Tabea Greuner

Warm weather calls for nature walks, hiking adventures and water sports, and you can do all that without leaving Tokyo. Plan a day trip to the lush forests of Okutama, which is part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park and just 90 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station (stop at either Mitake or Okutama station on the JR Ome line). Come here to clear your mind and recharge by enjoying the stunning scenery around Lake Okutama, hiking Mt Mitake, or soaking in an outdoor onsen (hot spring). You can even indulge a bit by trying the area's craft beer and sake. There's more than enough to do in Okutama to make it worth the journey from central Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips for a weekend getaway from Tokyo

Some of the best museums in the city such as Tokyo National Museum, Museum of Western Art and National Museum of Nature and Science charge an admission fee, and they are worth it. But the fact is, visiting all the museums in Tokyo – and there are many – can get pricey. The good news is, our capital has a large variety of institutions that are completely free to enter. From parasites and origami creations to picture books and chocolate, there are lots to see without paying a single yen. So spend some fun yet educational hours at these free museums, and save your budget for these life-changing ramen or omakase meals. RECOMMENDED: Tokyo itself is also a work of art – here's where you can see the city skyline for free

The capital of Japan really has it all, so you don’t have to leave Greater Tokyo to get a glimpse of the country's most iconic scenes. Forget Kyoto – you can find red torii gate tunnels and bamboo forests right here in the metropolis. Even beautiful Western-style architecture is just a short train ride away in the neighbouring city of Yokohama, and a carefully preserved canal city from the Edo period (1603-1868) awaits in nearby Chiba prefecture. Best of all, all the places on this list are far away from Tokyo’s busiest (read: touristy) hotspots, so look forward to some recreational time with lots of space to yourself. RECOMMENDED: Ten stunning places in Japan that don't look like Japan at all

Touring museums can be tiring when you have kids in tow, but Tokyo houses a large variety of family-friendly museums where the little ones will have as much fun as their parents. These museums are good with kids, as they feature lots of hands-on experiences and games, offer easy-to-understand captions under each exhibit and hand out children-friendly pamphlets. As such, a visit to these museums will make for a fun yet educational day out for the young and old alike. From railway heritage and police cars to historic fire trucks, ancient animal skeletons plus a walk-in model of the International Space Station, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. RECOMMENDED: The best free museums in Tokyo

With cherry blossoms nearing full bloom in Tokyo, the city is now looking forward to welcome its next spring flowers. Colourful wisteria bloom around mid-April to mid-May and can be found in many shrines and parks across the city.  The pastel-hued wisteria vines resemble dripping beads of colour, and they're often grown on trellises. Walking under these hanging violet, blue, pink or white blooms will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, so make sure to bring your camera for some Instagram-worthy shots. Read on for the best spots in and around Tokyo to enjoy wisteria. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful spring flowers in Tokyo – and where to see them all

The mountainous town of Hakone lies about an hour and a half by train from Tokyo, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway from the capital. It has had a long and illustrious tradition as a hot spring town – its name even appears in Edo-era (1603-1868) rankings of Japan’s best onsen. But Hakone is about much more than just bathing. It’s got everything from superb art museums to an active volcano, as well as a jaw-dropping view of Mt Fuji on clear days. These are our top picks of things to do and see around the area, from central Hakone-Yumoto and beautiful Lake Ashi to posh but relaxed Gora, which is still one of the most in-demand neighbourhoods for moneyed Tokyo folks looking for a second home. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in Kawagoe

The enduring icon of spring in Japan, cherry blossoms are practically synonymous with the country itself, attracting hordes of admirers from across the world every season. While cherry blossoms generally flower in late March, they usually last no longer than a couple of weeks. So if you missed the cherry trees at peak bloom, fret not – there are lots of other spring flowers you can find that are just as beautiful in their own way. And the best part is, there’s always something putting out its petals in Tokyo during spring, from late March right through to May. RECOMMENDED: How to enjoy Tokyo's biggest attractions in one day

