawagoe, so you will never have trouble eating.
You can have a meal at your accommodation, but we recommend you to have a meal in Kawagoe.
This time, we visited “goen”, a restaurant owned by the owner who is also associated with Guest House Chabudai.
He used to be in charge of bar time at Guest House Chabudai before he opened his own restaurant.

The sake in the store is made in Japan with the owner’s specialties.
There is a wide variety of beer, wine, and sake.
If you are not sure what to drink, ask the owner for a recommendation.

The restaurant has only a U-shaped counter.　It is not spacious, so please make a reservation in advance.　The food menu includes a variety of dishes made with vegetables, fish, and meat.
Since the seats are close together, you may be tempted to order what the person sitting next to you is eating because it looks so delicious.

(Dishes pictured)
Vinegared Kumamoto tomatoes with Tosa vinegar
Three pieces of sashimi
Seared roast pork
*Menu changes from time to time*.

goen
7-12 Nakamachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
TEL：050-5600-5373
Business hours: 14:00 – 22:00 (Food L.O. 21:00, Drink L.O. 21:30)
Closed: Tuesdays (other irregular holidays apply)
https://tabelog.com/saitama/A1103/A110303/11060145/