HOME Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Guide to Tokyo's Spring Attractions and Fun Activities in March, April, and May
Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Guide to Tokyo's Spring Attractions and Fun Activities in March, April, and May

Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Guide to Tokyo's Spring Attractions and Fun Activities in March, April, and May

Last updated: 18 March 2019

As spring approaches, the different regions of Japan are shedding their winter gloom and Tokyo, being a large city, is no exception. It's gradually recovering its greenery and colors, offering a stunning natural scenery to look forward to, not just cherry blossoms, but also many other beautiful flowers such as wisteria and pink butterfly flowers.

Our editor has put together a list of fun and interesting experiences to enjoy in Tokyo during spring, so you can plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for a great time exploring Tokyo this season!

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Enjoy vibrant flower-viewing experiences
  2. 2. Experience Japanese spring culture and customs in Tokyo!
  3. 3. Enjoy sensational attractions in Tokyo this spring
  4. 4. Unmissable Tokyo experiences in spring!

1. Enjoy vibrant flower-viewing experiences

Spring and flower viewing go hand in hand, and there's no shortage of beautiful and renowned flower spots around Tokyo. The vibrant colors and picturesque scenery of the blooming flowers in the spring are simply captivating. The best part? Flower viewing is an outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the fresh air and avoid spending too much time in enclosed spaces. Plus, it's less crowded compared to indoor activities!

Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms

Most tourists visit Japan in the spring for cherry blossoms, and in Tokyo, the best time for flower viewing is usually from late March to mid-April. Apart from the crowded Ueno Park, visitors can also enjoy the spectacle of Tokyo Tower and cherry blossoms dancing together at Zojoji Temple. Nearby, Shiba Park and the Hamarikyu Gardens are also famous flower viewing spots, making it easy to spend a whole day enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Tulips

Image: PIXTA
Image: PIXTA

The tulip season in Tokyo typically starts in early April. Although tulips may not have the same level of popularity as cherry blossoms in Japan, the sight of vast fields of blooming tulips is reminiscent of a European fairy tale and provides a unique and captivating experience.

There are many tulip-viewing spots around Tokyo, such as the Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Koen), Hitachi Seaside Park, and Kasai Rinkai Park, which are popular destinations for locals to picnic and enjoy the outdoors in the spring.

Wisteria

Wisteria

The wisteria season typically falls between late April and mid-May, and the cascading purple flowers have become a hot topic on social media in recent years.

Perhaps the most famous wisteria viewing spot in Tokyo is Kameido Tenjin Shrine, while a little further away is the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, which holds the Wisteria Festival from mid-April to mid-May.

Ashikaga Flower Park is adorned with a spectacular display of various wisteria species, and their stunning beauty is captured in countless photos that dominate social media. In fact, it was even selected by CNN as one of the top ten dream destinations in the world, so it's definitely a must-see in your lifetime.

Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila)

Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila)

The blooming season for Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes) usually occurs from mid-April to early May each year. The sight of vast fields of delicate blue flowers is truly captivating.

Among the popular destinations for viewing these lovely blooms around Tokyo is the Hitachi Seaside Park, which also features other spring flowers like rapeseed flowers and tulips. The spacious park offers a stunning backdrop of the blue sky, contrasting beautifully with the pale blue Nemophila and the bright yellow rapeseed flowers, making it a must-see spot for springtime photography in Tokyo.

2. Experience Japanese spring culture and customs in Tokyo!

Undoubtedly, many people travel to Japan to personally experience their love for Japanese culture. Events such as festivals, kimono experiences, and traditional holidays are just a few examples of the unique pleasures that can only be found in Japan.

Festivals (Kanamara "Penis" Festival / Meiji Jingu Spring Festival / Asakusa Sanja-Matsuri Festival)

Festivals (Kanamara "Penis" Festival / Meiji Jingu Spring Festival / Asakusa Sanja-Matsuri Festival)

The Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the "Penis Festival," is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki, Japan, on the first Sunday in April. It is famous for its large phallus-shaped decorations and parades, which celebrate sexual health and fertility. The festival attracts both locals and tourists from around the world.

