A popular place for plum blossom fans since olden times, Yushima Tenmangu shrine still draws crowds every year. The plum blossoms might get less hype than the cherry blossoms that follow, but they still make for some gorgeous late-winter scenery.
This year marks the 69th run of the Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri. The annual festival is one of Tokyo's most popular late-winter events, and it takes place for a month from February 8 until March 8. The shinto shrine is home to about 300 plum trees, and most of them are around 80 years old. Approximately 80 percent of them produce white plum blossoms.
On weekends and holidays – February 8, 11, 14-15, 21-23, 28, March 1, 7 – you can look forward to events such as live Kagura (ceremonial silent theatre), Nihon-buyo (traditional Japanese dance) and taiko drumming as well as flamenco and belly dancing performances.
You’ll also find several stalls selling souvenirs from Bunkyo ward as well as local products from Ibaraki (February 8), Ishikawa (February 8, 14), Aomori (Feb 14-15), Kumamoto (February 21-23), Hyogo/Shimane (February 28-March 1) and Fukushima (March 7-8).
Don't let your budget get in the way of you having a good time. While Tokyo may appear as an expensive city, there are still lots of free things to do in the city; these include events, festivals, exhibitions and more. After all, at the best things in life are free.
Need more recommendations? Check out our list of the best things to do this week, cheap Michelin-starred meals, and free museum days.
