The Breath of Edo and the Beauty of Bonsai: Why don't you go on a historical tour of Saitama's "Kawaguchi-juku"?

  • Saitama
  • Sightseeing
Kawaguchi Bonsai (Hachisuba BONSAI-Art photography)
In the Edo period, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu was moved to Nikko, and the shoguns used Nikko Onarimichi when they visited Nikko. The road was developed as a side road for the shoguns, and is known as a road where many famous historical figures passed through. This time, we will visit Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, where "Kawaguchijuku" was located not far from "Hongo Oiwake," the starting point of the Onarimichi Road, and introduce a walking route to experience history, culture, and the charm of bonsai.

Departing from the lively Kawaguchi Station, head for the stage of history

The trip starts at JR Kawaguchi Station. Once you get off the station, you will see a lively town with many people coming and going. The theme of this Kawaguchi tour is to take a peek into the world of Kawaguchi Bonsai, a culture that has remained since the Edo period, especially that nurtured by bonsai masters based in Kawaguchi. Since the bonsai garden is located a little far from the station, it is convenient to rent a shared bicycle for a long time at a rental station near the station. Of course, Kawaguchi is also well served by local buses, and a combination of buses and walking is recommended for exploring the city.
Kawaguchi Station, the starting point of the trip

Cross the Arakawa River and follow the traces of history

Kawaguchi borders Tokyo across the Arakawa River. There used to be a ferry called "Kawaguchi no Ferry" where people and horses used to come and go. Ukiyoe by Hiroshige Utagawa depicts the scene of those days. Today, only a single signboard remains at the site of the ferry crossing, but it is said that a bridge was built each time the Shogun passed through.
Today, the New Arakawa Bridge has been built, allowing anyone to cross the Arakawa River freely. Looking at the Arakawa River from the bridge again, one is overwhelmed by its majestic flow. How did people in the past view this river and live their lives? The riverbanks on the Kawaguchi side are dotted with shrines, temples, and other historical spots, and a leisurely tour on foot is recommended.
View of the Arakawa River

History and technology of Kawaguchi casting

The foundry industry is one of Kawaguchi's representative industries, which has developed thanks to the development of the Nikko Onarimichi road and the river's water transportation system, which has made it convenient for logistics. The "18-pound cannon" on display in the premises of Masuko Sangyo Co. This "18-pound cannon" is a restoration of a cannon that was commissioned by the Tsugaru Clan in 1852 (Kaei 5), and was made by Mr. Yasujiro Masuda (the first generation of the Masuda family), a famous foundry master in Kawaguchi, in cooperation with artillerist Akiho Takashima, who successfully produced a large cannon that was considered impossible with the technology of the time. When you actually see it, it is much more massive than you imagined, and you will be overwhelmed by the power of the real thing.
18-pound cannon

Seek out the face of Kawaguchi Inn

Kawaguchi Yado once had one main lodge, one side lodge, and 10 inns. When you exit to Prefectural Route 89, you will find a small plaza at the Y-junction intersection with the Loop Road, where a board explaining the Nikko Onarimichi Road and Kawaguchi Inn and a monument with a picture of Kawaguchi Inn have been erected.
The board shows a map of Kawaguchi-juku at the time when it flourished, giving visitors a glimpse of the lifestyle of the people who lived alongside Onarimichi and the river.
Explanation board of Kawaguchi inn
The map depicts the manufacture of pots and kettles, as Kawaguchi flourished in the foundry industry. There is an anecdote that the well that once stood here dried up as beer companies moved in to take advantage of the delicious water.
Going north from here, the area is dotted with historical spots such as Tinjo-ji Temple, which was used by Hidetada Tokugawa as a resting place during his visits to Nikko Shrine, and the former Tanaka Family residence, designated as a national important cultural property. It is advisable to consult with your stamina and time before deciding on a route.
Illustration of Kawaguchi Inn

