Free Kanto Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Kanto with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Kanto
Kanto photo 2
Kanto photo 3
All photos

Explore Kanto, from Tokyo’s neighbourhoods and Yokohama’s harbour to Kamakura temples, Nikko heritage, mountain hot springs and Pacific coastlines.

Kanto occupies the broad plain surrounding Tokyo Bay and extends north and west into volcanic mountains, upland forests and open agricultural country. It is Japan’s most populous region and the country’s principal centre of political, economic and cultural life, yet its geography is more varied than the immense urban area suggests. The metropolitan core includes Tokyo and Yokohama, while the wider region encompasses the historic cities of Kamakura and Nikko, the coastal landscapes of Chiba, the hot-spring country of Gunma and the rural plains of Ibaraki and Saitama.
Read more about Kanto
Tokyo is the region’s dominant gateway and a destination in its own right, with imperial, commercial, artistic and neighbourhood traditions layered across a vast rail-connected city. Its districts change character rapidly: Asakusa preserves temple precincts and traditional entertainment, Ueno combines museums with a historic park, Ginza represents established luxury retail, and Shibuya and Shinjuku express the energy of contemporary urban Japan. Across Tokyo Bay, Yokohama offers an international port history, waterfront parks and one of the country’s best-known Chinatowns.
Beyond the capital, Kanto’s historic identity becomes easier to read. Kamakura’s wooded hills contain temples, shrines and the Great Buddha, reminders of the medieval shogunate established there in the twelfth century. Nikko brings together lavish Tokugawa-era religious architecture and mountain scenery, while Chiba’s Pacific coast and Boso Peninsula provide beaches, fishing communities and rural landscapes. The northern prefectures add different textures: Ibaraki is known for gardens, coast and agricultural production; Tochigi for heritage towns, uplands and hot springs; and Gunma for dramatic mountains and longstanding onsen culture.
Food reflects both the region’s scale and its agricultural hinterland. Tokyo’s restaurants range from specialist sushi, soba and yakitori counters to international dining, while local traditions elsewhere include Tochigi gyoza, Gunma’s wheat-based dishes, Chiba’s peanuts and seafood, and produce from the Kanto Plain. Seasonal travel may bring autumn foliage in mountain districts, spring blossoms in parks and temple grounds, or winter snow in higher areas, though conditions differ significantly between the warm coast and inland mountains.
Kanto rewards visitors who combine major urban sights with carefully chosen excursions rather than treating the entire region as one compact destination. Frequent trains make many city journeys straightforward, but mountain valleys, rural coastlines and some hot-spring areas require more planning. A stay can therefore move from dense metropolitan streets to cedar forests, temple approaches, volcanic slopes or the Pacific shore without leaving the region, revealing how Japan’s modern capital is connected to a much older and more varied landscape.

When is the best time to visit Kanto?

Best: May–June, October · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January850
February960
March1380
April19100
May (best)23120
June (best)27140
July30160
August31170
September27150
October (best)22130
November16110
December1070

Getting to and around Kanto

How to get there

Kanto is served by Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports; Haneda is located within Tokyo, while Narita International Airport is in Chiba Prefecture outside central Tokyo but is a major gateway for the wider region. Tokyo’s major railway stations provide shinkansen links to northern, eastern and western Japan, and Yokohama, Omiya, Ueno and Tokyo are important rail hubs. Domestic visitors can also reach regional destinations such as Mito, Utsunomiya, Maebashi and Chiba by conventional rail or road. International travellers using Narita should allow for the onward journey into Tokyo or another Kanto destination.

Transportation

The Tokyo metropolitan area, Yokohama and the main urban corridors are exceptionally well served by trains and subways, though networks can be complex and crowded at peak times. Regional railways connect Tokyo with Kamakura, Nikko, Chiba, Mito and other principal cities, while buses fill many local gaps. A car is useful for rural Gunma, inland Ibaraki, parts of Tochigi and the Boso Peninsula, especially when visiting scattered nature sites or hot springs. Mountain roads may be narrow or affected by snow, and visitors should not assume that every rural attraction is close to a railway station.

