川越（Kawagoe) / 川越（Kawagoe）

“喜多院”(Kitain) had built in Heian period (A.D. 794-1185). it was pity that most of those temples are burned out by a big fire at Kawagoe Era in Edo period. However what was interesting that “Tokugawa Iemitsu” the 3rd Tokugawa Shogun had move his reception hall and drawing room and as a result, those important room survives while most of the similar estate belongs to Tokugawa Bakufu had burned out by the Edo big fire.

In south of “喜多院”, there is “仙波東照宮”(Senba Toshogu) which is one of the three biggest “東照宮”(Toshogu) in Japan. “東照宮” is only located on the place strongly related with Togugawa family.

Just 10 minutes walk from “喜多院”, you will arrive at “大正浪漫通り”(Taisho romance Street).

You cannot help feeling as if you time slip to more than 100 years ago because these building is actually used practically.

Lovely old Japanese stye house.

A coffee shop. It must be fashionable at the time it was built because it looks western style.

And at the end of “大正浪漫通り”, you will reach at “蔵造りの町”(Warehouse building town). Why warehouse? It is not for stock but for secure property from fire. Kawagoe is a city who faced a big fire. Therefore, the city built fire resistance houses along the street.

Warehouse style buildings along the street. Some are used for food shops and souvenir shops.

These are fire extinguisher used at that time.

It is very conventional but important.

A dolly for carry water.

Japanese style roof tile. You can see inside the tile and understand how to prevent roofs from spreading fire.

Refractory safe, of course it is very important.

Scenery from 2nd floor.

Small window at the side of the street.

Old atmosphere of Edo period still remains. Therefore, Kawagoe is called “小江戸”(Koedo). It is designated as an important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings.