Kanto Region

Kanto region is in the central-eastern part of Honshu, limits the Kanto region includes not only the Kanto plain, which represents only about 40% of its area, but also formed the hills and surrounding areas mountains bordering the plain.

Located between the Chubu region, to the west and northwest, and the Tohoku region on the north, bounded by the sea to the south and east, this region consists of 7 prefectures around Tokyo:

• Chiba Prefecture;
• Gunma Prefecture;
• Ibaraki Prefecture;
• Kanagawa Prefecture;
• Saitama Prefecture;
• Tochigi Prefecture;
• Tokyo Prefecture.

Climate is generally sweet, and the four seasons clearly tagged. This region is the most populated of Japan. The center of this region Tokyo-Yokohama is the largest commercial and industrial area of Japan.

Although most of the Kanto plain is occupied by residential, commercial or industrial, agriculture always plays an important role. The main crop is rice, and the peripheral area around the city of Tokyo-Yokohama was constructed in order to develop market gardening to the megalopolis.

The city is also a major cultural and entertainment center. It offers a variety of traditional and contemporary arts choices. many popular music concerts are given in Tokyo where there are many museums and art galleries.

Kashima

Kashima Shrine

Kashima has long been an important step in the sea routes to the Pacific Ocean. But the city is essentially known for its sanctuary dedicated to martial arts and particularly in kenjutsu. Her neighbor Itako is a lakeside town where it is good to walk by boat in June to enjoy the festival of iris. It is part of the quasi-national park Suigo-Tsukuba.

Itako iris

Mito

Kairakuen, Mito

Mito is located in the center of Ibaraki Prefecture in the Kanto plain. It is crossed by the Naka-gawa. It was formerly used to river transport and thus the height of the thriving port city, she took the name water door. Mito is now the commercial, economic and cultural center of the prefecture of Ibaraki. But the north of the city has preserved its appearance of the feudal period. Wandering the streets, there are historical sites like the Kodokan school, founded by a powerful clan in the Edo period, or the ruins of the castle. Mito also hosts one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kairakuen.

Nikko

Toshogu, Nikko

Nikko, two hours by train from Tokyo, is both a marvel of natural beauty and the site of essential architectural masterpieces of Japan. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. Toshogu Shrine, completed in 1636 and dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, is the focal point of the city. Most buildings sanctuaries and many items were National Treasures or Important Cultural Heritage. 

Bridge Shinkyo

Bridge Shinkyo or "Sacred Bridge" rises gracefully above the Daiya River. Lake Chuzenji shines particularly early May, with the outbreak color of cherry blossoms and October, when the leaves turn their autumn finery. 5 mins walk from the bus stop Chuzenji Onsen is the waterfall Kogen, one of the most famous sights in Japan. You can get close to the waterfall with a lift. Another 15 minute walk takes you to the Temple of Chuzenji which houses the famous statue of the Goddess of a Thousand Arms.

Chichibu

Swasbuck in Chichibu

Chichibu region is particularly appreciated for its wealth of natural landscapes. Mountains, gorges, rivers, streams and lakes are a paradise for climbers and walkers. At every turn, one can encounter deer, monkeys and squirrels or observe fauna and flora preserved. Chichibu is also rich in ancient temples and shrines. 

Saitama

Saitama Shintoshin

Saitama is a town founded in 2001 by grouping of the cities of Urawa, Omiya and Yono, then Iwatsuki in 2005. Today it is the capital of the prefecture, destined to become an urban center of primary importance in economic, administrative and cultural areas.

The tradition is also present. The village of Omiya Bonsai attracts many amateurs and professionals around a common passion. The city of Kawagoe is back in time to the Edo period.

Narita

Narita

Most visitors set foot in Japan at Narita, which is the largest international airport in the country. But few know the city yet very popular with the Japanese. Each year, 13 million faithful make to the great temple of Naritasan Shinshoji and important festivals like Narita Gion festival drums or attract a large audience.

Tokyo

Tokyo

Tokyo is the administrative capital of Japan since 1868, as a place of residence of the Emperor of Japan, Prime Minister, Parliament japonaist, all departments that constitute and all foreign embassies. This status, however, is not defined by the 1947 Constitution. It is the principal political center of the archipelago since the seventeenth century. 

Become World Financial Center in 1990, behind New York City is characterized by its skyscrapers, its electronics stores and high technology, but also for the many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and its neighborhoods and streets atmospheres special. 

Tokyo Metropolitan prefecture, with about twelve million people, has a special administrative status among the prefectures of Japan. The Tokyo metropolitan area which extends well beyond the boundaries of the prefecture, radiates a large part of Tokyo Bay, as well as the region of Kanto. With about 37.7 million inhabitants, it forms the world's most populous urban area. 

Having already hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, Tokyo will host again in 2020.

Yokohama

Yokohama

Yokohama capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second largest city of Japan, is one of the first cities to be opened to foreign residents during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1911). Today it is a bustling port city of activity with several listed buildings in the country's history. You can make the most pleasant Shops strolling quietly in the Motomachi shopping street. Foreign Cemetery contains the graves of some 3,000 foreign residents who have actively contributed to the opening of Japan to the world. "Harbor View Park" is a park located on top of a hill with a magnificent view of the harbor and its surroundings.