Koedo Kurari is a small shopping area with food and souvenirs housed in three former sake breweries. They host several events and markets throughout the year. At New Year, they generally have a small New Year market on January 3rd as well as live Taiko performances, known as the New Year ‘first drum’ performance. Each of the events are free to spectate.
New Year Events Koedo Kurari
Due to the pandemic there were no events advertised for New Year in 2022, but this year they are advertising their events. They are planning to go ahead with the usual New Year events in 2023, however, on a smaller scale than normal. Their New Year events include a New Year market, ‘first drum’ performance of the year and Hashigo-nori.
Daruma Shi / New Year market
Event: New Year Market
Dates: January 2nd and 3rd, 11 am to 4 pm
There is a “Daruma Shi” New Year market on both the second and third of January from 11 am to 4 pm. Apart from New Year sales of Koedo Kurari goods, you can also pick up hot sake and lucky bags.
There is also a large Daruma Market at Kitain on January 3rd. A wonderful event:
First Drum
Event: ‘First drum’ performance
Date: January 3rd, 10.30 am to 3.30 pm (with breaks)
The First Drum performance is a taiko performance.It will be held on Tuesday January 3rd. The Shintomicho Enokika Hayashi troupe will perform the first drums several times on the day between the hours of 10.30 am and 3.30 pm. Due to the pandemic, they will take breaks between performances. The Enokika Hayashi troupe are one of the troupes that perform the music on the festival floats of Kawagoe Festival annually. They perform music from the festival at the New Year event.
Hashigo-nori
Event: Hashigo-nori (acrobats on a bamboo ladder)
Date: Sunday January 8th, from 11.30 to noon.
Hashigo-nori is the acrobatic ladder performances you see at a dezome shiki. On Sunday January 8th you can see hashigo-nori in the courtyard of Koedo Kurari between 11.30 am and noon. The main Kawagoe Dezome Shiki is on the same day and the performers will come to Koedo Kurari after they have performed at that. Thus, there is a possibility the starting time will be delayed. There will be food trucks, or kitchen cars as they are called in Japan, in the courtyard on the same day, including the popular Good Days Burger food truck.
Pandemic
Due to the pandemic, they request that:
- You wear a mask
- Keep enough distance from others
- Refrain from visiting if you are feeling unwell
Also, due to the pandemic, there is a possibility of changes or last minute cancellations. You can get the most up-to-date information on the official website.
Koedo Kurari Information
Venue: Koedo Kurari 小江戸蔵里
Address: 〒350-0043 Saitama, Kawagoe, Shintomicho, 1 Chome−10−1. View on Google Maps.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Access
Kawagoe Kurari is within walking distance of Hon Kawagoe, Kawagoeshi and Kawagoe station. Hon Kawagoe station (Seibu Shinjuku line) in particular is very close. It only takes about four minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe. Kawagoeshi station takes about 10 minutes and Kawagoe Station about 13 minutes. There is coin parking in the area, but please note it can be very congested and costs higher than average.