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)

With the first week of January behind us, it's starting to feel like we're breaking out of the holiday phase and...having to do real work. Ugh.

Brighten up your first full week of the year with a look at some races - ranging from 1.4k to 84k, there's something for everyone, all over Japan. Here's what's on tap today: 

• Boost Running Festa (Tokyo)
• Sponichi Yamanakako Road Race (Yamanashi)
• Mukatsuku Double Marathon (Yamaguchi)