Kanto Region
関東地方
Where is Kanto Region?
The Kantō region sits in the east-central part of Honshū, facing the Pacific Ocean. It consists of seven prefectures—Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma—and lies just east of Mount Fuji. To the south it opens onto Tokyo Bay; to the east it meets the open Pacific coast (including beaches like Kujūkuri), while mountains rise along the northwestern edge.
Kantō is home to the Greater Tokyo Area, one of the world’s largest urban regions, including Tokyo and Yokohama. With two major international airports (Haneda and Narita) and Tokyo Station as a hub for shinkansen and expressways, it’s the gateway for trips across Japan, especially toward Tōhoku and Chūbu. Landscapes vary from mild coastal zones to cool inland highlands such as Nikkō and Nasu.
The Prefectures in Kanto Region
History of Kanto Region
The Kanto region’s history is closely tied to Japan’s overall path. In the Jomon period, large sites like the Kasori Shell Mounds (Chiba) flourished, and in the Kofun period the Sakitama Kofun Cluster (Saitama) shows the rise of local elites. In ancient times, provinces such as Musashi and Shimotsuke were established as the eastern frontier was developed.
In the medieval era, Minamoto no Yoritomo founded the Kamakura shogunate, marking the start of warrior government; legal codes and the gokenin vassal system took shape, shifting political gravity eastward. During the Sengoku era, the Late Hojo clan ruled Kanto from Odawara until Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s siege ended their power.
In early modern times, Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo in 1590 and opened the shogunate in 1603. With sankin-kotai and the Five Highways, Edo grew into a mega-city where lively townspeople culture blossomed. After the Meiji Restoration, the capital moved to Tokyo, railways and industry expanded, and the Keihin Industrial Zone formed. Despite the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and wartime devastation, postwar high growth and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics symbolized recovery and modernization. These layers explain why Kanto remains Japan’s political and economic center today.
What Makes It Special?
Kanto is Japan’s largest metropolitan area, buzzing with life day and night. Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, full of cutting-edge technology, stylish fashion, and endless entertainment. But it’s not just skyscrapers and neon lights—you’ll also find peaceful spots like Nikko’s shrines, Kamakura’s temples, and Hakone’s hot springs. The mix of modern and traditional vibes is what makes Kanto so unique.
Culture and Trends
If you’re into Japanese pop culture, Kanto is paradise. Akihabara is a must-visit for anime, manga, and gaming fans, while Shibuya and Harajuku are famous for youth fashion and street trends. On the flip side, you can step back in time at Kamakura’s temples or the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nikko. Whether you’re chasing the latest trends or exploring Japan’s traditions, Kanto offers the best of both worlds.
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