Kanto is full of surprises. Just beyond Tokyo’s dense skyline, a unique kind of creativity flourishes, one shaped by rolling hills, quiet lakes, and innovative spaces where art and nature coexist. In Chiba and Gunma prefectures, these worlds come together in unexpected ways, from sustainable farms dotted with contemporary sculptures to museums where nature seamlessly blends with exhibition spaces. Whether it’s a hands-on experience at an eco-friendly art farm or an architectural masterpiece that doubles as a hotel, these destinations prove that inspiration thrives in the most unexpected places.

The traditional crafts live and breathe in and around the Tokyo area. The origins vary from religious symbols to architectural designs to just pure enjoyment. The exploration of the endless creativity behind Japanese crafts can take you on a journey to discover some of the wonderful towns and cities beyond the capital, deepening your appreciation of Japanese culture as a whole. Let's visit five fascinating places in and around Tokyo where tradition meets creativity in the craft world.

Japan feels different when you stop chasing checklists and start borrowing from everyday life. Across Kanto, there are places where the border between “visitor” and “local” softens: a former elementary school reborn as a community hub, a temple that doubles as a soul-reboot button, a farmhouse where river fish go straight from pond to irori, a classroom where you become the transfer student for a day, and a cat café where you can design a good-luck charm at your own pace. These attractions are spaces where staying overnight, cooking, training, meditating, or simply chatting becomes part of the experience. “Beyond travel” here means learning how people live, eat, and practice their traditions, and carrying some of that depth home with you.

The quality of the food and drink made in Japan are not simply a goal, but a way of life. Even in the most extraordinary restaurants and breweries in Japan, you may not find Michelin stars, but you will discover culinary craftspeople dedicated to protecting and improving the traditional methods that have produced cuisine of superior quality for centuries. From historic restaurants maintaining the Aizu food culture of northern Japan to shops perfecting the production of the humble senbei (rice cracker), the commitment of small businesses to the flavors of traditional Japan is unchanging over time. You'll find many of these establishments operating outside of central Tokyo; fortunately, the network of public transportation, with the JR East train lines as the backbone, gives visitors to Tokyo quick and easy access to most of them.

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, yet its spiritual side doesn't leap immediately to mind when you consider this vast urban metropolis. Yet, from the mountains guarding the city's western flank to its bayside bustling with the busyness of modern life, Tokyo's spiritual side is deep and ancient. Neighboring Saitama, too, has grown up on the heels of its more famous neighbor, but deep in its rugged mountains, you'll still find ancient landmarks of Japan's Shinto and Buddhist religions. Take a few steps off the beaten path to explore another side of Tokyo and Saitama and discover the spiritual roots that run deep around the Tokyo area.

The Koshu Kaido is one of Japan's five great routes from the Edo period, a historic road that stretches approximately 220 kilometers (about 137 miles) from Nihombashi in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kofu, before continuing on to join the Nakasendo route at Shimosuwa in present-day Nagano. Today, this ancient road also feels like a living corridor through Japanese history. Connecting mountain passes, post towns, and landscapes that once inspired ukiyo-e masters such as Katsushika Hokusai, it remains an inspiring path rich in cultural landmarks and memorable sights. Originally developed in the early Edo period as a military route linking Edo Castle with Kofu Castle, the Koshu Kaido served strategic and defensive purposes. Historical records suggest it may have even been envisioned as an emergency evacuation route for the shogun. By the mid-Edo period, however, the road had evolved into a vital commercial artery, transporting silk textiles and agricultural products from Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi) to Edo. Religious pilgrims heading to Mount Fuji and Mount Minobu added to the flow of travelers, and along the way, 45 post towns developed to support them with lodging, meals, and other services. Much of the original road follows what is now National Route 20, but traces of its storied past are remarkably well-preserved.

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