Centuries-old traditions and modern ideas merge harmoniously in Kanto, an enthralling Japanese region with a privileged setting between the Pacific Ocean and mountains. In Kanto the energy of fast-paced cities is visible alongside the tranquility of hot spring resorts. Neon-lit skyscrapers fight for airspace with snow-capped peaks and green hillsides tumble down to pristine beaches. Visit mythical temples, dive into Japan’s culinary scene and dabble in adventure sports.
Dynamic Tokyo combines avant-garde fashion with ancient art, a soaring skyline and over 300 Michelin-star restaurants. Drink in the views from Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. See a slice of the city’s spirituality at the 7th-century Sensoji Temple and browse the stalls of the frenzied Tsukiji Fish Market. Dining, shopping and nightlife abounds in the Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya districts.
West of Tokyo is the Chiba prefecture, home of the Boso Peninsula and beaches such as 37-mile (60-kilometer) long Kujukuri Beach. Have fun at the theme parks of Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu and admire the Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple in Narita. Yokohama, in Kanagawa, has a bustling Chinatown and the Ramen Museum. Go to Hakone’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
In the Saitama prefecture, the city of Chichibu is a starting point for the Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage. This walking route incorporates 34 temples nestled in the city’s surrounding mountains. The Gunma prefecture welcomes you with hot springs in Kusatsu and hiking in the Oze National Park. Go bungee jumping, kayaking and white-water rafting near the town of Minakami.
Utsunomiya, in the Tochigi prefecture, is well-known for its creative gyoza dumplings. Experience Japan’s ancient religious traditions at Buddhist and Shinto temples in Nikko. Try regional cheese, tour microbreweries and ski in Nasu. The Ibaraki prefecture has a sweeping coastline and stunning landscape gardens, including Kairakuen Garden in Mito.
Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport are gateways to Tokyo and the Kanto region. Use Japan’s extensive network of bullet trains to travel quickly and comfortably between the country’s many fascinating attractions and destinations.
