Tokyo Things to Do

West meets East. East meets West. For many of us, the notions we have of the East and the Orient are mere stereotyped snapshots gleaned from childhood history classes, Hollywood movies, and maybe a random postcard from a lone wandering aunt. This, as you might guess, is a far cry from what is truly in store for the first-time visitor to Japan.

Timing is everything if you want to experience Japanese cherry trees in full-bloom. The graceful, pink blossoms only flower for a short time and normally fall to the ground about a week after fully opening. As such, cherry blossoms symbolize the transience, beauty and frailty of human life as well as the arrival of spring. You can expect to see large crowds celebrating the season by picnicking and making merry with colleagues and friends under the blossoming trees. Here’s our list of the top spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara for cherry blossom viewing.