Enjoy Spring in Tokyo | What to Do

Spring is a magical time in Tokyo, when the city comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms, colorful flowers, and lively festivals. As the winter chill fades away, the people of Tokyo welcome the warmer weather and the beauty that comes with it. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Tokyo in spring. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Hanami – Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

People enjoying Hanami at Ueno park. (Photo by Masao Takahashi/Aflo Images)

Hanami, or “flower viewing”, is a must-do activity when visiting Tokyo in spring. The city’s parks and gardens are transformed into a sea of pink and white when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

For a list of the best places to enjoy Hanami in Tokyo check out our in-depth article here.

More Than Just Sakura

While cherry blossoms may be the main attraction in spring, Tokyo also has many other beautiful flowers to enjoy. Some of the most popular flower displays in Tokyo include:

Tulips at Showa Kinen Park

Tulips in full bloom at Showa kinen park. (Photo by Tetsuro Sato/Aflo Images)

Visit Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa to see its stunning tulip garden with over 250,000 tulips of 267 varieties. Enjoy the picturesque landscape of manicured gardens set amongst flowing streams and cherry blossom trees. It’s the perfect place to take in the beauty of nature and snap some colorful photos.

Azalea Festival at Nezu-jinja Shrine

Blooming Azalea flowers at Nezu Shrine. (Photo by Aflo Images)

The “Bunkyo Azalea Festival”, held at the beautiful Nezu-jinja shrine, features over 3,000 azalea plants. The inner hillside garden hosts many neatly trimmed azalea bushes in shades of pink, white, red, and purple. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, a market, and performances. We recommend visiting on a weekday for a more enjoyable experience as the area can be pretty crowded at weekends.

Watch a Baseball Game

Enjoying baseball in Japan is great experience! (Photo by Aflo Images)

Baseball is a popular sport in Japan, and watching a game at the Tokyo Dome is a fun way to experience the local culture. The season starts in late March and runs through October, with games taking place almost every day. The atmosphere in the stadium is lively, with fans cheering and singing throughout the game.

2023 is a particularly great year to enjoy baseball in Tokyo, as some of the matches for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) will be held at Tokyo Dome starting March 9th.

Check out our editorial coverage of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Celebrate The Kids

Spring is a time to celebrate children in Japan, and there are two major festivals that take place during this season.

Hinamatsuri

Hina dolls. (Photo by Aflo Images)

Also known as Girls’ Day, Hinamatsuri is celebrated on March 3rd to wish for the health and happiness of young girls. Families exhibit beautiful ceramic dolls dressed in elegant robes that mimic those worn by the ancient imperial court. The intricate crafting of these dolls remains a vibrant example of Japanese traditional craftsmanship.

Children’s Day

Koinobori kites at Tokyo Tower. (Photo by Aflo Images)

Japan celebrates Children’s Day on May 5th. Families pray for the healthy growth of children and enjoy traditional foods like “kashiwa mochi” and “chimaki”. Keep an eye out for carp streamers, known as “koinobori”, used as decoration throughout the country. If you’re in Japan on May 5th, you’ll likely see these colorful streamers adorning many private houses and public places.

Traditional Spring Festivals

Tokyo has many traditional festivals that take place in spring, showcasing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the most popular festivals include:

Asakusa Yabusame

Rider participating in the Asakusa Yabusame. (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Aflo Images)

The Asakusa Yabusame festival, held in April, is a traditional horseback archery competition that takes place at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Riders wear hunting costumes from the 12th – 13th century and aim to hit as many targets as possible. Adding a playful touch to the event, targets are filled with pink and white confetti, reminiscent of cherry blossom petals. Don’t miss out on this unique cultural experience!

Mount Takao Fire-walking Festival

Hiwatari matsuri fire-walking festival at Mount Takao. (Photo by Nicolas Datiche/Aflo Images)

On the second Sunday of March Yakuo-in, a Buddhist temple located on Mount Takao, hosts the Fire-walking festival, where “yamabushi” monks walk over hot coals while chanting and praying. Visitors can follow them and experience the ritual. If you’re looking for something different than Tokyo’s usual attractions, this festival is worth a visit. In April, the temple holds the Mt. Takao Annual Spring Festival, featuring a parade of children in fancy dresses and a “goma” fire ritual.

Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair

Daruma dolls at Jindaiji Daruma doll fair. (Photo by Aflo Images)

The Daruma Doll Fair at Jindaiji Temple is one of Tokyo’s best spring festivals. It honors Ganzan Daishi and features plenty of Daruma dolls on display. Visitors can shop for Daruma dolls in all sizes at the special market with 300 stalls, take them to a monk at the Daruma Kaigansho booth and have a Sanskrit character written in the left eye, indicating they made a wish. We also recommend exploring the temple’s Main gate, Bell tower, Main Hall, and Ganzandaishi hall.

