Step back in time to the nostalgic Kashiya Yokocho, or Penny Candy Lane 菓子屋横丁 in Kawagoe. Colorful wares are on display in front of the 22 classic candy shops on the street, which is made of cobblestones. Vendors yell greetings to customers to entice them to make purchases, creating a fun and lively scene for all ages.
Kashiya Yokocho Penny Candy Lane Shop
Kashiya Yokocho started in the Meiji Period when Tozaemon Suzuki opened a shop, and others followed suit. The Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed many of the candy producers in Tokyo, so this little area became one of the biggest suppliers.
Kashiya Yokocho Penny Candy Lane
At one point, there were over 70 stores. Now it is a treat for everyone to visit. Foreigners can get a taste of old Japan, and locals can enjoy a burst of nostalgia at the sight. Some shops specialize in hand-rolled hard candy called kintaro-ame with kawaii designs in the centre, which was very popular in Tokyo until the 50’s. There are various designs and one popular one since the 1800’s is of a famous Japanese hero called Kintaro. You can also custom order the candies with your own design.
Kashiya Yokocho Penny Candy Lane selection
It is on the northwestern edge of the Kurazukuri District next to the Shingashigawa River. Get off the loop bus at the Kashiya Yokocho stop for the Eagle bus or the Takazawa-bashi stop for the Tobu bus.
