What to do and see in Kanto, Japan: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

December 3, 2021 Frederic Celentano

Discover the best top things to do in Kanto, Japan including Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura), Sankeien Gardens, Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, Mt. Takao, The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Yubatake, Enoshima Island, Nikko Tosho-gu, Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple.
Restaurants in Kanto

1. Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura 248-0016 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 467-22-0703 http://www.kotoku-in.jp/
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,033 reviews

Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

This nearly 47-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan.

Reviewed By jeanettekz - Munich, Germany

After reading about some guided tours from northern Kamakura down through the hiking trails to the Buddha, we decided to just try and do it on our own. We were very happy we did because the peace and quiet of doing it as a couple was wonderful. Finishing our hike with the Buddha felt slightly triumphant. We didn't go inside of the Buddha, but it felt like a nice way to finish the day. We went in July and probably got there about mid-day but it wasn't ridiculously crowded, although busy. Very beautiful and impressive up-close. Kamakura was a very fun day trip for us outside of visiting Tokyo--I highly recommend it.

2. Sankeien Gardens

58-1 Hommoku Sannotani, Naka-Ku, Yokohama 231-0824 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 45-621-0634 http://www.sankeien.or.jp/
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,141 reviews

Sankeien Gardens

A building having high value historically removed and rebuilt from Kyoto or Kamakura is located skillfully in the garden for 175,000m2. (ten important cultural properties, three Yokohama-shi designation tangible cultural properties), in the very large land which spread out in southeastern part, Honmoku of Yokohama that overlooked Tokyo Bay, creation was begun from the time in 1902 (Meiji 35) by a

Reviewed By lobobo - Remchingen, Germany

Not only the park is big and has a lot of different plants in it. Also you can see a lot of old house which were saved from beein scraped. This founders bought the house and brought them to this park. They preserve a part of the edo empire. You will understand more of japanese culture when you have see where it comes from.

3. Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

Minatomirai, Nishi, Yokohama Kanagawa Prefecture +81 45-682-4403 http://minatomirai21.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,264 reviews

Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

When Japan emerged from centuries of isolation in the mid-19th century, Yokohama was a tiny seaside village, home to only 100 people or so. But as the tide of internationalization rose, a port was established and Yokohama began to grow as a gateway to Japan. Yokohama is now a leading international trading port, the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. Situated just a short distance along the coast from the Japanese capital, and within easy reach of Haneda Airport, Yokohama is now a magnet for tourists not just from Japan but from every corner of the world; it's a place everyone wants to visit. Minato Mirai 21 is a modern urban development that was created, and continues to evolve, on 186ha of land. A shipbuilding facility that used to divide Yokohama's two main urban centers on Tokyo Bay was relocated, and additional land was reclaimed from the sea. In 1989 an exposition was held to mark the 100th anniversary of Yokohama's city status and the 130th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port. Following that event development gathered momentum, and now the area boasts office blocks, commercial facilities, hotels, amusement parks and convention facilities, as well as such cultural amenities as art museums and concert halls. This, the new face of Yokohama, offers an entire spectrum of urban functions and attracts more than 70 million visitors every year. Minato Mirai 21 is full of great experiences. The liberating expanse of Tokyo Bay and the dynamic appeal of the contemporary architecture contribute to the area's strikingly unusual beauty, which you can enjoy from the elegant surroundings of several first-class hotels. For the shopper, more than 600 stores offer an astonishingly broad selection of goods ranging from top fashion brands to animation character merchandise. Apart from excellent Japanese cuisine, delicious food from around the world is available at more than 200 restaurants. Theme parks offer exciting rides, parks a place to sit and enjoy the seascape. Packed with pleasure, Minato Mirai 21 is a fun place to visit with family and friends at any time of year, on any occasion, and for so many different reasons. If you move on to the area beyond Minato Mirai 21, you'll find intriguing glimpses of a fascinating history in the Kannai district, which developed quickly in the second half of the 19th century after the Port of Yokohama opened, and beyond Kannai you'll arrive at Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama offers points of interest that no other city can match. And just a day trip away are some of the best hot spring baths in Japan at Hakone, as well as the globally renowned beauty of Mt. Fuji. So after a day of fun in Minato Mirai 21, you can spend the night at one of the area's great hotels and then the next day you can be soaking in an onsen or admiring a view of Mt. Fuji. That is the special appeal of a relaxing holiday based in Japan's new leading tourism and leisure destination: Minato Mirai 21.

Reviewed By 19dwaynek - Yokohama, Japan

Minato Mirai is by many accounts one of the best places to visit in Yokohama. The area is conveniently located two train stops away from Yokohama station. Minato Mirai has several shopping centers within close proximity of each other, lots of cafes and shops, as well as a carnival style amusement park full of fun and exciting rides, plus a ferris wheel. The Yokohama Hard Rock Cafe is located in Minato Mirai. Minato Mirai also offers a beautiful view of the port and Yokohama Bay. There's places full of activities for families with children as well as romantic spots for couples. The historical Red Brick Warehouse of Yokohama is also in the area. The Red Brick Warehouse often has a lot of interesting events worth checking out. If you go to Yokohama without visiting Minato Mirai, then you are missing out.

4. Mt. Takao

Hachioji Tokyo Prefecture
Excellent
42%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,205 reviews

Mt. Takao

An hour outside Tokyo by train, Mt. Takao is popular among city dwellers for the views from its seven hiking trails. To enjoy the view without the work, take the cable car or chairlift to the top and visit the Takaosan Yakuoin Yuuki-ji Temple, founded in 744.

