Kanto region consists of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gumma, Saitama and Chiba. Looking at Tokyo being included in this region, it is easy to know that this is the main travel destination in Japan for most of the tourists.
There are two International Airports in this region, which are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND). Many foreign tourists will be visiting these prefectures when they land and head for main touristic spots; however, tourists will end up not visiting the rest of the prefectures, which are called as northern-Kanto region. Well, these prefectures still have its their own beauty.
While enjoying the most advanced and developed part of the country, it will be a great idea to discover what is yet to be found by other tourists.
World Heritage Sites
Ogasawara islands (小笠原諸島)
Cruising on the ferry for 24 hours, you can reach these remote islands which were declared as the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. The islands are 1000 km away; however, the islands are still under the governance of Tokyo. The climate is totally different from mainland; the tropical weather has nourished original species and this is the reason why the islands are called as Eastern Galapagos.
There are more than 30 islands however, only two of them have inhabitants.
National Museum of Western Art (国立西洋美術館)
The museum became the first UNESCO World Heritage site as a transboundary site, which means several monuments in different countries as one Heritage, regardless of its borders. The museum was designed by a French Le Corbusier who has created valuable architectures in the world. His only architecture in Tokyo has been nominated as the World Heritage site, and this is the closest UNESCO site that we can reach from Tokyo city.
Nikko Toshogu shrine(日光東照宮)
Nikko is in Tochigi prefecture, and it is the shrine that worships the first General of Edo Shogunate, Ieyasu Tokugawa, (徳川家康) who has turned to be a god after his death. He was the person who lived in the 17th century, however, the mountain itself had been worshiped as a sacred place since 8th century.
The area has two shrines and a temple, which are also included in the World Heritage site.
A waterfall called Kegon no Taki (華厳の滝) is also a must-visit highlight of the area.
3 wise monkeys. Saru in Japanese means a monkey, as well as telling someone not to do something. This monkey carving means “Don’t hear, look or say. This is a wise way to live.”
Tomioka silk mill (富岡製糸場)
The Tomioka silk mill is in Gumma prefecture, and it has been nominated as the World Heritage site in 2014. A lot of factories, where automated machineries were in use, have been established, when Japan was experiencing modernization in 19th century. Tomioka silk mill is one of these factories that proofs the history of modern Japanese development.
National Parks
Fuji Hakone Izu (富士箱根伊豆国立公園)
This National Park is so large that it belongs to 4 prefectures; Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka and Yamanashi. As the name indicates, the highest mountain, Mt. Fuji is included, as well as lakes, hot springs and islands.
Hakone and Izu islands are the ones that belong to Kanto region. Hakone is famous for its great hot springs, while Izu islands are consisted of more than 100 small islands, 9 of which have inhabitants. Both of them are created as a result of volcano eruption.
Chichibu Tama Kai (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園）
Just like Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, Chichibu Tama Kai is also a huge National Park that belongs to Tokyo, Saitama, Nagano and Yamanashi. The National Park has mountains of 2000 meters high, marvelous coniferous forest and waterfall, where we can all feel nature.
If you are in Tokyo and would like to feel nature, then head for Okutama (奥多摩) area. This is the entrance to the National Park, and you can enjoy nature walk there.
Oze (尾瀬国立公園)
Oze National Park is expanded to 4 prefectures; Fukushima, Gumma, Niigata and Tochigi. However, more than 90% of the park belongs to Fukushima and Gumma, so that it is easier for us to access from these 2 prefectures.
Oze is located at 2000 meters altitude, so that the climate is a lot cooler. The park has wetland where we can see rare plants that only grow in this environment, along with beautiful mountains. The best season to visit the National Park is between May after thaw when flowers start blooming and September.
Advice for Muslims
Tokyo and the surrounding area would be the easiest place to find Halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants in Japan. Many tourists are visiting the area so it would not that difficult for you to find your favorite one.
Although there would be less options available for Muslims in terms of restaurants or hotels than in Tokyo in the suburb area, it is not as difficult as it is in other destination. Try to look for some non-Japanese restaurants, there might be restaurants run by Muslim immigrants.
Muslim friendly local dishes
- Fukagawa meshi (深川飯), Tokyo
- Monja yaki (もんじゃ焼き), Tokyo
- Kenchin jiru (けんちん汁), Kanagawa
- Shirasu bowl (しらす丼), Kanagawa
- Okkirikomi (おっきりこみ), Gumma and Saitama
- Jelly fry (ゼリーフライ), Saitama
- Nira soba (にら蕎麦), Tochigi
- Konnyaku (蒟蒻), Gumma
- Hakarime bowl (はかりめ丼), Chiba
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How is the Access?
If you are flying to Japan, you may arrive at either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND).
From Osaka
As they are two major hubs in Japan, you will never fail to find transportation. Taking flights from Itami Airport (ITM) is the most common way. Shinkansen bullet train is another good option as you will be directly leaving / arriving at the city center. They are so punctual, too.
Within the area
Shinkansen bullet train, buses or local trains are all available to the outskirt area. Driving within the city is rather difficult, as you may struggle in finding parking.