66 things to do this spring: 51-60

51. Pack a piece
Claiming the biggest paintballing field in Japan, the appropriately named War Zone sits on the outskirts of the metropolis in the deep, dark countryside, waiting in the undergrowth like a natural born graffiti artist. It’s said that Japanese paintball guns shoot at a lower velocity than the rest of the world, so if it’s pain you fear, you needn’t worry. Dry cleaning bills, on the other hand? Run for the hills! Basic package starts from 7,000 yen. War Zone, 136 Kamakari, Inbamura, Chiba (04 7699 2260)

52. Burn some rubber
It’s clear, then, that Tokyo’s outdoor playground is better known as Chiba, and more fun for big boys and girls can be found at the New Tokyo Go Karting Circuit, where the main circuit runs just shy of a kilometre. Don’t go thinking that karting is just for kids, though – the likes of David Coulthard and Lewis Hamilton first got their tires on the tarmac with this sport (though it’s unlikely they did it in Chiba). Make sure you do plenty of arm warm ups, too, or you’ll be in agony the morning after. New Tokyo Go Karting Circuit, Ichihara, Chiba (04 3636 3139). Transport: Kofudai Station (Kominato line)

53. Pay your respects to the gods
It's described as 'one of the largest rituals of the year' at Tokyo's most venerated shrine, which is to say that it's a very serious proceeding indeed. The Haru-no-Taisai, also known as the Spring Grand Festival, is held at Meiji Shrine every year during the Golden Week national holidays. Head there on May 2 and 3 to watch a series of Shinto ceremonies to honour the gods, including performances of traditional Japanese dance, music and theatre. Transport: Harajuku Station (Yamanote, Chiyoda lines)

54. See a folk legend
Often cited as the UK's best guitarist, though regularly overlooked in favour of bigger names such as Clapton and Page, Richard Thompson arrives for a highly anticipated though sadly brief tour of Japan, including four performances over two nights at Billboard Live. Founder member of the truly legendary Fairport Convention, as well as his similarly influential husband/wife partnership with Linda Thompson, Richard is one of England's true originals, and he arrives in Tokyo on the back of yet another acclaimed solo album, Dream Attic (2010). An absolute must. Richard Thompson, tickets from 6,500 yen. April 20-21. Billboard Live Tokyo (03 3405 1133). Transport: Roppongi Station (Toei Oedo, Hibiya lines)

55. Ramble with Jack
Ramblin' Jack Elliott casts a long shadow over the history of American folk music: the middle-class Jewish cowhand from Brooklyn was the protege of Woody Guthrie, and later a mentor of sorts to the young Bob Dylan. Now approaching his 80th birthday, Elliott can't hit the high notes the way he used to, but he hasn't lost his musical touch – or his passion for meandering monologues. He's the star attraction at the third Watching the Sky festival, held at an open-air stage in Ueno Park. Support comes from husband-and-wife duo Over the Rhine, indie singer-songwriter Keiichi Sokabe and others. April 24. Transport: Ueno Station (Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Hibiya, Ginza lines)

56. Fall for some fan art
The really dedicated manga fans don't just read comics: they make their own, using characters from popular series. For a taste of Japan's flourishing dojinshi fan comic scene – well, the female half of it, at least – hit Super Comic City 20. Tens of thousands of amateur artists congregate at this enormous two-day market at the Tokyo Big Sight conference centre to sell limited editions of their handiwork. May 3-4, 10am-3pm. Transport: Kokusai-Tenjijo Station (Rinkai line) or Kokusai-Tenjijo Seimon Station (Yurikamome line)

57. Have a chuff-chuffing good time
Tokyo's stunningly efficient rail system is a national treasure, but sometimes we can't help craving something a little more… old-fashioned. Step forward Saitama's Chichibu Railways, whose SL Paleo steam train went back into service on April 1. The occasion was lent added poignancy by the fact that the engine itself, manufactured in 1944, spent much of its active service in the areas of Tohoku that were worst hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami; a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to quake relief. The train departs Kumagaya Station at 10.10am on weekends and national holidays (and 10.12am on the rare weekdays when it's actually running), arriving at Mitsumineguchi Station just before 1pm. The return trip departs at 2pm. Schedule (here)[http://www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/paleo/2011/date.html]. Standard fare plus 500 yen (non-reserved), 700 yen (reserved). Transport: departs Kumagaya Station (Takasaki, Shonan-Shinjuku, Chichibu Main lines)

58. Contemplate some cutting-edge photography
While some snappers get their best work by developing a connection with their subjects, Takashi Homma makes a virtue of detachment. The Tokyo native worked in advertising and fashion, even doing a stint at British magazine i-D in the early '90s, before making his name as an art photographer. New Documentary is his first major solo show, and features video and installations alongside the photos. Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, April 9-June 26. Transport: Hatsudai Station (Keio New line)

59. Get classical
Les Titans, a classical music festival taking place at Tokyo International Forum over Golden Week, features the work of Strauss, Brahms, Schubert, Herzogenberg and more. Subtitled, somewhat fittingly, 'magnificent works written during turbulent times', the programme features some 300 performances, both free and paid for, presented by names as prominent as the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are available, at a range of prices, from April 2. Les Titans. April 28-May 5. Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Transport: Yurakucho Station (Yamanote, Yurakucho lines)

60. Check out the latest colours
The spring season is traditionally a time for renewal in the fashion world, and ladies keen to keep up with the latest colours could do worse than head to Ginza Mitsukoshi department store, where staff with a decent command of both English and Mandarin are on hand to give you the assistance you need. The leading counters are all there – look out for the local brands, including Shiseido, RMK, Shu Uemura – and you’re welcome to try them on for size (or shade) before you splash the cash. Ginza Mitsukoshi. Open daily, 10am-8pm. 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo ( 03 3562 1111). Transport: Ginza Station (Ginza, Hibiya, Marunouchi Lines)