Tokyo in Spring: 10 Best Things To Do

In spring, the weather in Japan becomes milder after the cold winter months. Warmer temperatures bring new life to trees and plants, from fresh green leaves emerging to an array of flowers blooming in abundance. It is also a season with many holidays such as Golden Week, therefore, you will see many events taking place around Tokyo. Outdoor events started to increase in numbers due to this such as picnics, BBQ, camping, hiking, and the Japanese traditional Hanami.

In this article, we will introduce to you our picks of the 10 best things to do in Tokyo in spring. We hope this list helps you have an idea of what to do if you have a chance to visit Tokyo during this fun and eventful season.

See the Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are the main reason spring is the most popular season to visit Japan. And Tokyo has some of the most iconic Sakura viewing spots in all of the country.

At their peak, people gather with friends and family to enjoy food and drinks picnic-style under the clouds of delicate pink flowers, an activity also known as hanami (flower viewing). The cherry blossoms are equally beautiful at night, and at many popular viewing spots, they are lit up so you can enjoy them even after dark.

Edogawa Park, where more than 200 Yoshino cherry blossoms along the Kanda River.

There are many ways you can enjoy the views of these amazing blossoms in Tokyo. You can just appreciate the beauty as you walk by the streets like at Edogawa Park, Aoyama Cemetery. You can even take a boat ride to view the blossoms from a river or lake such as Ashinoko Lake, Sumida River, and Inokashira Park.

Cruising Ashi Lake in our 16 Day Japan Discovery to views of Mount Fuji.

Visit Showa Memorial Park

Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa is one of the largest parks in Tokyo where many beautiful spring flowers bloom every year. This is one of the best places when it comes to tulips. You can also see cherry blossoms, canola flowers, wisteria, poppy flowers, and much more.

Some of the park’s most popular spring flowers include tulips and the bright yellow nanohana.

In addition to a wide variety of plants, the park is also home to sports facilities such as tennis courts and a cycling course and is well-visited by residents. 

Attend Golden Week Holidays

Golden Week is a fantastic time to explore Japan and experience its rich culture and traditions. This holiday takes place from the end of April to the beginning of May. Many national holidays occur during this time, so many companies and schools give the entire week free. From visiting shrines and temples to attending a matsuri, there is something for everyone during this exciting time. Just remember to pack light, wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared for crowds. And most importantly, have fun!

Go Strawberry Picking

Another fun activity that you can do in Tokyo during springtime is strawberry picking. You can go to a strawberry farm where they offer customers to pick and eat strawberries for a certain amount of time. Strawberry farms have these events available usually from January to May, and you can pick and eat strawberries as much as you want for (usually) 30 minutes. Some places even offer condensed milk to put on the strawberries.

Strawberry Picking is a perfect spring fun activity for families with kids, couples, and friends.

Go to the May Sumo Tournament

Sumo is the national sport of Japan. The excitement of the audience is almost tangible when two athletes clash in the ring, each contest usually lasting only a few seconds. There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo, meaning that wrestlers can easily find themselves matched off against someone many times their size. Make sure you stay until the very end, as they will having a closing ceremony, something like Sumo Dance!!!

Created in Japan, it is the only country where sumo is considered a professional sport. 

Enjoy Sakura-Flavored Foods and Drinks

We are sure you want to try some uniquely Japanese foods and drinks during your stay, and spring is the perfect season for this! During cherry blossom season, many restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores start selling sakura-flavored foods and drinks. They have a subtle and delicate aroma and are usually very tasty. 

Dango – 団子 (Sticky Rice Mochi Balls on a Stick).

Another thing you should try is Dango. It made from a mixture of different types of rice flour – uruchi rice (non glutinous rice) flour and glutinous rice flour.

Celebrate Japanese Children’s Day

Once the cherry blossom season has ended, Japan celebrates a national holiday known as Children’s Day on May 5. It’s a day when many Japanese people wish for the healthy growth of the boys in the family, and traditional foods eaten on Children’s Day include kashiwa mochi and chimaki.

Koinobori flags are cylindrical and can be huge.

On this day, you can also see the flying of koinobori flags and kites, especially outside the homes of boys. The flags are made in the shape of carp fish, which look as if they are swimming when they flutter in the breeze. Because carp are known for their ability to swim upstream, they symbolize courage and determination.

Attend a Spring Festival

Many festivals are held throughout Tokyo during spring such as Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival, Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival, and Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. 

During springtime, many people come to have hanami while enjoying the cherry blossoms in the greenery area. They are certainly a unique and dreamy experience. There are many food stalls selling delicious festival snacks, including takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and other tasty treats. Be sure to take it all in if your visit coincides with their short-lived appearance! 

Many people come to have hanami while enjoying the cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park.

Join in Sanja Matsuri

One thing you will not want to miss out on when visiting Japan is a good old-fashioned Matsuri (Japanese-style festival). Sanja Matsuri (三社祭) or Sanja Festival is one of the main three Shinto festivals that take place in Tokyo and it lasts for three days.

The Sanja Matsuri features about one hundred portable shrines (mikoshi) in which Shinto deities (kami) are symbolically placed and paraded about the streets to bring good fortune to the local businesses and residents. For the entirety of the festival, Asakusa is packed with food stalls, festival games, and revelers amid a lively atmosphere of Japanese drums and flutes. 

Over two million people from around the country take part in this wild festival near Sensoji Temple.

Go Hiking at Mt. Takao

Another thing you can do in springtime in Tokyo is to do outdoor activities such as hiking. There are many places on the west side of Tokyo where you can go for a hike and immerse yourself in nature. Although it might be a little cold during the early spring months such as March and April, from May it starts to get pretty nice and warm to go for a hike.

One of the most popular places to do so is Mt Takao (高尾山). It is not that far away from Central Tokyo and although it is a mountain, there are hiking courses for different hiking levels. If you’re not an experienced hiker, no need to worry at all since there are cable cars & lift services running to the mid-way.

Conclusion

Tokyo offers many other exciting activities during spring, from beautiful cherry blossoms to vibrant festivals. Which of these 10 popular spring activities would you like to experience during your visit to Tokyo?

If you need some help when traveling to Japan, feel free to contact Asia Vacation Group at 1800 229 339. We’re delighted to help you make your trip to Tokyo an incredible experience and an unforgettable journey throughout Japan!

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