Things to Do & Must-See Attractions in Kanto

At Zoorasia, a zoo in Yokohama with minimal fencing, animals live in an environment as close to nature as possible. The zoo is divided into seven different geographic and climatic zones, including Asian Tropical Forest, Japanese Countryside, and Subarctic Forest, that house animals belonging to more than 100 species.

Tokyo’s Hakone Ropeway is the second-longest cable car in the world. Visitors come to experience the thrill of a cable car ride, with views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi along the way.

Akihabara, also commonly known as “Electric Town,” is the go-to district in Tokyo for electronics—and a popular spot to immerse in anime and manga culture. The area’s hundreds of stores sell everything from computer parts to home goods, and north of Akihabara Station, you’ll also find video games and popular manga-related items.

At 1,092 feet (333 meters) tall, Tokyo Tower is an impressive Japanese landmark offering 360-degree views of the city from its two observation decks. Built in 1958 from red and white latticed steel, the Eiffel Tower-inspired structure houses a wax museum, a Shinto Shrine, an aquarium, restaurants, and other entertainment spots.

With a long history dating back to 1063, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, and the spiritual and cultural heart of the city. Dedicated to Hachiman, the patron saint of samurais, the complex contains several shrines and museums, and is a popular venue for festivals, weddings, and other events.

At 7,546 feet (2,300 meters), Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station affords incredible views over Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park. Easily accessible by road, 5th Station lies at the midpoint of the Yoshida Trail to Mount Fuji’s summit; many hikers begin their ascent here.

Tokyo’s Harajuku district is known the world over for the youthful crowds that gather there to flaunt their wild fashions. This is where you can spot local teens dressed up in colorful and outlandish punk, goth, and anime costumes. But there’s even more to Harajuku than over-the-top street style.

Golden Gai is a very popular collection of tiny bars that are crowded into a network of narrow alleyways in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. More than 200 small bars—many no bigger than a closet and most only large enough for a handful of customers—are clustered in the district, and each one has a distinct character all its own.

Lining the Tokyo waterfront, Hama Rikyu is a spacious landscaped garden, often considered to be Tokyo’s Central Park. From teahouses to quiet pools, it’s a welcome green space in this busy city.

Known for its impressive botanical garden, intricate Iemitsu mausoleum, and ornate Toshogu Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Nikko National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty with plenty to see and do. In addition to shrines and temples, the park is home to numerous lakes, elaborate bridges, excellent hiking trails, and two stunning waterfalls—all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.

Set on the banks of Tokyo Bay, with great views of the city skyline, Odaiba Seaside Park is a man-made landscaped park and beach. It’s popular with locals and tourists who come to paddleboard, picnic, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the largest and most popular parks in Tokyo. Spanning 143 acres (58 hectares, this beautifully landscaped park offers a peaceful respite right in the city. Features include gardens in three distinct styles, along with pavilions, ponds, lawns, and more than 10,000 trees.

Ueno Park is a public park in central Tokyo that’s home to several of the city’s top museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science. You’ll also find Ueno zoo, Tokyo’s first zoo, a boating lake, and other attractions for the whole family here.

With steaming volcanic hot springs and sulfur fields, visiting Owakudani feels like stepping onto a different planet, less than an hour’s drive from Tokyo.