East Japan: Kanto Region

TOKYO

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KAMAKURA

Not many other sites in Japan have quite as rich a history as that of Kamakura nor remain as traditional. From 1192, Kamakura reigned as the de-facto capital of Japan, under which samurai culture was founded. Remnants of the historical treasures of the period still remain, with temples and gardens in the area, as well as the famous giant Buddha statue of Kamakura. The austere architectural style of Kamakura is often contrasted to that of Kyoto, where wealth and splendor is emphasized. Kamakura is located just an hour away from Tokyo and is a phenomenal site for a day trip outside of the city. As an added bonus, Kamakura offers a beautiful stretch of shoreline and beaches to enjoy as well.

YOKOHAMA

Located just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and a bustling metropolis in its own right. Originally a small fishing town, Yokohama was one of the first to open its ports to foreign trade in 1859 following the Meiji Restoration, turning it into both a major city and a cosmopolitan center. In central Yokohama stands Japan’s largest Chinatown and Minato Mirai, the new city center with a bustling day and night life, home to shopping centers, amusement parks, museums and hot springs. For those interested in some of Japan’s more quirky attractions, both the Cup Noodle Museum and the Ramen Museum can be found in Yokohama, celebrating one of Japan’s most iconic food exports.

HAKONE

Experiencing a hot spring, or onsen, is an absolute staple when visiting Japan and Hakone is the place to go. Only an hour away from Tokyo, take in the unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji as you explore the source of the hot springs. Journey through the active volcano zone of Owakudani and sample an egg boiled in the onsen, as legend has that it will prolong your life by seven years. Hakone is more than just hot springs, however -- find also many museums, such as the Open Air Museum, Pola Museum, and more.

NIKKO

The rush of Tokyo is certainly an experience on its own, but sometimes you just want to relax in a hot spring surrounded by Japan's nature and history. If that is the case, a day or one night trip up to Nikko may be exactly what you are looking for. Visit one of Nikko's several national treasures, including the renowned lavish Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu. There, he served as the deity Tosho Daigongen, or the"Great Deity of the East Shining Light." Also witness the great Kegon falls, take a leisurely boat ride across Lake Chuzenji, or soak in the famous hot springs. No matter what time of year it is, Nikko remains one of Japan's most beautiful jewels with its stellar balance of both natural beauty and historical value.

ATAMI/ODAWARA

Atami is a lovely seaside resort fishing town filled with many onsen and ryokans, as well as a variety of cultural heritage sites and museums, such as the MOA Museum. Odawara is best known for the majestic Odawara Castle, but be sure to also visit the stunning contemporary open-air art complex designed and produced by Hiroshi Sugimoto, the Enoura Observatory, for amazing views of the Bay of Sagami. The waters are famous for being crystal clear, so clean that even kumanomi fish can thrive in the sea.