Limited Express Red Arrow "KOEDO" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Seibu Railway's Red Arrow "KOEDO" limited express train, which connects Seibu Shinjuku Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. It covers timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As the "KOEDO" train serves as an access route to the historic warehouse district of Kawagoe, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "KOEDO" is a limited express train operated by Seibu Railway, connecting Seibu Shinjuku Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. It is widely used by tourists as an access train to Kawagoe, also known as "KOEDO" (Little Edo). The train uses the New Red Arrow (10000 series), a traditional and beloved limited express train of Seibu. Since all seats are reserved, a limited express ticket (seat reservation) is required to ride. Its appeal lies in its convenient access to Kawagoe, a town with preserved traditional storehouse-style buildings, in approximately 45 minutes from central Tokyo. It also caters to commuters, and is popular with passengers seeking seated travel during morning and evening rush hours. Because there are similar train names and destinations, it's advisable to check the departure information display before boarding to ensure you are on the correct train.

What is "KOEDO"?

"KOEDO" is a limited express train operated by Seibu Railway, named after Kawagoe, a town that still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Kawagoe flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, and its streetscape lined with storehouse-style merchant houses is still preserved today. The New Red Arrow (10000 series) used for this service is a limited express train that debuted in 1993. The name Red Arrow is a nickname that symbolizes Seibu's limited express trains, inherited from the first 5000 series that debuted in 1969. While the Ikebukuro Line system is being replaced by the Laview, the New Red Arrow continues to operate on the Shinjuku Line system.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of "KOEDO" lies in the fact that you can travel from central Tokyo to Kawagoe without changing trains, while remaining seated. Kawagoe's Ichiban-gai is lined with stately storehouses, preserving the townscape of the Edo period. The Toki no Kane (Time Bell) is a wooden bell tower known as a symbol of Kawagoe, and it still rings four times a day. Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) is lined with shops selling traditional Japanese sweets and Kawagoe's famous sweet potato confections. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is known as a shrine for matchmaking, and its summer wind chime festival is also popular. Kitain Temple is a historically valuable temple with buildings that were relocated from Edo Castle. The interior of the New Red Arrow is decorated in calming colors and features comfortable reclining seats. There are power outlets at every seat, making it convenient for charging devices during your journey.

"KOEDO" Train Timetable

Downbound (towards Hon-Kawagoe Station) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Seibu Shinjuku Station)

The "KOEDO" train operates more than ten round trips a day. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "KOEDO" train operates daily throughout the year. During the Kawagoe Festival, it may be crowded with tourists. During morning and evening rush hours, it may be full with commuters.

"KOEDO" Operating Section

Main Sections

• Seibu Shinjuku Station to Takadanobaba Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
• Takadanobaba Station to Tokorozawa Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
• Tokorozawa Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)

Hon-Kawagoe Station is the gateway to Kawagoe tourism. From the station, you can reach Ichiban-gai, a street lined with traditional storehouses, on foot or by bus. Around the Toki no Kane (Bell Tower), you'll find a concentration of restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a pleasant place to stroll. Kawagoe Castle's Honmaru Goten (main palace) is a valuable historical site that preserves the architecture of an Edo-period castle. Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its rows of traditional sweets and candy crafts. The Kawagoe Festival is a festival that preserves the Edo-period grand festival and is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park houses the Aviation Museum, where you can see displays of actual aircraft. As getting to nearby tourist attractions mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options beforehand. There may be tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures.

"KOEDO" Stations Served

Main Stations Served

• Seibu Shinjuku Station
• Takadanobaba Station
• Higashimurayama Station
• Tokorozawa Station
• Sayama City Station
• Honkawagoe Station

*Stations served may vary depending on the train.

