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    Kanto

    Japan

    Kanto

    Region

    The Kanto Region in eastern Honshu is Japan's economic and political center, including the Greater Tokyo Area, one of the world's largest metropolitan regions. Here, centuries-old traditions meet modern city culture.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Japan
    7. Kanto
    The Kanto Region in eastern Honshu is Japan's economic and political center, including the Greater Tokyo Area, one of the world's largest metropolitan regions. Here, centuries-old traditions meet modern city culture. The region ranges from lively cities to national parks, mountains, and coastal towns.
    The Kanto Region in eastern Honshu forms Japan's geographic and economic center, encompassing Greater Tokyo, one of the world's largest metropolitan regions. Here, you'll experience a unique symbiosis of futuristic urbanity and deeply rooted traditions, reflected in diverse landscapes. Outside Tokyo, Kamakura boasts historical temples and shrines, including the Great Buddha, witnesses to the Kamakura Shogunate's former samurai capital. Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with opulent shrines and temples amidst picturesque mountains, while Hakone is known for its hot springs and Mount Fuji views. In Tokyo itself, from Shibuya's bustle to the serene Imperial Palace Gardens, you'll grasp the dynamism of Japan's capital. For an optimal travel time, spring's cherry blossoms or autumn's vibrant leaves are ideal, for a particularly pleasant climate.
    Hakone

    Place 1 of 4

    Hakone

    Immerse yourself in the picturesque world of Hakone, a timeless retreat that perfectly blends majestic nature, spiritual tranquility, and a rich art scene.

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    Yokohama
    Ymblanter / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Place 2 of 4

    Yokohama

    Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, grew from a fishing village into the primary gateway for Western trade after the port opened in 1859. Today, Minato Mirai's waterfront, one of Asia's largest Chinatowns, and Yamate's old foreign quarter shape its image.

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    Nikkō
    Jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Place 3 of 4

    Nikkō

    Located in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikkō combines two distinct aspects: In the valley lie the magnificent shrines and temples surrounding the Tōshō-gū, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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    Kamakura
    Dandy1022 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

    Place 4 of 4

    Kamakura

    Kamakura was the seat of Japan's first Shogunate at the end of the 12th century, making it the country's political center.

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    Sights in Kanto

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Kawagoe (Kurazukuri Street)
    Attraction

    Kawagoe (Kurazukuri Street)

    Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, approximately 30 to 60 minutes by train from Tokyo, is known as "Little Edo" due to its old town. On Ichibangai Street stand merchant houses in the Kurazukuri style: thick-walled, black-plastered warehouses that were built as fire-resistant structures after a major fire in 1893.Its landmark is the wooden bell tower Toki no Kane. In Kashiya Yokochō alley, small shops sell traditional sweets; Kawagoe is also known for dishes made from sweet potatoes.
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    Kusatsu Onsen (Yubatake)
    Attraction

    Kusatsu Onsen (Yubatake)

    Kusatsu, nestled in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous onsen towns. At its heart lies the Yubatake, the "hot water field": here, the strongly acidic, steaming spring water flows through wooden channels where it cools and minerals settle.At the Netsunoyu bathhouse, women perform Yumomi, stirring the hot water with long boards to cool it down. Public baths surround the square. From Tokyo, it's about a three-hour journey by train and bus.
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    Tomioka Silk Reeling Mill
    Historic Landmark

    Tomioka Silk Reeling Mill

    The Tomioka Silk Mill (Gunma Prefecture) was founded in 1872 by the Meiji government with French assistance as a state-run model factory. It aimed to mechanize Japan's silk production and was in operation until 1987. Since 2014, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.The long brick halls from its founding period are preserved; the machines from its final years of operation are still in the reeling mill. It is about a 15-minute walk from Jōshū-Tomioka Station.
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    Dining & Drinking in Kantō

    Hearty broth, dark soy sauce

    Kantō cuisine seasons more robustly than that of the West. Soba and Udon here swim in a dark broth based on Bonito and soy sauce.

    Edomae-Sushi

    Nigiri sushi originated in old Edo, present-day Tokyo. The fish was traditionally marinated or briefly cooked to preserve it.

    Yokohama: Chinatown and Iekei-Ramen

    Hundreds of Chinese restaurants and eateries line Yokohama's Chinatown. The city is also home to the Iekei style: ramen featuring thick noodles in a pork bone and soy sauce broth.

    Gyoza from Utsunomiya

    Tochigi Prefecture's capital, a stopover en route to Nikkō, is famous nationwide for its fried dumplings.

    Yuba from Nikkō

    The skin that forms when heating soy milk is a specialty of Nikkō's temple cuisine. It is served fresh, rolled, or fried.

    Shirasu from Kamakura

    Tiny young fish, raw or lightly cooked on rice, are the typical dish of the coast between Kamakura and Enoshima.