Top city travel guides in Kanto

The cities of Kanto, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Kanto

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Kanto

Kanto’s attractions range from Tokyo’s extraordinary concentration of museums, galleries, gardens, theatres and historic neighbourhoods to broad landscapes beyond the metropolitan core. In Tokyo, the Tokyo National Museum, Meiji Jingu, Asakusa and the Imperial Palace area reveal different aspects of national and urban history, while contemporary art and architecture are prominent across several districts. Yokohama adds waterfront promenades, museums and port heritage, and Kamakura offers temple-lined hills, beach scenery and the Great Buddha. Nikko combines sacred architecture with cedar forests and mountain excursions, while Tochigi’s uplands and Gunma’s hot-spring towns provide walking, bathing and seasonal scenery. Chiba offers Pacific beaches, coastal villages and the rural Boso Peninsula; Ibaraki is associated with gardens, lakes, coast and agricultural landscapes; and Saitama contains river valleys, historic settlements and accessible countryside. Outdoor possibilities include hiking, cycling, temple visits, wildlife observation and winter sports in higher mountain areas. The attraction landscape is defined by contrast: densely populated urban culture lies within practical reach of volcanoes, forests, farmland and the sea, but each area requires its own transport and seasonal planning.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Kanto

Kanto’s most recognisable landmarks include Tokyo’s Imperial Palace precinct, whose moats, gates and gardens occupy the historic centre of the capital, and the Meiji Jingu shrine complex, set within a substantial urban woodland. Senso-ji in Asakusa, with its Kaminarimon gate and approach street, is one of Tokyo’s defining religious and architectural ensembles. Yokohama’s historic waterfront and preserved Western-style buildings reflect the city’s development as an international port. Kamakura’s Great Buddha is a powerful surviving image of medieval religious Japan, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu anchors the city’s historic axis. Farther north, the shrines and temples of Nikko display the ceremonial architecture of the Tokugawa period amid cedar-covered mountains. Other significant regional landmarks include the ancient burial mounds of Sakitama in Saitama, the dramatic limestone landscape of Mount Nokogiri in Chiba and the volcanic mountain scenery of Gunma. Together, these places show Kanto as more than a capital region: its visual identity combines imperial and shogunal history, port development, sacred landscapes, archaeological remains and powerful natural forms.

Show more landmarks

Explore Kanto on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Kanto

Kanto contains Japan’s broadest dining spectrum, from tiny Tokyo counters specialising in sushi, soba, tempura or yakitori to sophisticated restaurants, neighbourhood cafés and long-established traditional establishments. Tokyo’s food culture is international as well as regional, while Yokohama is particularly associated with its historic Chinatown and port-influenced culinary scene. Outside the capital, local specialities provide a stronger sense of place: Tochigi is known for gyoza in Utsunomiya and agricultural produce; Gunma has a notable wheat-based food tradition, including udon and other hearty dishes; Chiba supplies peanuts, vegetables, fruit and seafood; and Ibaraki is an important agricultural region with seasonal produce. Coastal towns offer fish and shellfish, while mountain areas add river fish, pickles and hot-spring inn cuisine. Department-store food halls, farmers’ markets, station shops and convenience stores can all be useful for sampling regional products. In traditional restaurants, menus may be seasonal and unfamiliar ingredients are often presented with careful attention to texture and appearance.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Kanto

Nightlife in Kanto is highly varied and largely concentrated in Tokyo, Yokohama and the larger regional cities. Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno and Ikebukuro districts contain everything from standing bars, izakaya and specialist whisky venues to live-music rooms, cocktail bars and large clubs, though each area has a different atmosphere and visitors should check prices before entering unfamiliar establishments. Yokohama offers waterfront and neighbourhood drinking areas with a port-city character, while cities such as Omiya, Chiba, Mito and Utsunomiya have their own restaurant and bar scenes. In rural Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki and the Boso Peninsula, evenings are more likely to centre on local izakaya, traditional pubs, hotel dining rooms, breweries or onsen-town restaurants than on an extensive club scene. Karaoke is widespread, and seasonal festivals may provide evening entertainment, but schedules and venues change, so current local information is preferable to relying on old listings.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Kanto

