Things to do in Kawagoe

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo is an entertainment facility where you can experience the behind-the-scenes production of the "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films. In addition to the popular Hogwarts Great Hall and the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾, you can also enjoy many wonderful scenes created by the world's outstanding filmmakers. Ride a broomstick, sip refreshing Butterbeer, become a living portrait in the moving staircase area of Hogwarts, and more. In addition, there is a store selling a wide range of Studio Tour merchandise. It will be the first to open in Asia and will feature indoor "Harry Potter" facilities. © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. Platform nine and three-quarters The seemingly unremarkable Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station in London was, for Harry, the entrance to the wizarding world. Harry Potter fans, step onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and board the express train to Hogwarts! Hogwarts Great Hall For Hogwarts students, the Great Hall is the center of school life. Open the main doors and enter the Great Hall, where you can see statues built in the image of the four houses (snake, badger, lion, eagle) lined up along one wall. The house point counter, which uses glass beads to display the scores of each house, is also located here. Ministry of Magic Only in Tokyo! At Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo, you can step into the full-scale set of the British Ministry of Magic, walk into the fireplace like a Ministry employee, and experience the magical effect of Floo Powder through smoke and lighting. *Photo and video capability Diagon Alley In Diagon Alley, you can withdraw Galleons at Gringotts Wizarding Bank or pick out a beloved pet at the Magical Menagerie—everything Hogwarts students need is gathered here. As you walk into Diagon Alley, you can observe up close this exquisitely crafted set built by the film production team.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

SHIBUYA SKY

SHIBUYA SKY is an observation facility that not only offers 360-degree views from 229 meters above Shibuya, but also stimulates intellectual curiosity and fosters imagination through a series of experiences. The observation experience at SHIBUYA SKY is composed of three zones: "SKY GATE," a transitional space from the 14th to the 45th floors; "SKY GALLERY," an indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor; and "SKY STAGE," a rooftop observation space. Enjoy the music bar, souvenir shop, and scenic photo service as well. △ SKY EDGE is a popular photo spot and a scenic area offering panoramic views of Tokyo, from the Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the cityscape!  △ A breathtaking 360-degree view from 229 meters above Shibuya.  △ You can enjoy the view from indoors at the "SKY GALLERY," an indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Saitama Prefecture

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Famous for matchmaking, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to have been built 1,500 years ago. The five deities enshrined here are a family, including two very loving couples. As a result, blessings for family harmony, marital harmony, and matchmaking have become widely known and revered. Additionally, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine houses important historical and cultural assets, such as armor and razors.

Shibuya

Shibuya is a commercial and entertainment district near JR Shibuya station, standing alongside Shinjuku and Ikebukuro as one of Tokyo's three major sub-centers and one of the city's bustling neighborhoods. Every time the traffic light turns green, the massive crosswalk in front of JR Shibuya station is engulfed by waves of pedestrians, while giant billboards and digital screens around reflect the energy of this busy metropolis. Shibuya is the birthplace of youth culture. In this 24-hour sleepless district, various trendy fashion shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment centers gather, and street band performances can often be seen. Major department stores are also vibrant with the presence of young people. In Shibuya, even the outfits of passersby are stylish enough, with many fashion magazines like "ViVi" and "Mina" sourcing their street snaps from here. Thanks to the prevalence of trend culture, the area is filled with fashionable men and women, and avant-garde or even eccentric outfits are not uncommon. Shopping route recommendations When shopping in Shibuya, it's recommended to start from the bustling Shibuya crossing, pass through the busy pedestrian zone Center Street and Spain Slope, and take a break at the spacious Yoyogi Park when tired. This route allows you to experience Shibuya's typical youthful atmosphere. Statue of Hachiko When you exit from the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station, you will see the statue of Hachiko. The story of Hachiko, who kept waiting for his deceased owner in front of JR Shibuya station, is well-known throughout Japan. Today, the area in front of this statue is one of Tokyo's popular meeting spots. Why not take a photo with Hachiko? Shibuya 109 Shibuya crossing is surrounded by department stores and is a highly photographed location. Across the street, Shibuya 109 houses over 120 boutique shops, offering trendy fashion that is highly representative and popular among young women, with sales staff even adopting cute and playful attitudes. Shibuya 109 also has a dedicated men's section, which is equally popular. Shibuya center street Shibuya center street pedestrian area is dotted with shops, restaurants and bars, creating a somewhat dazzling scene. It remains lively until midnight, offering a glimpse into the lives of Japanese youth. Spanish ramp A 100-m-long slope connects Shibuya Center Street to Parco department store, named for its resemblance to Spanish streets. Though inconspicuous, the Spanish slope exudes a trendy vibe with its unique shops on both sides. Here you'll find bakeries and restaurants using natural ingredients, as well as delicious coffee and wine that attract many foreign visitors. Walking up the steps through this shortcut leads to Parco, another clothing department store. Yoyogi park Continue north and you'll reach Yoyogi Park. The beautiful flowers and fountains in the park create an urban oasis for birds, where you can take a break and organize your finds from the journey. Shibuya's fashion culture in Shibuya, besides shopping, you can also experience the trendy youth culture. At Tokyo Wonder Site in front of Parco department store, you can often see works by young Japanese artists.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kanto Region

