KANTŌ
This region is the political, economic, and cultural heart of Japan, home to the vast Greater Tokyo Area. From the neon-lit modernity of the capital to ancient shrines, seaside retreats, and mountain hot springs, the Kantō region offers an unparalleled mix of urban energy and traditional Japanese beauty.
Why Visit Kantō?
World-Class Metropolis: Explore Tokyo, the world’s most populous metropolitan area, a global leader in fashion, technology, and cuisine.
Cultural Day Trips: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nikkō and the Great Buddha of Kamakura, easily accessible from the capital.
Volcanic Scenery: Enjoy stunning natural beauty, from the onsen (hot springs) of Hakone with views of Mt. Fuji to the forested mountains of the region.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit for pleasant weather, with the famous cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn foliage starting in the mountains.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot and very humid, with a rainy season (tsuyu) from late May to mid-July. July and August are busy domestic travel periods due to summer holidays.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): The weather is generally cool, dry, and sunny, offering clear views of Mt. Fuji. Crowds are lower, except during the busy New Year period.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Explore the historical charm of Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple), the neon skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Shibuya, and the unique pop culture of Harajuku and Akihabara.
Your Smart Tip: Instead of trying to see all of Tokyo in a few days, focus on a cluster of 2-3 adjacent wards per day to save travel time and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Hakone
A picturesque, mountainous town renowned for its hot springs (onsen), art museums, and stunning views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. It’s a perfect retreat from the city.
Your Smart Tip: Buy the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited use of the local transport network (trains, buses, boats, and ropeways) for two or three days—it’s excellent value.
Kamakura
Once the political center of Japan, this historic coastal town is often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan.” It is famous for its serene temples, particularly the Kotoku-in Temple with its massive outdoor bronze Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
Your Smart Tip: Kamakura is a fantastic day trip from Tokyo. Rent a bicycle near the station to efficiently explore the numerous temples tucked away in the quiet hills.
Nikkō
Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikkō is a mountain town home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tōshō-gū Shrine, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The area is also known for its gorgeous mountain scenery, waterfalls, and onsen.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the massive crowds at the main shrines, start your exploration early in the morning, and then head deeper into the Nikkō National Park for hiking.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally temperate and four-seasonal. Summers (June-August) are hot and very humid. Winters (December-February) are cold but often sunny. Spring and Autumn are marked by pleasant, mild weather, with seasonal features like the Tsuyu (rainy season) from early June to mid-July.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Bowing: A fundamental form of greeting and respect. A quick, slight nod of the head is usually sufficient for visitors.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude or confusing. The price you see is the price you pay.
Onsen (Hot Springs): You must wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Most onsen have a strict no-tattoo policy (or require them to be covered) due to historical associations.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$60), mid-range hotels ($100–$200), luxury ($250+). Prices in Tokyo are at the higher end of the scale.
Food: Fixed-price lunch set ($8–$15), dinner at an inexpensive restaurant ($15–$30 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Local rail/metro ticket ($1.50–$4), Japan Rail Pass (if traveling nationally) or regional passes like the JR Tokyo Wide Pass.
Activities: Temple/Museum entry ($4–$15), Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck ($15–$30).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, convenience store food, local transport).
- Mid-range: $150–$250 (mid-range hotels, restaurants, key attractions).
- Luxury: $300+ (high-end hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train/Metro: The most efficient way to travel, especially within Tokyo and for day trips. The network is complex but extremely punctual. Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) for seamless travel.
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Used for connecting Tokyo to other major regions of Japan.
By Bus: Excellent for local travel in less-populated, mountainous areas like Hakone or Nikkō.
Must-Try Food
Monjayaki: A savory, runny pancake cooked on a teppan griddle, a Tokyo specialty from the Tsukishima area.
Edomae Sushi: The original style of sushi, perfected in the Tokyo (Edo) area, focusing on fresh, cured fish.
Tokyo-style Shoyu Ramen: A traditional ramen with a clear, brown soy-sauce-based broth.
Fukagawa Meshi: A Tokyo comfort dish of rice topped with miso-flavored clams and leeks.
Navy Curry: A historical curry served on rice, a specialty of Yokosuka, a port city in Kanagawa.
Utsunomiya Gyoza: Dumplings from Tochigi Prefecture, known for their variety (fried, steamed, boiled).
Himokawa Udon: Extremely wide, flat noodles from Gunma Prefecture.
Anpan: A sweet Japanese roll filled with a delicious red bean paste (anko).
Ningyo-yaki: Small, cake-like sweets baked in shapes, often filled with anko and a famous souvenir from the Asakusa area.
Taiyaki: A fish-shaped cake, often a street food, traditionally filled with anko.
Must-Try Drinks
Japanese Whisky: The region is home to world-renowned distilleries, including those near Mt. Fuji, producing both Single Malt and Blended Whiskies.
Ginjo/Daiginjo Sake: High-quality sake from the many breweries across the Kantō region, known for its light, fruity, and aromatic profile.
Yuzu Sour: A popular, refreshing cocktail made with shochu (or sometimes vodka/gin), soda water, and the distinctively fragrant yuzu citrus.
Matcha: High-quality powdered green tea, often enjoyed at traditional tea houses around historical sites like Kamakura and Nikkō.
Hoppy: A low-malt, near-beer beverage, often mixed with shochu, popular in traditional Izakaya (Japanese pubs).
Craft Beer: Tokyo and Yokohama have a booming craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering a variety of excellent brews.
Ramune: A sweet, carbonated soft drink, often found at festivals, famous for its distinctive marble-in-the-neck bottle.
Shochu: A distilled spirit, less alcoholic than whisky, made from ingredients like rice, barley, or sweet potatoes.
Amazake: A sweet, thick, non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drink made from fermented rice, often served warm in the winter.
Umeshu (Plum Wine): A sweet and sour liqueur made by steeping ume plums in alcohol and sugar.