    Culture and History

    The Kanto region, and particularly its metropolis Tokyo, has for centuries formed the pulsating heart of Japan in terms of culture and history. From its beginnings as a small fishing village to today's global megacity, Kanto has undergone a development deeply rooted in Japanese identity, confronting visitors with a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and futuristic modernity.Historical Foundation and DevelopmentKanto's history is inextricably linked to that of Edo, present-day Tokyo. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Edo grew under the rule of the Tokugawa shoguns into one of the world's largest cities, becoming the political and cultural center of the country. The Meiji Restoration in 1868 ended the feudal era and ushered in an age of modernization, during which Edo was renamed Tokyo and rose to become the imperial seat of government.Edo Period (1603–1868): Heyday of urban commoner culture, development of Ukiyo-e art and Kabuki theater. The rule of the Tokugawa shoguns shaped the region.Meiji Restoration (from 1868): Radical transformation of Japan, opening to the West, and rapid industrialization. Tokyo becomes the capital.World War II: Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed by bombing raids, leading to a remarkable reconstruction effort that underscores the region's resilience.Cultural Expressions of the Kanto RegionKanto's culture is diverse and dynamic, shaped by the capital's influences, yet also preserving regional characteristics. Here you'll find an impressive spectrum from traditional arts to the avant-garde.Traditional Arts: Discover Kabuki theater or the delicate art of Ukiyo-e. Many museums in Tokyo, such as the Tokyo National Museum, offer deep insights into these.Festivals and Rituals: Experience traditional Matsuri (festivals), like the Sanja Matsuri at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, celebrated with colorful processions and Mikoshi (portable shrines).Cuisine: Kanto is home to Edo-Mae Sushi and offers a wealth of regional specialties, from Tempura to Monjayaki, a type of savory pancake.Significant Sites of History and TraditionThe Kanto region hosts numerous historical sites and cultural landmarks, offering you direct access to Japan's past and present.Tokyo: Visit the Imperial Palace with its gardens, Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji in Asakusa, or the imposing Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji.Kamakura: The former capital offers a wealth of Buddhist temples and shrines, including Kotoku-in with its famous bronze Great Buddha Statue (Daibutsu).Nikko: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its elaborate decorations and embedded nature make Nikko an outstanding destination.Hakone: The region is known not only for its natural beauty and Onsen (hot springs), but also for the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which uniquely blends art and landscape.

    On the Road in Kantō

    Getting ThereTokyo's two airports, Narita and Haneda, are the gateway to the region. Tokyo is also the starting point for all Shinkansen lines heading north and west.Day Trips by TrainAlmost all destinations in the region can be reached from Tokyo as a day trip:Yokohama: around 30 minutes with JR or the Tōkyū-Tōyoko Line from ShibuyaKamakura: around one hour with the JR Yokosuka LineHakone: with the Odakyū Romancecar express from Shinjuku in around 85 minutes to Hakone-YumotoNikkō: around two hours with the Tōbu Railway from AsakusaKawagoe: around 30 minutes with the Tōbu-Tōjō Line from IkebukuroMount Takao: just under an hour with the Keiō Line from ShinjukuTicketsWith Suica and PASMO IC cards, you can pay contactlessly throughout the region. For specific destinations, private railways offer combination tickets, such as the Hakone Freepass by Odakyū or the Nikkō Pass by Tōbu, which bundle travel and local transportation.

    Round trips through this region

    Goldene Route – Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

    Goldene Route – Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

    The route runs from Tokyo to Hakone's thermal mountains, offering Fuji views, then continues to Kyoto. From Tokyo to Hakone, it's about a 90-minute ride on the Romancecar. From Odawara, the Shinkansen will take you to Kyoto in just over two hours.

    8 Days
    3 stops

    Nearby

    Tama-Region

    Tama-Region

    Located west of the central districts, the Tama Region offers a mix of suburban areas and expansive nature, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking on Mount Takao and local discoveries away from the city bustle.
    Tokio

    Tokio

    Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. Between skyscraper districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya are the Meiji Shrine, Sensō-ji in Asakusa, and narrow Izakaya alleys, where old Edo is still palpable. The prefecture also includes forested Tama Region mountains to its west, and the Izu and Ogasawara Islands out in the Pacific.
    Yokohama

    Yokohama

    Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, grew from a fishing village into the primary gateway for Western trade after the port opened in 1859. Today, Minato Mirai's waterfront, one of Asia's largest Chinatowns, and Yamate's old foreign quarter shape its image.
    Kamakura

    Kamakura

    Kamakura was the seat of Japan's first Shogunate at the end of the 12th century, making it the country's political center. Today, the coastal city, about an hour south of Tokyo, is known for the Great Buddha, numerous Zen temples in forested valleys, and its beaches.
    Nikkō

    Nikkō

    Located in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikkō combines two distinct aspects: In the valley lie the magnificent shrines and temples surrounding the Tōshō-gū, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further up, within the National Park, are Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Waterfall.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI