Japan in March: Weather, Events and What to Do

March is one of the best months to visit Japan if you like mild weather, fewer summer crowds and the very first cherry blossoms. Expect cool mornings, pleasant afternoons and a country that slowly switches from winter to spring, with plum blossoms early in the month and sakura arriving in many cities towards the end.

This guide covers the weather by region, the main events, what to pack and how to plan around the busy last week of March, when the cherry blossom season and Japanese spring holidays overlap.

Japan Weather in March by Region

Japan stretches a long way from north to south, so March feels very different depending on where you are. As a rough guide, these are typical daytime conditions:

Nights in central Japan can still drop to single digits, and the weather changes quickly. One week can feel like winter and the next like late April. If you are coming earlier, my guide to Japan in February covers the colder weeks. Rain is possible but March is usually drier than the rainy season in June.

Cherry Blossoms and Plum Blossoms in March

The big question for most travellers is whether they will see sakura. In recent years the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have usually started opening in the second half of March, with full bloom about a week later. Each year is different, so follow the official forecasts that the Japan Meteorological Corporation and weather sites publish from February.

• Early March: plum blossoms (ume) are at their best in many gardens and shrines, and early blooming varieties such as Kawazu cherry can still be seen.
• Mid March: early cherry trees start blooming in some Tokyo parks.
• Late March: main Somei Yoshino season begins in Tokyo, Kyushu and the Kansai region in many years.

If sakura is your main goal, my Tokyo cherry blossom guide explains timing and etiquette, and the article on early cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen shows where you can find blossoms before the main peak.

The first blossoms I saw in Tokyo were in Shinjuku Gyoen and at the small temples in Koenji. If you are in that part of the city, my Koenji guide has more on the area.

Events and Holidays in March

March is not packed with huge festivals like summer, but there are several events worth planning around:

• Hinamatsuri (3 March): the Doll Festival or Girls’ Day. Families display tiered hina dolls, and you will see special sweets and displays in department stores.
• Tokyo Marathon (usually early March): one of the world’s big city marathons. Some central roads close for the day and hotels near the course fill up.
• Omizutori at Todaiji, Nara (1 to 14 March): a centuries old Buddhist ceremony where monks carry huge burning torches along the balcony of Nigatsudo Hall in the evening.
• Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka: one of the six official sumo tournaments is held in Osaka in March. Tickets sell out, so book early.
• White Day (14 March): the counterpart to Valentine’s Day, when people return gifts. Shops are full of sweets.
• Vernal Equinox Day (around 20 or 21 March): a national holiday. In 2027 it falls on Sunday 21 March, so Monday 22 March is a substitute holiday.

March is also graduation season, and the Japanese fiscal year ends on 31 March. You might see students in hakama at graduation ceremonies and many people moving house, which matters if you plan to ship luggage or rent a car.

Is March a Busy Time to Visit Japan?

The first half of March is usually calm and reasonably priced. From about the third week, things change. Japanese university and school spring breaks start, the cherry blossom forecast drives domestic travel, and international visitors arrive for sakura. Hotels in Tokyo and especially Kyoto get expensive and sell out in the last days of March and early April.

If you want blossoms, book accommodation as early as you can and choose a refundable rate, because the bloom can shift by a week or more. If you prefer quieter streets and better prices, aim for early or mid March and enjoy plum blossoms, museums and day trips instead.

Things to Do in Japan in March

March weather suits city walking and day trips better than the heat of summer. Some ideas:

• Walk around Tokyo neighbourhoods without sweating, and visit gardens for plum blossoms.
• Take day trips to Kamakura, Hakone or Kawaguchiko, where clear spring days can give good views of Mount Fuji.
• Explore Kyoto temples before the late March crowds arrive.
• Go late season skiing in Hokkaido or Nagano, where many resorts still run in March and lift tickets can be cheaper towards the end of the season.
• Head south to Okinawa for warm weather, hiking and island hopping.
• Try spring food: sakura flavoured sweets, strawberry desserts and seasonal bento appear everywhere.

What I did in March while living in Tokyo: a trip to Osaka, hanami as soon as the first trees opened, museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), and shopping trips in Harajuku, which in March still does not have that many tourists.

Hay Fever Season: A Warning for Allergy Sufferers

March is peak cedar pollen season in much of Japan. If you have hay fever at home, there is a good chance the Japanese cedar and cypress pollen will affect you too. Many locals wear masks for this reason, and pharmacies sell a wide range of antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays. Read my kafunsho survival guide before you go and bring your usual medication, since some foreign medicines have restrictions in Japan.

My own story: in my first two years in Tokyo, pollen did not bother me at all. In my third spring it hit me hard. So even if you have never had hay fever at home, pack something just in case.

What to Pack for Japan in March

Layers are the key. A typical day starts cold, warms up at noon and cools quickly after sunset.

• A light down jacket or warm coat for mornings and evenings
• Sweaters or fleece you can take off indoors, since trains and shops are heated
• Comfortable walking shoes, plus waterproof boots if you go north
• A compact umbrella (you can also buy one at any convenience store)
• A mask and allergy medication if you are sensitive to pollen
• Full winter gear if you plan to ski or visit Hokkaido

For a full list, see my Japan packing list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is Japan in March?

In Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, daytime temperatures are usually about 10 to 15°C, with colder mornings and evenings. Hokkaido is still around freezing, while Okinawa feels like spring at about 20°C.

How cold is Japan in March compared to April?

April is noticeably warmer. Daytime temperatures in central Japan often reach the high teens, and evenings are milder. March still needs a proper jacket at night.

Will I see cherry blossoms in March?

In many years, yes, if you visit in the last week or so. The main bloom in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka often starts in the second half of March, but it varies. Early March is usually too early for the main sakura, though plum blossoms are out.

Is March a good time to visit Okinawa?

Yes, March is pleasant in Okinawa, with warm days and less humidity than summer. The sea is still cool for most swimmers, and some beaches only officially open for the season in late March or April.

Is Japan crowded in March?

Early and mid March are relatively quiet. The last week of March is busy because of cherry blossoms and Japanese spring holidays, so book hotels early for that period.

Can you still ski in Japan in March?

Yes. Many resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano stay open through March, and higher resorts often operate into April. Snow gets heavier and wetter late in the season.

Are there any national holidays in March?

Vernal Equinox Day around 20 or 21 March is the only national holiday in March. When it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday.

March is a great compromise between winter calm and spring beauty. If you are still deciding on dates, compare it with other months in my guide to the best time to visit Japan, or read on to Japan in April for the peak of the cherry blossom season.