Kanto World Heritage Sites (UNESCO)

Shrines and Temples of Nikko
The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have for centuries been a sacred site known for its architectural and decorative masterpieces. They are closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns. (read more at UNESCO's official site)

(Added 1999 as a Cultural Heritage Site)

Kanto Food Specialities

Sushi (Tokyo)
The finest fresh fish from the local Tsukiji fish market ensures Tokyo can boast an abundance of wonderful sushi restaurants. Now being recognized internatinally through the Michelin guide, it is easy to find great sushi restaurants in Tokyo.

Monja-yaki (Tokyo)
Similar to Okonomiyaki, this traditional dish from working-class neighborhoods on the east side of Tokyo involves cooking a Japanese style pancake at your table with your choice of fillings / toppings. Restaurants in Tsukishima and Machiya are considered amongst the best.

Gyoza (Utsunomiya)
Gyoza are essentially a form of chinese dumpling, usually fried and sometimes boiled. Common fillings are minced pork with chives or garlic. Usually gyoza are dipped in a mix of soy-sauce, vinegar and rye-sauce before eating. They go especially well with a couple of draft beers and a group of friends!

Kanto Events / Festivals

Nikko Grand Spring Festival (Tochigi)
During mid- May, visitors to the world heritage site at Nikko can watch a parade of 1,000 samurai warriors from the Otabisho Shrine to the Toshogu Shrine. One can also listen to the ancient court music and view the dance performances, horseback archery and so on.

Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
In mid-May at Kanda Myojin Shrine, 100 portable shrines are paraded through the streets of Tokyo in what is considered to be one of the 3 great festivals of Japan.

Asakusa Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo)
Drawing huge numbers of specatators, this festival held in May at Asakusa Shrine features scores of enthusiastic men in traditional costumes hauling portable shrines through the streets of this historic part of Tokyo.

Sumida River Fireworks (Tokyo)
July and August in fireworks season in Japan, and if you haven't been to one of the numerous displays on offer yet, then why not check out the Sumida River Fireworks held at the end of August? Tens of thousands of fireworks illuminate the city in spectacular fashion ending in a finale that will live long in the memory.

 

 

 

 

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