{"id":692,"date":"2025-12-13T08:02:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T23:02:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/?p=692"},"modified":"2025-12-13T08:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T23:02:38","slug":"kanto-travel-guide-2026-japans-modern-cultural-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/kanto-travel-guide-2026-japans-modern-cultural-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Kanto Travel Guide 2026: Japan\u2019s Modern Cultural Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">The Kanto region is the energetic center of Japan, home to Tokyo, Yokohama, and a collection of prefectures that blend modern city life with traditional landscapes. Located on Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu, the region includes everything from national parks and mountain scenery to charming towns, onsen resorts, and islands such as the remote Ogasawara chain. For travelers planning a self-drive trip, Kanto offers a surprisingly diverse range of routes\u2014sprawling cities, serene countryside, dramatic peninsula coastlines, and historic sites like Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone all within a few hours of each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><strong>Culture &amp; History<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">As the political heart of Japan, Kanto has shaped the nation\u2019s history from the Edo period to the modern era. Tokyo, once known as Edo, served as the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate and grew into the largest city in the country. The region\u2019s heritage can be felt in Asakusa, ancient shrines, the grand Imperial Palace, and the preserved merchant town of Kawagoe. In contrast, cities like Yokohama and Kawasaki showcase Japan\u2019s international influences, technological progress, and dynamic science culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Further north, Nikko preserves UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine, one of the most ornate structures in Japan\u2019s history, surrounded by deep nature and mountains. To the west, Hakone and Odawara echo the traditions of travelers along the old Tokaido Road, leading toward Kyoto, Nara, and Kansai. This blend of historic and modern experiences defines the spirit of the Kanto region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"853\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jochen-meyer-2148428490-30091614.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-696\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500167414451215;width:228px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jochen-meyer-2148428490-30091614.jpg 853w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jochen-meyer-2148428490-30091614-320x480.jpg 320w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jochen-meyer-2148428490-30091614-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of Mt. Fuji in Hakone, Kanagawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><strong>What the Kanto Region Is Known For<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tokyo<\/strong>, a global city known for anime, fashion from Harajuku, cultural districts, and vibrant night life.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>World-class destinations like <strong>Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone,<\/strong> and <strong>Nikko<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A unique mix of traditional architecture and towering modern skylines, such as <strong>Tokyo Tower<\/strong> and <strong>Skytree<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relaxing <strong>onsen<\/strong> like Kusatsu (Gunma) and <strong>coastal getaways<\/strong> on the Izu Peninsula and Chiba\u2019s beaches.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural landscapes<\/strong> including Mt. Fuji views, national parks, rural towns, lush mountains, and seasonal flowers.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-0\"><strong>Easy access <\/strong>to Japan\u2019s other region\u2014 Tohoku to the North, Kansai to the West, Shikoku, Kyushu, and even Okinawa via domestic flights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-ben-cheung-140183-543211.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-697\" style=\"width:320px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-ben-cheung-140183-543211.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-ben-cheung-140183-543211-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-ben-cheung-140183-543211-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yokohama, Kanagawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"823\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-abdus-samad-mahkri-1624305361-34417837.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-698\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3329522720777365;object-fit:cover;width:320px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-abdus-samad-mahkri-1624305361-34417837.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-abdus-samad-mahkri-1624305361-34417837-480x309.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-abdus-samad-mahkri-1624305361-34417837-768x494.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko, Tochigi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>Top Attractions<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tokyo<\/strong>: Asakusa, Sens\u014d-ji, Shibuya, Harajuku, TeamLab Tokyo, Ueno Park, the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Odaiba, and world-famous views from Skytree or Tokyo Tower.