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is a temple with a long history and great popularity in Tokyo, dedicated to the sacred Kannon, and serves as the center of faith and culture in the Asakusa area. It was first built in the 7th century and was rebuilt many times after repeated fires. Legend has it that two fishermen caught a small golden statue of Kannon while fishing at sea, and the temple was built to enshrine it. The symbol of Sensō-ji is the Kaminarimon Gate at the entrance, flanked by the wind god and thunder god who guard the temple. A giant red lantern bearing the characters for "Kaminarimon" hangs on the gate, creating a truly impressive sight. Passing through Kaminarimon Gate leads to Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches toward the temple plaza. The rows of shops are filled with various small items full of Japanese charm, such as traditional fans and paper trinkets. This is one of Tokyo's lively shopping streets, and many visitors browse and pick out exquisite crafts here. After passing through Nakamise, you arrive at Hozomon Gate. Beyond it lies a roughly hundred-meter stone-paved path leading to the main hall where the Kannon statue is enshrined. In the plaza stands a large incense burner, and many people fan the smoke onto themselves for good health. The main hall's roof is distinctive, with a pronounced slope and a notably high ridge, giving it a striking and well-defined structure. On the east side, Nitenmon Gate is an ancient vermilion-lacquered gate and serves as another entrance to the temple grounds. In addition, there are many buildings and historical sites within Sensō-ji that are worth taking the time to appreciate.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Saitama Prefecture

The Railway Museum

The Railway Museum is located in the Taisei area of Saitama City. It is a museum established to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the East Japan Railway Company. In the "simulation hall" at the entrance, there are 5 simulated driving stations that are almost the same as the real ones. Visitors can experience the feeling of driving "205 series trams", "211 series trams" and "200 series Shinkansen trams". The "learning area" in the museum will also allow visitors to experience and understand the principles and mechanisms of the train power system, the process of railway scheduling, and newer railway technologies through models and simulation methods.

Toki no Kane

The clock tower is located in the city center. It features a distinctive architectural style that blends European and Japanese design elements. The clock tower is approx. 16m tall and is constructed of brick, stone, and wood. Its ornate exterior gives a rustic yet dignified impression. At the top of the tower hangs a large bell whose melodious chime was once used to mark the hours and notify citizens.

Asakusa

Asakusa is a traditional district in Tokyo that developed around Senso-ji Temple, offering a distinct atmosphere from modern commercial areas like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. It retains the charm of Edo's old downtown and is regarded as a microcosm of ancient Edo culture. Historically, Asakusa suffered severe damage twice—from fires after the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII air raids—but gradually regained popularity during postwar reconstruction. Today, it epitomizes old Tokyo. The heart of the district is Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple founded in the 7th century. Its entrance, Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), features a massive red lantern inscribed with the gate's name and is flanked by statues of the wind and thunder gods, where people once prayed for good harvests and weather. The bustling Nakamise shopping street, lined with red storefronts, connects Kaminarimon to Hozomon Gate and the main hall, selling traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki, Edo-era toys, and crafts, with some shops over a century old. Kimono rentals are also available here. Nearby, Asakusa Shrine, built in the Edo period, is worth a visit, while Denbo-in Temple's garden can only be admired from outside. Asakusa also hosts traditional festivals: the Sanja Matsur in May at Asakusa Shrine embodies Edo's vibrant spirit, alongside summer's "Hozuki Market" at Senso-ji, the "Tori-no-Ichi" fair at Otori Shrine in early winter, and year-end "Hagoita Market." Sumida Park along the Sumida River is a famed cherry blossom spot, with boat rides offering waterfront views in spring. The summer fireworks festival on the river is a major annual event. For Edo-style cuisine, classics like tempura, soba, and eel are easy to find. With extra time, explore Kappabashi Street, known for kitchenware and food replicas. The area is easily explored on foot or by rickshaw.

Kashiya Yokocho

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Saitama Prefecture

GMO Arena Saitama

GMO Arena Saitama is located in Chuo Ward, Saitama City, Japan, and is a large, multi-purpose indoor arena. Since its official opening on September 1, 2000, it has become one of the venues in Japan for hosting sports events, concerts, and large-scale events. The arena features a movable structure that allows for flexible adjustment of seating capacity based on event requirements, ranging from 6,000 to 37,000 seats, making it one of the largest arena-class venues in Japan. It has hosted numerous international events, including the 2006 FIBA World Championship final, the 2014 and 2019 World Figure Skating Championships, and the basketball games of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. In addition to sports events, it is also an important venue for music and cultural activities. It offers convenient transportation, and the surrounding area is equipped with facilities such as restaurants, shops, and museums, providing a comprehensive service experience for spectators. With its advanced facilities and versatility, it has become one of the representative multi-purpose venues in Japan and even across Asia.