This Sunday*, you won’t want to miss the Oiran Dochu, a procession of traditional Japanese courtesans or “women of pleasure”. Head to the streets of Asakusa to see brilliantly coloured kimonos, whimsical makeup and traditional performances by the experts of “old world charm”. (*Originally planned for Saturday, but postponed due to the rainy weather.) Also on Saturday, how about taking a day trip to see the Ishida Lion Dance—taking place as part of Kawagoe’s spring festival festivities? We suggest going for the Ishida Lion Dance, but staying for the traditional and nostalgic architecture of the Edo period. And if you wanted to see some cherry blossoms, hope is not lost. The late-blooming variety of cherry trees (yaezakura) is just kicking off. All there’s left to do is put our hands together and pray for a rainless weekend.