You don’t need a time machine to see the days of yore as the Saitama town of Kawagoe has incredibly preserved the past.

Steeped in nostalgia, one of the main attractions of Kawagoe is Little Edo, where the streets and atmosphere still very much reflect the Edo Period (1603-1868). The town was an important commercial center which led to the development of the Kurazukuri no Machinami, a warehouse district lined with clay-walled kura (warehouses) that are distinctive with their heavy tiled roofs. These were used for storing things like miso or soy sauce, but now they house many shops and restaurants. Here, time is marked by the Toki no Kane, a bellower that chimes four times a day.

With the olden atmosphere, why not dress to match? The eighth, 18th, and 28th day of each month is “Kawagoe Kimono Day” and participating stores rent kimono and yukata, or a lightweight kimono. For a true taste of the past, stop by Matsumoto Craft Soy Sauce, which has over 250 years of history. Here, join a factory tour, where you can see the barrels used for fermentation. Also worth a visit is DaishiKawagoe Kita-in Temple, known for its 540 statues of the disciples of Buddha, each said to have its own facial expression. The grounds are filled with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. And, if you are in town in October, don’t miss the Kawagoe Festival, a parade of colorful, two-story floats that face off in musical “battles.”