Nightlife in Kanto is highly varied and largely concentrated in Tokyo, Yokohama and the larger regional cities. Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno and Ikebukuro districts contain everything from standing bars, izakaya and specialist whisky venues to live-music rooms, cocktail bars and large clubs, though each area has a different atmosphere and visitors should check prices before entering unfamiliar establishments. Yokohama offers waterfront and neighbourhood drinking areas with a port-city character, while cities such as Omiya, Chiba, Mito and Utsunomiya have their own restaurant and bar scenes. In rural Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki and the Boso Peninsula, evenings are more likely to centre on local izakaya, traditional pubs, hotel dining rooms, breweries or onsen-town restaurants than on an extensive club scene. Karaoke is widespread, and seasonal festivals may provide evening entertainment, but schedules and venues change, so current local information is preferable to relying on old listings.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Kanto

Shopping in Kanto ranges from Tokyo’s department stores, design districts and specialist streets to the market-town centres and produce stalls of the wider region. Ginza is associated with established department stores and luxury retail, while Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Tokyo Station offer fashion, books, character goods, crafts and contemporary design in very different settings. Asakusa is a practical place to look for traditional-style souvenirs, confectionery and small craft items, though visitors should distinguish handmade goods from mass-produced products. Yokohama adds Chinatown food products, port-themed gifts and independent shops in historic waterfront areas. Outside the capital, markets and farm shops are useful for Chiba peanuts, seasonal fruit, vegetables, regional sweets and locally made foods from Ibaraki, Tochigi and Gunma. Ceramics, textiles, woodwork and food products can often be found through local craft centres or department-store regional fairs. Rural shopping is usually dispersed and daytime-oriented, so a car or careful bus planning may be necessary when visiting producers beyond the main towns.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Kanto, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Kanto essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), used throughout Kanto and the rest of Japan. Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, chain businesses and many restaurants, particularly in Tokyo and other major cities. Smaller restaurants, rural accommodation, temple facilities, market stalls and local transport may still require cash, so carrying some yen is sensible. ATMs at post offices and convenience stores are generally useful, although overseas card acceptance can vary and rural opening arrangements may be more limited.
Safety
Kanto is generally well organised for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in crowded stations, nightlife areas and busy tourist districts. Follow platform markings, take care on escalators and keep belongings secure in dense crowds. Outside the cities, observe warnings about earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, landslides and strong surf; mountain trails can become hazardous through rain, snow or poor visibility. Japan drives on the left, and unfamiliar visitors should be cautious when cycling, crossing roads or hiring a car. Monitor official weather and transport information during severe weather.
Emergency Situations
For police assistance in Japan, call 110; for fire, ambulance or serious medical emergencies, call 119. The Japan Coast Guard can be reached on 118 for maritime emergencies, which is particularly relevant on the Pacific coast, around Tokyo Bay and on the Boso Peninsula. Operators may have limited English, so keeping the accommodation address written in Japanese can help. In an earthquake, protect yourself from falling objects, follow staff instructions and check official announcements before travelling; do not enter damaged buildings or coastal areas under warning.
Do's and Don'ts
Queue where indicated, keep voices low on trains and avoid telephone conversations in crowded carriages. Remove shoes when requested in homes, some accommodation, temples and traditional restaurants, and follow washing procedures before entering a communal bath. At shrines and temples, observe the site’s instructions and ask before taking photographs of ceremonies, worshippers or restricted interiors. Tipping is not customary in Japan, while careful waste disposal matters because public bins can be limited. In rural and coastal areas, respect private property, agricultural land, trail closures and local neighbourhood quiet.
Local Tips
Plan Tokyo journeys by rail line and district rather than by apparent map distance, since large stations can require substantial walking and transfers. For Kamakura, arriving early helps avoid the busiest periods around major temples and the Great Buddha. Mountain destinations in Tochigi and Gunma have more pronounced seasonal conditions than the capital, while coastal Chiba can be best understood through shorter regional itineraries. Carry a small bag for rubbish, learn a few transport and restaurant phrases, and check whether a rural attraction requires advance reservations or a local bus connection.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloこんにちは[Konnichiwa]
Goodbyeさようなら[Sayōnara]
Yesはい[Hai]
Noいいえ[Iie]
Please/You're welcomeどうぞ[Dōzo]
Thank youありがとう[Arigatou]
Excuse me/Sorryすみません[Sumimasen]
How are you?お元気ですか？[Ogenki desu ka?]
Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？[Genki desu. Anata wa?]
Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？[Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
I don't understandわかりません[Wakarimasen]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください[Menyū o misete kudasai]
I don't eat meat肉は食べません[Niku wa tabemasen]
Cheers!乾杯！[Kanpai!]
I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします[Okaikei o onegaishimasu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!助けて！[Tasukete!]
Go away!どこか行って！[Doko ka itte!]
Call the Police!警察を呼んで！[Keisatsu o yonde!]
Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！[Isha o yonde!]
I'm lost道に迷いました[Michi ni mayoimashita]
I'm ill具合が悪いです[Guai ga warui desu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...これを買いたいです[Kore o kaitai desu]
I'm just looking見ているだけです[Mite iru dake desu]
How much is it?これはいくらですか？[Kore wa ikura desu ka?]
That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます[Sore wa takasugimasu]
Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？[Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?今何時ですか？[Ima nanji desu ka?]
It's one o'clock1時です[Ichi-ji desu]
Half past (10)10時半です[Jū-ji han desu]
Morning朝[Asa]
Afternoon午後[Gogo]
Evening夕方[Yūgata]
Yesterday昨日[Kinō]
Today今日[Kyō]
Tomorrow明日[Ashita]
11[Ichi]
22[Ni]
33[San]
44[Shi]
55[Go]
66[Roku]
77[Nana]
88[Hachi]
99[Kyū]
1010[Jū]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?どこに...がありますか？[Doko ni... ga arimasu ka?]
What's the address?住所は何ですか？[Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？[Chizu de misete moraemasu ka?]
When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？[Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
A ticket (to ....)（...）までの切符[(...) made no kippu]

