On March 18, 2025, fans of traditional Japanese sweets and local cultural experiences will have something new to look forward to at the Tsubakiya Foot Bath Cafe, located within the Tsubaki no Kura complex in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. The cafe, operated by Amin Collection Co., Ltd., will launch its spring-limited sweets menu, featuring delicacies inspired by the season of cherry blossoms.
The sweets menu includes eye-catching items such as the "Sakura Parfait," which is adorned with cherry blossom-flavored cream, rich matcha cream, and garnished with crispy rice crackers and gold leaf, adding to its visual charm. This delicacy not only captures the essence of spring but also offers a relaxing experience as customers soak their feet in the warm foot bath.
Alongside the seasonal menu, the two-story Tsubaki no Kura area will host the DECO Daruma Workshop, offering various activities aimed to wish for new beginnings. The workshop, part of their spring break campaign running from March 14 to April 6, features hands-on experiences, allowing participants to create personalized daruma dolls, adding their own wishes for the upcoming season.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Kawagoe's historical ambiance, beautifully blending leisure with art. It's the perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone celebrating new life events or simply seeking to create springtime memories.
Meanwhile, Kawagoe is also celebrating its own form of heritage: the 130th anniversary of the Kawagoe Railway. With preparations already underway, local municipalities are excitedly participating by submitting headmark designs for the trains. The initiative began on December 1, 2024, inviting elementary school students and older residents from the six municipalities along the rail line.
Selected designs will be prominently displayed on the front and rear of the trains, commencing from March 21, 2025, and running mainly on the Shinjuku and Kokubunji lines. This is aimed at not only celebrating the long history of the railway but also fostering community spirit by showcasing local creativity.
On March 11, 2025, the headmark completion ceremony was held at the Minami-Irima Depot, where officials from Seibu Railway and respective municipalities unveiled the chosen designs. Each municipality's unique character shines through, expressed through creatively crafted art representative of their locales.
The display period for these headmarks will run until August 31, 2025, providing ample opportunity for everyone to see the exhibits of local pride as they ride through the area.
To capture the essence of this local endeavor, the designs feature important aspects of each area, such as Kawagoe's historic "Toki no Kane" bell tower, the scenic Sayama tea fields, and local wildlife symbols, all celebrated through artistic expression. The designs were decided upon after careful voting and assessments by community members, showcasing the towns' strong bonds and commitment to celebrating their heritage.
From Kawagoe's delightful seasonal sweets to the vibrant celebration of railway history, the area's offerings provide both residents and visitors with enriching experiences. Whether indulging at the new Tsubakiya Foot Bath Cafe or marveling at the decorated trains, the frontiers of taste and tradition intertwine beautifully under the backdrop of Kawagoe's storied past and hopeful future.
With the spring season approaching and the celebration of the Kawagoe Railway's remarkable legacy, there is no shortage of activities for those exploring this charming city.