For those who love the lively atmosphere of Japanese festivals, there's no need to worry even in the springtime. Every year on May 3, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo holds the Spring Grand Festival, where visitors can enjoy special local cultural performances including Noh and Kyogen, Bon-odori, and Satsuma Biwa.

In addition, the well-known Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa holds the Sanja-Matsuri Festival on the third weekend of May, which is one of the three major festivals in Edo. The magnificent procession of the portable shrine, which is carried by a large group of people, is a rare opportunity to fully experience the festive atmosphere. For foreigners, it's also a great chance to witness traditional Japanese culture.

Apart from these three festivals, in April, the Asakusa Temple also holds a traditional horseback archery demonstration called Asakusa Yabusame. Skilled archers with excellent traditional archery techniques ride horses and precisely hit targets, with the paper pieces scattering like snowflakes when the target is hit. The whole scene is very artistic and worth seeing.

  • Asakusa Yabusame
    • Address Sumida Park, 7-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line) / Tsukuba Express)
      5 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-5246-1111

Kimono Experience

Kimono Experience

Many women and their friends enjoy wearing traditional Japanese kimonos when they visit Japan, in addition to shopping and eating. While Kyoto was once thought to be the only place to try this experience, there are now many shops in various parts of Tokyo that cater to foreign tourists. Asakusa has the highest number of kimono rental shops, making it a great place to visit in the spring, where you can dress up in a kimono, go to Sensoji Temple, take pictures with your friends, and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Enjoy making 'kyaraben' character bentos

Enjoy making 'kyaraben' character bentos

When spring comes, the pleasant weather always makes people want to go outside for a picnic, and preparing a bento box is a must! You may have seen on TV shows or social media the artistic and intricate character bento boxes made by the Japanese, which can be quite fascinating.

If you're curious about how these cute and elaborate bento boxes are made, there are now Japanese cooking classes available for foreigners. From traditional Japanese dishes to character bento boxes, there are classes for everyone, and English teaching services are provided.

Bringing a cute bento box for a spring picnic can definitely become one of the highlights of your day.

Japanese Spring Traditional Festivals: Girls' Day & Children's Day

Japanese Spring Traditional Festivals: Girls' Day & Children's Day

In Japan, March 3rd is known as "Hinamatsuri," or Girls' Day, a traditional holiday where people pray for the health and happiness of their daughters. Throughout Japan, there are various Girls' Day celebrations, both big and small, where you can witness the intricate and beautiful Japanese dolls.

On May 5th, Japan celebrates "Kodomo no Hi," or Children's Day. It's common to see carp-shaped streamers called "koinobori" flying in the streets or in department stores, which are used to pray for the health and success of children.

It's worth noting that Children's Day is during the Golden Week holiday period. During this time, the whole of Japan is immersed in a lively and joyful festival atmosphere.

3. Enjoy sensational attractions in Tokyo this spring

HANA・BIYORI Park

Photo courtesy of Yomiuriland
Photo courtesy of Yomiuriland

This attraction, which opened in March 2020, offers a unique sensory experience that combines plants, flowers, and digital art. The park is known for its greenhouse which features digital projections and lighting, and visitors can also interact with small-clawed otters, which are cute and soothing. Additionally, the park boasts the first Starbucks located within a botanical garden in Japan. Surrounded by real plants, visitors feel like they are in a magical and refreshing fairy world. The park quickly became a hot topic of discussion when it opened.

During the spring season, visitors can also witness the blooming of cherry trees and various flowers, creating a colorful and beautiful scenery that will surely amaze everyone.

teamLab Planets TOKYO

teamLab Planets TOKYO

teamLab is a world-renowned art collective that has gained a lot of attention in Asia in recent years for their innovative art installations that combine art and technology. Their exhibitions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the artwork, resulting in numerous stunning social media photos.

In July 2021, teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu, Tokyo launched a new exhibition area where over 10,000 orchids are woven together to create a beautiful world of flowers that looks stunning in every photo.