Tokyo's weather doesn't always play ball. Torrential rain (and sweltering summer heat) can easily scupper your plans to explore the city's coolest neighbourhoods or most beautiful Japanese gardens. But bad weather needn't ruin your day, because Tokyo has some excellent indoor theme parks and amusement parks. These indoor attractions are perfect for both adults and kids, where you can escape into virtual reality, hang out with Hello Kitty and friends, try your hand at VR games, and plenty more besides. You’ll soon forget about the bad weather outside. RECOMMENDED: More indoor things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is famous for its diverse food culture, being home to Michelin-starred restaurants and plenty of traditional culinary options such as sushi, gyoza, ramen and more. However, if you like your afternoon coffee with a generous serving of local heritage, then drop by one of these cosy cafés. The coffee shops are all set inside old-school buildings across the city, including renovated sento bathhouses, traditional Japanese-style homes and old shops. Some of the buildings are nearly a century old and a few have even been designated tangible cultural properties of Tokyo. The structures have remained largely unchanged to keep the rustic charm of a bygone era. It’s a great way to get up close with traditional Japanese architecture, all while sipping on a hot coffee. Read on for our favourite Tokyo cafés in heritage buildings. RECOMMENDED: 10 best street food, snacks and desserts in Asakusa near Sensoji Temple

Nothing elicits more excitement in Japan than cherry blossom season. These delicate pink flowers bloom for just two weeks annually, so everyone clears their schedule for hanami picnics and long strolls in the parks. A single cherry tree along an otherwise drab, unremarkable road is enough to transform the street and stop pedestrians in their tracks for photos. Still, it’s worth going the extra mile to seek stunning settings that enhance the blossoms’ beauty. We’ve already got a list of the best places in Tokyo for sakura spotting, but there are just as many trees to see in other prefectures, too. Here are the top sites and festivals to check out in Japan, even after Tokyo’s blooms fade. Note: the dates in this feature may change depending on weather conditions. See the latest flowering forecast here. RECOMMENDED: The 6 greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan

Ueno Park is best known for its zoo and its museums, but it has so many more hidden treasures to explore. If you stroll through the park, you’ll spot statues and historical monuments, ancient shrines and temples, and even Pokémon-themed manhole covers. Come spring, the vast green space turns pink with cherry blossoms, and from mid-to-late November, you can enjoy the park’s stunning autumn foliage.  To make the most of your visit to Ueno Park, follow our guide for the best things to do. RECOMMENDED: Take a stroll around some of the best parks in Tokyo

Only a 30-minute train ride from Ikebukuro Station, Kawagoe in Tokyo’s neighbouring Saitama prefecture is a popular weekend destination. The highlight of Kawagoe is its well-preserved Koedo area, also known as Little Edo. In this small town, you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops, eateries and cafés, all inside kurazukuri, traditional warehouse-style buildings. Explore the historical streets in a kimono or yukata while enjoying local treats made from sweet potato, Kawagoe’s speciality. Look out for sweet potato ice cream, or imo kenpi (sweetened sweet potato fries), sold along the cosy Kashiya Yokocho – that’s Penny Candy Alley in English. But there’s much more to Kawagoe than just food. The city is a great destination year round: the little stream behind Hikawa Shrine is lined by cherry blossoms in spring and large koinobori (carp streamers) decorate the Taisho Roman Yume Street around Children’s Day in May. To make the most of your visit, check our list below with everything you need for a great day trip to  Kawagoe. RECOMMENDED: Head to the seaside for a perfect day in Kamakura

With sun, sea, sand and excellent movies, it’s no wonder that the Zushi Beach Film Festival is a popular fixture on the Golden Week calendar. This open-air cinema in Kanagawa prefecture is organised by Cinema Caravan, a group of artists and creatives who plan community events around the world. Every year it brings this event to Zushi, with movie screenings on the beach plus food stalls, a bazaar and live entertainment. Photo: Zushi Beach Film Festival The ten-day festival is screening a variety of Japanese and international films; half of them are English with Japanese subtitles. Every day is a different movie and the show starts at a different time. You'll find the film schedule here, but note that tickets are no longer available for 'Close' on Saturday April 27, and 'The Karate Kid' on Monday April 29. Here’s the line-up of English films: Friday April 26: ‘Sarvam Thaala Mayam ’ (2019), an Indian musical drama, where an aspiring mridangam student has to overcome multiple social and personal barriers to reach his goal. Saturday April 27: 'Close' (2022), a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of two teenage boys in Belgium who navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood, as they see their friendship drifts apart. Monday April 29: ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984), a bullied teenager who is new to town, learns martial arts from a wise mentor, discovering not only self-defence skills but also the important lessons of discipline, courage and friendship. Tuesday April 30: ‘B

