Japan in March is a country in beautiful transition, caught between the lingering chill of winter and the hopeful warmth of spring. It’s a month of celebration, anticipation, and natural wonder, where centuries-old traditions flourish against a backdrop of awakening nature. As someone who has experienced the unique magic of Japan during this special time, Designer Journeys is delighted to share what makes March such an extraordinary month to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.
Post Contents
The Dance of the Cherry Blossoms
Perhaps nothing symbolises Japan in March more perfectly than the sakura, or cherry blossoms. These delicate pink flowers capture the essence of Japanese aesthetics – beautiful, ephemeral and deeply meaningful. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms represent the transient nature of life, a reminder to appreciate beauty while it lasts.
The tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, is a major cultural event.
Early to mid-March typically marks the beginning of the cherry blossom season in the southern regions of Japan, gradually moving northward as the month progresses. The excitement is palpable as cherry blossoms start blooming in Kyushu and Shikoku, with locals and tourists alike monitoring daily forecasts. By late March, many parts of central Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto, start seeing the first blooms, which usually reach their peak in early April.
The shores of Lake Biwa offer numerous locations for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring.
Are you planning a trip to Japan?
Browse our gallery of fully customisable Japan itineraries and connect with one of our expert Local Designers to get you started! Designer Journeys can design your ultimate experience and offers hand-crafted itineraries built by experienced Local Designers who have first-hand knowledge of the destination.
The Japanese weather bureau even tracks the “cherry blossom front” (sakura zensen) as it moves up the archipelago, and locals follow these forecasts with religious devotion. The precision with which the Japanese plan their hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties speaks to the cultural significance of this annual phenomenon.
The ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms complements the enduring strength and history.
In Tokyo, Ueno Park transforms into a magnificent pink canopy, with over 1,000 cherry trees drawing massive crowds. Meanwhile, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path becomes a tunnel of blossoms alongside a peaceful canal – a perfect setting for contemplative walks. These popular viewing spots fill with revellers enjoying picnics under the blooming trees, a tradition that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185).
Cherry blossoms are often planted around Japanese castles.
For those arriving in early March who might miss the cherry blossoms, there’s a splendid alternative: plum blossoms. These flowers, which bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, offer their own distinct beauty with colours ranging from pure white to vibrant pink and rich magenta.
Cherry Blossom Festivals
March heralds the beginning of cherry blossom festivals across Japan, each with its own unique character. The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival in Tokyo is particularly enchanting, with pink lanterns illuminating the canal lined with cherry trees, creating magical reflections in the water below. Food stalls selling sakura-themed delicacies line the waterway, offering everything from cherry blossom tea to sakura mochi.
Typically held in late March to early April, coinciding with the peak cherry blossom blooming period.
In Kyoto, the Daigo-ji Temple Cherry Blossom Festival recreates a famous historical cherry blossom viewing party from 1598, when the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi held an extravagant hanami celebration with 1,300 guests. The festival includes a colourful procession of people in period costumes, traditional music, and dance performances.
Daigo-ji Temple with cherry blossoms.
Festival Season
March in Japan is rich with festivals and celebrations that offer glimpses into the nation’s cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival)
On the 3rd of March, Japan celebrates Hina Matsuri, also known as the Doll Festival or Girls’ Day. Families with daughters display elaborate collections of ornamental dolls (hina-ningyo) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress. These beautiful displays, often arranged on five to seven-tiered platforms covered with red cloth, are believed to protect girls from misfortune.
It is a special day to pray for the health, happiness, and future well-being of girls.
Young girls dressed in vibrant kimonos can be seen visiting friends’ homes to admire their doll displays or attending special community events. The sight of these children, some as young as three or four, solemnly observing centuries-old traditions, provides a touching glimpse into how Japanese culture is passed down through generations.
Omizutori at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple
One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist ceremonies, Omizutori (water-drawing) takes place annually at Todai-ji Temple in Nara during the first two weeks of March. The highlight occurs each evening when monks carrying massive flaming torches run along the temple’s balcony, showering sparks onto the crowd below. This spectacular fire ritual, known as Otaimatsu, is believed to cleanse spectators of their sins.
Todai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan. The main ritual takes place at Nigatsu-do Hall.
The ancient Buddhist temple, which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, becomes the stage for this 1,250-year-old ritual that combines religious devotion with breathtaking spectacle. The monks’ chanting echoes through the cavernous wooden structure as they perform rites that have remained largely unchanged since the Nara period.
Design your perfect Japan trip today!
Work with your expert local travel designer to customise your itinerary so it is exactly what you want from a Japan trip. Get exclusive experiences, top-rated restaurants, and hotels that fit your interests.
The Golden Dragon Dance
In Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, March visitors might be fortunate enough to witness the spectacular Golden Dragon Dance (Kinryu no Mai). This impressive ritual features a 18-metre golden dragon, requiring multiple performers to animate it as it winds through the temple grounds to the accompaniment of traditional flutes and drums.
The golden dragon is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and the protection of Senso-ji Temple.
The shimmering scales of the dragon catch the light as it weaves through crowds of awestruck spectators. The dance, performed to pray for prosperity and good harvests, exemplifies the blend of religious tradition and artistic expression that characterises so many Japanese cultural practices. The sight of the massive golden creature undulating against the backdrop of the ancient temple creates an unforgettable scene that seems to bridge the material and spiritual worlds.
Tsunan Snow Festival
For those venturing to the Japanese Alps in early March, the Tsunan Snow Festival in Niigata Prefecture offers a breathtaking night sky illuminated by hundreds of hot air balloons and lanterns against the snow-covered landscape. This lesser-known festival provides a magical experience away from the more touristy areas.
