Japan 2011-Kawagoe

Admittedly, thiese last posts are very late. I have been back for a bit and have not had the chancde to post until now. Anyway, the last full day started off by heading to Roppongi to see a scale model of Tokyo that was created in great detail. Pictures of actual buidling were pasted on the miniatures. However, we found out that they no longer open that to the public. On to Kawagoe it is then. After an hour on the JR Saikyo line, we arrived the the end of the line at Kawagoe. There are 2 lbus lines that will take you around the area for an inexpensive fare. The bargain for either line is the all-day pass. Instead we walked to the main attraction of the area approx 1km from the station. Along the way, we strode throough a shoping street and ducked into Bubuka for lunch. It seems like a regional chain that sells noodles. We had warm noodles with a sesame sauce and slices of pork and a hard boiled egg. I thought the sauce tasted much better with the complimentary minced garlic and it needed a kick in the pants with a bit of chili paste

Kawagoe is one of those areas that has progressed slower through the years than its surrounding area. The old world charm of its darkwood facades and quaint atmosphere draws locals and tourists

One of the standout buildings is the landmark bell tower. It stands head and shoulders above all the other buildings of its type. Although this small area is a moment in time, the roads are open to cars and the sidewalks can be narrow

One of the biggest selling flavors is sweet potatoes. The many soft serve vendors carry the usual vanilla and chcolate but also provide sweet potato flavor as we.. Roasted swett potatoes can be purchased as a snack. This store sells sweet potato onigiri. Upon sampling the treat, I expected there to be rice in it but found that its 100% swett potato, tastey. The grill the onigiri on all sides before selling it

An area thats especially popular with the kids is Dogashi alley. Dogashi are cheap affordable candies that are sometimes sold in bulk. This side street provided that and many other treats that children can buy. As witnessed, the pathways were filled with school kids and young teens, many of whome were probably on a school trip. Some will filling bags with brightly colored dogashi. A few were enjoying soft serve. Many were buying souvenirs as a rememberence of the trip and gifts to take home. They would buy rice crackers and a bread that was about 3ft high and made with soy sauce. Pictures abound of celebrities buying this bread at a number of shops. Thus, inspiring others to make the same purchase