Recommended for student trips during spring break! Before welcoming spring, here are 10 sightseeing spots in the Kanto area you can enjoy even on a day trip — perfect for student trips in 2022 and creating lasting memories, while still taking proper infection control measures.
The sightseeing spots introduced here are limited to the Kanto region, which has a large population, but each location has thorough infection prevention in place. For those departing from within the Kanto area, many of these spots can be visited as a day trip, making them ideal for creating casual, fun memories. Be sure to use this as a reference for your spring break student getaway or a short trip with close friends.
Kanto Student Trip Spot 1 - Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The first recommended sightseeing spot for student trips is the World Heritage Site, Nikko Toshogu Shrine. As one of the most iconic tourist spots in Tochigi, it’s best visited during the warm seasons or in autumn when the leaves are vibrant, but it's also highly recommended for spring break student trips when you can experience it in a different light.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is known for its periodic renovations for preservation, keeping it consistently clean and beautiful. Many students in the Kanto area have visited on school trips, but you may find it looks different now from what you remember. You can enjoy seeing how it has changed compared to the memory tucked away in the corner of your mind.
In addition to Toshogu Shrine, Nikko is filled with other famous locations like Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Although Toshogu sits at the entrance of Nikko, you'll need to venture deeper into the area to reach the other spots. Since there’s a considerable distance, traveling by rental car or bus is recommended. Access from central Tokyo is also convenient, and if you're only visiting major landmarks, the cost can be kept minimal. It’s a sightseeing destination you can casually enjoy even on a day trip.
Kanto Student Trip Spot 2 - Kinugawa Onsen
The second recommended spot for student trips in Kanto is Kinugawa Onsen, also located in Nikko like Toshogu Shrine. While Nikko trips typically involve enjoying World Heritage Sites, scenic locations, and famous spots, this mountain hot spring town is also a popular winter destination.
Kinugawa Onsen is a town thriving as an entire hot spring area, and its greatest appeal is that you can visit by train. Several excellent hot springs are scattered near the station. The water type is simple alkaline. In a quiet, natural setting far from the city, you can warm your body chilled by the winter cold and enjoy top-tier relaxation.
After enjoying the World Heritage Sites and sightseeing in Nikko, be sure to soak in one of the famous hot springs of northern Kanto.
Kanto Student Trip Spot 3 - Nasu
If you want to relax and enjoy nature in a highland area, the Nasu region is an ideal second spot for student trips. Located in northern Tochigi and bordering Fukushima to the north, it is the northernmost highland area of Kanto.
Like Nikko, Nasu is famous for its autumn foliage, but during spring break it becomes a lesser-known but ideal destination for hot spring tourism. The Nasu Onsen-kyo (Nasu Hot Spring Village) has nearly 1400 years of history. In the Edo period, it was widely used for therapeutic bathing and continues to this day. Highlights include Shika-no-Yu, which boasts over 1000 years of history, and Omaru Onsen, an open-air bath preserved since the Edo period. There’s Shin-Nasu Onsen, known for aiding recovery from fatigue, and Yahata Onsen, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nasu Highlands from 1100 meters elevation. With such a wide variety of hot springs, it’s hard to choose which to enjoy.
The area has plenty of inns and pensions, making it well-suited for group student trips. It’s a perfect environment for creating lasting memories.
Kanto Student Trip Spot 4 - Kamakura
Next up as a recommended sightseeing spot for student trips is Kamakura, one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Kamakura is famous in early summer for hydrangea spots like Hasedera Temple and historic landmarks like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. In 2022, it also gained attention as a setting for the year’s Taiga historical drama. Naturally, it's a must-visit for fans of historical dramas or history in general. The calm and relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for temple-hopping during spring break, surrounded by nature and tranquility.
From the end of March to early April, Kamakura also becomes a prime cherry blossom viewing destination. Genjiyama Park, where a giant statue of Yoritomo stands, offers stunning natural scenery and cherry blossoms—definitely not to be missed during a Kamakura trip.
Kanto Student Trip Spot 5 - Kusatsu Onsen
When it comes to hot spring hopping, Kusatsu Onsen is the place to go! Located in the mountainous western region of Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, once praised as one of the three great hot springs of Japan.
On-site infection control measures are implemented throughout the hot spring town. While it might seem like a bustling tourist destination, it's reassuring to know that solid precautions are in place. Being in the mountains, it tends to be colder in the winter, and snow may remain depending on the day. In addition to being a resort area, it's also known for skiing, making it ideal for group trips with skiing as the main activity. You can enjoy the contrast between the cold temperatures and the warmth of the hot springs—a unique seasonal experience.
Accessible by car, bus, or train from the city center, you can even enjoy a day-trip hot spring tour. If your travel budget allows, staying overnight to fully immerse yourself in Kusatsu Onsen is a fantastic option.
Kanto Student Trip Spot 6 - Minami Boso
Another great spring break student trip destination is the Minami Boso Peninsula, located in southern Chiba. While early spring in Kanto can still be chilly, Minami Boso tends to be relatively warm, making it an appealing spot for a relaxing stay.
At the westernmost tip of Minami Boso is Taibusa Cape Natural Park, where, depending on the weather, you might catch a clear view of Mt. Fuji—an ideal spot to soak in the natural surroundings. In Minamiboso City, you'll find charming attractions like Chiba Prefectural Livestock Square, where you can interact with animals like goats and white cattle in a farm-like setting. Since it’s a natural park, there's no cost for admission, making it budget-friendly and allowing you to allocate more for accommodation if planning a multi-day trip.
Minami Boso is a tranquil area far from the hustle and bustle of city life. That said, it remains fairly accessible from central Tokyo, and with a rental car, even a day trip is feasible. It's a perfect sightseeing destination for spending peaceful time and making the most of your student trip.
Summary
These were some recommended spring break student travel destinations for 2022. Even within the Kanto region, early spring is still a bit chilly, but there are plenty of refreshingly warm spots to visit—from hot springs to relaxing areas with mild climates. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, the destinations introduced here are sure to offer memorable experiences.
As the school year ends and a new chapter of life begins—with both goodbyes and new encounters—make the most of your spring break and enjoy quality time with your friends.