Visit Kawagoe or Kiso valley?

Hi, we will be visiting japan via Tokyo in End May. We will be visiting Kamikochi, and are interested in Kiso valley. As Kiso valley is a little far, may I check if Kawagoe is a good alternative?
Thank you.

Well, I would say Kawagoe is a modern city, which has a district where a historical townscape (with well-known Kurazukuri structures) is well preserved.
- Japan Guide: Kawagoe
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6500.html

So, if what interests you in Kiso Valley its nature and culture, Kawagoe is not its alternative, I suppose.
- Japan Guide: Kiso Valley
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html

NOT: if what interests you in Kiso Valley its...,
BUT: if what interests you in Kiso Valley is its...,

Kiso Valley isnt as interesting as it looks. I'd go from Kamikouchi through to Takayama then back to wherever you are going via either Kanazawa or in the wideview Hida to Nagoya (really pretty trip).

Got it tand thanks for helping!