66 things to do this spring

As a result of the March 11 disaster, the capital has seen countless festivals, concerts and art events postponed, so much so that it looked like spring might be cancelled altogether. Understandably, many Tokyoites have Tohoku in their thoughts, and the urge to enjoy the hanami party season is somewhat muted. However, if you look hard enough, there is still enough going on to raise a smile and to help the city keep its spirits up. Whether you're a fisherman, a fashionista, a bird lover or a beer swiller, we're sure you'll find something to keep you merry between now and tsuyu in the following jam-packed pages.

1. See the naked men of Kichijoji
If you need an excuse to go for a wander in the park, then do it to keep the naked men of Kichijoji company. Fear not, dear readers – these are not real men. They are merely statues, but they never fail to prompt a double take from passersby. In fact, they are more than mere statues; these are the creations of Seibou Kitamura, the highly respected sculptor most famous for the pointing statue in Nagasaki Peace Park, whose museum they now guard, come rain, come shine, without a stitch on their backs. Naked men of Kichijoji – Time Out salutes you. The naked men of Kichijoji are on display outside the Kitamura Seibou Museum, Inokashira Park. Transport: Kichijoji Station (Chuo line, Keio Inokashira line)

2. Surround yourself with freaky sculptures
Taro Okamoto – ‘the Picasso of Japan’ – is celebrated at his own museum and café in Aoyama, where you can grab a coffee and relax in the garden, surrounded by the artist’s original creations. As spring approaches summer, look out for plans to open later into the evening, when the building is lit up like an ornamental night museum. Okamoto Taro Memorial Museum. Wednesdays-Mondays, 10am-6pm. Adults, 600 yen, kids, 300 yen. 6-1-19 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (03 3406 0801). Transport: Omotesando Station (Chiyoda, Ginza, Hanzomon lines)

3. Make like a student
It may have a reputation for academic earnestness, but Tokyo University also knows how to have a good time. The annual May Fair is an open campus free-for-all that gives the many student societies a chance to show off to the general public. Rock bands, breakdancers, go players, amateur wrestlers, mooching philosophy students – they're all here. May 28-29. 7-3-1 Hongo, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Transport: Nezu Station (Chiyoda line) or Hongo-Sanchome Station (Marunouchi, Oedo lines)

4. See some Ainu instruments put to dub use
Oki Dub Ainu Band may draw heavily on dub and African rhythms, but the group's front lineup includes traditional instruments of the Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people. At its best, the end result sounds like nothing else on earth: a weird and intoxicating mix. Their upcoming Tokyo date rounds off a nationwide tour, and will feature a guest appearance by steel pan-wielding dub band Little Tempo. Oki Dub Ainu Band play Shibuya Club Quattro, 7pm, April 15. Tickets 3,500 yen in advance

5. Stroll an inner-city valley
Approximately one kilometre in length, Todoroki Valley is a green and plush towpath that stretches between Todoroki Station, beneath Kampachi Dori and onwards toward the Todoroki Children's Park. Never crowded, but also rarely deserted, the valley is popular with students from Tokyo City University, as well as the occasional office worker looking for a bit of solitude with which to wash down their lunchtime bento. The tolling of the Todoroki Fudo Temple bell adds to its beatific, restful nature; when the weather is good, there can be few more refreshing spots in the capital. Todoroki Valley, Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. Transport: Todoroki Station (Oimachi line)

6. Rent a dog, hit the riverbank 

Renting dogs is not an unusual practise here in Tokyo, and can be as good an excuse as any to head to the park for a bit of a stroll. The last canine Time Out Tokyo rented was severely incontinent – not ideal when you’re paying by the hour – though the shop in question has since shut down. A reasonably cheap option in a good location is Wanpakuland, who can be found a stone’s throw from Kuritsu Nishi Arai Bashi Ryokuchi Kasenjiki Ground (a real mouthful, but a pleasant riverbank park on the Arakawa River nonetheless). A four-legged companion could be yours for as little as 1,500 yen. Wanpakuland, Mondays-Fridays, 9am-7pm; Saturdays, 8am-8pm. 1-30-16 Umida, Adachi-ku, Tokyo (03-3886-5158). Transport: Kitasenju Station (Chiyoda, Hibiya lines, plus others)

7. Get tipsy on top of a mountain
There are plenty of hiking options within easy reach of central Tokyo, though the best known – with some 2.6 million visitors each year – is Mt Takao. True to form, there are plenty of vending machines at the summit, and at this time of year, the rocky precipice is awash with Asahi-soaked hanami drinking parties. Load your wallet with readies and take the cable car halfway up. The peak is a mere 40-minute climb from the 400 metre station. Once there, the views are splendid and the beer as cold as you like. Transport: Takaosan-Guchi Station (Keio line)

8. Meet Tokyo’s newest celebrities
The latest and most celebrated inhabitants of Ueno Zoo moved into their new home on April 1. The two pandas, on loan from a Sichuan wildlife sanctuary, are starting a ten-year stay (costing Tokyo tax payers 80 million yen in loan fees alone) that is expected to rake in 20 billion yen per year through tourism. Judging by the panda motifs that are plastered around the Ueno area already, the bears should prepare to be inundated with well wishers from the off. Ueno Zoo, Tuesdays-Sundays, 9.30am-5.00pm. Adults, 600 yen, kids, 200 yen. 9-83 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo (03 3828 5171). Transport: Ueno Station (Yamanote, Ginza, Hibiya lines)

9. Do the downward dog...for charity
Life in Tokyo can be a bit on the tense side at the best of times, and with recent events weighing heavily on your mind, a spot of yoga could well be the order of the day. Step forward, the billingual teachers of YogaJaya – a studio located between Ebisu and Nakameguro that follows the eight-limb yogic philosophy, or Ashtanga. The classes they teach are aimed at three levels: beginners (the ‘all level’ classes), intermediate (‘level two’) and something altogether more knowledgeable (‘level three’). Single classes cost 3,000 yen (cheaper if you buy packages upfront), and the all level classes taking place on April 3, 10, 17 and 24 will be charity events, with all profits heading north. YogaJaya Studio, 2F, 1-25-11 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (www.yogajaya.com; 03 5784 3622). Transport: Daikanyama Station (Tokyoko line)

10. Attend an amateur film festival
Both as a live venue and CD shop, Enban has been a reliable bastion for terminally obscure indie musicians. Now it's helping those same musicians branch out into film. The grandiosely named Enban International Film Festival 2011 showcases 15-minute shorts made by Tenniscoats, Nisennenmondai, Pikachu and others – many of whom are dabbling in the cinematic arts for the first time. April 29-May 4, screenings at 6pm and 9pm. Transport: Koenji Station (Chuo line)