March is considered one of the best months to visit Japan, thanks to its mild weather, colorful blooms, and vibrant cultural events. As winter wanes, plum and early cherry blossoms emerge in warmer areas like Tokyo and Osaka, hinting at spring before April’s main sakura rush.

What makes March truly special is the unique blend of seasons you can experience in one trip. In northern areas like Hokkaido and Tohoku, cold-weather lovers can still cling to winter’s joys with snowy activities like skiing and snowboarding, followed by a soothing dip in an onsen (hot spring).

Then, just a few days later, you could be picnicking under blooming trees in a southern park or strolling through quieter temple gardens near iconic Mount Fuji before the spring rush hits. Meanwhile, regions like Shikoku remain less crowded, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of major hubs.

The month also shines with cultural highlights. On March 3, Hinamatsuri brings colorful doll displays to homes and public spaces, kicking off a festive vibe. In Kyoto, the illuminated Higashiyama Hanatouro festival lights up the night, while Osaka hosts the thrilling March Sumo Tournament—an afternoon of live matches not to be missed.

These events, paired with Japan “waking up” for spring—communities celebrating, trees budding, and a cheerful atmosphere—make March a particularly popular time with travelers from the U.S., UK, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and Thailand. (Though, fun fact: October to December tend to draw more visitors from Asia and Oceania.)

Weather in March varies across Japan’s different regions, so it’s important to know the general climate in the areas you plan to visit. Overall, March is the start of spring in Japan, but temperatures still range from chilly in the north to mild in the south.

Northern Japan (Hokkaido/Tohoku) – It’s still cold and wintery in Hokkaido during March. Average temperatures in Sapporo range from around 3.4°C/38°F, while Sendai sees average temperatures of 7.8°C/46°F.

Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) – Honshu’s central regions have cool mornings and pleasantly mild afternoons in March. For example, Tokyo typically sees temperatures around 11.4°C/53°F. Similarly, Kyoto and Osaka are cool early in the month and gradually warm up toward the end.

Southern Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku) – The farther south you go, the warmer March gets. Fukuoka will see average daily temperatures of 12.8°C/55°F, and by mid to late March, southern Japan feels like full spring – a great time for outdoor sightseeing.

Okinawa (Southern Islands) – Okinawa is much warmer and more tropical. In March, Okinawa’s temperatures are about 20.2°C/68°F, meaning you can sometimes wear T-shirts during the day. It’s not hot like summer, but it’s warm enough to enjoy the beach scenery (though ocean swimming might still be a bit cool for some).

Across Japan, March's relative humidity levels are comfortable, ranging from 57% (Tokyo) to 71% (Naha).

Packing smart for March in Japan will help you stay comfortable as the weather changes from morning to afternoon and from region to region. Here are some practical packing tips for this time of year.

One of the exciting things about Japan in March is that different regions offer very different experiences, from snowy mountains to blooming gardens. Here are some destinations and seasonal highlights to consider.

March is a superb month for exploring Osaka. Osaka has the least precipitation in March amongst Japan’s major cities (only 10.3 cm / 4 in) so you’re less likely to face complications or the need to change plans due to rainy days. Temperatures will still be cool in the mornings and evenings, with clear, refreshing afternoons, making for great cherry blossom hunting weather.

As “Japan’s Kitchen,” Osaka is a particularly fun destination if you want to maximize your foodie experience and get shots for the ‘Gram. Globally-known standards like sushi and ramen are always going to be must-tries when visiting Japan, and Osaka has impressive dishes to add even more to your dining pleasure, especially in the form of street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and more. Check out our Osaka food guide for more treats and where to find them.

Osaka has great sightseeing options, ranging from Osaka Castle and the classic Shinsekai area to Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium. Of course, walking along Osaka’s many iconic shopping arcades or taking a riverboat tour are also must-try ways to take in all this lively city has to offer. If you’re looking for a different perspective on the city, the Umeda Sky Building and Abeno Harukas offer excellent views. From April 13 until October 13, 2025, Osaka will host the World Expo, and in the leadup the city will be exciting to visit.