Kanamara Matsuri

The unusual mikoshi “Elizabeth” at Kanamara Matsuri. (Photo by Aflo Images)

Known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, Kanamara Matsuri is a colorful spring festival in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. The festival celebrates fertility and features a parade with phallus-shaped decorations, food stalls, and games. Visitors can buy phallus-shaped candies and souvenirs and even ride on a giant wooden phallus. Despite its unusual theme, the festival is an important part of Japanese culture and has been celebrated for centuries. If you fancy something different, this is the festival for you!

Foods & Drinks

Spring is a wonderful time to indulge in delicious seasonal foods and drinks in Tokyo. Here are a couple of great options:

Enjoy Spring Seasonal Foods

Sakura mochi rice cakes. (Photo by Aflo Images)

One of the best ways to experience spring in Tokyo is by trying out the seasonal dishes. Many restaurants and cafes offer limited-time menus that feature fresh, local ingredients. Some popular spring foods to try include “Sakura mochi” (a sweet rice cake wrapped in cherry blossom leaves), “takenoko” (bamboo shoots), and “fukinoto” (butterbur sprouts).

Go Strawberry Picking

Who doesn’t love strawberries! (Photo by Takuji Wako/Aflo Images)

Japan is famous for its sweet and juicy strawberries, and spring is the perfect time to go strawberry picking. You can find several strawberry farms around Tokyo where you can pick your own berries and enjoy them on the spot or take them home to make some delicious desserts. Highly recommended!

Get Out There

Tokyo has plenty of outdoor activities that are perfect for spring. Here are some great options:

Run the Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo Marathon is a great experience even if you’re not a runner. (Photo by Kenjiro Matsuo/Aflo Images)

If you’re a running enthusiast, the Tokyo Marathon is a must-do event. The race takes place in early March in central Tokyo and is one of the biggest sporting events in Japan. Thousands of people, including elite runners from all over the world, participate in this marathon. Dating back to 2007 with the aim of promoting good health through running, the race begins at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and ends at Tokyo Station. Even if you’re not running, get out and cheer for the runners to make your day unforgettable.

The 2023 Tokyo Marathon takes place on March 5th 2023. Check our editorial coverage here.

Join a Cycling Tour

A bike is a great way to enjoy Spring in Tokyo. (Photo by Aflo Images)

Spring is a great time to go on a cycling tour in Tokyo! The weather is nice and there are plenty of sunny days. If you’re lucky enough to go during cherry blossom season, you’ll get to bike through a stunning tunnel of pink flowers. It’s an unforgettable sight! Several companies offer guided cycling tours that take you through the city’s most scenic areas, such as the Imperial Palace and the waterfront.

Visit Anime Japan

If you’re into cosplaying, Anime Japan is for you! (Photo by Aflo Images)

Anime fans should not miss Anime Japan, one of the biggest anime conventions in the world. The event takes place at the end of March and features exhibitions, panels, and merchandise from some of the most popular anime and manga franchises. If you’re an Anime and Manga fan, you don’t want to miss this!

The Anime Japan 2023 take place on March 25th – 26th at Tokyo Big Sight, which is just a quick 8-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line.

Make sure to also check these real-life anime location in Tokyo while you’re here!

Watch the Grand Sumo Tournament

Abusaki defeats Tamawashi by oshidashi at Ryogoku Kokugikan. (Photo by Mainichi Newspapers/Aflo Images)

Want to experience sumo wrestling in Tokyo? You have two great opportunities in Spring! The second grand tournament of the year takes place at the national sumo stadium in May. But before that, in mid-April, head to Sensō-ji in Asakusa for the “Naki-zumo”. In this unusual event, sumo wrestlers pair up with babies in a cry-off competition, where they try to make their baby cry the loudest. All in good fun and based on the Japanese belief that crying babies will grow up to be big and healthy. Plus, sometimes the babies even dress up as tiny sumo wrestlers!

Embark on a River Cruise

Boat cruise under the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. (Photo by Michihiko Kanegae/Aflo Images)

Spring in Tokyo is a wonderful time to go on a boat tour! You can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms that line the Meguro and Sumida rivers while cruising along. It’s a relaxing way to experience Hanami. Some tours even offer food and drinks, so you can enjoy a fancy meal while taking in the stunning views. Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience!

Conclusion

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Tokyo, with plenty of activities and events to keep you entertained. From enjoying seasonal foods and drinks to exploring the city’s parks and attending cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Pack your bags and get ready to experience spring in Tokyo!