Spring will soon be here, bringing with it Tokyo’s cherry blossom season. However, sakura are not the only spring flowers that turn people on the streets into Instagram-photographers. Another floral highlight at this time of year are tulips, with the Kanto region’s largest fields found in Tokyo’s neighbouring Chiba prefecture. Photo: Sakura city The annual Sakura Tulip Festa at Sakura City’s Sakura Furusato Square takes place from March 27 to April 21 (9am-4pm daily). You can look forward to around 700,000 flowers of 100 different tulip varieties, complete with a Dutch-style windmill for that perfect photo. There will also be street organ performances every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm. Photo: Sakura city If you’d like to grow your own tulips at home, make a beeline for the designated field to pick your favourite flowers. You’ll have to dig out the entire plant with its bulb, so make sure to wear some sturdy shoes that can handle getting muddy. Ten tulip plants cost just ¥600 (or 13 plants for the same price on weekdays). Photo: Sakura city It’s easy to spend an entire day here as the festival features food trucks and stalls run by local restaurants. Plus, you can go on a sightseeing cruise across the adjacent Lake Inbanuma, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the festival grounds. The boat ride takes about 40 minutes and runs only on Saturdays and Sundays. A ticket will set you back ¥1,000 (children ¥500). Sakura is just under an hour from Kei

While spring will soon be blooming in Tokyo, other parts of Japan are still covered in snow. One of the country's snowiest places is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which connects Toyama and Nagano prefectures. It's so wintry here that the area's annual Yuki no Otani Festival (or Snow Corridor Festival) is only taking place in April through June. Photo: Tateyama Kurobe Kanko Co.,Ltd.The snow corridor The festival is split into two stages, the first from April 15 to May 31 and the second from June 1 to 25. Stage 1: April 15-May 31 During the first stage, you can see the best of the area's beautiful winter scenery, including the striking snow corridor. The snow corridor is a 500-metre-long path along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route near the Murodo Plateau. The trail is flanked by towering snow walls up to 20 metres tall. With a maximum altitude of 2,450 metres, the area sees heavy snowfall throughout winter. In spring, the road finally opens up when snowploughs clear away the snow, resulting in these massive walls. One part of the road is open for pedestrians to wander through this icy wonderland. Photo: Tateyama Kurobe Kanko Co.,Ltd.The Panorama Road Running parallel to the snow corridor is the Panorama Road, which offers a different snow experience. Open daily between April 15 and May 6 from 10am to 2.30pm, the promenade provides great views of the Tateyama mountain range. Before venturing through the snow corridor or the Panorama Road, make sure to check out the larg

Illuminations are a major spectacle across Japan, kicking off in late autumn and running until early spring. One of the best light shows this year is Nagano prefecture’s Matsumoto Illumination around the eponymous city’s stunning castle site. Matsumoto Castle is famous for its unique black exterior, earning it the nickname Crow Castle ('Karasu-jo' in Japanese). The colourful illuminations are especially spectacular, as the illuminated castle reflects off the surface of the moat surrounding the structure, creating an amazing mirror effect. The free event, which started on December 16 last year, is ongoing until February 14 2024. And it features different light projections synchronised to music. Photo: Matsumoto Illumination 2021-2022 Over the event period, there are several different shows including the current one running until January 26, featuring images of snow, ice, fireworks and phoenixes. The final show will run from January 27 to February 14. You can check the show themes on the event website. Photo: Matsumoto Illumination 2022-2023 The light shows take place from 6pm to 9pm daily and last about nine minutes with a three minute intermission in-between. Visit between January 26 and 28 and you’ll be able to catch Matsumoto Castle’s Ice Sculpture Festival featuring intricate ice sculptures that are lit up at night. For more information, check the event website. The article was originally published on February 17 2022 and updated on January 24 2024. More from Time

Tokyo’s cherry blossoms aren't expected to bloom before mid-March, but you can get a taste of the pink blooms from early February on the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture. The town of Minami Izu has a sakura and rapeseed blossom festival that runs from February 1 until March 10. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism AssociationShimogamo Onsen, Shizuoka The pink spectacle takes place along the Aono River in the Shimogamo Onsen area and at the nearby Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana rest stop. About 800 Kawazu cherry blossom trees and plenty of yellow rape blossoms line the 4.2-km-long stretch along the Aono River. Kawazu cherry blossoms were first discovered in 1972 in Kawazu, a little town further north on the Izu Peninsula. Thanks to Izu’s warm climate, these cherry blossoms bloom earlier than any other sakura type around Japan. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association Between February 5 and 29, you can enjoy rickshaw rides under the pink blooms every day from 9.30am to 4pm. A rickshaw can carry up to two people, and you can either opt for a 20-minute ride (¥3,000/person). Note that in case of bad weather, the service will be suspended. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association Make sure to stay until the evening, when the sakura between Kujobashi Bridge and Maeharabashi Bridge are beautifully lit up. Close to the roadside station Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana and at the Shiroganenoyu Bridge, you’ll also find illuminated sakura trees plus beautifully carved

