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Kawagoe Gourmet Recommendations | Century-Old Shop "Kawagoe Kousushi" Taste Edomae Sushi and Seasonal Japanese Cuisine

Update-Date: Jul 9, 2026

Author: Xiaolu

Categories: Sushi

Kawagoe Gourmet Recommendations | Century-Old Shop "Kawagoe Kousushi" Taste Edomae Sushi and Seasonal Japanese Cuisine

Speaking of Saitama Kawagoe's gourmet food, many people will first think of the snacks, desserts, and souvenirs on the Kurazukuri Old Street. However, if you want to sit down and enjoy a sushi or Japanese meal during a day trip in Kawagoe, then "Kawagoe Kousushi," located in the center of Kawagoe, is a highly recommended restaurant worth keeping in mind.

Xiaolu

Travel creator from Taiwan based in Japan

Shika | Taiwan native living in Japan
Author of the travel book “搭地鐵玩遍東京 (Exploring Tokyo by Subway)”
A passionate Japan traveler, sharing on Instagram, Facebook and more:
Travel tips × Accommodation recommendations × Self-drive itineraries

A small Edo period time away from the hustle and bustle: Step into "Kawagoe Kousushi," established in the 11th year of the Meiji era (1878).

Kawagoe Gourmet Recommendations | Century-Old Shop 'Kawagoe Koju Sushi' Taste Edomae Sushi and Seasonal Japanese Cuisine

Walking into Kawagoe, the most charming places are not just the Kurazukuri Old Street, the Time Bell Tower, and the nostalgic streetscape, but the entire city retains a sense of slow and steady time. In this city known as "Little Edo," "Kawagoe Kousushi" has been a beloved sushi kaiseki restaurant since its establishment in the 11th year of the Meiji era, cherished by both locals and tourists.
The shop is located near the Kawagoe City Hall, easily accessible by walking from the bustling tourist area. Unlike typical tourist restaurants, this place is not just for having a meal of sushi; it offers Edo-style sushi, seasonal Japanese cuisine, unagi rice, and a Japanese dining space, allowing you to experience the old-fashioned and delicate charm of Kawagoe.
If you are looking for sushi recommendations in Kawagoe, lunch or dinner options, and want to arrange a memorable Japanese meal during your stroll, "Kawagoe Kou sushi" would be a great addition to your itinerary.

Kawagoe Kousushi

Open: [Tuesday - Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)
Holiday: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 9,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, near Kawagoe City Hall. 5-minute drive from Kawagoeshi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line.
Address: 1-13-7, Moto-machi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
More Details Reservation

The century-old sushi kaiseki restaurant in Koedo Kawagoe

Kawagoe is not far from Tokyo, yet it has a distinctly different urban atmosphere. Strolling along the old streets with traditional storehouses, you can see buildings that preserve the Edo style, old sweet shops, and traditional merchants, which is why it is also known as "Little Edo."
"Kawagoe Kousushi" is located in such a neighborhood. The shop was established in the 11th year of the Meiji era, which is 1878, and has a history of over a hundred years. For many years, it has been loved not only by tourists but also chosen by local residents for dining, banquets, and special occasions.
Although the shop's name suggests it is a sushi restaurant, upon entering, you will find that it is more like a complete "sushi kaiseki." In addition to Edo-style nigiri sushi, you can also enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine, unagi rice, set meals, and banquet dishes. For those visiting Kawagoe for the first time, this place is just right to experience not only the nostalgic but also the refined side of Kawagoe through a meal.

Actual Experience "with NAGOMI" Package: Feel the Delicacy of Japanese Kaiseki through Each Dish

This time at "Kawagoe Kousushi," we enjoyed the premium kaiseki course "Wa NAGOMI." This course focuses on the essence of Japanese cuisine, gathering classic Japanese dishes that overseas travelers love, including appetizers, Shiretoko black wagyu beef steak, live shrimp tempura, top-quality Edomae sushi, and seasonal fruits.
Compared to ordering sushi or set meals individually, "Wa NAGOMI" gradually opens up the palate starting from the appetizers, moving to tempura, wagyu, and sushi, and finally concluding with dessert. Each dish has its own rhythm and focus, allowing one to fully appreciate the charm of Japanese kaiseki cuisine.

