Japan in March: Weather & Activities

Japan in March is a month of change, as the country moves from winter to spring. It is marked by cold mornings and the coming of cherry blossom season. Tokyo and Kyoto experience low to mid temperatures, while Hokkaido still witnesses snowfall. On the other hand, Okinawa already has a warm, subtropical climate. In most of the central and southern parts of Japan, cherry blossoms will be in full bloom by the end of March.

As you can see, there is a wide range of weather conditions across Japan in March, so picking the right region to visit might be tricky. So, in this guide we will talk about the best places to visit in Japan in March, what to do, what to pack and wear and the weather and temperatures in more detail. We will also offer some practical tips to make your trip even smoother. 

Let's get into it!

Compared to Japan in February, March begins to show clearer signs of spring, especially in central and southern regions. Japan in early March is still quite chilly in a majority of the country, while the last half of the month ushers in warmer, brighter days and the beginning of the cherry blossom season. Rainfall occurs quite frequently, and temperatures keep going up as the month progresses. When we compare the weather in Japan in March and April, we can say that the first is cooler and more unstable, while the latter is warmer, bringing in the blooming season.

Tokyo & Kyoto (5°C–13°C)

Crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons, and rain at times. Light layering is usually enough for the weather in Tokyo Japan in March.

Osaka (6°C–14°C)

Basically the same as Kyoto, only that by the end of March you can enjoy a little more sunshine and the temperature will be slightly warmer.

Hokkaido (-3°C–5°C)

Snow will be the theme as winter stays for another round. During March, the ski resorts will still be open.

Okinawa (15°C–20°C)

It's obviously a lot warmer and more humid. The weather is quite like a mild spring. People usually wear fewer clothes during the daytime.

When planning what to pack for Japan in March, think of layers. The weather can vary quite a bit from morning to afternoon, and there is a huge difference between the northern and southern parts of the country. The beginning of March usually has a winter vibe, whereas the temperature is more comfortable but still towards the end of it. Also, keep in mind that it rains often. Your bag needs to be prepared for chilly city mornings, potential rain, and warm afternoons, especially in case you decide to go from one region to another, for instance, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

Generally necessary in most areas, especially in March early and when the sun sets.

In the northern areas, where winter weather and snow will be still, you have to wear a heavy coat.

Great for cold mornings. Also, you can put them off easily when it gets warm in the afternoon.

Practical undergarments that can be used in the central part of Japan just as well.

Since you will be walking a lot, it is best to have supportive, closed, toe shoes.

Rain is frequent in March.

Good for extra warmth without bulk.

They will come in handy on the bright spring days, especially during the cherry blossom season.

Japan in March is a perfect blend of winter traditions and the early signs of spring. There are so many things you can do because of that! You can go do winter sports in the snowy regions, participate in seasonal flower festivals and marvel at the early cherry blossoms. March really is a diverse month. Let's take a more detailed look.

Cherry blossom season takes off in the south and the flowers keep on coming as the season moves northward. Towards the end of March, big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima have the cherry trees in bloom. This pretty much explains why there are so many tourists there during the last days of the month. That iconic soft pink setting, park picnics and the limited time beauty can attract some crowds, but it is still a wonderful experience for family travel. The demand is so high that you should book your accommodation and train tickets way in advance.

Plum blossoms bloom before cherry blossoms. Typically, their flowering season stretches from February to the beginning of March. Therefore, if you want to see seasonal flowers without the crowds, then visiting Japan in the first half of March would make plums an excellent choice. Parks or temple gardens where plum trees are grown are less crowded, plus, the white and pink plum blossoms add a special touch to the scenery.

Hina Matsuri, or the Doll Festival, takes place on the 3rd of March. Families set up dolls of the imperial court, praying for the girls' good health and happiness. While the majority of festivities are domestic, various temples, museums and old houses hold public exhibitions which tourists are free to attend.

The March Grand Sumo Tournament at EDION Arena Osaka is one of the six official annual basho held in Japan. It is a 15-day event from mid-March and hosts the top-ranked wrestlers. It's a great way to experience the age-old rituals such as the ceremonial ring entering and the heated bouts. The venue offers various seating options from traditional floor cushions to arena-style chairs, and tickets are very likely to be sold out in advance.

Hokkaido stays very much in winter-mode for most of March, offering dependable snow and lively ski resorts like Niseko and Furano. Many days offer excellent conditions, making March a strong month for adventure travel. Besides skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy snowshoeing, winter festivals, and the snow-covered landscapes. Nothing prevents you from combining a short trip to Hokkaido with a visit to southern regions of Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Go to an onsen in March and you will quickly realise why it is so recommended. Nothing better than spending a chill morning in a natural hot spring! And you can find so many of them, offering everything from simple baths to full luxury travel experiences with private ryokan stays and seasonal kaiseki dinners. Bathing in an onsen in early spring feels especially intimate, making it a beautiful addition to honeymoons in Japan.

