Koedo Osatsuan, Kawagoe

Koedo Osatsuan is a renowned street food stand located in the historic district of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, famous for its signature Osatsu Chips (sweet potato chips). This small takeout shop has gained considerable popularity since opening, often drawing long queues of visitors eager to try its distinctive snack that has become synonymous with Kawagoe tourism.

Sweet potatoes have been a specialty of Kawagoe since the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868), making this modern interpretation deeply rooted in the area's agricultural heritage. The shop capitalizes on this historical connection by serving ultra-thin sweet potato slices that are fried until crispy and lightly salted. The crispy texture with a hint of salt makes it an addictive treat, and the chips are served in impressively long strips that have become instantly recognizable among tourists exploring the historic Koedo district.

The primary attraction is the Osatsu Chip experience, where visitors can watch the preparation process and receive their order in distinctive long paper cones. The stand offers hand-made soy sauce for an additional fee to enhance the flavor of the chips. The chips cost 500 yen per serving and have achieved such popularity that people stand in line before the store opens. The visual impact of seeing dozens of people walking around the historic streets carrying these distinctive long strips has become part of the Kawagoe sightseeing experience itself.

Koedo Osatsuan is strategically positioned at 15-21 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, directly on the main tourist thoroughfare near Kawagoe's iconic Bell Tower and close to the famous Kanetsuki Starbucks branch. Any of the tourist buses from Kawagoe, Hon-Kawagoe and Kawagoeshi stations go close to the street. No admission fee is required as it operates as a street-side takeout stand, though expect waiting times during peak tourist periods, particularly weekends and holidays.