The name Kanto literally means "East of the Barrier." Kanto region has been the center of the modern development since the Edo period (1630-1868) and today it houses the Greater Tokyo Area and the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area, the seat of Japan's government, the largest group of universities and cultural institutions, a large industrial zone and the greatest population. Although the main part of Kanto region is used for the industrial, commercial and residential construction, there is still much space for farms with rice as the major crop. The area around Tokyo and Yokohama has the largest concentration of heavy and light industry, while smaller cities house the substantial light industry. If to accomplish a brief outline of Kanto region and things to do and see around, you will see the following picture.
The Tokyo Prefecture with Tokyo, Japan's capital and largest city, is the place to see the most modern Japan in its full blossom. The capital's image is astounding and known throughout the world. It consists of twenty three huge wards, each developed and peculiar in its own way, offering the visitors unforgettable impressions of being in the heart of Japanese civilization with its artificial islands, current Imperial Palace and an abundance of historical and cultural sites.
The Kanagawa Prefecture is mostly famous for three cities: Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone. Yokohama is Japan's second largest city and home to the largest futuristic district in Japan, Minato Mirai 21. Yokohama is famous for being the first to introduce many western services and goods into a daily usage, including telephone, a photo studio and ice cream. Kamakura is a small city, full of temples and historic treasures; it is also a seaside resort and a residential district with many beaches, excellent for swimming and diving. Its best attraction is the second largest in Japan Great Buddha, (42ft) located at the Kotokuin Temple. Hakone boasts with the National park, hot springs and views of the highest in Japan Mount Fuji. Climbing the Mount Fuji has both an adventurous and a salvation aim for leisure and religious hikers respectively, the average number of climbers is from two hundred thousand to four hundred thousand per year.
The Tochigi Prefecture boasts the city of Nikko with the Site of Nikko Toshogu, Ieyasu's mausoleum and Nikko National Park with wild monkeys.
In the Saitama Prefecture, you will have an opportunity to explore Kawagoe, a former castle town, known as the Little Edo and as a mercenary town. Kawagoe is blessed with numerous historic and cultural assets, such as the historical streets of Kura-zukuri(Merchant style houses). Omia City in the Saitama Prefecture is a source of getting more about the history of the Kanto area, since the city has long played an important role in its development.
The Gunma Prefecture is home to Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's best hot spring resorts.
Summing it up, Kanto region is a huge area for an active entertaining vacation and Japanese history study. The transportation system is highly developed throughout the plain and you can easily reach any destination you choose by means of transport you like most of all.