One-day Trip to Kawagoe

6 Jun 2025

On May 25, 2025, a group of 29 international students visited Kawagoe, Saitama, on a one-day trip. Cloudy but no rain, it was a perfect day for a stroll. They started their trip from Hon-Kawagoe Station.

◆Dressed Up in Kimono◆

First, the group went to a shop to get dressed in kimono, traditional Japanese clothing. Each participant chose from a good selection of casual "komon" kimonos in different colors and patterns. They also chose an "obi" sash, a pair of "geta" wooden sandals, and other items that would go well with the kimono of their choice. It was fun for them to take time and decide what to wear.

Female students also had their hair arranged for the kimono style. In colorful kimonos, the group was all ready for a walk around the town of Kawagoe.

◆Walking Around and Having Lunch in Kawagoe◆

The international students had difficulty walking in unfamiliar kimonos and geta, but they were happy and enjoying themselves. You could tell it from the smiles on their faces!

The first destination was a restaurant, which used to be a sake brewery built in early to mid-20^th century. The atmosphere of the typical old brewery building reminded us of good old days. The students enjoyed a lunch special prepared with lots of sweet potatoes, a specialty of Kawagoe.

◆Glass Engraving◆

After lunch, the group took a glass engraving lesson. With routers, they engraved patterns of their choice on glasses. One of the students inscribed Sakuma-san, Gakushuin University's mascot. A lovely souvenir from this trip.

◆Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine◆

Strolling around the town of Kawagoe that preserves the atmosphere of old Edo and taking photos, the party went to the final destination, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Their kimono attire fitted in well with the town called "Little Edo."

The students had Japanese cultural experiences, such as "omikuji" fortune-telling drawing, in the solemn shrine setting.

After returning kimonos, the students broke up. Afterwards, the participants made various comments on the trip.

"It was a worthwhile trip as we had a chance to do something difficult to experience on an independent tour."

"It was a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese history and culture in Kawagoe, where the Edo atmosphere remains."

"Walking in geta was a bit painful, but it was an enjoyable experience."

We hope that this trip will be a good memory of Japan for the international students and encourage them to know this country more deeply.

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