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama prefecture’s Hidaka city is one of the best places near Tokyo to see red spider lilies, also known as higanbana or manjushage in Japanese. With about five million of these unique flowers expected to bloom between September 16 and October 1 2023, the sprawling Saitama park will be bringing back its annual autumn flower festival. Photo: Kinchakuda Manjushage Park Aside from fields of beautiful scarlet red spider lilies, you’ll also find booths at the festival selling a variety of local food and drinks as well as souvenirs. Photo: Hidaka city As this is one of Japan's largest concentrations of red spider lilies, the organisers are expecting large crowds, especially on these dates: September 16-18 and September 22-24. As parking is limited, we recommend taking the train instead. It takes about 90 minutes from Ikebukuro Station to Koma Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line; from there, it’s another 15-minute walk to the park.  Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is open from 9am to 4.30pm. Entry costs ¥500 per person (free for junior high school students and younger children). To all photographers and Instagrammers who’re planning to shoot photos and videos, note that you’re not allowed to set up tripods at the park. Keep an eye on the flowering status of the spider lilies via the event website and Facebook – so you know when’s the best time to visit. This article was originally published on August 25 2022 and updated on August 8 2023. More from Time

Enoshima is one of the most popular island getaways for Tokyoites. It’s easily accessible for a day trip, plus the island offers a good mix of seafood, temples, fresh greenery and sea views. This month, you might want to stay on a little longer after sunset as Enoshima is hosting a free projection mapping event inspired by the little island’s folktale Enoshima Engi. Photo: Velveta Design Called the Enoshima Lanterns, the digital light show starts at the island’s Zuishinmon Gate, where it depicts a scene from Enoshima Engi, which tells the love story between an evil-doing five-headed dragon and a beautiful goddess. Make sure to watch the entire scene until the end as it includes a digital fireworks display. Photo: Velveta Design The staircase leading up to Enoshima Shrine, which is dedicated to the aforementioned goddess, is lit up with blue and yellow lights. Photo: Velveta Design At the shrine grounds, the project mapping show here goes deeper into the love between the dragon and the goddess. Couples can purchase a special ema votive plate and tie it in front of the sacred ginkgo tree to wish for a happy and long-lasting relationship. In addition to the digital light show, the shrine grounds and the upper area surrounding the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse are lit up with 1,000 traditional lanterns illustrating scenes from Enoshima Engi. On August 26 and 27, you can also enjoy a live musical performance at 6pm and a shadow puppet play at

Summer means fireworks in Japan, and there are plenty of spectacular displays to enjoy in and around Tokyo. One of the most impressive fireworks festivals is at Kawaguchiko, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, in Yamanashi prefecture. The Kawaguchiko Kojo Matsuri summer festival takes place on Saturday August 5, with fireworks launched from the middle of the lake between the eastern shore and Kawaguchiko Bridge. The gigantic starmines will not only be reflected on the water’s surface but also synchronised to music. The timings for this year's event haven't been announced yet, but the display usually takes place for 75 minutes. For an up-close view, head to Oike Park or either one of these two shores – Funatsuhama and Hirahama. Between Oike Park and the Komagari Tunnel lakeside, dozens of food stalls will line the street, selling typical festival grub. Photo: Fujikawaguchiko Tourist Information Pro tip: if it’s a clear night, make a beeline for the other side of the lake, around Nagasaki Park or Oishi Park. Here you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the fireworks, with the towering silhouette of Mt Fuji in the background. The summer festivities around Lake Kawaguchiko continue on August 15 and 16 with the Fujisan Fukko Noryo Matsuri, which is free to attend. The festival site at Oike Park will be hosting stage performances, festival games and lots of food. You can reach Kawaguchiko in about one hour, 45 minutes by highway bus from Shinjuku Station. Alternatively, take the JR

Featuring an overwhelming selection of 290 shops offering deep discounts, Gotemba Premium Outlets in Shizuoka prefecture offers a spectacular view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Now that there are direct buses from Shibuya, it’s even easier for you to make this a day trip from Tokyo. And you'll want to do just that on a Saturday between July 29 and August 26 to catch the special fireworks. Photo: Gotemba Premium Outlets Called Gotemba Night 2023, the event’s free ten-minute hanabi (fireworks display) takes place after closing time at 8.10pm on July 29 as well as August 5, 12, 19 and 26. Each show, which is synchronised to music, will launch 500 shells of fireworks.  Photo: Gotemba Premium Outlets You’ll be able to enjoy the hanabi from anywhere within the outlet mall grounds. However, since the fireworks are launched from the valley between Yume no Ohashi and Kibo no Ohashi bridges, we recommend watching the show from the elevated Hill Side area. (In case of rain or strong winds, the fireworks show will be postponed to Sunday.)  Photo: Mitsubishi Estate・Simon Co., Ltd. Come dressed in a yukata or jinbei and you’ll receive a free handkerchief and a discount voucher for the nearby Konohananoyu onsen. You can pick up these freebies at the West Zone information centre or the Hill Side welcome centre between 10am and 8pm. You can also rent a yukata for ¥4,800 at the East Zone Etro booth. Photo: Mitsubishi Estate・Simon Co., Ltd. On days of the fireworks, you’ll find food trucks