Asahi Hikawa Shrine, which boasts a history of approximately 500 years

After passing through the residential area, the next stop is Asahi Hikawa Shrine, which has a history of 500 years since its foundation. After passing through a large stone torii gate, a beautiful new shrine pavilion appears. The shrine grounds are lushly green, orderly, and pleasant. Here, visitors can experience the exorcism of bad luck. The Yakuwari Ball, with the word "Yaku" drawn in white on a red background, is struck against the Yakuwariishi (stone for breaking bad luck) and broken into pieces to drive away the bad luck.
The shrine also allows pets to visit the shrine, although there are some rules such as "if you are not wearing manner wear, you must carry your pet or ride in a cart," and many people visit with their pets, making the shrine a place of relaxation for visitors.
Yakuwari-ishi (stone for breaking bad luck)

Visit the world of bonsai, the pride of Kawaguchi

Going north from Asahi Hikawa Shrine, crossing the Shiba River and passing Hatogaya-juku on the Nikko Onarimichi Road, you will find Kawaguchi's proud traditional plant and bonsai production area. There are about 30 bonsai gardens scattered throughout the area.
In recent years, bonsai has gained worldwide attention and become known as "BONSAI. Furthermore, bonsai itself has evolved to meet the needs of modern lifestyles.

Hachisuba BONSAI-Art

Firstly, I would like to introduce "Hachisuba BONSAI-Art. Under the supervision of the fifth generation owner of Bonsai Kirakuen, Hachisuha is engaged in "small bonsai creation" and BONSAI-Art activities based on traditional bonsai in collaboration with art artists. As one enters the premises through the gate surrounded by trees, one is confronted with a large number of bonsai arranged in rows. It is hard to believe that it is right next to the Metropolitan Expressway, but it is a quiet and lush green space.
Hachisuba also offers a "small bonsai-making" workshop, where even beginners can try their hand at bonsai-making. With scissors in hand, you can spend time facing the tree and creating your own bonsai, a valuable experience to face yourself in the midst of your busy daily life.
Hachisuba BONSAI-Art" bonsai

Yajima-en

Next is Yajima-en, which specializes in "small bonsai. The garden is crammed with small bonsai of 10 to 20 cm in height. Each carefully cared for bonsai is unique and relaxing to look at.
Although you may have the image that bonsai is a hobby for a few enthusiasts, a visit to Yajimazono will change that image dramatically. You will feel that bonsai is more accessible and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Bonsai at "Yajima-en

Enjoy the taste of Kawaguchi

Kokyoen

If you feel a little hungry, visit the nearby rice cracker store, Kokyoen. With its modern concrete building and open-air, glass-walled entrance, it has a stylish storefront that differs from the image of a traditional rice cracker store, and inside the store you will find a variety of tastefully packaged rice crackers and arare (Japanese rice crackers). There are a variety of flavors, all of which look delicious and make great souvenirs. The recommended "Aged Arare" is soaked in the flavor of soy sauce, and although small in size, it is very satisfying and makes you want to try other flavors as well.
Other popular items include the famous "Fuji Senbei", a crispy rice cracker, which is also a return gift for hometown tax payments.
Inside of Kokyoen

watch out for masuwoya

On the return trip, head south on Nikko Onarimichi toward Kawaguchi Station. Passing Hatogaya-juku, just before the former Tanaka family residence, you will find the popular Japanese sweets store "Masunoya. The showcase in the store displays a wide variety of wagashi, including mame daifuku, monaka, dorayaki, domyoji, manju, nori maki, inarizushi, and more. Moreover, all of them are reasonably priced, making it easy to overpurchase.
You can purchase "dango" in the store. The dango are soft and tender, and are filled with a sweet bean paste. After eating the dango and feeling satisfied, we headed for Kawaguchi Station. There are many attractive stores around the station, such as a butcher shop serving delicious fried food and a brewery where you can enjoy craft beer.
Exterior view of "MASUYOSHINOYA

Rediscover the charm of Kawaguchi

A stroll through Kawaguchi, where you can experience the history of the old highway, the bonsai culture, and visit attractive stores in the area, will surely be a trip that you can enjoy from many different angles, with easy access from Tokyo. There are many other attractive places to visit as well. This time, we rented a shared bicycle for an extended period of time to get around, but there are many shared bicycle stations in the area, so it would be convenient to use them according to your plans. You can also use the bus or train to get around on foot. We hope you will enjoy Kawaguchi in your own way and in your own season.

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For reservations for JR + accommodations "Saitama Area", please use [JR East Japan Railway Dynamic Rail Pack].
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles