10 Things to Do in Tokyo in Spring

Japan is a country full of charm, and Tokyo is its most irreverent city. Here you can find practically everything, modernity, tradition, exotic flavours, the most beautiful nature and a host of attractions that will win you over. In the spring months the city is full of festivals and colours, which is why this is an ideal time to visit.

There is truly so much to see and do in Tokyo. With its colourful festivals, stunning cherry blossom trees and ideal weather, spring is the perfect time to visit Japan's capital. Here I have selected some of the best activities to enjoy on your visit to this, Japan's most wonderful city.

If you're planning to visit Tokyo in spring, you can't miss one of its most important festivals. Known as the festival of darkness, this is a celebration part of the Shinto religion, very popular in Japan, and focuses on the night parade of numerous shrines carried in processional processions.

It takes place every year between late April and early May, and is held at the Ōkunitama shrine, located in Fuchu, about 20 minutes from Tokyo city centre.

You will be able to experience one of the oldest traditions in the Kanto region. You will have the chance to see and hear the classic ceremonial drumming, taste some classic Japanese food and enjoy a horse race that has been going on for over 1,000 years!

The Ōkunitama Shrine, built in the 2nd century AD, is one of the most visited shrines in the Kanto region, as well as one of the 5 largest and most important shrines in Tokyo. With its paper lanterns and beautiful traditional architecture, a visit during the Kurayami Matsuri festival is a great way to experience Japan.

This festival is definitely one of the best things to see and do in Tokyo at night, you will see all the beauty of one of the most interesting ancient traditions at its peak.

Interesting facts:

• When: between 31 April and 6 May
• Price: free of charge
• Where: Ōkunitama Shrine in Fuchu, Tokyo.

As everyone knows, in late March and early April, cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan, offering a beautiful natural spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the world. The best way to enjoy it in Tokyo is at the Ueno Sakura Matsuri Festival, which honours the blossom and is one of the city's most popular celebrations.

This massive festival takes place in Ueno Park, located on the Yamanote line. During the day you can enjoy pink cherry trees, traditional food, music and a general party atmosphere, with yakisoba and takoyaki stalls, and at night, the sakura trees are illuminated, offering a spectacle you will never forget.

Undoubtedly one of the most characteristic flowers of Japanese culture, the sakura (cherry blossom) is also used as a decorative object, in gastronomy, and in many other ways. During spring, everything in Tokyo seems to turn pink. If you want to enjoy this amazing festival, keep in mind that it is one of the best things to do in Tokyo with children, as families, friends and tourists gather in the park in a joyful atmosphere.

Interesting facts:

• When: late April to early May
• Price: free
• Where: Ueno Park, Tokyo.

If you are a fan of Japanese culture, you must visit Sensoji Temple in spring, as it is the site of the Sanja festival, also known as the festival of the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia. You can witness a procession with 100 mikoshi, a sort of portable altars, carrying Shinto deities.

As in the Christian religion, these altars are carried on the shoulders, so that good fortune is transmitted to all those who approach. Located in the traditional neighbourhood of Asakusa, the Sensoji temple belongs to the Shinto religion, and this is one of its 3 most important festivals.

Why is it said to be the festival of the Yakuza? Traditionally the Japanese mafia are not easily spotted on the streets, but every year at this festival they are seen celebrating with the rest of the community. Many brave people come and take pictures with them, although it is not recommended.

Beyond the festival itself, don't miss the opportunity to walk around this beautiful neighbourhood, one of those that still preserves the essence of the most traditional Japan. Although this area is not included in the top 10 guided tours of Tokyo, it is well worth a stroll through its picturesque streets, full of shops and typical Japanese food places.

Interesting facts:

• When: third weekend in May
• Price: free
• Where: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo.

Join one of Tokyo's most colourful and inclusive festivals. Rainbow Pride is already famous around the world, celebrating diversity, respect for others and freedom. In Tokyo, the festival brings crowds into the streets to parade, celebrate, be seen and heard.

Primarily recognised as a festival for the LGBTQ community, but open to everyone who wants to express themselves and celebrate, this is a great opportunity to feel part of the city of Tokyo and its people. Plus you'll get to experience a real street party.

Every year, the parade leads to Yoyogi Park, which welcomes thousands of people in a party of colour, music, dance and diversity. Enjoy the Tokyo Rainbow Pride festival.

Interesting facts:

• When it takes place: 22-24 April
• Price: free
• Where: Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.

If you are an art lover, you can't miss the art night in Tokyo. The Roppongi Art Night Festival is an event where you can experience art in an incredible way. With immersive exhibitions, where you have the chance to participate by co-creating or actively altering the works, this is an experience not to be missed if you are in Tokyo this spring.

The festival takes place in the Roppongi district, hence the name, basically in its three key locations: Midtown Tokyo, Roppongi Hills and the National Art Center Tokyo. This massive art event celebrates the presence of art in our daily lives. Here you will also have the opportunity to enjoy music, live shows, films, design, performances and much more.

Tokyo is a city that never lags behind when it comes to innovation, and the art scene is no exception. Roppongi Art Night is a unique experience not to be missed.

Interesting facts:

• When: 21 March, when spring starts in Japan
• Price: free
• Where: at various locations in Tokyo's Roppongi district.

As you may have noticed, spring is definitely the best time to visit Tokyo. The weather is ideal, with none of the humidity of summer and none of the cold temperatures of winter or autumn. In spring, the cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom, and this blossom is used to make a lot of decorations, but also seasonal dishes, drinks, ice creams and sweets.

If you are visiting Tokyo during the spring, you can't miss out on some Japanese delicacies flavoured with the beautiful sakura. From the famous Kit Kat chocolates to a Pepsi, everything in Tokyo seems to offer a sakura version. However, if you want to try some of these sakura-flavoured products, keep in mind that you can only find them in spring.

And of course, if you're interested in the culinary world and want to explore the flavours of this incredible culture, you must take one of Tokyo's best food tours, you won't regret it.

Enjoy a trip back in time to the 12th and 13th centuries by attending the Yabusame festival. Every year during the Japanese spring, a display of Yabusame, a Japanese martial art, is held on the banks of the Sumida River in Sumida Park. This is horseback archery, a discipline of precision and great skill.

You can see the riders dressed in traditional samurai garb riding at full speed, while shooting at the targets, which are loaded with pink and white confetti, a clear allusion to the flowering of the sakuras.

A totally worthwhile experience if you find yourself in Tokyo in spring, you can see how the samurai of old used to dress and enjoy an afternoon by the river. And if you're attracted to anything to do with ninjas and samurai, I recommend you take one of the ninja/samurai experiences in Tokyo, where you'll learn all about these ancient Japanese warriors.

Interesting facts:

• When: mid-April
• Price: free of charge
• Where: at Mukojima Sumida Ward, Tokyo

Spring is an ideal time to enjoy Tokyo and its green spaces. The city has many absolutely beautiful places worth visiting. With the cherry blossoms in bloom, everything becomes more beautiful. There are cherry trees on major avenues, in parks like Ueno, which has at least 1,000 sakura, but there are also other parks and natural spaces that you should visit on a sunny day.

Chidorigafuchi Park is one such place. With over 700 metres of greenery and the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, it is one of the best places in Tokyo to enjoy the sakura. Located in Chiyoda ward, on the west side of the palace, here you can rent a boat and enjoy the majestic views of the entire park.

Just a few minutes from Kudanshita Station on the underground, this is a place of relaxation and rest for many of the area's office workers.

Interesting facts:

• Price: access to the park is free, boat rentals vary according to the length of the ride, for 30 minutes the price is around 4 euros.
• Where: 2 Chome Kudanminami, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Let your artistic side out and take a photo tour of Tokyo. Japan's capital is one of the most photo-friendly places in the world. With its spaces full of light and colour, its incredible buildings and its sakura everywhere, you will be able to get some unique images.

While you can head out with your camera or smartphone to take pictures on your own, many of these tours are a good way to make the most of your time and discover some corners of the city that only a local can show you.

You will find this experience truly fascinating, Tokyo is a city that never rests, so everything, absolutely everything is photographable. Its people, its endless playgrounds, its technological advances, everything here is a colourful photograph.

Take an amazing trip to Mount Fuji! One of Japan's most iconic sites, seeing Mount Fuji in spring is a must-do on your visit to Tokyo.

Like the whole city, Mount Fuji is in bloom, with a carpet of colour, pink sakura and breathtaking scenery. This natural wonder will be one of the jewels of your trip, I assure you.

We have all seen countless images of the mountain with its snow-capped peak and a cherry blossom branch full of blossoms. This is the typical postcard of Japan, the one that shows the delicacy of its culture, the beauty of its landscapes, the one that moves us again and again, even if we know it by heart. Being there, in front of such a spectacle will not leave you indifferent.

Spring is the ideal time to visit Tokyo, with its pleasant weather, low rainfall and almost no humidity, the months of March, April and May are optimal for organising your trip. With temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in March, and reaching 25 degrees Celsius in May, spring in Tokyo invites you to explore the city and enjoy the outdoors.

Spring is one of the busiest times to visit Tokyo, precisely because of the cherry blossoms and the great beauty of its green spaces. Bear in mind that, although it is a big city, you will almost certainly meet many other tourists who have come like you to enjoy the attractions of this amazing city, so be patient.

Tokyo has something to suit every budget, so whether it's accommodation, food or transport, you'll be able to find something to suit your budget. When it comes to accommodation, for example, there are luxury hotels, hostels, traditional Japanese hotels and even temple accommodation.

As for food, you can eat a hearty bowl of ramen for less than 7 euros, and a tasting of several pieces of sushi can cost around 24 euros.

Temperatures in Tokyo in spring are very pleasant, so you won't need to think about packing extra warm clothes. A light jacket will do just fine. Rainfall at this time of year is very infrequent, so there is no need to carry an umbrella or raincoat. I do recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.