在現代的東京領略古都的風情「川越」 A Journey to the Ancient Times in the Contemporary Tokyo - Kawagoe, 03.2015

穿越古今的「川越」 A Journey to the Historic Kawagoe

Video: 川越祭典會館 Kawagoe Festival Museum

東京給人的印象都是現代化的、潮流先驅、充滿創新的事物；但原來只要坐半小時火車便可到達古色古香、有小江戶之稱的「川越」。川越位於東京市的西北方，位近新河岸川，曾因船運而繁榮，與江戶之間展開頻繁的文化及商業交流。至今川越依然保存了許多藏造建築(倉庫式建築)，如商店及寺廟神社，滲透出江戶時代的風情。Tokyo is perceived as modernized, trend setter and full of innovations.  However, in just 30 mins by train, we could reach the historical Kawagoe which resembled the "Edo" atmosphere. Kawagoe located at the northwest of Tokyo city.  As a thriving port on Shingashigawa River, it developed deep cultural and business ties with Edo.  Even now, old-fashioned warehouse-style merchant houses and shrines line the streets, echoing the Edo atmosphere 

我們在池袋駅的東上線售票處購買1天優惠劵(1000日元)，用此劵可乘坐來回池袋和川越的火車、1天內不限次數搭乘在川越的東武巴士、會館和殿社的入場費折扣及部份商店的折扣或優惠等等。We bought the one-day pass from the Tojo line ticket office at Ikebukuro station.  The one day pass was valid for the round-trip train between Ikebukuro and Kawagoe station, unlimited free ride on Tobu bus in Kawagoe, discounts for admission to museums and shrines, discounts or special offers from many shops there. 


乘火車到達川越後，我們乘坐東武巴士，只需約10分鐘便可到達主街，開始遊覽。After arriving Kawagoe train station, we took the Tobu bus to arrive the main street in about 10 mins and explored the city.   

鐘樓是川越的象徵性地標，至今鐘樓仍然運作，每天敲鐘4次。Toki No Kane was a symbolic landmark at Kawagoe.  It still functioned and rang four times each day to tell the time.

每年10月，川越都會舉行盛大的冰川祭禮，川越祭典會館內介紹這個在川越已有三百多年歷史的節慶，館內還放置了祭典中所用、約兩層樓高的山車(花車)。憑1天優惠劵可享入場費折扣優惠。Every October, the city would organized the annual Kawagoe Festival.  Kawagoe Festival Museum introduced all the different details about this festival which was having a history of more than 300 years.  In the museum, the dazzling parade floats called "Dashi" (Mountain-car) which were as high as two-storey were displayed.  Discount on admission fee was available when presenting the one-day pass.



本丸御殿建於1848年，是川越城唯一保留下來的御殿，館內有展示文物及文化遺產圖片。由於是歷史建築且八成以上的室內面積是榻榻米，參觀者需於入口先脫鞋入內。憑1天優惠劵可享入場費折扣優惠。The Goten was built in 1848 and was the only remaining building of the Kawagoe Castle.  In the Goten, archaeological artifacts and pictures of cultural properties were displayed.  As over 80% of the area was covered with Tatami mats, visitors needed to take off their shoes at the entrance before going in.  Discount on admission fee was available when presenting the one-day pass.

川越有很多不同特色的店舖，售賣傳統日式小吃、烹調材料、手工藝品、衣飾鞋履等，更有不同食品的料理。There are a lot of specialty shops in Kawagoe, selling traditional Japanese snacks, cooking sauces, handicrafts, clothes and shoes, etc. as well as  restaurants serving different cuisines.