Aside from having the longest suspension footbridge in Japan – about 400m – Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka prefecture is also known for hosting one of the biggest hydrangea festivals near Tokyo, attracting visitors of all ages for the huge number of blue hydrangeas blooming in summer. Photo: Mishima SkywalkNatsuzora hydrangeas This year, the Hydrangea Festival takes place until July 14 and features about 13,000 hydrangeas across 205 varieties, including Natsuzora (Summer Sky), Skywalk and Hao, the venue’s three original hydrangea species. Photo: Mishima Skywalk Photo spots will be set up along the 2km promenade on the north side of the bridge. They offer lovely scenery with the hydrangeas, Suruga Bay and even Mt Fuji. You can also see the hydrangeas lit up after dark on Saturday and Sunday nights from 5pm to 8.30pm (last entry 8pm). If you want to get active and see the hydrangeas from above, this year’s event features Night Adventure, which includes zip lines and climbing nets. It takes place on July 1, 2, 8 and 9, with three start times each night at 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm. Photo: Mishima SkywalkPurple soda float Hydrangea-coloured desserts and drinks are available from Mishima Skywalk's cafés and restaurants during the festival. Picnic Café is serving an ice cream with kudzu root (¥600), Skywalk Coffee has a grape soda ice cream float (¥500) and at Skywalk Softcream you can try the purple soda (¥400) or purple soda float (¥600). Photo: Mishima SkywalkCheese mousse The

Summer is a great time to be in Tokyo, with an array of music festivals and fireworks displays taking place across the city. But there are also more traditional events happening, like the Toro Nagashi (floating lantern) nighttime festival at Chidorigafuchi Moat along the fringe of the Imperial Palace grounds. This popular light-up spectacle will take place on July 26 and 27 after sundown. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association Over the course of two evenings, you can witness 2,000 beautiful paper lanterns floating on the water. The festival was first held in 1958 to comfort people after World War II. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association You can just turn up and enjoy the sight for free. Or you could contribute to the spectacle by releasing your own lantern to the water. You can use the lantern to write down your hopes, dreams or prayers. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association The best way to immerse yourself in the event is to hop on a rowboat and send your lantern out onto the water while being surrounded by thousands of glowing lanterns. This option is limited to only 60 groups (up to three people per group) a day and costs ¥5,000 (including a lantern) per boat. Participation is based on a lottery system and you'll have to register via the website by Friday June 30. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association Even if you can’t secure a boat, you can still design a lantern on the day of the event. Visit Chiyoda ward’s tourist information centre until July 25 (10am-6

Known for its line-up of elaborate and artistic themed apartments, Moshi Moshi Rooms has unveiled its latest live-in masterpiece. The quirky spot – and fully equipped short-term rental apartment – is named Harajuku and it’s pretty much a distillation of all the wildly kawaii elements the Tokyo district is famous for. Appropriately enough, you’ll find it in Harajuku, in the same building as the other three Moshi Moshi Rooms. Photo: Moshi Moshi Rooms Step through the entry archway and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into Alice in Wonderland – the room is filled with colourful animal statues, furniture, plants and more. Photo: Moshi Moshi Rooms Photo: Moshi Moshi Rooms The living room area looks like a small museum, complete with empty picture frames and more quirky objet d'art. Photo: Moshi Moshi Rooms The bedroom is outfitted with a queen-size bed, and together with a sofa bed in the living room and an additional air mattress, the apartment can fit for up to four people. Photo: Moshi Moshi Rooms You’ll also find a fully equipped – and no less colourful – kitchen, featuring a microwave and refrigerator. Photo: Moshi Moshi Rooms Even the tableware matches the room and comes in different pastel colours. Make sure to explore the building’s rooftop terrace as well, which has a great view of Harajuku. Stays start from ¥33,000 per night. Note that the apartment is on the third floor and the building has no elevator. However, you can request assistance with your luggage whe