region of japan

Kanto関東

Tokyo, plus shrines, hot springs and old towns nearby.

Kanto is the plain around Tokyo, and most trips to Japan start here. Tokyo itself could fill a whole week. Within two hours by train you also have Nikko's carved shrines in the mountains, Hakone's hot springs and lake, Kamakura's temples by the sea and Kawagoe's old merchant streets. Trains are frequent and easy to use. Base yourself in Tokyo and take day trips, or add one night in Hakone or Nikko.

Places to go

NikkoCarved shrines in cedar forest, lakes above.TokyoOne huge city made of many small neighborhoods.HakoneHot springs, art and a lake, close to Tokyo.Kamakura local favoriteTemples, the Great Buddha and the sea.Kawagoe local favoriteLittle Edo: old storehouse streets near Tokyo.

Through the year

springTokyo's cherry trees usually open around March 24 and reach full bloom around March 31.
summerThe rainy season usually runs from about June 7 to July 19, followed by hot, humid weeks.
autumnNikko's high country colors first, and Tokyo's maples typically peak around November 28.
winterWinters are mostly dry and sunny, with Tokyo averaging about 5°C in January.

Don’t miss

  • TokyoNeighborhoods, food and museums for every kind of trip.
  • NikkoOrnate shrines in cedar forest, plus lakes and waterfalls above.
  • HakoneHot springs, an open-air museum and a lake cruise.
  • KamakuraThe Great Buddha, Zen temples and the Enoden line.
  • KawagoeOld clay-walled storehouses, 30 minutes from Ikebukuro.

What to eat

  • Edomae sushiTokyo-style sushi, from counters to conveyor belts.
  • MonjayakiA runny griddle dish eaten straight off the hot plate.
  • YubaNikko's delicate tofu skin, served many ways.
  • Kuro-tamagoHakone's black eggs boiled in volcanic springs.

Getting there

Tokyo has two airports, Haneda and Narita. From Tokyo: Nikko about 2h from Asakusa by Tobu limited express; Hakone-Yumoto about 85 min from Shinjuku by Romancecar.

Good for: First-time visitors, Food lovers, Day-trippers

psst — Get an IC card such as Suica or PASMO on day one. It works on almost all trains, buses and many shops.