History of Kanto

Jomon Communities and Early Kanto Settlement

Kanto has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and archaeological sites across the plain preserve evidence of Jomon communities who lived by fishing, hunting, gathering and small-scale cultivation. The region’s rivers, wetlands and coastal environments supported substantial settlements, while shell middens and ceramic traditions reveal changing relationships with the landscape. Later agricultural societies expanded rice cultivation across the fertile plain and developed stronger political structures. Although much of modern Kanto is heavily urbanised, archaeological museums and excavated sites in places such as Chiba, Saitama and Ibaraki help explain the long human history beneath the contemporary cityscape.

Romanised? No: The Kofun and Nara-Era Political Landscape

From the third to seventh centuries, powerful communities in the Kanto Plain participated in the formation of the early Japanese state. Large kofun burial mounds, including important examples in Saitama and Gunma, reflect the authority of regional elites and their links with the imperial court. Administrative reforms during the Nara period integrated Kanto more closely into the central government’s provincial system. Roads, religious institutions and tax arrangements connected the eastern provinces with political centres farther west, establishing patterns of communication and governance that shaped the region’s later importance.

Kamakura and the First Warrior Government

In 1185, Minamoto no Yoritomo established a military government at Kamakura, and the city became the seat of the Kamakura shogunate in 1192. Its protected position between wooded hills and the sea suited a warrior polity, while temples and shrines gave the city a lasting religious and cultural legacy. The period saw the consolidation of samurai rule and significant developments in Japanese Buddhism, including traditions associated with Zen and the later spread of the Jodo and Nichiren schools. Kamakura’s surviving temple precincts, roads and monumental Great Buddha remain among Kanto’s clearest links with medieval Japan.

