The Sankei Shimbun 
The area around Ichibangai in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is crowded with tourists. The city will trial a pedestrian-only zone twice a year. (©Sankei by Kazuya Yanagihara)
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Known as "Little Edo" (the old name of Tokyo), Kawagoe City is one of Saitama Prefecture's top tourist destinations. To address overtourism and improve pedestrian safety, the city plans to trial a pedestrian-only zone twice a year in its main tourist area, Ichibangai. The effectiveness of this initiative will be evaluated after each trial.
On a sunny weekend in March, Ichibangai, lined with historic kura (warehouse-style) buildings, was packed with tourists. In the narrowest sections about one meter wide, visitors were eating, taking photos, and causing congestion. Some even spilled onto the roadway.
Pedestrian Safety
At intersections, many pedestrians couldn't cross before the light turned red. Some people, unable to wait, were also seen crossing the two-lane road when traffic was momentarily clear, disrupting the flow of vehicles.
An office worker visiting the area said, "It was so crowded that walking smoothly was difficult. I had to be careful not to step onto the road because it was dangerous."
Kawagoe's annual tourist numbers fluctuated around seven million from 2014 to 2019. After a sharp decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers rebounded to seven million in 2025, bringing renewed attention to overtourism.
To tackle these challenges, the city will implement a pedestrian-only trial starting in 2025. It will cover about 400 meters along Ichibangai's main street, between the Satsu-no-Tsuji and Nakacho intersections. The trial will take place during peak tourist seasons: May 3–5 and November 1–3, six days each year, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
During these times, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles will be prohibited, with vehicles and buses rerouted. The measure aims to create a safer environment for both tourists and locals.
Potential Challenges
A 2025 city survey found that about 85% of residents considered Ichibangai "dangerous" or "somewhat dangerous," with around 76% of business owners agreeing. Many expressed support for the pedestrian-only zone as a solution.
However, concerns remain about rerouted traffic causing congestion on other roads. Residents near the pedestrian zone may also face difficulties accessing their homes. The city will assess the trial's impact before deciding on its future.
A 60-year-old self-employed man from Kawagoe commented on the plan: "Especially on weekends, Ichibangai can be very crowded and dangerous. I'm happy this pedestrian zone will allow more people to visit Kawagoe safely."
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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