What to do in Tokyo in marzo

Hatsumōde from January 1 to 3 — around 3.1 million people visit Meiji Jingū shrine for the year's first prayer, gates open at midnight on the 31st.

Setsubun on February 3 — mamemaki bean-throwing rituals at Sensō-ji and Zōjō-ji, where monks and celebrities cast roasted soybeans to drive demons out.

Last cherry blossom week — petals fall as pink rain along the Meguro River and at Inokashira Park, the hanafubuki phenomenon during the first 7 days.

Golden Week April 29 to May 6 — four national holidays in a row, locals jam the shinkansen and foreign visitors face peak hotel pricing.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride on June 6-7 at Yoyogi Park — Sunday parade kicks off at noon through Shibuya and Harajuku, with festival stages all weekend.

Mitama Matsuri July 13-16 at Yasukuni Shrine — 30,000 yellow lanterns light up at dusk over the approach, drawing 300,000 people across four nights.

Obon holiday August 13-16 — locals head back to ancestral hometowns, leaving Roppongi half-empty at lunch and giving you a seat on the Yamanote line for once.

Aki Basho sumo September 13-27 at Ryōgoku Kokugikan — Tokyo's third and final tournament of the year, with yokozuna semifinals and the day-15 championship bout.

Tokyo International Film Festival October 26 to November 4 — 39th edition takes over Hibiya, Yurakuchō, Marunouchi and Ginza screens for 10 days.

Meiji Jingū Gaien Ginkgo Festival Nov 15 to Dec 7 — Ichō Namiki avenue's 146 golden trees over a 300-meter corridor with 30 food stalls below.

Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination — 70,000 blue LEDs cover 400 meters with Tokyo Tower as backdrop, lit November 11 through December 25.