"KOEDO" Fares

Representative Section Fares

The fare shown is a one-way fare for an adult using a reserved seat. Please check the latest fares on the Ekitan website or the Seibu Railway official website.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "KOEDO" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Seibu Railway's limited express surcharges are set in stages depending on the section of the journey. If you have a commuter pass, you can ride the train by purchasing only the limited express surcharge. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express ticket. Private railway limited express surcharges are set according to the section of the journey and do not fluctuate with peak and off-peak seasons like JR. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Kawagoe Area Free Pass

Seibu Railway offers a special ticket package that includes a round-trip train ticket between Seibu Shinjuku and Hon-Kawagoe, and bus travel within the Kawagoe area. The free pass only covers the basic fare; an additional limited express fare is required if you wish to ride an limited express train. While you can visit Kawagoe's tourist attractions on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station, using the sightseeing bus is more efficient. Hon-Kawagoe Station and the JR/Tobu Kawagoe Station are within walking distance of each other, and transfers are possible.

How to Buy Tickets for "KOEDO"

Smooz (Smooth) Ticketless Reservation

Seibu Railway's internet reservation service allows you to purchase limited express tickets using a credit card. It also supports a ticketless service where you can board by showing your ticket on your smartphone screen. Limited express tickets go on sale one month before the travel date. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Seibu Railway's ticketless service "Smooz" allows you to purchase limited express tickets for the "KOEDO" train online. You use your transportation IC card or regular train ticket for the basic fare portion, and do not insert the limited express ticket at the ticket gate. Please check the train, car, and seat number on the purchase screen before boarding.

Station Limited Express Ticket Counters and Vending Machines

You can also purchase limited express tickets at ticket counters and vending machines located at major Seibu stations. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board without securing a seat. Vending machines often support multilingual displays, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket counter, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket counters can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies sometimes offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in Kawagoe with train travel.

Purchasing for Foreign Tourists

The "KOEDO" train is operated by Seibu Railway and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. Seibu Railway offers free passes for foreign tourists, but a separate limited express fare is required if you ride an limited express train. Some station ticket counters offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for foreign tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you use the ticketless service, you can board the train without receiving a paper ticket. If you purchased your ticket at a ticket machine or counter at the station, you will need to carry a paper limited express ticket with you when you board. If you do receive a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up well in advance of your departure, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe while you are on the train.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Contactless Payments Be Used?

While you can use transportation IC cards such as PASMO and Suica on Seibu lines, only the basic fare portion is covered. Limited express fares cannot be paid using the IC card balance, so you must purchase a limited express ticket in advance. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for "KOEDO"

Seat Types

The "KOEDO" train operates with all reserved seating. The train used is the New Red Arrow (10000 series). During peak seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating Features

The seats on the New Red Arrow are comfortable reclining seats, decorated in calming colors. All seats have power outlets, allowing you to charge your smartphone or laptop. Each seat also has a table, making it convenient for eating, drinking, or working during the journey. While the windows are of a standard size compared to the Laview, the interior boasts a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are better suited for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is a luggage rack at the end of the train car. Please use that for large suitcases.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting Seibu Railway in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "KOEDO" Train

There is no in-car sales service on the "KOEDO" train. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at shops around Seibu Shinjuku Station before boarding. Kawagoe is known as a famous sweet potato producing area, and sweet potato sweets and sweet potato sticks are popular souvenirs. Kawagoe's famous eel is served at long-established restaurants that have been operating since the Edo period, scattered throughout the city. At Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley), you can enjoy eating traditional Japanese sweets and candy crafts while strolling around. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Please dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "KOEDO" Train

The "KOEDO" train has all reserved seats, so you cannot board without purchasing a limited express ticket. During the Kawagoe Festival, the city becomes very crowded, so it is necessary to allow plenty of time for travel. Hon-Kawagoe Station and the JR/Tobu Kawagoe Station are separate stations, so you will need to walk when transferring. The train may be full during morning and evening rush hours due to commuters. Even if you are using a free pass, a limited express fare is required separately. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "KOEDO" is a limited express train operated by Seibu Railway, connecting Seibu Shinjuku Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. Operated using the New Red Arrow (10000 series), it provides access to Kawagoe, a town with preserved traditional storehouse-style buildings, in approximately 45 minutes from central Tokyo. This train serves as the gateway to a journey to Kawagoe, a place that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, with attractions such as the Toki no Kane (Time Bell) and Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley).

Take a stroll through the charming streets of Kawagoe, a town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, known as "KOEDO" (Little Edo).

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.