Tokyo's Districts
Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa illustrate the capital's diversity, with ultra-busy crossings, towering skyscrapers and traditional temples standing remarkably side by side throughout the city.
Kanto
Japan's capital region, Kanto is built around Tokyo, an ultramodern megacity where skyscrapers, historic districts and pop culture meet. Just hours away by train, the mountains of Hakone, the shrines of Nikko and the beaches of Kamakura offer welcome natural and spiritual escapes from the urban buzz.
Why visit Kanto?
Kanto is home to Tokyo, Japan's political and economic capital, along with an exceptional transport network that makes it easy to reach nearby mountains, hot springs and historic sites. The region thus combines intense urban life, shogunate heritage in Nikko and preserved nature in Hakone, all within roughly two hours of the capital.
What to discover in Kanto?
Kanto is built around Tokyo, a sprawling capital blending ultramodern districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku with pockets of tradition such as Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. The city concentrates a considerable cultural, culinary and shopping offer, from the Toyosu fish market to the imperial palace gardens and countless neighborhood side streets worth exploring on foot. Yokohama, the country's second-largest city, adds its waterfront and lively Chinatown just minutes away from the capital by train, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.
Beyond Tokyo, the region offers varied escapes: Nikko, with its richly decorated shogun mausoleums, UNESCO-listed and set amid forested mountains, or Hakone, known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. The Kamakura coast, with its great Buddha and sandy beaches, rounds out this diversity, less than an hour from the capital by local train. Well served by bullet trains and local lines, Kanto makes it easy to combine intense urban life with natural or spiritual getaways within a single, well-planned trip.
Cities to visit in Kanto
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Kanto in pictures
Kanto's Must-Sees
Six experiences that capture the spirit of the region, between modern megacity, heritage and nature.
Nikko's Shrines
This UNESCO-listed site holds the richly carved mausoleums of the Tokugawa shoguns, nestled within a forest of century-old cedar trees in the mountains.
Hakone Hot Springs
Known for its onsen and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi, this hot spring resort offers a relaxing getaway close to Tokyo.
Kamakura's Great Buddha
This monumental bronze statue, standing in the open air since the thirteenth century, overlooks the former shogunate capital by the ocean.
Yokohama's Waterfront
Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama pairs a historic port, a lively Chinatown and remarkable contemporary harbor architecture, just minutes from Tokyo by train.
Toyosu Market
This wholesale fish market, successor to Tsukiji, features early tuna auctions and ultra-fresh sushi restaurants open from the early morning hours onward.
Practical Information
- Prefectures
- 7 (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma)
- Main cities
- Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Saitama
- Area
- About 32,400 km²
- Population
- About 43 million
- Language
- Japanese
- Currency
- Japanese yen (¥)
- Time zone
- UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- Best season
- Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanto
How many days should I plan for Kanto?
A week allows for an in-depth look at Tokyo while still reserving two or three days for excursions to Nikko, Hakone or Kamakura, depending on your particular interests and pace.
How do you get around Kanto?
Subway and train lines efficiently serve Tokyo and its surroundings, while express lines connect directly to Nikko, Hakone and Kamakura from the capital within roughly one to two hours by rail alone.
When is the best time to visit Kanto?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and remarkable scenery, while summer can be hot and humid and winter cool but generally dry, sunny and comfortable for extended outdoor sightseeing trips.
Is Hakone accessible as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes, Hakone can be reached in about two hours by train from Tokyo, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxing overnight stay at a traditional ryokan.
What can I see in Nikko in one day?
The Tosho-gu and Rinno-ji mausoleums, along with the sacred Shinkyo bridge, can easily be visited in a single day from Tokyo, with extra time left for the surrounding forested mountain nature.
Is Kanto suitable for families?
Yes, between theme parks, aquariums, Kamakura's sandy beaches and expansive green spaces, the region offers plenty of activities suited to all ages and nearly every travel budget available today for visitors.
Plan your trip to Kanto
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