Reviewed By marumiya - Buenos Aires, Argentina

I went on a Wednesday. Very easy to get there. I bought the discounted pass (roundtrip by keio line and roundtrip of car cable) 1300 yen. You should check the weather before you go. If its cloudy it’d be difficult to see the Fuji If you have no experience its ok because there is a road pavimented. Very peaceful. Deberias ir un dia de semana. Fui un miércoles de Diciembre. Chequear que no este nublado sino no se vera bien el Fuji. El camino es cansador pero fácil porque está pavimentado. Por 1300 yenes pueden sacar desde cualquier estacion keio el viaje de ida y vuelta y e ida y vuelta del cable car o Silla

5. The Hakone Open-Air Museum

1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0493 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 460-82-1161 http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,729 reviews

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Art blends with nature at this huge outdoor sculpture park, where works by both Japanese and Western artists are framed by trees, grass and mountains.

Reviewed By rodrigolaniado - Shanghai, China

It was truly amazing It was my first open air museum and won’t be the last The sculptures are incredible and go perfectly with the impecable gardens Also you have plenty Picasso art which gives a good contrast with the outside exposures

6. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku 160-0014 Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-3350-0151 [email protected] http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/index.html
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,151 reviews

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a "daimyo" (feudal lord) of the Edo era. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, it blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era.

Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is perhaps the most beautiful garden in Tokyo, nestled in the heart of Shinjuku/Shibuya within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, this garden to me exemplifies a large Japanese garden, once the private garden of the Naitō family in the Edo period it is now under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit gardens in Japan, the combination of beautiful coloured foliage and stunning landscaping and vistas combine to give garden lovers an experience not to be missed, the garden is built around three lakes with plenty of paths to lead you on to one wonderful view after another, then a tea house or pavilion and then past sculpted beds of shrubs, across bridges and when finaly you need to rest you can sit at one of the cafes and enjoy a snack whilst contemplating the beauty of Japan.

7. Yubatake

Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun 377-1711 Gunma Prefecture +81 77-552-3040 http://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/category/detail/index.php?c=2&g=2&kcd=36
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,402 reviews

Yubatake

Kusatsu is recognized along with Gero and Arima as one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts. The Yubatake (Hot Water field) is a central meeting and sightseeing spots in Kusatsu Onsen. This is the source water field for the bubbling Onsen water supplied throughout Kusatsu village. An abundant quality of hot water with a strong acidity of pH2.1, gives the water strong anti-bacterial powers with superior therapeutic and spiritual qualities, and has attracted many people for hundreds of years. The Yubatake (hot water field) is the symbol of Kusatsu Hot Spring. Located in the center of the spa resort, Yubatake is the source of hot springs that gush some 4,000 liters of hot water per minute amid clouds of rising steam. This so-called "hot water field" is surrounded by a promenade made of ceramic roof tiles and there is even a bench in the shape of Mt. Shirane, a nearby volcano. Here, visitors can stroll after taking a bath and relax while enjoying the unusual and very warming atmosphere of this unrivaled resort.

Reviewed By richardgG1237GW - Portland, United States

The source of the Kusatsu Hot Springs water is very impressive with the hot water running out at 52 C at this mountain town located at about 1,200 meters. Lots of little shops and places to eat. Several demonstrations throughout the day of people at a location close by of people stirring this hot water to help cool it down a bit.

8. Enoshima Island

Enoshima, Fujisawa 251-0036 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 466-22-4141 http://www.fujisawa-kanko.jp/spot/enoshima/
Excellent
44%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,093 reviews

Enoshima Island

Reviewed By DevelopmentTraveller - Tokyo, Japan

Easily done in a day if you’re based in Tokyo. Enoshima Island is fun and easy to get to on the Odakyu Line/Romance Car. The island sports a series of interesting shrines that are nestled in the serene beauty of the wooded island. There is a lot of walking involved on this island, though you can opt to take an escalator to the top shrine on the island for a few (¥370). Regardless, expect to walk. A lot.

9. Nikko Tosho-gu

2301 Sannai, Nikko 321-1431 Tochigi Prefecture +81 288-54-0560 http://www.toshogu.jp/
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,325 reviews

Nikko Tosho-gu

Reviewed By Andre_BAZ

This world heritage site is worth day trip to Nikko if visiting Tokyo. Straight forward to get here from Tobu Asakusa station and then a taxi or bus from Nikko station. The shrine was built for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that would govern Japan from 1603 until the Meiji restoration in 1867 and is a very elaborate set of different builds made out of wood with very complex and beautiful carvings and vivid colors. One of the greatest human architectural achievements.

10. Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

1 Narita, Narita 286-0023 Chiba Prefecture +81 476-22-2111 http://www.naritasan.or.jp/
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,149 reviews

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

This temple is known for its fire ritual, which is performed several times a day. Visitors wishing to know their fortunes can purchase paper oracles from vending machines located on the grounds or pay a visit to one of the local soothsayers.

Reviewed By jubaanne - Pottsville, Australia

Highly recommend a visit here, especially with a volunteer complimentary guide which can be provided by emailing prior the temple’s information centre desk (which is located in a building that houses a large cafe across the road from the temple site entrance) I had emailed them the evening before and they were able to provide an English speaking guide for me. The guide was lovely and had excellent English skills. I was the only participant so we were able to move quickly through the area with great explanations of the different purposes of each temple. We happened to be there for the fire prayer service in the main temple. You must be able to climb several steps for the tour but it was manageable. The tour made my visit to this attraction so much more meaningful and I’d highly recommend accessing a guide or tour here, it is a great place to visit and the surrounding gardens are very tranquil. Allow time to walk the 15 minute walk down or back to/from the temple from the Narita Railway Station, the shopping and interesting shops/eateries are so interesting it might take you longer than 15 minutes!

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