Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Kanto, Japan

June 11, 2021 Venice Greaves

Discover the best top things to do in Kanto, Japan including Sengaku-ji Temple, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Happo-en Garden, Fukagawa Edo Museum, Shimokitazawa, Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple (Doryoson), Kammangafuchi Gorge, Naritasan Park, Observatory, Seaside Top, The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Saitama.
Restaurants in Kanto

1. Sengaku-ji Temple

2-11-1, Takanawa, Minato 108-0074 Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-3441-5560 http://www.sengakuji.or.jp
Excellent
41%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 627 reviews

Sengaku-ji Temple

Reviewed By Dylan914 - Sale, United Kingdom

This temple is a little our of the way and doesnt seem to be as visited as some of the other attractions we visited. We werent able to go in to the temple itself (not sure if we were just unlucky or if its one of the many that dont allow access). The site is very interesting and covers the history of the 47 ronin (yes - the Keanu Reeves film is based on this story!). The site is well preserved - worth a visit if you're in the area. We spent a couple of hours in the area - but a lot of that time was spent sitting!

2. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

3-7-1 Sakuracho Koganei Park, Koganei 184-0005 Tokyo Prefecture +81 42-388-3300 http://www.tatemonoen.jp/
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 349 reviews

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum was established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1993 as a branch museum of the Edo-Tokyo Museum. In the seven-hectares wide site of the museum situated in the Metropolitan Koganei Park, historic buildings that have high cultural value but became unable to stand in their original location are relocated to, and reconstructed, preserved, and exhibited. In total 30 buildings are displayed presently.

Reviewed By 96lukel - Metro Manila, Philippines

A very underrated museum. Its popularity does not seem to match its greatness. Most people do not know about this place, hence the almost zero crowd. While it's a good thing for me personally, it deserves more recognition. The buildings are attractive, the guides are very helpful (some even try their best to explain in English even though I can speak basic Japanese). It is definitely the highlight of my Tokyo trip this year. Not to mention, the park it is located in also deserves some stroll as well

3. Happo-en Garden

1-1-1, Shirokanedai, Minato 108-8631 Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-3443-3111 [email protected] http://www.happo-en.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 552 reviews

Happo-en Garden

Happo-en excels at planning, execution and prides itself on its ability to turn ideas into reality. Every event is unique and each project is overseen by a team specifically selected for each event every time. Our staff listen carefully to the ideas and requests of every customer to ensure every aspect of their ideal gathering come to full volition. We offer one-stop service starting from the initial meeting to the day of the event.

Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States

This is a great garden which is part of a hotel property and has all the traditional Japanese Garden features we were expecting from the little temple, a chapel where several couples were getting married, nice walkways, koi fish, sitting areas, a mini bamboo forest and lots of beautiful flowers and trees including bonsai trees. We would definitely recommend stopping to see this. It is near several other attractions if you are just wondering around so be on the lookout for it while walking around and using the pocket Wi-Fi that is highly recommended by all to help get around.

4. Fukagawa Edo Museum

1-3-28 Shirakawa, Koto 135-0021 Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-3630-8625 http://www.kcf.or.jp/fukagawa/
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 310 reviews

Fukagawa Edo Museum

See village life in 19th-century Fukagawa in this reproduction village of traditional homes, inns, fish and produce stores, complete with an ambient sound track and seasonal plants and weather.

Reviewed By 144leandad - Townsville, Australia

We stumbled upon this fantastic museum by accident as we were heading back to the Metro after visiting a nearby Sumo stable, Oguruma-beya. The entry price is only 400 yen, it's worth every penny. Inside they have re-created an Edo (old Tokyo) town, the attention to detail is magnificent. There are several English speaking guides who are all too happy to show you around (no charge) and I'd recommend this; you'll see all the small details you would miss on your own, plus learn a lot of history. Special thanks to our wonderful guide Nagano Higachi; you are very special lady and we enjoyed our time with you very much x

5. Shimokitazawa

Setagaya Tokyo Prefecture
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 499 reviews

Shimokitazawa

Reviewed By BelsizePapa_NW3 - London, United Kingdom

Shimokitazawa is exactly like Camden Town of London UK in Tokyo Japan! Vintage shops, wider range of variety retails and clothes as well as restaurants and cafe can be found here! Great to place to explore for family with teenagers!

6. Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple (Doryoson)

1157 Daiyucho, Minamiashigara 250-0127 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 465-74-3121 http://www.daiyuuzan.or.jp/
Excellent
54%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple (Doryoson)

Reviewed By sushi-ling - Dublin, Ireland

The temple complex was one of the most impressive we’ve seen in Japan. It’s situated in nature so it’s a really amazing peaceful place to spend the afternoon. We hiked to the temple from Daiyuzan town and it is a bit of climb but we did take a nice rewarding soak at the onsen close by after and took the onsen bus back to the town. There’s also an option to take the public bus there and back.

7. Kammangafuchi Gorge

Nikko 321-1435 Tochigi Prefecture +81 288-22-1525 http://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/25/
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 194 reviews

Kammangafuchi Gorge

Reviewed By kandilistk - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Decided to take a detour here today as it was too foggy to see the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, Kammangafuchi Gorge is a good place to relax and enjoy nature. Kammangafuchi Gorge is about a 20mins walk from the shrines and while enjoying the walk by the river, you’ll definitely see the main highlight of the area which are the rows of Jizo statues that are line up on one side of the gorge. Worth visiting the area after visiting the shrines.

8. Naritasan Park

1 Narita, Narita 286-0023 Chiba Prefecture +81 476-22-2111 http://www.naritasan.or.jp/
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 531 reviews

Naritasan Park

Reviewed By Kalleus - Finland, null

Had an early flight out from Narita Airport and was looking for places to visit and things to do during the evening before that. Didn't do much of research but came across this park and decided to head there. The park was a very pleasant surprise. Wandered around it for over an hour. Beautiful Japanese architecture combined with landscape garden elements. I visited in mid February and managed to catch plum blossoms in full bloom. Autumn colours will most likely look absolutely stunning in here. Also, If you're heading out of Japan and looking to pick up some souvenirs, there's plenty of vendors right outside the park area. This place has pretty much everything one could hope for. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Narita.

9. Observatory, Seaside Top

2-4-1 World Trade Center Building, Hamamatsucho, Minato 105-0013 Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-3435-6026 http://www.wtcbldg.co.jp/wtcb/facility/seaside/index.html
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 400 reviews

Observatory, Seaside Top

On the 40th floor, 152 m in height, there is one of Tokyo's finest "Seaside Top" view points with a view of Minato Ward below. From the 200m-per-view corridor, you can overlook Tokyo's two largest towers, Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree, as well as Odaiba and the seaside area such as Rainbow Bridge. There are wide-ranging landscapes such as cityscapes in central Tokyo, Shinkansen, transportation systems such as monorails and expressways, and vessels overlooking Tokyo Bay. In particular, it is a valuable experience to be able to observe the moment when the point of the monorail changes from directly above.

Reviewed By Kalleus - Finland, null

Great observatory and well worth the ~600 Yen entrance fee. You can walk around and get a wide 360 degree view of the surrounding areas. This has to be one of the best places to view Tokyo Tower too. I went around sunset and there were loads of people taking sunset photos of the aforementioned tower from the North-West corner. Nice place to hang out at and well worth a visit.

10. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Saitama

2-24-3 Toro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-0804 Saitama Prefecture +81 48-780-2091 http://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/ja/
Excellent
48%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Saitama

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is the most historical public museum of Bonsai in the world. Bonsai is one of the most aesthetic Japanese traditional arts and one of the must-see attractions in Japan! Here you can appreciate our collection of more than 120 Bonsai masterpieces and bonsai-related artifacts such as bonsai pots, miniature landscape stones called Suiseki, literature, woodblock prints, etc. In addition, about 70 pots of bonsai varying with the seasons are displayed in the garden. Taken care of delicately and continuously by Bonsai masters, Bonsai exudes its fascinating glamour. We are looking forward to seeing you explore the elegance and the secrets of this unique living art at Omiya Bonsai Art Museum! ** 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM March-October/ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM November-February/ Closed December 29 – January 3./ **The opening hours are subject to change due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Reviewed By Eric_Greeney

This bonsai museum gives you a thorough introduction to the art of the bonsai. Different species and styles of the trees and aspects in their nursing and display are presented throughout the museum that has several sections. The tour ends in a courtyard with most impressive collection of large bonsai trees that are at least 200 years old, the oldest ones even 1000 years old! Taking photos is not allowed in all areas, but permitted at least in parts of the open air collection. Saitama is a bit far away from the central Tokyo, but reasonably easy to reach by train. If you have several days to spend in Tokyo and have interest in the art of the bonsai, Saitama has also several bonsai nurseries you might be interested in. All in all, this museum is a heaven for any bonsai tree enthusiast!

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