The Tokugawa Settlement and Edo

Tokugawa Ieyasu established his government at Edo, now Tokyo, after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600; the Tokugawa shogunate formally began in 1603. Edo expanded around its castle and became the centre of a highly organised political system in which regional lords were required to maintain residences and spend time in the capital. Roads such as the Tokaido and Nakasendo connected Edo to other parts of Japan, while canals and the Sumida River supported trade. The city’s growth created distinctive urban cultures in theatre, publishing, cuisine and craft, many of whose forms remain visible in Tokyo today.

Meiji Modernisation and the Rise of Tokyo

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 transformed Edo into Tokyo, the imperial capital, and accelerated Kanto’s modernisation. Government ministries, schools, factories, railways and new civic institutions reshaped the city and its surrounding settlements. Yokohama developed as a major international port after Japan opened to wider foreign trade, bringing new buildings, communities and commercial connections. Railways linked towns across the plain and encouraged industrial growth, while the region became increasingly centralised around the capital. Western architectural influences appeared alongside Japanese traditions, creating the layered urban character familiar in present-day Kanto.

The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake

On 1 September 1923, a powerful earthquake devastated Tokyo and Yokohama, with widespread fires causing further destruction across the densely built plain. Large numbers of people died, homes and historic buildings were lost, and the disaster prompted major debates about urban planning, infrastructure and public health. Reconstruction introduced wider roads, new parks and stronger building approaches, although redevelopment unfolded unevenly. The earthquake remains an important reference point in Kanto’s history, not only because of the scale of the destruction but also because it influenced the modern form of the capital and continuing Japanese attention to earthquake preparedness.

War, Reconstruction and Metropolitan Expansion

The Second World War brought severe aerial bombardment to Tokyo, Yokohama and other industrial areas of Kanto, followed by occupation and rapid post-war reconstruction. From the 1950s, manufacturing, housing development and expanding rail networks drew workers into the metropolitan area. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics symbolised Japan’s international return and encouraged major infrastructure improvements, including the shinkansen connection to western Japan. Subsequent decades produced an immense metropolitan region extending across several prefectures, while older townscapes, temple districts, farming areas and port neighbourhoods remained interwoven with new commercial and residential development.

Kanto in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Kanto

The closest regions to Kanto, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Japan
More of the region

Explore more of Japan

Discover the harmony of tradition and modernity in Japan, where ancient temples and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect balance.

Explore Japan
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Kanto, Japan

Discover Kanto like never before with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, and more. Plan and explore effortlessly!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Kanto, Japan with Evendo—your free, all-in-one travel guide to attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Download now and start your adventure!

  • History of Kanto and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience Kanto like a local
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Planning a trip to Kanto, Japan? Look no further than Evendo—your ultimate, free travel guide app designed to make your journey unforgettable. Whether you're excited to explore the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene temples of Kamakura, Evendo has got you covered. With detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing.

Find yourself mesmerized by the iconic Tokyo Tower or take a peaceful stroll through the historic Senso-ji Temple. Savor exquisite sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro or indulge in a shopping spree at Ginza. And when it comes to nightlife, discover the vibrant Shibuya district or unwind at a traditional izakaya.

Evendo also makes booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences a breeze. Say goodbye to endless searches and hello to seamless planning—all in one place. The app's rich set of information includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to navigate and enjoy your trip.

With features like the history of Kanto, travel essentials, and curated local tips, Evendo helps you experience the region like a local. The 'Near Me' feature lets you discover what's around you, no matter where you are. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Don't just explore Kanto—experience it with Evendo. Download the app today and unlock the secrets of Kanto and over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. Your adventure awaits!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.