Kanto Guide: Tokyo, Yokohama, and Surrounding Prefectures
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan's most populated region — home to Tokyo, plus hidden gems just outside the capital.
Japan's most populated region — home to Tokyo, plus hidden gems just outside the capital.
Why Kanto?
- Tokyo — world's largest metropolis
- Day trips — Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura
- Yokohama — Chinatown, waterfront
- Mt. Fuji — views from multiple angles
- Easy access — excellent train network
The Seven Prefectures
Tokyo
Known for: Everything — culture, food, fashion, tech
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Shibuya Crossing | World's busiest intersection |
| Senso-ji | Ancient temple in Asakusa |
| Meiji Shrine | Peaceful forest shrine |
| Akihabara | Electronics and anime |
| Shinjuku | Nightlife, shopping |
Kanagawa
Known for: Yokohama, Hakone, Kamakura
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Yokohama Chinatown | Largest in Japan |
| Kamakura | Great Buddha, beaches |
| Hakone | Hot springs, Fuji views |
| Enoshima | Island shrine, ocean views |
Saitama
Known for: Kawagoe, railway museums
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Kawagoe | "Little Edo" historic district |
| Railway Museum | Great for families |
Chiba
Known for: Narita Airport, Disney, beaches
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea | Theme parks |
| Narita | Airport, temple |
| Boso Peninsula | Beaches, surfing |
Ibaraki
Known for: Mt. Tsukuba, Kairakuen Garden
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Mt. Tsukuba | Hiking, views |
| Kairakuen | One of Japan's three great gardens |
Tochigi
Known for: Nikko, hot springs
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Nikko | UNESCO shrines, autumn foliage |
| Kinugawa Onsen | Hot spring resort |
Gunma
Known for: Hot springs, monkeys
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Kusatsu Onsen | Japan's #1 hot spring |
| Jigokudani | Snow monkeys |
Getting Around
| Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| JR Pass | All Kanto trains |
| Suica/Pasmo | Local trains, buses |
| Rental car | Rural areas |
| Highway bus | Budget long-distance |
Tips
- Get a Suica or Pasmo — essential for Tokyo
- Day trip to Hakone — Fuji views + hot springs
- Visit Nikko in autumn — spectacular foliage
- Try Yokohama Chinatown — best Chinese food in Japan
- Visit Kamakura — Great Buddha + beach
- Tokyo Disney — book tickets in advance
- Budget 5–7 days — for Tokyo + day trips
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