KAWAGOE

A city in Saitama Prefecture that prospered as a commercial and transshipment center during the Edo Period a few hundred years ago. Kawagoe is now known as Koedo (Little Edo) and attracts many tourists with its unique townscape consisting of old warehouse buildings and Western-style architecture, as well as due to its close proximity to central Tokyo (about one hour by train). There are many spots to see in Kawagoe, including the Toki no kane, a bell tower that tells the time with its loud yet soothing bell four times a day. Kawagoe is also known for growing sweet potatoes and making and selling sweet potato snacks. During the late Edo period, street vendors walked around selling roasted sweet potatoes, which became a popular winter sweet among the people in Edo (old Tokyo). Backed by this tradition, Kawagoe is still considered the sweet potato capital of Japan.