Hello everyone! The cold winter weather finally ended the other day and we are now experiencing more spring weather. In Tokyo, cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the editor went to see cherry blossoms the other day. Although there are still many cold days in the countryside, the new school year and the new semester are bringing new friendships and warmth, so people are probably thinking, “Let’s go on a trip! Let’s go on a trip! If so, we would like to introduce you to four recommended spring activities in Japan!
- First, the classic, cherry blossom viewing hike
- Fishing’ on the lake starting in the spring
- Canoeing recommended on warm days
- Bicycle rental while feeling the spring weather
- Summary
First, the classic cherry blossom viewing hike.
As spring is approaching, I am sure that you will have the opportunity to view cherry blossoms in the city center. The cherry blossoms in Tokyo were in full bloom the other day, and the spring cherry blossom front is moving northward!
Cherry blossom viewing is a springtime staple, but it can be enjoyed a little later in the season if you go hiking.
In areas with higher elevation and cooler temperatures, the cherry blossoms are not yet in full bloom, so if you have missed the cherry blossom season, by all means, go hiking!
One of the best parts of cherry blossom viewing hiking is taking a break at a blooming cherry tree while hiking up a mountain!
From Tokyo, Mt. Takao is the most famous, but there are many cherry blossom viewing hiking spots that have not yet reached their peak, such as Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture and Akagiyama in Gunma Prefecture, if you extend your trip with a rental car.(mid-April to late April). The Tohoku region will still be in season from now on as well!
Also, May will be the season of moss phlox, so you may want to check out places where moss phlox grows!
-It is still often cold in the northern part of the mountain (because of the lack of sunlight), so be sure to bring a windbreaker or other light warm clothing when planning to climb the mountain.
-Because the climbing season has just begun, it is easy to get lost on trails that have not been hiked very much. If you are going to a place for the first time, use a GPS such as YAMAP to check your location before you go!
-Some trails are muddier than in summer due to melting snow and rain! Walk slowly or use hiking poles to keep your center of gravity off the trail to avoid slipping and falling.
-Before going to a place where there are few climbers, let your acquaintances and family know in advance that you are going to climb the mountain.
-Do not be so engrossed in the cherry blossoms that you neglect your footing! ←1 Most important!
Fishin’ in the lake starting in the spring.
Spring is actually the opening of the fishing season! Trout and black bass cannot be caught during the winter months, but the fishing season is from spring to fall.
Since fish are thermotolerant animals, most species are not very active during the winter months due to the drop in water temperature.*Cold weather lowers their body temperature and makes them less mobile. Fish that have remained still and motionless during the winter often become more active and begin to feed more aggressively when the water temperature warms up due to spring weather.
Beginners can easily apply for a set plan that includes a rod and bait at a fishing pond or aquaculture farm, while those who want to try bass fishing in earnest can hire a bass guide.
Of course, if you are sea fishing, you can fish from the bank or beach, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy fishing at their own pace!
-If you are new to fishing and are not good at bait fishing, try using lures or worms.
-Because the wind is often strong, do not fish in close proximity to other anglers so that your line will not be swept away and you will not cause problems for strangers.
-Fishing is a patient sport, but if you can’t catch a fish, you can’t catch a fish. If you can’t catch a fish, you can’t catch a fish.
Canoeing recommended on warm days
There are still many cold and windy days, but warmer days are becoming more common and canoeing, kayaking, and SUP experience activities are becoming more popular!
In some areas of Okinawa and Kyushu, summer has already begun, and it is also the start of the water activity season.
There are several types of water activities, which I would like to briefly describe here.
canoeA boat ride is a ride on a boat-shaped vessel, usually with two or three people in one boat. The oars, called paddles, are short and rowed only on one side, so the person rowing the right side and the person rowing the left side are separated, making this an activity that families and couples can enjoy together.
kayakIt is similar to a canoe, but the shape of the boat is different. The boat has a cover and is not open, but only the seating area is open. The propulsive force and resistance to getting wet are higher than those of canoes, but the load capacity is smaller, so it depends on the use. Paddles are equipped with oars at both ends and can be paddled by one person alternately on either side. Kayaks for one to three people are available, so families and couples can enjoy kayaking together in many places.
SUPSUP stands for stand-up paddle boat. As the name implies, you stand on it and paddle with a long paddle. SUP activities have a high risk of falling (or rather, basically falling), so don’t forget to bring a change of clothes, as many places offer the experience in a wetsuit or, in summer, in a bathing suit!
-I recommend that beginners try the lake experience for the first time, as the lake has less waves than the ocean.
-Windy days can cause you to be swept away if you don’t paddle, so be careful if you are in a group with only women!
-Basic life jackets are required, but be sure to ask about the precautions for wearing them!
Leisurely rent a bicycle while feeling the spring weather
Lastly, I would like to introduce bicycle rentals! Recently, we have seen an increase in the number of bicycle rentals in both urban and rural areas.
In urban areas, many of the bikes can be easily reserved and rented through the app, and it is also important to note that electric bicycles can be rented. In rural areas, there are still few places where you can rent a bike through the app, but low-cost bike rental stores still exist.
One of the attractions of renting a bike is that you can go anywhere you like. Especially during the spring season, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and scenery in various places, so once you rent a bike, you can move freely!
There are three main types of bicycles available for rent.
ordinary bicycleThe most common type of bicycle is a regular mom-and-pop bicycle with three or so gears. This is the least expensive type of bicycle and is recommended for young people who are confident in their physical strength.。
electric bicycleElectric bicycles (assist bicycles) are the most common type of rental bicycle. Basically, most of them have a battery that lasts about one day, so you can ride around all day without worrying about it. Batteries of 14A or higher will last more than a day, while those of 10A or lower can be ridden for a few hours without worrying.
sports bicycleIn most cases, cross bikes are basically available for rent as sports bicycles. Road bikes are often available at specialty stores, but not often. If you want to go fast and travel long distances, this is the place to go.
-Take precautions against theft and removal since you are renting the equipment.
-Get the contact information of a store in case of a flat tire.
-Follow the traffic rules as they are becoming stricter and stricter!
summary
Now, we have introduced some recommended spring activities! Spring is also the season for relaxing camping, so if you are interested in spring camping, please check out this article as well!
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