Ogakiku | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

This unique Starbucks is near the Toki no Kane bell tower and is a popular photo spot you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting Kawagoe.

It perfectly blends traditional Edo-period warehouse architecture with the historic streetscape through its black-tiled roof, white walls, and wooden exterior. If you want to avoid the daytime crowds, I personally recommend going in the early evening. Not only is the atmosphere quieter, but you can also sit down and take your time enjoying your coffee. Don't miss the elegant courtyard behind the building, which has a distinctly Japanese Zen feel. It's a beautiful Starbucks with lots of local character, where you'll want to sit quietly and stay awhile.

Walking over from the train station, you naturally come to the uniquely atmospheric Taisho Romantic Dream Street. Compared with the lively Ichibangai Street, it feels especially quiet and elegant. The short street is paved with rustic stone slabs and lined with many Western-style buildings from the Taisho and early Showa eras. Occasionally, you can even see a rickshaw passing slowly by, as if the air itself were filled with a nostalgic, old-fashioned charm.

Instead of the noise of excessive commercialization, there are cozy little specialty shops, stationery and lifestyle boutiques, and Showa-style cafés. It's a great place to slow down, take your time walking around, and fully appreciate its timeless sense of romance and tranquility.

On my first visit to Kawagoe Kumano Shrine, I experienced the very special money-washing ritual. You actually put bills into a bamboo basket and wash them with sacred water. You definitely have to try this unique way of praying for financial prosperity in person.

Even more fortunately, my visit happened to coincide with the season when the shrine’s ginkgo trees had turned golden. The golden carpet of fallen leaves against the historic shrine buildings created a breathtaking sight. Although the shrine grounds aren’t large, they’re full of surprises and a variety of activities for good fortune. You can also sincerely pray for blessings from Yatagarasu, the sacred bird symbolizing guidance and victory. This is a small shrine filled with energy, and I highly recommend taking some time to experience its unique Japanese way of praying for good fortune.