Omizutori is a historic Buddhist ceremony conducted at Todai-ji Temple in Nara for the whole of March, with origins tracing back to the 8th century. The highlight is really spectacular at night, as the large flaming torches are carried along the temple's wooden balcony. Sparks shower quite dramatically over the people downstairs. The event represents a metaphor for the purification of souls and the coming of spring, highlighting Japan’s deep cultural and historical traditions.

Deciding which are the best places to visit in Japan in March really depends on the kind of experience you seek. Japan is a country that can cater for a wide range of interests, like historic festivals, snowy mountain landscapes, and even subtropical beaches. Here are the top destinations you could go to at this time of year.

Tokyo is one of the top destinations to visit in March, with the most crowded days being near the last week, when cherry blossoms bloom. Parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen transform into hanami spots. Besides sakura, you have the option of visiting museums, shopping districts, and going on day trips under the comfortable spring weather that is getting warmer steadily.

Kyoto in March is a wonderful mixture of natural beauty and the timeless charm of the city. In early March you can see plum blossoms adorning the temple gardens and the cherry blossoms near the end of it. Going for a walk in old parts such as Gion is very picturesque and the air feels fresh and cool. If you are into culture, temples, and beautiful spring scenes then Kyoto will suit you just fine and its compact layout makes it particularly appealing for senior travel.

Osaka mixes the vibrant energy of the city with the energy of seasonal events. The Grand Sumo Tournament in March attracts fans from all over Japan, and at the end of the month, a lot of people go to Osaka Castle Park to see the cherry blossoms. Of course, the whole area is great for food travellers as it has a strong street food scene. And since the weather is pleasant, late March is a perfect time for walking around.

Typically, both Hiroshima and Fukuoka get cherry blossoms a bit earlier than the cities further north.

Besides the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima has stunning spots such as Miyajima Island.

Fukuoka has a laid-back vibe, great ocean vistas, and delicious food.

Both cities make great choices for travelers who would like to have spring scenery and at the same time avoid the crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto.

Hokkaido stays in its winter mode all through March. Snowy scenes, ski resorts such as Niseko, and hot springs give a totally different vibe from central Japan. It is a great choice if you are into winter sports or you like more peaceful places, and it also offers rewarding nature and wildlife experiences in snow-covered landscapes. The cherry blossoms come very late here, normally near the end of April.

Okinawa is a subtropical getaway when the rest of mainland Japan has cooler weather. For the most part, March is quite mild and pleasant as the temperature usually ranges between 15 and 20°C. Although locals hardly go to the beach yet, you can walk along the coastlines, visit historical sites, and enjoy a life that is less hectic without the summer peak crowd on the islands.

The Tohoku region located in northern Honshu stays quite cold in March and the cherry blossoms in this region open later than in Tokyo or Kyoto. On the other hand, it attracts fewer tourists, has beautiful rural landscapes, and there is still snow in the mountain areas. It is an excellent option for those who want to experience an authentic Japan and a peaceful early spring vibe.

Kyushu generally has hotter weather earlier than central Japan and cherry blossoms are seen mostly in this region before other parts. In Fukuoka and Kumamoto, you will enjoy the combination of spring colors and the beauty of the historic castles and volcanic landscapes. If you want a temperate climate and flowers of the season without a lot of tourists, Kyushu is a good choice.

Here are some tips that will make planning your trip to Japan smooth!

The last few days of the month are characterized by extremely high demand, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto during cherry blossom season. Also, research how much a trip to Japan costs to ensure you have everything in order.

Once the blossom forecasts are out, Shinkansen seats and unique cultural events are snapped up very quickly. 

Since March weather is often rainy and unstable, museums, tea ceremonies, and gourmet dining are great fallback plans. 

The exact date of blooming varies each year, therefore, having a flexible schedule makes it easier for you to be at the right place at the right time. 

The first half of the month is less hectic without compromising the seasonal beauty.

If you compare the weather in Japan in March and April, March is a lot more transitional and therefore less predictable. At the beginning of March, it still feels like winter, but the cherry trees start to bloom around the end of the month.

Japan in April is mostly warm, the cherry blossoms are at their best in many areas, and it also gets a lot busier because of the spring holidays.

Japan in March is a great choice if you like seasonal changes and different types of experiences. You can mix the snow scenes in Hokkaido with the first cherry blossoms in Tokyo or Kyoto, have fun at the cultural festivals, and see Japan before the April rush. The weather will need a bit more flexibility, but the upside is variety.

Are you already visualizing your trip to Japan? Then how about you share your plans with Tailored by Locals? A local expert will quickly get in touch and design a private itinerary that is based on your travel style, pace, and interests!