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Yokohama<\/strong> <strong>(Kanagawa)<\/strong>: Minato Mirai, Chinatown, Cup Noodles Museum, bay views, and the Red Brick Warehouse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Kamakura<\/strong>: Great Buddha, coastal temples, shrine paths, and mount hikes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hakone<\/strong>: Lakes, onsen, art museums, and spectacular Mt. Fuji scenery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Nikko (Tochigi)<\/strong>: Toshogu Shrine, national park, waterfalls, and mountain roads in North Kanto.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Chichibu (Saitama)<\/strong>: Rural culture, festivals, natural gorges, and sacred sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)<\/strong>: One of Japan\u2019s most famous hot springs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Ibaraki<\/strong>: Hitachi Seaside Park, Kairakuen Garden, and coastal experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Chiba<\/strong>: Narita Airport, beaches, Sawara Town, and the Tokyo Disney Resort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-0\"><strong>Ogasawara Islands (Tokyo)<\/strong>: A remote destination known for wildlife, ocean activities, and dramatic nature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"914\" height=\"1219\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-travel-with-lenses-734723610-30956337-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-702\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7140669973666482;object-fit:cover;width:270px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-travel-with-lenses-734723610-30956337-1-edited.jpg 914w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-travel-with-lenses-734723610-30956337-1-edited-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-travel-with-lenses-734723610-30956337-1-edited-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 914px) 100vw, 914px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tokyo Tower<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-axp-photography-500641970-18848549-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-706\" style=\"width:270px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-axp-photography-500641970-18848549-1-edited.jpg 960w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-axp-photography-500641970-18848549-1-edited-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-axp-photography-500641970-18848549-1-edited-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stairs at Nikko Toshogu Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Areas of <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>the Kanto Region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Kanto is made up of seven prefectures plus multiple islands, each offering distinct travel experiences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tokyo Prefecture <\/strong>\u2013 The capital of Japan; a large and diverse area with countless cultural, modern, and historic sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Kanagawa Prefecture<\/strong> \u2013 Includes Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, and coastal cities along the west and south.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Chiba Prefecture<\/strong> \u2013 Known for Narita, Boso Peninsula, rural towns, surfing beaches, and Tokyo Bay attractions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Saitama Prefecture<\/strong> \u2013 Features Kawagoe, Chichibu, and scenic mountain areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Gunma Prefecture<\/strong> \u2013 Home to Kusatsu Onsen, mount ranges, natural parks, and hot springs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Ibaraki Prefecture<\/strong> \u2013 Agriculture, seaside parks, and small towns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tochigi Prefecture<\/strong> \u2013 Famous for Nikko, national heritage, and rugged highland nature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Izu &amp; Ogasawara Islands<\/strong> \u2013 Tropical islands, whale watching, volcanic landscapes, and remote destinations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Niigata<\/strong> \u2013 Ski resorts, national parks, and hot springs (onsen).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kusatsu-Onsen-Town-Yubatake-Tourist-Parking\uff09-\u8349\u6d25\u6e29\u6cc9\u6e6f\u7551\u89b3\u5149\u99d0\u8eca\u5834-pHCiZwld.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kusatsu-Onsen-Town-Yubatake-Tourist-Parking\uff09-\u8349\u6d25\u6e29\u6cc9\u6e6f\u7551\u89b3\u5149\u99d0\u8eca\u5834-pHCiZwld.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kusatsu-Onsen-Town-Yubatake-Tourist-Parking\uff09-\u8349\u6d25\u6e29\u6cc9\u6e6f\u7551\u89b3\u5149\u99d0\u8eca\u5834-pHCiZwld-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kusatsu-Onsen-Town-Yubatake-Tourist-Parking\uff09-\u8349\u6d25\u6e29\u6cc9\u6e6f\u7551\u89b3\u5149\u99d0\u8eca\u5834-pHCiZwld-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kiyotsukyo-Gorge-Tunnel-\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1\u6e13\u8c37\u30c8\u30f3\u30cd\u30eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kiyotsukyo-Gorge-Tunnel-\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1\u6e13\u8c37\u30c8\u30f3\u30cd\u30eb.