Tokyo and Kanto

Kanto is the region that surrounds Tokyo without being confused with it: six prefectures (Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki) with varied landscapes, between historical cities (Kamakura, Kawagoe, Nikko), spas (Kusatsu, Kinugawa), natural sites (Chichibu, Nokogiri, Ogasawara) and industrial heritage (Tomioka). This guide centralizes our articles dedicated to this region, to build a coherent itinerary between Tokyo and its escapades.

How to use this guide:start with the map below to lay the basis for your stay in Tokyo, then explore the Kanto by prefecture according to your desires and rhythm. The “Nature”, “Practical” and “FAQ” sections help you finalize the logistical details.

Laying the Bases: Travel to Tokyo

The Kanto is discovered from Tokyo, which serves as a natural anchor for radiating throughout the region. If you are planning your first stay, start with our complete guide to the capital: neighborhoods, transport, accommodation, pop culture.

Kanagawa and Yokohama: between heritage and harbour modernity

Kanagawa Prefecture alone concentrates most of the popular getaways from Tokyo: Kamakura and its millennial temples, Enoshima and its sacred island, Yokohama and its cosmopolitan port, Kawasaki and its industrial history. This section is for all travellers who want to combine heritage, sea and modernity in one or two days.

Kamakura and Enoshima: the ancient capital of the samurai

Kamakura was the capital of Japan in the 13th century and retains an exceptional heritage: large Zen temples, Shinto shrines, beaches and wooded hills. One hour from Tokyo, it is the ideal getaway for a day or a weekend.

Yokohama: Japan’s cosmopolitan port

Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama was born from the country’s opening to the world in the 19th century. Its port, foreign quarters, Chinatown and modern seafront make it a full destination, 30 minutes from Tokyo.

Kawasaki: between history and innovation

Halfway between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki is often crossed without being visited. It deserves a day, however, between its Shinto temple in Kawasaki Daishi and its unusual museums.

Other Kanagawa nuggets

Beyond Kamakura and Yokohama, Kanagawa reserves some confidential places: Yugyō-ji temple in Fujisawa, the old Tōkaidō road and the hinterland hills.

Saitama, Tochigi and Gunma: mountains, temples and hot springs

These three prefectures in northern Kanto offer a striking contrast with Tokyo: sacred mountains, historic villages, spas and industrial heritage. They are intended for travellers who want to get off the beaten track and discover a more rural Japan.

Saitama and Chichibu: Nature and Spirituality

To the west of Tokyo, Saitama is home to the Chichibu Mountains, a high place of pilgrimage and hiking. The region is seduced by its temples, festivals and preserved landscapes.

Tochigi and Nikko: UNESCO shrines and sacred mountains

Nikko is one of the most spectacular sites in Japan, ranked at UNESCO for its lavish shrines. Around, Tochigi Prefecture offers spas, lakes and mountainous landscapes.

Gunma and Kusatsu: hot springs and mountains

Gunma is the prefecture of onsen and mountains. Kusatsu, one of Japan’s most famous spas, is the jewel. The region also boasts steam trains and volcanic landscapes.

Ibaraki, Chiba and the Pacific Coast

To the east and south-east of Tokyo, Ibaraki and Chiba offer a preserved coastline, ancient shrines and historic cities. Less frequented than Kanagawa or Tochigi, these prefectures seduce by their authenticity and wide spaces.

Ibaraki: Shrines and Pacific Coast

Ibaraki is home to some of Japan’s oldest shrines and a wild coast with little tourism. An ideal destination for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Chiba: Pacific coast, villages and airport

Chiba is often reduced to its international airport, but the prefecture hides treasures: the historic village of Sawara, the sanctuary of Narita and preserved beaches on the Pacific coast.

Nature and hiking in Kanto

Kanto offers a wide variety of natural landscapes: mountains, rivers, coasts and islands. These articles are intended for travellers who want to combine cultural and outdoor discovery.

Practical tips: preparing your trip to Kanto

These cross-sectional items are not specific to Kanto, but they are essential to smooth the journey: transport cards, luggage, connectivity, health. We gather them here so you can easily find them.

In short: Kanto is discovered in prefectures, combining heritage, nature and gastronomy. Start with Kanagawa for the classic getaways, then explore Saitama, Tochigi and Gunma for the mountainous landscapes, and finish with Ibaraki and Chiba for the Pacific coast. The practical tips and FAQ below help you finalize the details.

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Practical FAQ: preparing your trip to Kanto