Appetizer: Opening the curtain on kaiseki cuisine with delicate small dishes

The first dish served is the appetizer, which consists of a tray with six types of small dishes, including sesame tofu, okra, yuba, and refreshing cold dishes like plum. Each small plate has a modest portion, but the flavors are delicate, making it a perfect start for a kaiseki meal.
The seasoning of these appetizers is not too heavy; instead, it simply uses vinegar, salt, wasabi, and other methods to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. For example, the sesame tofu has a subtle sesame aroma and a smooth texture, the yuba offers a taste of beans with gentle layers, the okra is refreshing with a slippery texture, and the sourness of the plum is also very appetizing.

Shiretoko Black Hair Wagyu Japanese-style Steak: Enjoy High-Quality Wagyu with Halal Options

The Shiretoko black-haired wagyu and Japanese-style steak left a strong impression on me. The wagyu itself is tender, and when you take a bite, you can feel the sweetness of the fat. However, because it is prepared in a Japanese style, it doesn't feel too heavy. Compared to Western-style steaks that emphasize sauce and aroma, this Japanese-style steak focuses more on the flavor of the meat itself. After being paired with Japanese seasonings, it has a gentle and delicate sense of layers.

Tempura: The crispy texture just fried and the fresh sweet shrimp flavor

Kawagoe Gourmet Recommendations | A Century-Old Shop 'Kawagoe Koju Sushi' to Taste Edomae Sushi and Seasonal Japanese Cuisine

Tempura has delicious fried shrimp and fried vegetables, and among them, I really like the live shrimp tempura. The shrimp itself is a common ingredient in high-end Japanese cuisine, and using live shrimp to make tempura allows you to enjoy the elasticity and freshness of the shrimp meat itself.
The freshly fried tempura has a very light outer layer, and when you bite into it, there is a crispiness, but it does not have a heavy batter or greasy feeling. The shrimp meat inside retains its elasticity and has a natural sweetness. The most charming aspect of this tempura is that it looks simple, but in reality, it tests the control of cooking time and oil temperature.
Compared to the tempura commonly found in regular tourist restaurants, this live shrimp tempura allows you to feel the freshness of the ingredients even more. The outer layer is light, and the inside is fresh, so after eating, you don't feel burdened; instead, it makes you look forward to the next dish.

Premium Edomae Sushi: Focusing the Entire Course on Artisan Skills

The last course features premium Edomae sushi. This time, there are seven pieces of sushi, including salmon roe, tamagoyaki, sea bream, fatty tuna, toro, and various shellfish, each piece showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the artisan's meticulous craftsmanship.
What leaves a strong impression is that the sashimi is cut quite thick, allowing one to distinctly feel the sweetness and texture of the fish upon entry. The sea bream is refreshing and delicate, the toro is rich in fat, and the shellfish has a bouncy texture with a hint of the sea; the salmon roe bursts with a salty aroma in the mouth, while the tamagoyaki balances the overall flavor of the sushi with its gentle sweetness.

Fruit: A refreshing finish to the kaiseki meal using seasonal fruits.

The last dish served is the fruit platter, which is the dessert in a Japanese kaiseki meal. This time, seasonal fruits are provided, including cantaloupe, watermelon, and oranges. Each fruit is fragrant and sweet, offering a refreshing and juicy experience.
After enjoying the appetizers, Shiretoko black wagyu beef steak, live shrimp tempura, and Edomae sushi, finishing with fruit allows the palate to gradually return to a refreshing state. It is not a heavy or overly sweet dessert, but rather uses the natural fragrance and sweetness of the fruits to leave a pleasant aftertaste for the entire meal.
*A set meal requires at least two people to order. Ingredients such as vegetables and fish, aside from the main dishes (wagyu, shrimp tempura, etc.), will be changed according to seasonal ingredients.

Kawagoe Kousushi

Correspondence of vegetarian and halal meals, overseas travelers can also choose with peace of mind.

Completely vegan "Fresh Vegetable Set Meal" Photo: SAVOR JAPAN
Another thoughtful aspect of "Kawagoe Kousushi" is that the restaurant also offers meals that cater to diverse dietary needs.
In addition to sushi, seasonal bento, and general Japanese cuisine, they also provide set meals and combos that meet vegan standards, as well as eel rice that complies with halal dietary regulations. If there are companions who are vegetarian among those traveling together, this restaurant allows everyone to enjoy delicious food together. However, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance for vegan and halal meals.

How to arrange a one-day trip to Kawagoe?

Sushi and Soba Noodle Set Meal Photo: SAVOR JAPAN

If it's your first time in Kawagoe, you can arrange to visit "Kawagoe Kousushi" for lunch or dinner.

