The highlight of this weekend (and a great idea for a date) is the International Orchid Festival at Tokyo Dome. Whether you’re a keen gardener or can barely tell the difference between plastic and real petals, you’re bound to be blown away by the 100 000 orchids on display.

If the rain holds off, the famous apricot and plum blossom festivals (by now in full swing) at Ushi Tenjin and Yushima Tenjin also bode well for romantic outings. So too does a trip to Ueno Zoo – in celebration of Valentine’s Day, they are running noon “Sweet Tours”, where you can learn about love in the animal kingdom. Other zoos and animal parks might offer similar guided tours, so ask around your local area. Another fun event to check out is the Kite Fair at Oji Inari Shrine this Sunday.

If you’re fed up with all the Valentine’s mush, the Hentai Animation Night in Shibuya might be more your scene. You can explore the dark side of the imagination with 11 short films from Japan and other countries.

And if you’re keen on media, but not in the mood for being creeped out, don’t forget that you have till this Sunday to catch the Japan Media Arts Festival.