Photo by suju-foto from Pixabay
This year from Apr. 29 to May 5 is called golden week in Japan.
Because during these dates, there are some national holidays and many companies and schools are closed. It’s a kind of May holiday.
Now Tokyo is nearly under the Declaration of Emergency, so many events for golden week have been already canceled. However, some events or outdoor activities are still available.
The list below is some venues for the golden week. If you have free time during golden week, please check them and don’t forget to see the official site to get the current information.
1 Hibiya Festival 2021
In Hibiya and Ginza are, there are many historical theaters for musicals, traditional Japanese dance, operas, and Noh.
And the people involved in the theaters are planning this festival to present some shows, theater or Japanese traditional entertainment.
In the event program, we can see many performances. For example, Noh dance, mini-concert from the musical ‘Peter-pan’, Japanese traditional dance, samurai sword performance, pre-concert from the opera ‘La Boheme’ and ‘Madam Butterfly’ and more.
Moreover, we can freely enjoy other street performances, like social dances, flash mobs, playing music, juggling, tap dance, or more in certain areas.
Quite unsure that all events would be held depending on the situation. So it is better to check the website before going.
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/hibiya-festival/
2. Mitakeyama
Located in the Okutama region of Tokyo, Mt. Mitake is a hiking spot with a maximum elevation difference of 229 meters and a walking distance of 8 kilometers, with a cable car available on the way, making it an easy climb for beginners.
The recommended course is the “Rock Garden Loop Course,” which takes you from Tenguiwa to Ayahiro Falls. You can walk through nature for about 70 minutes while admiring the mossy rocks and clear water. At the top of the mountain is the Musashi Ontake Shrine, which is worshipped as a deity to ward off theft and evil, and if the weather is good, you can see Tokyo landmarks such as Sky Tree.
The nearest station is Mitake station on the JR Ome line. it takes about 1hour from Shinjuku. And take a bus for 10minues to the bus stop under the cable.
Mitake visitor center: https://www.ces-net.jp/mitakevc/
Photo by Orna Wachman from Pixabay
3. Yokobori beach in Kanagawa
Yokobori beach is a kind of secret beach, just an hour away from Tokyo. It is located in Koamishiro on the Miura Peninsula. How tiny and private beach!
The beach is only about 50 meters wide, surrounded by rocks at both ends. And you will see the very clear sea in the Shonan area.
During golden week, Minatoya, a beach house on the beach will have some music events and of course, they serve delicious foods and beverages. Moreover, SUP experience is available if you ask them.
Access: 3mins walk from the bus stop “Aburatsubo” for Keisei bus “Keikyu Aburatsubo Marin Park” from the station “Misakiguhi” on Keihin Kyuko line.
Minatoya: https://www.yokoboribeach.com/
4. Keisei Rose Garden
Keisei Rose garden is one of the biggest rose gardens in Japan. Currently, there are over 10,000 roses of 1,600 varieties, as well as a variety of trees, plants, and flowers planted in the garden. And now we can enjoy the full bloom of roses in various gardens. From Apr. 23 to May 5, there will be held a flower fair and we can buy roses, other plants or some gardening goods at 30% off the price.
Access: Take a bus for Yachiyo Iryo center of Toyo bus from Yachiyo-Midorigaoka station on Toyo Rapid Railway and get off the stop “Keisei rose garden”
Open: 10:00am to 17:00pm
Entrance fee: 1500yen/1 adult, Free for under 15y.o.
Official site: https://www.keiseirose.co.jp/garden/