Ceremonial sumo tournament at Yasukuni Shrine
Every spring, a ceremonial one-day sumo tournament called Honozumo is held on the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine. Entrance is free.
Cherry blossoms at Yoyogi Park
With more than 600 cherry trees, Yoyogi Park is a popular hanami spot for the Harajuku crowd.
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine in Sendagaya
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is a shinto shrine in Sendagaya, Shibuya City. Its distinguishing feature is its Fujizuka, called the Sendagaya Fuji. Fujizuka are small mounds that represent Mount Fuji. Fuji worshipers who are unable to do a pilgrimage to the top of Mount Fuji can use one of those instead. There are many other such Fujizuka in Tokyo (for example, at Shinagawa Shrine or Onoterusaki Shrine in Iriya).
Katsu Curry at Lahore in Akihabara
Black Katsu Curry, with additional cheese topping. It is possible to choose the spice level: I got level 4, which is mildly spicy.
Cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
With over 1,000 cherry trees, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the best and most popular spots for hanami in Tokyo.
Hike around Lake Ashi in Hakone
After getting down from Mount Komagatake and starting from the Hakone-en Komagatake Ropeway station, I walked on the road in the direction of Moto-Hakone, at the southern end of Lake Ashi. I spent some time at the Hakone shrine and at the Hakone Detached Palace. I then took the so-called Outer Rim Trail (外輪山のハイキングコース) that follows the Ashinoko Skyline Road in the mountains west of Lake Ashi. I followed the trail until I reached Togendai, at the northern end of Lake Ashi. I arrived just in time to catch the last express bus to Shinjuku.
Hike from Sounzan to Mount Kami & Mount Komagatake in Hakone
A couple of weeks ago, I went back to Hakone, this time for a hike to Mount Kanmurigatake, Mount Kami (神山; 1438m) and Mount Komagatake (駒ヶ岳; 1327m).
Oedo Fukagawa Cherry Blossom Festival
The Oedo Fukagawa Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Fukagawa, in Koto City, east of the Sumida River. The area has large canals lined with many cherry trees. Although I did not get to ride them, boat cruises were available during the festival to see the flowers from a different angle.
Kawasaki Daishi Temple & Daishi Park
While waiting for the start of the Kanamara festival mikoshi parade, I visited the nearby Daishi Temple, as well as Daishi Park and its Shinshu-en Chinese garden.
Kawasaki Port / Marien observatory
The Port of Kawasaki is an important port of Japan. It is located on the artifical island of Ogishima, facing Tokyo Bay. It is close to Kawasaki’s factory zone and Haneda Airport. I also visited the Marien Tower observatory, which offers a good view on Tokyo Bay and the industrial area.