Little Edo, near Tokyo

In Japan, Kawagoe, or Little Edo, is an old castle town with a river running through it. Full of pre-WWII architecture, the streets still show traditional merchants’ warehouses and temples.

It’s a 24-minute train ride from Tokyo to Ikebukuro Station by JR Yamanote Line plus another 33 minutes to Kawagoe Station by Tobu-Tojo Line (regular express), for a total cost of ¥640 ($7).

In the fall (on the third Saturday and Sunday of October), the Kawagoe Festival — one of the largest in the nation — offers live music, theatrical performances and a parade of lavishly decorated floats, some of which are 300 years old. Mannequins and puppets, costumed performers and bands are aboard.

Visit www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/saitama/kawagoe.html.