Often overlooked on the Shinkansen (bullet train) ride between more well-known and frequented Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya has recently become something of a hidden gem for family-friendly fun.

Legoland Japan, opened in 2017, delights kids with Lego-themed rides, activities, and shows like Ninjago Live, plus dining, a gift shop, and a hotel for easy visits. Ghibli Park, launched in 2022 within Moricoro Park, brings Studio Ghibli’s magic to life across five imaginative areas, with dining and shops enhancing the experience.

Nagashima Spa Land offers hot springs, gardens, and a top amusement park with rides for all ages. Little ones love the Anpanman Children’s Museum, while Nabana-no-Sato’s 6-million-LED light show—featuring Mt. Fuji themes and tunnels—wows everyone.

In the city itself, Nagoya Castle stands as one of Japan’s grander fortresses, its striking silhouette crowned by twin golden kinshachi (mythical fish) gleaming atop the roof. Rebuilt after wartime damage, the interior blends modern elements with exhibits and seasonal displays. Within the castle grounds, Hommaru Palace dazzles with its Edo-period architecture and intricate design—both are ideal for school-aged or older kids eager to explore Japanese history and culture.

Also centrally located, the Nagoya City Science Museum offers an interactive, educational experience, highlighted by the world’s largest planetarium. For families with transportation enthusiasts, the Toyota Automobile Museum (near Ghibli Park) and the SCMaglev and Railway Park (close to Legoland) are excellent additions to the itinerary.

Simply stated, best place for great scenery in March is Tokyo. “What!? A city!?” you say. That’s right, and one word in reply: sakura. It’s all about cherry blossoms and Tokyo is home to a wealth of easy to get to blossom viewing spots that will leave a lifeline impression.

Scenes of pink and white blossoms along rivers and waterways against a backdrop of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or the Imperial Palace, or tunnels of blossoms stretching on with hundreds of trees are the scenes of dreams and countless anime.

Check out places like Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, and Meguro River, just to name a few. For 2025, the sakura are expected to bloom around the last week of March with peak bloom around the end of the month to early April, depending on the location.

Less than 30 minutes from Osaka by Shinkansen and only about 45 minutes by regular railways, Kobe is an easily accessible place to avoid the larger crowds found in Osaka or Kyoto.

A fascinating blend of old and new, Japanese and Western, Kobe is a port city full of choices for exploration. Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe’s Chinatown, is a much-beloved cross-cultural experience, popular for its wide variety of Chinese food options and colorful streets. Other nearby neighborhoods showcase 19th century Western homes, and not far from the city you can unwind in an onsen (hotspring) resort or explore sake-making culture. Boat tours of the port are a relaxing way to further explore the area as are the shopping centers around the port.

Mt. Fuji & Hakone (Kanagawa) – While hiking on Mt. Fuji isn’t possible in March, spectacular views of the snow-capped summit of one of the world’s most recognizable mountains is well worth a day trip from Tokyo. Plus, seeing Mt. Fuji in all its splendor from a retro “pirate ship” on the waters of Lake Ashino with cherry blossoms along the shore makes for plenty of share-worthy photos from almost any angle.

Kamakura and Enoshima (Kanagawa) – Also in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura is a popular day trip destination throughout the year. Like most places in central and southern Japan, March marks the beginning of the cherry blossom season, so you should be able to get an added visual bonus if you’re visiting later in the month. Kamakura’s famous Buddha statue is the city’s most iconic symbol and a must visit, while hiking in areas around the city is a great way to appreciate the early spring scenery. Nearby, Enoshima Island is home to the Enoshima Sea Candle observation and lighthouse, which offers refreshing seaside views.

