Instead of Tokyo, hop a train to Kawagoe to experience a mix of historic, contemporary

An excursion by rail to Kawagoe in Saitama prefecture opens a window to a bygone era in Japan.

Sometimes called “Little Edo,” a reference to Tokyo’s former identity, the city encompasses a busy commercial district and a Buddhist temple of historic and cultural significance. If, like me, you’re relatively new to Japan, Kawagoe is a nice weekend-day-trip alternative to the bustle of center city Tokyo.