Tsunan Snow Festival.
The Sporting Calendar
March is also an exciting time for sports enthusiasts visiting Japan.
Grand Sumo Tournament
The Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka, held for 15 days in mid-March, allows you to witness Japan’s national sport at its most authentic. Watching massive wrestlers engage in bouts that often last mere seconds, surrounded by centuries of ritual and tradition, is an unforgettable cultural experience.
Sumo wrestlers are ranked in a hierarchical system, with the yokozuna being the highest rank.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, though same-day balcony seats are sometimes available for those willing to queue early. The atmosphere inside the arena is electric, with devoted fans following the fortunes of their favourite wrestlers with passionate intensity.
Winter Sports
For those who enjoy winter activities, March offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in Japan. While the cherry blossoms might be appearing in Tokyo, the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido still boast excellent snow coverage and generally milder temperatures than the heart of winter, creating perfect conditions for spring skiing.
Backcountry skiing in Niseko offers access to vast areas of ungroomed, outside the ski resort boundaries.
Resorts like Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in the Japan Alps offer world-class facilities and breathtaking mountain scenery. The unique opportunity to enjoy winter sports in the morning and then potentially travel to see early cherry blossoms in lower elevations makes March a particularly versatile time for active visitors.
Weather and What to Pack
Japan in March is characterised by its transitional weather. The month begins with winter’s final breath and ends with spring’s tentative arrival. This variation means travellers should be prepared for a range of conditions.
In Tokyo and Kyoto, daytime temperatures typically range from 10-15°C (50-59°F), though nights can still be quite chilly. Southern regions like Kyushu and Okinawa enjoy warmer temperatures, often reaching the high teens. Northern areas and higher elevations remain cooler, with potential for late-season snowfall.
Rainfall increases slightly as March progresses, heralding the approach of spring, though it’s far from the intense downpours of the rainy season that arrives in June.
When packing for Japan in March, layering is essential. A medium-weight coat or jacket is recommended, along with sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. A light waterproof jacket will serve you well for occasional showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as exploring Japan typically involves covering significant distances on foot.
Culinary Delights of Early Spring
March brings its own seasonal specialities to Japanese cuisine, which famously celebrates the changing seasons through food.
Fresh bamboo shoots (takenoko) begin appearing in dishes like takenoko gohan (bamboo shoot rice) and nimono (simmered dishes). Wild mountain vegetables (sansai) also feature prominently, offering unique flavours that have sustained Japanese cuisine for centuries.
Takenoko No Nimono (Simmered Bamboo Shoots).
March is also an excellent time to enjoy strawberries, which reach their peak sweetness. Look for ichigo daifuku (strawberries wrapped in sweet mochi rice cake) and strawberry parfaits in cafés throughout the country.
Ichigo daifuku is a popular type of wagashi, or traditional Japanese confectionery.
Visiting food stalls at festivals provides another dimension to Japan’s culinary landscape. From sweet taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste) to savoury takoyaki (octopus balls), these casual eating experiences are as much a part of Japanese culture as fine dining.
Taiyaki is a popular sweet treat often sold by street vendors and at festivals in Japan.
Off the Beaten Path
While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka justifiably draw the majority of visitors, March is an ideal time to explore some of Japan’s less-visited regions.
Takayama
This beautifully preserved old town in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture offers a glimpse into Edo-period Japan with its wooden merchant houses and morning markets. By March, the heavy snows have typically subsided, making it easier to explore the town’s narrow streets and sample its famous Hida beef.
Takayama is known for its beautifully preserved old town, particularly the Sanmachi Suji district.
Kinosaki Onsen
This charming hot spring town on the Japan Sea coast is at its most atmospheric in March, when there’s still a nip in the air that makes soaking in the healing waters particularly satisfying. Visitors dressed in yukata (light cotton kimono) stroll between the seven public baths, creating a scene that has changed little over the centuries.
The “soto-yu meguri” (visiting the outside baths) is a central part of the Kinosaki experience.
Izu Peninsula
Just a short journey from Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula offers early cherry blossoms, coastal scenery, and excellent onsen. March visitors can enjoy the area’s natural beauty without the crowds that flock to more famous cherry blossom destinations.
The peninsula is known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs (onsen), and scenic coastline.
Practical Tips for March Travel
Accommodation
March sees an increase in domestic tourism, particularly around cherry blossom season and during school holidays. Booking accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended, especially in popular areas like Kyoto and Tokyo.
Transportation
The Japan Rail Pass remains one of the best investments for foreign visitors planning to travel between cities. Within urban areas, prepaid IC cards like Suica or Pasmo offer convenience for buses, metros, and even purchases at convenience stores.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Etiquette
If you’re fortunate enough to visit during cherry blossom season, remember that hanami spots in parks can get extremely crowded. It’s customary to bring a tarpaulin or picnic mat to sit on under the trees. Always clean up thoroughly after yourself, as Japanese culture places great emphasis on maintaining clean public spaces.
Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!
For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
March in Japan offers visitors a unique window into the soul of this fascinating country. The transient beauty of the cherry blossoms serves as a poignant reminder of the Japanese concept of “mono no aware” – the pathos of things, or the awareness of impermanence.
The experience of standing beneath blossoming trees, watching pink petals float down like snow. And then surrounded by locals celebrating this fleeting moment, encapsulates what makes travel to Japan so rewarding. It’s not just about seeing remarkable sights, but about participating in a culture that finds profound meaning in the changing seasons and celebrates them with appropriate reverence.
Visit Japan in the other months? Explore our Japan travel guide for an unforgettable journey.