Fuji-Q Highland - FUJIYAMA SKYDECK/FUJIYAMA WALK

Fuji-Q Highland - FUJIYAMA SKYDECK/FUJIYAMA WALK

Fuji-Q Highland, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, is a famous amusement park known for its exciting rides, especially its roller coasters. In the summer of 2021, it introduced several new attractions, including the high-altitude FUJIYAMA SKYDECK observatory, and the aerial walkway FUJIYAMA WALK, among others.

Compared to other thrilling rides in the park that require a certain level of tolerance for high-speed roller coasters, these new attractions are more relaxed, allowing visitors to move at their own pace and enjoy the thrill of being at a high altitude. They are perfect for those who want to take their time and appreciate the spring scenery of Fuji-Q Highland.

Kadokawa Musashino Museum

Kadokawa Musashino Museum

The Kadokawa Musashino Museum, funded by Japan's leading publishing company, Kadokawa Corporation, caused a sensation even before its opening. Its "Bookshelf Theater" features high ceilings and bookshelves on the walls, making visitors feel like they are in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The building itself was designed by the master architect Kengo Kuma and has a sleek and smooth shape, resembling a cut-out with a modern art feel. The shimmering pool in front of the building is also very beautiful.

In addition, one of the famous modern art groups, teamLab, has an exhibition called "teamLab: Resonating Life in the Acorn Forest" right next to the Kadokawa Musashino Museum. It is recommended to visit this exhibition after exploring the Kadokawa Musashino Museum. Along the way, you can also enjoy the spring scenery of Tokorozawa Sakura Town.

4. Unmissable Tokyo experiences in spring!

Strawberry picking

Strawberry picking

Springtime in Japan is the perfect time for people to visit farms and handpick strawberries themselves. There are numerous strawberry farms near Tokyo that offer visitors the chance to pick and eat strawberries on the spot for an unlimited time. This activity not only lets visitors discover unique or oddly-shaped strawberries that are not found in stores, but they can also relish the freshly picked strawberries after washing them.

Apart from picking strawberries, some farms also offer strawberry desserts and souvenirs that visitors can purchase. This makes the experience even more enjoyable for families who can have fun together and make memories during their visit. All in all, visiting a strawberry farm near Tokyo is a great springtime activity for families to enjoy together.

Enjoy touring Tokyo from the water

Enjoy touring Tokyo from the water

When it comes to exploring Tokyo, most tourists tend to stick to the land and experience the city's hustle and bustle. However, visitors can also opt for tourist boats, such as water buses, in places like Odaiba and Asakusa.

The weather in spring is usually pleasant, so passengers can avoid sweating or catching a cold. They can instead enjoy the gentle breeze and the sight of sunlight reflecting on the water, which makes for a perfect way to experience the warm and pleasant springtime in Tokyo.

Taking a cruise is a unique and exciting way to see Tokyo's famous landmarks and buildings from a different perspective. As the boat moves along, the scenery changes, providing a novel and dynamic view of the city.

Some boats also offer food and drinks, allowing passengers to enjoy a unique dining experience while enjoying the sights. Additionally, others even offer night cruises, which provide a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere with the city lights shining brightly.

Enjoy the spring sky at Tokyo Skytree(R)

Enjoy the spring sky at Tokyo Skytree(R)

Tokyo's early spring weather is typically dry, with very little rain and mostly sunny skies, making it an ideal time to enjoy panoramic views from high up. Tokyo's most famous observation deck is the Tokyo Skytree(R), which offers a bird's-eye view of the bustling city below, the blooming cherry blossoms along the Sumida River, and even a chance to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.

In addition, there is a shopping street called "Sumida River Walk" between Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree(R), where visitors can stroll and enjoy the cherry blossoms before or after their visit to the observation deck. With numerous shops and restaurants, it's a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Tokyo. The combination of visiting the Tokyo Skytree(R) and Sumida River Walk makes for a perfect day out during the springtime in Tokyo.

Make the most of this beautiful spring season and enjoy the charm of Tokyo. Take a stroll and enjoy the fresh air and scenery outside the city, or take advantage of the new attractions and events that have opened up. There are many ways to fully experience the springtime atmosphere in Japan and the unique charm of Tokyo.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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