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kiyotsukyo-Gorge-Tunnel-\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1\u6e13\u8c37\u30c8\u30f3\u30cd\u30eb-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kiyotsukyo-Gorge-Tunnel-\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1\u6e13\u8c37\u30c8\u30f3\u30cd\u30eb-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel in Niigata<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Food, Agriculture &amp; Local Specialties<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">The Kanto region offers a wide array of food traditions shaped by both rural and city life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tokyo<\/strong>: Monja (a runny savory pancake, lime okonomiyaki but messier), chanko (a stew traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers), fresh sushi from Tsukiji Market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Kanagawa<\/strong>: Yokohama Chinese dishes and Kamakura white-bait (small white fish).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Chiba<\/strong>: Peanuts and soy sauce breweries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Gunma<\/strong>: Konjac (konnyaku; a savory, firm jelly made from a root vegetable), udon, dairy products from highland towns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Saitama<\/strong>: Kawagoe sweet potatoes, festival snacks, and sake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tochigi<\/strong>: Gyoza from Utsunomiya, strawberries, and rural produce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Ibaraki<\/strong>: Natto (fermented soybeans), melons, and ocean specialties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Niigata<\/strong>: The best rice in Japan (koshihikari) and sake (made from the rice).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_50214744_M-\u5927.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-714\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_50214744_M-\u5927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_50214744_M-\u5927-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_50214744_M-\u5927-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rice terraces in Niigata<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/64014-\u5927.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/64014-\u5927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/64014-\u5927-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/64014-\u5927-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gyoza in Utsunomiya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">The agricultural diversity of Kanto reflects its varied geography\u2014from mountains to fertile plains and coastal zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Best Seasons to Visit<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Spring (March\u2013May)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cherry blossoms across Tokyo, Kawagoe, Nikko, and Chichibu, plus mild weather ideal for travel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fuji-Shiba-Sakura-Festival-\u5bcc\u58eb\u829d\u685c\u307e\u3064\u308a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-711\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fuji-Shiba-Sakura-Festival-\u5bcc\u58eb\u829d\u685c\u307e\u3064\u308a.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fuji-Shiba-Sakura-Festival-\u5bcc\u58eb\u829d\u685c\u307e\u3064\u308a-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fuji-Shiba-Sakura-Festival-\u5bcc\u58eb\u829d\u685c\u307e\u3064\u308a-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fuji Shiba Sakura Festival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Summer (June\u2013August)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lively festivals, island adventures, coastal drives, and night fireworks around Tokyo Bay.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jogasaki-Coast-\u57ce\u30f6\u5d0e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-710\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jogasaki-Coast-\u57ce\u30f6\u5d0e.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jogasaki-Coast-\u57ce\u30f6\u5d0e-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jogasaki-Coast-\u57ce\u30f6\u5d0e-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jogasaki Coast in Shizuoka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Autumn (September\u2013November)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brilliant foliage in Hakone, Nikko, and Gunma, especially around mountain roads.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"853\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-21928625-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-717\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-21928625-1-edited.jpg 853w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-21928625-1-edited-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-21928625-1-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko, Tochigi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Winter (December\u2013February)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crisp views of Mt. Fuji, snowy onsen escapes in Gunma and Tochigi, and quieter tourist sites.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"836\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-andrey-grushnikov-223358-707680.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-718\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-andrey-grushnikov-223358-707680.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-andrey-grushnikov-223358-707680-480x314.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-andrey-grushnikov-223358-707680-768x502.