Webmaster visited Kawagoe History Museum (Kawagoe-rekishi-hakubutukan) where real ninja tools are exhibited.
Access: Tokyo (local train 0:24) Ikebukuro (local train 0:30) Kawagoe (bus 0:15 or walk 0:20) Kita-in (walk 0:02) @
This is a small private museum which exhibits historical articles handed down in seven old families in Kawagoe which is an old castle town. Admission is ￥500 for adult.
The inside of the museum is full of real samurai articles!
Then, at the corner on the second floor, you will find real ninja tools which have been handed down in one family in Kawagoe whose ancestors probably served as secret agents for the feudal lords in those days.
Unfortunately, all the explanations on the display are written in Japanese. It is better if any Japanese guide accompany you.
Besides this museum, there are many other historical places such as a former castle palace, the street of old warehouses, shrines, and temples, as Kawagoe is an old castle town. You can spend a whole day if you are a fan of history.
Between Kawagoe Station and the historic districts, you can walk through a pedestrian shopping street Crea Mall which has another charm of the city to see the daily life of the locals.
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