For lunch, it's recommended to start from Hon-Kawagoe Station in the morning and take a leisurely stroll to the Kurazukuri Street and the Time Bell Tower area to experience the atmosphere of the little Edo Kawagoe. After that, you can sit down for a meal at Kousushi, and in the afternoon, continue to Kashiya-yokocho, Kawagoe Ice River Shrine, or find a café to take a break.

If you want to have a more complete ending to your trip, you can also arrange it for dinner. During the day, explore the old streets, buy souvenirs, and take photos, then enjoy a meal of Edomae sushi or seasonal Japanese cuisine in the evening to conclude your one-day trip in Kawagoe.

Three dining spaces: Japanese restaurant, private room, and sushi counter

Photo provided by: SAVOR JAPAN

Upon actually stepping into "Kawagoe Kousushi," what impresses people is that the interior space is more spacious than imagined, and it is divided into various seating areas according to different dining purposes.

The atmosphere of the Japanese dining hall is relatively relaxed, suitable for general travelers, gatherings with friends, or family meals. Here, you can enjoy seasonal bento, sushi, set meals, and other dishes, which feel very approachable, making it perfect for a lunch stop while strolling through Kawagoe.

If you want a quieter and more ceremonial dining experience, you can choose the private room facing the Japanese garden. The independent room has a traditional Japanese atmosphere, and sitting inside allows you to see the garden view, making it suitable for anniversaries, family gatherings, or for those who want to slow down during their travels.
*If using a private room, an additional service charge will be applied (10% for lunch, 15% for dinner).
The sushi counter is the best place to experience the craftsmanship of the chefs. Sitting in front of the counter, you can closely observe the sushi-making process and feel the rhythm and focus before the dishes are served. For sushi lovers, such seating is an experience in itself.

Transportation methods and store information

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the Seibu Shinjuku Line "Hon-Kawagoe Station"; if you start from the Tobu Tojo Line "Kawagoe City Station", it takes about 20 minutes on foot. If you don't want to walk, you can also take a bus from Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station towards Kawagoe Old Street, and then walk to the shop from the nearby bus stop.
The shop is located near Kurazukuri Old Street and the Time Bell Tower, making it suitable to arrange with a stroll around Kawagoe. If you are coming from Tokyo, you can take the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hon-Kawagoe Station, or take the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe Station or Kawagoe City Station, and then choose to walk or transfer to a bus according to your itinerary for the day.

Enjoy a meal and experience the old-fashioned elegance of Kawagoe.

The charm of Kawagoe lies not only in its old streets, desserts, and photo spots. Sometimes, what truly makes a city memorable is a good meal enjoyed during the journey.
"Kawagoe Kousushi" retains the calmness of a century-old shop and offers Edo-style sushi, seasonal Japanese cuisine, eel rice, and a Japanese garden space, allowing visitors to feel a more refined side of Little Edo Kawagoe. Next time you travel to Kawagoe, consider including this place in your itinerary.
Overall, "Wa NAGOMI" is perfect for those looking to arrange a formal Japanese dining experience in Kawagoe. Edo-style sushi, live shrimp tempura, Shiretoko black wagyu, and seasonal appetizers come together, allowing you to enjoy the essence of Japanese cuisine all at once.
As it is a very popular establishment, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. Through SAVOR JAPAN, even if you don't speak Japanese, you can easily make a reservation in traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, English, Korean, and other languages. If you're interested, be sure to make a reservation through the link below and experience it.

Kawagoe Kousushi

About SAVOR JAPAN Reservation FAQs

Q1: How do I use SAVOR JAPAN to reserve a restaurant in Japan?
A: The reservation process is very simple. Please click the "Go to Reservation" button for the restaurant in the article, select your desired date, time, number of people, and set menu, and fill in the required contact information (name, email, etc.) to complete the application.

Q2: Is there a service fee for using SAVOR JAPAN to reserve a restaurant?
A: Absolutely not. Browsing restaurant information and making online reservations through SAVOR JAPAN is completely free. You only need to pay the actual meal and drink costs to the restaurant after dining on the day.

Q3: Will I receive a notification after the reservation is completed? How should I check in on the day of dining?
A: After a successful reservation, the system will automatically send a "Reservation Confirmation Email" to the email address you provided. On the day of dining, when you arrive at the restaurant, please show the staff the email screen or reservation number to be seated smoothly.

Q4: What should I do if I need to cancel or change my reservation at the last minute?
A: If you need to cancel or change, please be sure to do so through the link in the reservation confirmation email. Please note that each restaurant has different cancellation policies, and late cancellations may incur cancellation fees, so it is recommended to confirm early.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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