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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Key points
- Cherry blossoms: on average Tokyo's trees open in late March and reach full bloom about a week later; Ueno Park, the Meguro River and Chidorigafuchi are classic spots.
- Hina-matsuri (3 March): the Girls' Festival, when tiered doll displays appear around the country.
- Sumo: the March grand tournament is held in Osaka.
🌤 Weather and temperature
Tokyo averages about 9 °C, with big swings between warm and cold days. Hokkaido still has snow. Cedar pollen peaks, so hay-fever sufferers should come prepared.
| City | Average temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 1.1 °C | 78 mm |
| Tokyo | 9.4 °C | 116 mm |
| Osaka | 9.9 °C | 104 mm |
| Fukuoka | 10.8 °C | 103 mm |
| Naha | 19.1 °C | 143 mm |
Monthly averages based on Japan Meteorological Agency normals (1991–2020).
🚄 Crowds, holidays and prices
The Vernal Equinox holiday (around 20 March), Japanese school spring break (late March to early April) and blossom season make the end of the month busy and pricier.
🏮 Festivals and events
- Todai-ji Shuni-e (Omizutori) (Nara · March 1–14)
Giant torches shower sparks from the balcony of Nigatsu-do Hall. Held without a break for over 1,270 years - Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Shizuoka · Early February to early March)
850 early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees flower along the Kawazu River. The earliest cherry blossom festival on Honshu
Dates change from year to year; always check the official announcement.
🌸 Flowers and autumn colours
- Meguro River cherry blossoms (Tokyo · Late March to early April)
800 trees along about 4 km of river. Paper lanterns at night - Chidorigafuchi (Tokyo · Late March to early April)
Rowing boats and cherry blossoms on the Imperial Palace moat. Illuminated at night - Kawazu cherry blossoms (Shizuoka · Early February to early March)
Early-blooming, large and deep pink. The flowers last about a month - Kumamoto Castle cherry blossoms (Kumamoto · Late March to early April)
Around 800 trees beneath the castle keep as restoration continues - Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie · Late October to May (illumination); tulips in spring)
One of Japan's largest winter illuminations, plus tulip and begonia gardens in spring
🍣 Seasonal food and traditions
- Seafood in season: Hard clams, whitebait, rockfish
- Produce in season: Rapeseed blossoms, new onions, new potatoes, strawberries
- Traditions and daily life: Hinamatsuri (3rd), White Day, graduation ceremonies, spring equinox, Ohigan, cherry blossoms open (Kyushu to Kanto)
📍 Where to go this month
Hanami Cherry Blossom Party
The national spring rite: picnic and drink under the blossoms. Ueno Park has 800 trees and lanterns at night.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The 13 m 'stage' is built from interlocking timber without a single nail. Kyoto's most-visited temple, famous for cherry-blossom and autumn illuminations.
Nara Park Deer
About 1,300 wild deer roam the park and the streets, bowing to ask for deer crackers.
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Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Fifteen-day tournaments in January, May and September. Doors open at 8 am; the top-division ring-entering ceremony is after 3 pm. Try chanko stew.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but 400 outer-market shops remain. Graze on tamagoyaki, tuna bowls and seafood skewers from early morning.
Great Buddha of Kamakura
An 11 m, 121-ton bronze Buddha sitting outdoors since 1252. You can step inside it.
🧳 What to pack
Spring (Mar–May)
- A light coat and layers: mornings and evenings around 10 °C
- Hay-fever medicine and masks: cedar pollen peaks in March
- A folding umbrella for frequent spring showers
- Comfortable shoes: blossom and temple days easily exceed 10,000 steps
💡 Travel tip
Blossom dates shift from year to year. Follow the official and commercial bloom forecasts and keep your plans flexible.
🗓 Other months
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
Frequently asked questions
Will I see cherry blossoms in March?
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka often start blooming in late March, but full bloom can fall in early April. For the best odds, aim for the last week of March to the first week of April.
What should I wear in Japan in March?
Mornings and evenings can dip to around 5 °C, so bring a light down jacket or coat and layers. A mask helps with pollen.
