During the final week in February 2018, Tokyo saw some very spring-like days, with temperatures in the 20°C range (upper 60s°F). Although the first few weeks in March generally ping-pong between warm and cold, daily highs generally rise as spring nears closer.

Although Tokyo saw a fair amount of rain in the previous week, blue skies are in the forecast for the first part of this one, with temperatures on the rise. Toward the middle of the week, we’ll see daytime highs in the upper 20°C range (upper 60s°F), making it seem almost like early summer! Everyone seems to be talking about the cherry blossoms. Recently on TV, after the weather forecast is shown, the blossom forecast has been displayed. We’ll be updating you too on how the blossoms are looking!

On March 17, 2018 the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms had begun flowering in Tokyo. While many of the other types have not yet bloomed in Tokyo, many are in the process of budding, with the date of their bloom depending on their location and type of tree. Although the blossoms are not yet near full bloom, it is just a short while before they burst into view.

Cherry blossoms have begun showing their colors in Tokyo and many other areas, with full bloom expected in a few days. This past weekend saw a great number of sightseers in parks and other areas enjoying the blossoms together with friends and family.

At last, sakura season has arrived! Last week had heavy rain and wavering temperatures, but the week ahead seems to be looking towards sunny skies and warm spring weather.

Temperatures fitting for early summer (25°C/77°F) are expected, with daily highs in the mid-20s (70s). It seems the warm, sunny spring weather will continue during the day, however early mornings and evenings will see dips around the 10 (50) mark, so a jacket and warm outerwear are recommended.

During the day, layers are recommended – with a short-sleeved shirt under a long-sleeved one being quite comfortable and able to help keep you warm when the day cools.

Hinamatsuri (March 3) Festival in Katsuura!
The tradition of the Hinamatsuri – “Dolls Festival” – traces back over 1,000 years, and is a time when families and communities come together to pray for the good fortune and success of girls.

Every year on March 3, the fishing town of Katsuura, located in southeastern Chiba Prefecture, becomes host to one of the largest Hinamatsuri festivals in Japan, with crowds of people visiting doll displays around the town’s historical neighborhoods. Among the most popular sights is at Tomisaki Shrine, where some 1,800 hina dolls line the shrine’s steps. It’s really quite something to see!

Supermarkets tend to have a section dedicated especially to Hinamatsuri-related foods and treats! For the festival, people make “chirashi sushi”, a kind of sushi salad made by combining various ingredients with vinegared rice.

Strawberries are in season! Supermarkets are carrying a wide variety of strawberries!
Spring is strawberry season! From March, supermarket shelves start to fill up with strawberries and products containing them. Each pack is around 300 yen. Now, white strawberries are also on sale (yes, they’re ripe!) along with a variety of other types. Tochigi Prefecture (about 2 hours away from Tokyo) and Fukuoka Prefecture (in Kyushu) are main production areas; the strawberries are grown in hothouses and ripen just in time to kick off spring. In many areas, strawberry farms open their doors to the public to enjoy picking (and eating) as well!

In the beginning of the month, expect a mix of cloudy and rainy days along with the sunny ones. Daytime highs are not expected to be high, though they aren’t expected to fall beneath 10°C (50°F) either.

When you see people walking around outside, many have transitioned to wearing lighter spring jackets as opposed to down jackets.

Also, as you can imagine from the photos, many people are also wearing masks! This is because Japan is now in the middle of its cedar pollen season, and according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health (12/2017 data), nearly half (48.8%) of everyone living in Tokyo has hay fever!

While many tourists who come to Japan this season are often surprised by the number of people wearing masks, something to consider is that Japanese pollen is somewhat different from pollen in their native countries.

If you have seasonal allergies, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll experience them in Japan – however you may want to bring allergy medication with you just in case. (Also keep in mind that you can buy a mask at drugstores and convenience stores should the need arise!)

Toward the middle of March, while mornings and evenings are still somewhat brisk, during the daytime it’s warm enough where people are wearing light jackets – or doing away with coats altogether. You may see highs around 22°C (72°F), so a coat probably won’t be necessary during the day! However, as temperatures will continue to be cool in the morning and evening, be sure to bring something warm with you when you go out.

Cherry blossoms are also forecast to bloom slightly earlier than expected! According to the Japan Weather Association, the predicted initial blooming date for 2018 in Tokyo is March 22, with full bloom reached around March 29. Live Japan will be continuing to report on how the sakura are looking around town!

As spring approaches, sakura sweets take center stage at convenience stores, supermarkets and food stalls around town. Many are just 150 yen apiece!

In late March, the weather is becoming quite comfortable.
We briefly interviewed two university students who were strolling about in Ginza. It was warm the day we snapped the photo and both ladies were wearing spring jackets and regular shoes instead of boots. Gorgeous spring colors like yellows and pinks also now are more commonly seen on the streets of Tokyo.

“Since it’s still cool in the morning, I more conscious of layers I can take off during the day. When I’m walking indoors or during the day, I can take off my jacket and hold it in my hand as I move around,” commented one of them.
“I love this season! I can hardly wait for spring to arrive,” beamed the other. “Speaking of which, pink is the color of the season. I’m looking to incorporate the color into my outfit and accessories.” Listening to these comments, it seems many people can’t wait for spring to arrive. It’s just around the corner!