🗺️ Taisho Romantic Dream Communication

A popular shopping street exuding the retro atmosphere of the Taisho era merges seamlessly with the charming streets of Kawagoe. The 160-meter-long street is paved with granite slabs, lined with traditional townhouses featuring tiled roofs, as well as stone-built Western-style shops and warehouses. This is one of the oldest shopping streets in Saitama Prefecture, formerly known as "Kawagoe Ginza Shopping Street." It originally had arcades, which were removed in Heisei 7 (1995). The power lines were moved underground, transforming the area into an open space where one can see the wide sky above. Approximately 35 shops gather here, including long-established stores that have been operating since the Edo and Meiji periods, as well as newly opened shops, making it a great place to buy souvenirs from Kawagoe. Additionally, there are street foods like banana juice from an Okinawan goods store, and takoyaki senbei (octopus crackers) and shrimp chips sold at a produce shop. Here, you can stroll while observing the various shops, or take a ride in a rickshaw that complements the retro scenery. From late March to early May, the annual "Koi Nobori" (carp streamers) event is held, where colorful koi flags painted by local residents flutter in the air.

The charming Kawagoe shopping street is filled with character. The streets paved with granite slabs are lined with retro shops, including warehouse buildings, traditional townhouses, and Western-style architecture. There are several specialty shopping streets that preserve traditional stores. You can find food, groceries, and street food, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs from Kawagoe. During spring events, around 800 koi flags are hung along the streets.