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nagawa, Nagano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Scenic Roads (Perfect for a Self-Drive Roadtrip)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kanto region is full of recommended drives for both short day trips and multi-day itineraries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Nikko Irohazaka Road<\/strong> \u2013 A dramatic climb into national park landscapes and historic sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Shiga Kusatsu Road (Route 292)<\/strong> \u2013 Alpine highland drive with volcano vistas and lofty passes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Venus Line<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cSky Road\u201d through Nagano\u2019s highlands and alpine panoramas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Ashinoko Skyline<\/strong> \u2013 Panoramic Hakone ridge road with Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Izu Skyline<\/strong> \u2013 Ridge-top coastal and mountain drive with Mt. Fuji vistas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hakone Turnpike<\/strong> \u2013 Epic Mt. Fuji views, connecting to Izu and western kanagawa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Irohazaka-Road-\u3044\u308d\u306f\u5742.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-719\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Irohazaka-Road-\u3044\u308d\u306f\u5742.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Irohazaka-Road-\u3044\u308d\u306f\u5742-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Irohazaka-Road-\u3044\u308d\u306f\u5742-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nikko Irohazaka Road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1139\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Izu-Skyline-\u4f0a\u8c46\u30b9\u30ab\u30a4\u30e9\u30a4\u30f3-pixta_47763242_M-\u5927-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-756\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Izu-Skyline-\u4f0a\u8c46\u30b9\u30ab\u30a4\u30e9\u30a4\u30f3-pixta_47763242_M-\u5927-edited.jpg 1139w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Izu-Skyline-\u4f0a\u8c46\u30b9\u30ab\u30a4\u30e9\u30a4\u30f3-pixta_47763242_M-\u5927-edited-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Izu-Skyline-\u4f0a\u8c46\u30b9\u30ab\u30a4\u30e9\u30a4\u30f3-pixta_47763242_M-\u5927-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1139px) 100vw, 1139px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Izu Skyline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How to Get to the Kanto Region of Japan<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">By Air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Narita Airport (Chiba) and Haneda Airport (Tokyo) provide major international access. From Kansai, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, Tohoku, and Okinawa, flights arrive directly in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">By Shinkansen\/JR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Shinkansen lines connect Kanto with Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><span class=\"swl-inline-btn is-style-btn_normal green_\"><strong><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-l\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/how-to-get\/tokyo\">How to Get to the Kanto Region<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Recommended Itineraries<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Skip the complicated trip planning and instead explore the Kanto region with one of Drive Japan\u2019s curated driving routes! These routes are all road-tested and are mapped out so you visit each destination at the right time of day, in the most efficient order, and make sure you don\u2019t miss the hidden gems along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/45\"><strong>4-Day Introduction to Japan<\/strong><\/a>: Tokyo \u2192 Hakone\/Atami \u2192 Fuji Kawaguchiko \u2192 Tokyo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/58\">The Ultimate Week in Japan<\/a><\/strong>: Tokyo \u2192 Hakone\/Atami \u2192 Fuji Kawaguchiko \u2192 Matsumoto \u2192 Karuizawa \u2192 Tokyo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/72\"><strong>13 Days of Japanese Immersion<\/strong><\/a>: Tokyo \u2192 Hakone\/Atami \u2192 Fuji Kawaguchiko \u2192 Matsumoto \u2192 Karuizawa \u2192 Kusatsu \u2192 Nagano \u2192 Yuzawa \u2192 Nikko \u2192 Tokyo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>View all 29 of Drive Japan&#8217;s Kanto Region road trip itineraries here:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><span class=\"swl-inline-btn is-style-btn_normal green_\"><strong><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-l\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/explore-itineraries\">Kanto Region Itineraries<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-xs\">(filter by &#8216;Around Tokyo &amp; Mt. Fuji&#8217; under &#8216;Areas&#8217;)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kanto region is the energetic center of Japan, home to Tokyo, Yokohama, and a collection of prefectures that blend modern city life with traditional landscapes. Located on Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu, the region includes everything from national parks and mountain scenery to charming towns, onsen resorts, and islands such as the remote Ogasawara [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[86,88,91,94,109,115,116,118,119,120,121,122,123,124,71,81],"class_list":["post-692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japan-regional-travel","tag-japans","tag-trip","tag-discover","tag-island","tag-region","tag-central","tag-ide","tag-area","tag-cities","tag-fuji","tag-japanese","tag-nagoya","tag-niigata","tag-prefectures","tag-guide","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=692"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":757,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692\/revisions\/757"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}