We're turning the corner! Plum blossoms are popping up along sidewalks, outdoor festivals are picking up the pace and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about traditional Japanese culture.

 

Check out some of the fun things you and your family can enjoy in Tokyo in the next few weeks!

 

 

We think this festival is a great date spot, but it's also a wonderful activity for the whole family to enjoy. You'll find all the standard festival activites and foods, as well as live music and performances (in addition to all the beautiful trees, of course!).

 

 

Two birds, one stone - enjoy early cherry blossom blooms and stunning views of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Matsuda. It's a perfect early spring day trip for the whole family.

 

Another fun hanami spot, Hanegi Park will have plenty of booming trees and plum-themed treats. You'll also need to check out the section of the park dedicated to outdoor fun; the kids will love it!

 

 

Check out kabuki, taiko, koto and more performances at this event in Meguro. You will have to pay for tickets, but it's worth it!

 

For even more traditional Japanese culture, make the trek to Nakai to see beautiful kimono fabric draped across the river. It's a picturesque event and there are lots of little shops lining the water that are worth visiting!

 

If your family is into seafood, this is the matsuri for you! Head to Yoyogi Park to sample sakana-based dishes from all over Japan with more than 120,000 other guests.

 

If tacos are more your thing, make sure to check out the Taco pop-up near Komazawa Daigaku station! You can fill up on tacos and tequila, and the kids can expend some energy at the nearby park, which was the site of the 1964 Olympics.

 

 

If you don't want to join 38,000 other people as they run 26.1 miles (approximately 41.2 km), but want to support them as they do, claim a spot along the route. It starts in Shinjuku and ends by Tokyo station.

 

The good health of girls used to be celebrated by sending dolls down the Sumida river. Today, they're kept on land but still given the red carpet treatment. See the display in Asakusa.

 

A beautiful, poignant display, the candle garden honors the victims of the 2011 earthquake. Each candle features a handwritten note from residents in Tohoku.

 

Buy a daruma to keep track of your wishes over the course of a year. You'll have over 300 stalls to shop at, so you'll be sure to find the best one for you.

 

 

Two full days of food from towns all over Japan - what more could you want? Take the family to Yoyogi to sample dishes from far-flung areas you might not otherwise get a chance to visit.

 

Irish or not, this is sure to be a fun event! Enjoy traditional Irish food, dancing and sports on Saturday at Yoyogi and on Sunday watch the parade to Omotesando.