The week starts off with a mix of sun and clouds across much of Japan, but a front moving through around March 18–19 will bring a broader round of rain or snow to many areas. Conditions should gradually settle from March 20 onward, with clearer skies returning in some regions by the weekend. Temperatures will stay chilly in the north, mild around central Japan, and warm in the south.

From March 18 to 19, a front will move across western and eastern Japan, while another low-pressure system passes through northeastern China and sends its front across northern Japan on March 19. From March 20 to 21, that front will shift south of Japan. At the same time, high pressure near the Yellow Sea will help stabilize conditions from March 20 to 22, with part of that system extending toward eastern Japan by March 21.

No typhoons are currently in the forecast for this week in Japan.

Japan's typhoon season runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. During a typhoon, transit delays and cancellations can be expected. Be sure to stay updated on the latest weather and flight information. For real-time updates on railways and airports, visit LIVE JAPAN's transport information page.

March in Japan marks a gentle shift from winter to spring. The air softens, though a light chill lingers, and the landscape begins to glow with deep pink plum blossoms and the first early-blooming cherry blossoms, such as Kawazu-zakura, in warmer areas.

This is also when the main cherry blossom season begins to unfold. In Tokyo, blooms typically open around March 18, followed by Kyoto around March 22 and Osaka around March 23, with full bloom arriving roughly a week later in each city.

It is the season of “Sanko-Chon,” when three colder days are followed by four milder ones, creating ever-changing conditions. In the north, ski season winds down, while in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, terrace dining and garden strolls begin to feel inviting again.

Seasonal flavors turn fresh and slightly bitter, with bamboo shoots, sweet strawberries, and sakura-inspired treats appearing in shops and restaurants. As the school year wraps up in late March, a celebratory buzz fills the air, making it an especially lively time.

Tokyo will have a mostly cloudy week, with occasional light rain becoming more likely around the middle to latter half of the week. Even so, temperatures will slowly inch upward, with daytime highs rising from around 14°C (57°F) to 17°C (63°F), while mornings and evenings stay cool at roughly 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F). It will feel like early spring, but with enough damp weather to make it worth planning flexible indoor options.

Sapporo starts the week with a mix of sun and clouds, then turns cloudier with a chance of rain or wet snow around midweek. Temperatures begin near freezing in the mornings, but afternoons will gradually warm from about 6°C (43°F) to 10°C (50°F) by the weekend. It will still feel brisk overall, though conditions look a little calmer later in the week.

Sendai will see a mix of sun and clouds this week, with a chance of light rain around midweek. Temperatures stay fairly steady, with daytime highs around 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F) and nighttime lows between 1°C and 4°C (34°F to 39°F). Afternoons should feel fairly comfortable, but mornings and nights will still be cold.

Osaka begins the week with bright, crisp weather before cloudier skies and rain arrive around midweek. The wetter stretch looks fairly brief, and conditions should improve again in time for a mix of sun and clouds over the weekend. Highs will stay in the mid to upper teens, around 15°C to 17°C (59°F to 63°F), while lows remain cool at about 5°C to 8°C (41°F to 46°F).

Fukuoka will have a generally pleasant week, with some sunshine at first, a brief spell of rain around midweek, and then cloudier but stable weather before brighter skies return. Daytime highs stay mild and fairly steady at around 17°C to 19°C (63°F to 66°F), while mornings sit near 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F). It should feel comfortable overall, though the air may feel a bit damp during the wetter stretch.

Naha starts the week with sunny, warm weather, but clouds will gradually increase as the week goes on, with light rain becoming more likely toward the weekend. Temperatures stay quite warm throughout, with highs in the upper 20s, around 27°C to 28°C (81°F to 82°F), and lows in the low 20s, around 21°C to 23°C (70°F to 73°F). It will feel humid and closer to early summer than spring.

The forecast was AI-generated and then human-edited. Source for forecast and images: Japan Meteorological Agency website (www.jma.go.jp)

Whether you're planning to be in Japan this week or later this year, check out these fun things you can add to your itinerary!