66 things to do this spring: 31-40

31. Hunt for white elephants
There are flea markets, and then there's the eye-popping spectacle that unfolds at the Makuhari Messe conference centre every Golden Week. The Doki Doki Flea Market is Japan's largest bric-a-brac fair, drawing around 1,300 vendors each day. If you're quick off the mark (and can navigate the Japanese-only application form), they're taking applications for standard and car boot vendors until April 7. May 3-5. Transport: Kaihin-Makuhari Station (Keiyo line)

32. Dabble in botany
One of two botanical gardens run by the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Koshikawa is a stately patch of private parkland that dates back to the Meiji Restoration and has the rambling ruins to show for it. The living plant collection proudly boast 4,000 different plant species, some of which are up to 300 years old. The area is open to the public, and makes for a lovely stroll on a sunny day. Recommended. Koshikawa Botanical Gardens, open daily, 9am-4.30pm; closed Mondays. 3-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (03 3814 2625). Transport: Hakusan Station (Mita line)

33. Let loose your creative side
PauseTalk, a series of regular discussion-based events curated by Jean Snow, returns for it's first post-quake meetup on April 4. Usual discussions revolve around the creative fields of those in attendance, as well as cultural aspects of life in the capital, though you could probably put safe money on the subject of disaster relief sparking some passionate talk at some point in the evening. The café itself has been running shorter hours during the past energy-saving weeks, but will resume normal service for the return of PauseTalk. PauseTalk Volume 49, 8-11pm, April 4. Café Pause, 2-14-12 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (03 5950 6117). Transport: Ikebukuro Station (Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan Shinjuku, Tojo, Seibu Ikebukuro, Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin line)

34. Get surreal
If you’ve not seen Le Surréalisme yet, then this spring represents your last chance to do so. Running until May 9, the exhibition features masters such as Dalí, Duchamp and Cornell. A must-see for any art lover. Le Surréalisme Exhibition, NACT, 7-22-2, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Transport: Roppongi Station (Hibiya, Oedo lines)

35. Support a charity run
The ParaCup, which takes place in Shibuya on April 10, was originally intended to support less fortunate children around the world, with particular focus on the Philippines. Naturally, a helping hand will now be extended to the children of Tohoku. While ‘para’ usually suggests a sporting event for people with physical disabilities, the name of this event is something of a misnomer. 4,000 able-bodied runners are expected to compete, with a kids’ race taking place before the main event. Cheer them on and lend financial support from 11am. Furuiichiba Rikujou Kyogijou running track, Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Transport: Kashimada Station (Nambu line)

36. Pack a picnic
There’s no better time of year to throw down a rug and unpack your bento, and the capital has an abundance of beautiful parks that make ideal picnic spots. Our personal favourite is Tokyo’s very own Central Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, surely one of the world’s most attractive inner city green spaces, and a great spot for watching the sakura petals fall. If you need a place to fill your basket first, try the food court of Isetan department store in Shinjuku 3 Chome, where the sheer range of choice is worth a visit alone. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. 1 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Transport: Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (Marunouchi line), plus others

37. Join a jam session
Influential music mag Rockin' On already holds massive Japanese festivals every summer (Rock in Japan) and winter (Countdown Japan), but that didn't stop it from launching a new event last spring. Japan Jam is a little different: rather than play a run-through of their greatest hits, the performers do one-off sessions with guest musicians, and pretty much anything is fair game. This year's bill includes popular guitar bands The Back Horn, Sambomaster, 10-Feet and Zazen Boys – the latter playing with (or against?) free jazz musicians and psychedelic troubadours. Last year's edition, held at Fuji Speedway, was marred somewhat by lousy weather, so they've wisely moved things to the indoor Makuhari Messe complex this time around. May 3-5. Transport: Kaihin-Makuhari Station (Keiyo line)

38. Twitch!
The Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park is one of the capital’s hidden secrets, but is well known by the local twitchier community. While bird watching is said to be better during the winter time, the assortment of gardens and reclaimed ponds make for a pleasant springtime stroll whether you’re into your cormorants or not. The park is split into six areas, and there are telescopes in the observation hall for public use. Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park. Adults, 300 yen, junior high students, 150 yen, kids, free. Open daily, 9am-5pm. Closed Mondays. 3-1 Toukai, Ota-ku, Tokyo (03 3799 5031). Transport: Ryutsu Center Station (Tokyo Monorail Haneda line)

39. Land yourself a lunker
Fishing in the centre of Tokyo? Not as far fetched as you'd have thought. Ichigaya Fishing Centre offers a variety of packages for the inner city angler, with two dedicated fishing areas – one aimed, in a somewhat derogatory fashion, at women and children ('Mini fishing'), while the other is maintained as man domain. The catch is carp, and all fish are returned to the pond once your haul has been weighed. Reaching a certain weight wins you another free hour, meaning the truly legendary fishermen need never go home again. Ichigaya Fishing Centre, Mondays-Fridays, midday-10pm; Saturdays-Sundays, 9am-7pm. 1-1 Ichigaya Tamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (03 3260 1324). Transport: Ichigaya Station (Chuo Sobu, Yurakucho, Namboku, Shinjuku lines)

40. Score the winning goal
The Metropolis League is split over three divisions and provides many footie-loving gentlemen with the chance to lose some weight, maintain their skills and make some thoroughly good friends. Awwww. In truth, these leagues are taken very seriously by the teams and players, and the average left-footed wonder can’t just turn up and demand a kick around. The teams are always interested in meeting potential new whizzkids, however, and you’ll find all the relevant team requirements and links on the authoritative www.footjapancompetitions.com.