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In spring, the weather in Japan begins to soften after the cold winter months. With the warmer temperatures, trees and other plants come alive with new green leaves and abundant flowers bloom. Spring also marks the start of the baseball season in Japan, and one of the six annual sumo tournaments is held in Tokyo in May. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best spring-related places and activities to keep you busy during your visit to Japan’s fascinating capital.
1. See the cherry blossoms
cherry blossoms are probably one of the most unique and iconic indicators of spring in Japan, and are not to be missed. At its height, people gather with friends and family to enjoy a picnic and a drink under clouds of delicate pink flowers, an activity also known as hanami (looking at flowers). The cherry blossoms are just as beautiful at night, and at many popular gazebos they are illuminated so you can enjoy them even after dark.
2. 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. In addition to a wide variety of plant life, the park is also home to sports facilities such as tennis courts and a cycling track, and is popular with local residents. Some of the most popular spring flowers in the park are tulips and bright yellow blossoms. supported.
3. Watch a baseball game
Spring is also a very important time of year when it comes to sports, and this is when the Japanese baseball season begins. Baseball is immensely popular among people of all ages in Japan, and witnessing the intense atmosphere of the stadium is a fun and unforgettable experience. If you have a favorite Japanese baseball team, why not catch a game and cheer on the players with the Japanese fans?
4. Join a bike tour
With pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunny days, spring is the perfect time to take a bike trip. Some tours will have you pedaling through rows of cherry trees, creating a tunnel of fluffy pink blossoms around you if your tour matches the cherry tree season – a truly memorable experience.
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5. Celebrate Children’s Day
After the cherry blossom season is over, Japan celebrates a national holiday known as Children’s Day on May 5. It is a day many Japanese wish for the healthy growth of children in the family, and traditional foods eaten on Children’s Day include kashiwa mochi et chimaki. If you happen to be in Japan on May 5th, you’ll also likely see the popular koinobori (carp streamers) used as decorations in many places.
6. Enjoy sakura-flavored food and drinks
Surely you want to try typical Japanese food and drink during your stay, and spring is the perfect season for it! During the cherry blossom season, many restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores begin selling cherry tree– Food and flavored drinks. They have a subtle and delicate aroma and are usually very tasty. Since they’re only available when the cherry trees are in bloom across the country, we recommend trying them on your spring visit!
7. Go to the sumo tournament in May
Along with baseball, sumo is probably one of the best-known sports and is, in fact, the national sport of Japan. The excitement in the audience is almost palpable when two athletes square off in the ring, each match typically lasting just a few seconds. There are many sumo wrestlers in Japan, and maybe you can find your favorite one to cheer for when you attend the tournament.
Interested in seeing sumo up close and personal in Japan? We have an amazing tour of a sumo stable where you can watch the wrestlers doing their morning workout routine right in front of you! It really is a special experience that you won’t get anywhere else. Be sure to book early as this tour tends to sell out quickly!
Book here: Visit the Sumo Stable and watch the morning Sumo training!
Strawberries are very popular in Japan, and some farms offer unlimited strawberry picking for a fee. These places are usually quite far from the center of Tokyo, but it is a fun experience that is definitely worth it. day trip, and some farms will even let you take strawberries home!
9. Take a river cruise
Many rivers, like the popular Meguro and Sumida rivers, are lined with cherry trees, making them especially lovely in spring. During this season only, it is possible to board a cruise ship that sails along Tokyo’s waterways, allowing passengers to enjoy the spectacular view of flowers while relaxing on the ship. Some cruises also offer food and drink, making it a stylish all-in-one. hanami (looking at flowers).
Book your river cruise here
10. Attend a spring festival
Many festivals take place in Tokyo in the spring, and the cherry blossom festivals are particularly popular and are often packed with people and food stalls selling delicious festive snacks such as takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and other treats.
Enjoying the delicate cherry blossoms is surely a unique and dreamlike experience, and if your visit coincides with their fleeting appearance, make sure you understand everything! However, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Japan’s bustling capital in spring, from exciting sporting events to lively festivals. Which of these 10 popular spring activities would you like to experience when you visit Tokyo?
Japan Merveille Voyage is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious food tours, we can help you put together the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and stories of each region you travel to, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will be happy to take you to the best places!
Also, we can provide any assistance you may need for your next trip to Japan, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need help!
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