Junctions
Modern Arch
Map of Kanto Region
(関東地方) Surrounding Tokyo, there are several districts to visit, such as historical site, onsen town, nature spot, and others within the distances of 1hour or around via train. Nikkō and Kamakura are the must-visit ancient towns as a side trip from Tokyo. Hakone, Atami, and Kinugawa are favorite onsen spots. In addition to your Tokyo travel, to spare a couple of days or more for visiting would be recommendable. There are two major international airports, Haneda and Narita airports, so it’s common to arrive in either airport and start your Japan travel from this Kanto Region.
Junctions
Modern Arch
Nishi-Shinjuku JCT西新宿JCT(東京都)
Hakozaki JCT
阿波座JCT
4. Chidorigafuchi 千鳥ヶ淵
The moat in the north part of Imperial Palace is well known as a scenic spot of cherry blossom. Many cherry flowers color both sides of the moat, and it’s great to take a boat and see flowers lighted-up in the night.
5. Yasukuni Shrine 靖国神社
Founded in the year of 1869, the shrine enshrines souls of more than two million soldiers as the gods, who died in the wars since the end of Edo period until today. Famous as the notable place for full-blooming cherry blossom in spring and splendid shrine architectures and battle plane exhibited in Yūshūkan are worth seeing.
13. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum 三菱一号館美術館
The red-brick museum is the restored building, which was the former building of Mitsubishi Zaibatsu. Along with exhibitions, authentic British style architecture and gardens are worth seeing.
15. Meiji Seimeikan 明治生命館
Modern Architectures
15. Nakagin Capsule Tower (Tokyo)
Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, this world's first capsule-type condo was built in 1972. Each capsule room is technically replaceable with a new one but never done so far. As it gets old already, there were discussions to demolish to this building, but still, it stands in the middle of town and recently offered as a hotel provided via Airbnb. (as of 2019, not found in the search result of Airbnb) If you're interested in, then it might be worth looking into it. https://www.airbnb.jp/
16. St Mary’s Cathedral (Tokyo)
Japan's representative modern architecture is proud of the beautiful and dynamic curves of architecture. It's designed to look the cross when you see from the right above it. Inside of building is functional and solemn, due to the materials of furnishings. Designed by Kenzo Tange, one of Japan's top architects.
17. Yoyogi International Stadium (Tokyo)
The top portfolio of Kenzo Tange was constructed as the sports stadium for Tokyo Olympic in 1964. Though many years passed, still this architecture tells the beauty of modernism architecture in Japan and in-use almost every day for sports, concert, and other events in a whole year.
Other architectures
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Tokyo Gaikaku Hosuiro
Dating from 736, Hasedera Temple is well known for the largest class of wooden Kannon statue, beautiful seasonal flowers, and historical temple architectures. Especially, full-blooming hydrangea in the early summer and autumn leaves are favorite of travelers (be prepared for crowds in those seasons). It locates in a higher place, so the view from the top of the temple is awesome.
2. Great Buddha Kotokuin Kamakura Daibutsu 高徳院鎌倉大仏
This Great Buddha with 13m in height is the symbol of Kamakura and a must-see site. Daibutsu completed in 1243 and it has kept its original feature since then, but its detailed history and the reason for the foundation are not clear even as of today. You can enter inside of Buddha.
3. Tsurugaoka Hachimangū 鶴岡八幡宮
One of three greatest Hachimangū of 44,000 Hachimangū shrines over entire Japan, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū is a representative shrine of Kamakura, enshrining the god of victory and protection for samurai in Kamakura. The highlights are magnificent scenery of large stone stairs and grand vermilion-colored buildings with the background of a mountain. Dating from 1063, most of the original shrine buildings were lost and rebuilt due to the wars, and current ‘Hongu’ main building was the one restored in 1828. Maybe you can find a traditional wedding ceremony by chance.
4. Hōkokuji Temple 報国寺
Hōkokuji Temple is famous for the spectacular scenery of a garden with 2,000 bamboos. Because of its popularity, it’s recommended to visit here in the early morning for feeling a quiet and imaginary atmosphere when a few people are there. Matcha tea and a snack are served for some costs.
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