Himeji Castle (Hyogo) – Himeji Castle is an impressive sight to say the least. Japan’s largest castle towers over the city of Himeji as a living monument to Japan’s feudal past. In spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms give the castle grounds an even more eye-catching appearance.

Nara (Nara) – Japan’s former capital in centuries past, it’s now most well-known for the imposing Todaiji Temple complex and Nara Park, home to deer that roam freely throughout the park. The city’s vicinity to Kyoto (only about an hour away on public transportation) and impressive shrines and temples make it a must-see destination if you’re in Kyoto.

Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival (Hokkaido; through March 9) – Taking place annually for over 40 years, this central Hokkaido festival celebrates the beauty of winter through ice sculptures, light shows, and more.

Shuni-e (Omizutori Festival) (Nara; March 1-14) – This Buddhist festival has been held in spring for the past 1,270 years, with water and fire as symbols of purification. Long torches – over 5 meters/15 feet – are ignited nightly over the course of this two-week festival, creating an inspiring sight.

Hinamatsuri (Nationwide; March 3) - Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is celebrated annually on March 3. The festival honors young girls, wishing them happiness and continued growth, with the display of hina dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians as the primary symbol of the festivities. Peach blossoms and colorful rice crackers are also a part of the pageantry. Although hinamatsuri is celebrated nationwide, especially worth checking out are the Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri (Katsuura, Chiba) and the Iwatsuki City of Dolls Machikado Hinameguri (Iwatsuki, Saitama). Read more about these events at the link below.

Mount Takao Fire Walking Festival (Tokyo; March 9) - The Hiwatari Matsuri festival takes place annually on the second Sunday of March at Yakuo-in Temple at the base of Mt. Takao, just outside Tokyo. As part of the practice of Shugendo, Buddhist monks walk barefoot across an eight square meter bed of burning embers. Onlookers are even invited to walk across the coals, if you dare!

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo; Late March to early April) – Taking place in Ueno Park – a prime cherry blossom viewing location for 400 years – the Sakura Matsuri highlights both the natural beauty of spring and Japan’s cultural heritage through traditional dance and music performances, a flower market, and an antique market.

Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Parade (Osaka; March 1) – This historical parade in Daito City, Osaka features participants dressed in historical samurai armor and clothing as well as mock-battles. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with Japan’s history.

Higashiyama Hanatoro (Kyoto; Early to mid-March) – In the evenings of early March, Kyoto’s Higashiyama district takes on an enchanting air as thousands of paper lanterns line the classic path from Shoren-in Temple to Kiyomizudera Temple.

Nishinomaru Garden Cherry Blossom Nighttime Illumination (Osaka; Late March to early April) – As cherry blossoms begin to bloom in late March, Osaka Castle Park hosts Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing in its Nishinomaru Garden. With over 3,000 cherry trees, the castle park is an excellent place to immerse yourself in Japan’s cherry blossom culture.

Go Karting (Tokyo) – Calling all kart fans! Are you ready to get behind the wheel of your very own go-kart and cruise the streets of Shibuya and elsewhere? This is a drive you’ll never forget – but no banana peels or Koopa shells, we promise!

Bus Tours (Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto) – If it’s your first trip to Japan, bus tours are a super-convenient way to see many of the sights at one go, helping you then decide what area to spend more time in next. With an extensive itinerary of the most popular destinations around the city, you’ll be able to check them out hassle-free.

Tokyo Marathon (Tokyo; March 2) – One of the seven World Marathon Majors, this race is amongst the world’s premier races with over 300,000 participants annually.

Sumo Wrestling (Osaka; March 9 - 23) - The second of the six major sumo tournaments that take place each year is held over two weeks at the EDION Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium).

Nagoya Women’s Marathon (Nagoya; March 9) – Holding the Guinness World Record for the largest women’s marathon, this internationally-ranked race draws participants and spectators from around the world.

Japanese cuisine shines with seasonal flavors, and March brings spring specialties. Here’s what to try.

Make your March trip smooth and memorable with these practical tips.