Knowing Japan【Kanto】

The Kanto region (Kanto Chiho) is located in the eastern part of Honshu.

In general, it refers to 6 prefectures in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture and is called the Kanto region.

The Kanto region, with its capital Tokyo, is the center of politics and economy of Japan, where one-third of the total population in Japan is concentrated.

In the center of Kanto, spreads Japan's largest plain "Kanto plain", bordered by a mountainous region at the northwest and the Pacific Ocean at the southeast.

"Asakusa Temple" is known as the oldest temple in Tokyo.

Access from the Tokyo Sky Tree is good, so please visit this place together with Tokyo Sky Tree!

It is famous as a sightseeing spot in Tokyo and is also a recommended tourist spot that conveys the atmosphere of the Edo era such as large lanterns and Nakamise.

■Basic Information

• Name: Sensoji Temple
• Address: 3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station
• Opening hours: 6:00-17:00
• Closed: Open all year round
• Phone number: 03-3842-0181
• Fee: Free
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended time: whole year
• Official website URL： http://www.senso-ji.jp/

"Yasukuni Shrine" which is often covered in the news is also a recommended tourist spot. It is an unusual shrine that worships Japanese soldiers, civilians, etc., as the main gods. It is also known as a cherry blossom spot, and in the blooming season, the premises are crowded with people enjoying the hanami.

The number of war dead who are worshiped as a"spirits" exceeds 2.66 million people. The enshrinement ceremony was held on August 15th in the year when the war ended, and in addition to the bereaved families, successive prime ministers have visited the shrine. In 2019 , a 150 year anniversary will be celebrated and a memorial project will be held. There are 400 cherry trees planted in the precincts such as Yoshino cherry tree and Yamazakura.

■Basic Information

• Name: Yasukuni Shrine
• Address: Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from Kudanshita station
• Opening hours: 6 :00-17 :00 (November - February) 6 :00-18 :00
  (From March to April, September to October) 6 :00 - 19 :00 (May - August)
• Closed: Open all year round
• Phone number: 03-3261-8326
• Fee: Free
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended time: Cherry blossom season
• Official website URL： www.yasukuni.or.jp/

"Tokyo National Museum" is known as a museum with the longest history in Japan. Cultural assets such as artworks from Asian countries as well as Japanese art objects are exhibited.

Incidentally, the number of collections in the museum is about 112 thousand, and it also includes national treasures and important cultural assets of the country. This is a highly recommended museum with 2000 - 3000 pieces being permanently exhibited.

It is the largest museum in Japan where visitors can see valuable historical materials from Japan and the East. It seems that the inside of the building is also used for shooting commercials and dramas. There is also a workshop where visitors can apply from the website beforehand so please visit with your children.It is a very big museum, it may not be enough for a day to enjoy it completely.

■Basic Information

• Name: Tokyo National Museum
• Address: Ueno Park 13-9, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 15 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station
• Opening Hours: 9 : 30 - 17 :00 (Last entry : - 16 : 30)
• Closed on: Mondays (closed on the following day if Monday is a national holiday, transfer holiday, or citizen's day)
• Phone number: 03-3822-1111
• Price: Adult 620 yen, college student 410 yen
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended time: whole year
• Official website URL： http://www.tnm.jp/

Alongside the Tokyo National Museum, we would like to recommend "National Museum of Western Art". This museum was established in 1954.

A variety of artworks that are mainly the collection of the businessman Kojiro Matsukata, are exhibited. Not only works by Renoir and other impressionists but also sculptures including The Thinker by Rodin can be enjoyed. There are many free events such as art talks and architectural tours.

Also, on Saturdays there is a workshop held for young children! In the museum shop catalogs, books, original goods are on sale. A cafe restaurant is also available.

■Basic Information

• Name: National Museum of Western Art
• Address: Ueno Park 7-7, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1 minute on foot from JR Ueno Station
• Business hours: 9: 30 - 17 : 30 (Friday until 20:00)
• Closed on: Mondays (closed on the following day if Monday is a national holiday, transfer holiday, or citizen's day)
• Phone number: 03-3828-5131
• Price: 430 yen for adults , 130 yen for college students
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended time: Friday, when the opening time is extended
• Official website URL： http://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/index.html

It is known as one of Tokyo's three big fireworks festivals, together with the Tokyo Bay Festival, held in August every year, and the Edogawa Ward fireworks festival.

The number of fireworks to be launched makes it a top class festival in the Kanto area!

It is a broadcast tower located at Oshima 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Tokyo.

There are sightseeing spots, commercial facilities, and office buildings, and the surrounding facilities including the Sky Tree are called "Tokyo Sky Tree Town".

A place where visitors can make instant noodles made for the first time in Japan with original flavors and combinations.

In addition, visitors can learn about the history of instant noodles.