Just like Mt. Fuji or the Great Wave off Kanagawa, sakura cherry blossoms in the spring are quintessentially Japanese. There's no better sign of spring than the soft hues of pink and white that mark the beginning of warmer temperatures and longer days. Perhaps one of the most popular times for visitors to Japan, March and April are also a fantastic time to put on your running shoes or get on the saddle.

Whether it's on your two feet or on two wheels, these three events around Japan are a good way to enjoy sakura season: 

• Hitachi Sakura Road Race (Ibaraki)
• Aomori Sakura Marathon (Aomori)​
• Alps Azumino Century Ride - Sakura Group (Nagano)

Some of us like to go full throttle all the way while others seek feats of endurance...If you're looking for ultras to fill your calendar with, Japan has a wide variety to choose from. That is, if you know where to look.

​For those seeking  to go the extra mile(s), here are three ultra-distance road and trail races worth taking a look at this spring: 

• Challenge Fuji 5 Lakes (Yamanashi) 
• Michikusa Ultra Marathon (Kanagawa)
• Deep Japan Ultra (Niigata)

It's been a lot of road races and running lately, so we'll go back to our roots and dive back into multisport. 

Today, we're highlighting three triathlons that opened for registration this week: 

• ​Nanki Shirahama Triathlon (Wakayama)
• Goto Nagasaki Baramon King International Triathlon (Niigata)
• Gamagori Orange Triathlon (Aichi)