Kanto concentrates a density of activities and experiences that few regions can match. Tokyo is its inexhaustible core, but the destinations around the capital elevate the region to exceptional standing.
In Tokyo, the highlights divide across several worlds. The historical and spiritual circuit: Senso-ji temple in Asakusa (visit at dawn before the tour groups arrive), Meiji Jingu shrine in its forest just off Harajuku, the Higashi Gyoen imperial gardens. The contemporary and pop-culture circuit: Shibuya Crossing and its neon canyon, Akihabara with its gaming arcades and manga bookshops, Harajuku's Takeshita Street for avant-garde fashion, Shimokitazawa for vintage shops and underground live music. The gastronomic circuit: Tsukiji outer market for the finest street breakfast in Japan, Shinjuku's Golden Gai izakaya laneway, Ginza's patisseries and the endlessly deep ramen scene. High views from the Tokyo Skytree (634 m), Shibuya Sky and the free Shinjuku City Hall observation deck complete the picture.
Kamakura, 55 minutes from Shinjuku, fits neatly into a full day. The great Buddha Kotoku-in (13.35 m, open 8 am to 5 pm) is the region's most photographed single sight. The Zen temple circuit — Engaku-ji, Kencho-ji, Zuisen-ji — is best done as a ridge walk on the Kamakura Alps Trail through the forested hills. The Hase neighbourhood and its craft shops and seafood restaurants round off the day.
Nikko deserves an overnight stay. The Tosho-gu and Futarasan shrines — their lacquered gates and the famous three monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) — are UNESCO World Heritage-listed. The Kegon Falls (97 m) and Lake Chuzenji in the mountains above the town complete a rich two-day programme.
Hakone is Kanto's onsen capital. The Hakone Free Pass (Odakyu) covers all local transport (mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, Lake Ashi ferry) and grants entry to most sites. One day covers the main Fuji viewpoints and a hot-spring bath; two days add the Hakone Open Air Museum and a walk on the old Tokaido highway.
Read also
- Tokyo, the unmissable megacity — Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara — a complete neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide to Japan's capital.
- Kamakura and its Great Buddha — Zen temples in forested hills, the bronze Daibutsu and the beaches of the Enoshima coast.
- Japan — Complete guide to the archipelago: visa, budget, regions to discover and the best time to visit.
- Kansai — Kyoto, Osaka and Nara — Japan's historic heartland: thousand-year-old temples, geisha districts and extraordinary cuisine.