Japan in March 2025: Weather, Best Places, and Travel Tips

In Japan, the peak season of winter usually ends in March. The winter comes to an end in southern Japan and time to embrace the vibrant Spring. This month, Southern Japan will be filled with the aroma of the blooming cherry blossoms. However, the northern part is still cold and you can enjoy skiing and the hot spring in early March. With this guide embark on your March Japan vacation.

Japan's Weather in March

March is the start of spring in Japan. The snow melts in most places and fresh foliage and flowers timidly stretch out. Compared to summer, the rainfall in March remains at a low level. It is a good time for you to do some outdoor activities.

For the nation, the average temperature highs range from 5°C in northern islands like Hokkaido to 14°C in central and 21°C in southern islands such as Kyushu and Honshu.

The average temperature in Tokyo reaches 13°C at the end of March. Slightly warmer than Tokyo and Kyoto, the temperature in Osaka exceeds 14°C in late March.

In the southernmost islands like Okinawa, the temperature is much higher than in other parts with highs exceeding 21°C.

Japan Weather Map in March

Cherry Blossoms Season Starts

The temperature starts rising higher and higher, which means the spring blossoms now emerge. Visiting Japan in March means you may have a chance to encounter the cherry blossoms while wandering through the streets.

Referring to the official forecast of Japan Meteorological Corporation 2024, the peak season of Japan Hanami will last from late March to early April. However, due to the fluctuating temperature, the exact time may vary.

The cherry blossoms in Japan usually last two weeks from the start to the flourishing period. In mid-March, cherry blossoms emerge in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Nagoya and flourish at the end of March.

Cherry Blossoms at Hiromae Park in Aomori

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Where to Go

Tokyo

Visit the Tokyo National Museum, explore the Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine, and many other ancient districts. Tokyo is a place for you to delve into the history and culture of Japan. In Tokyo, you can appreciate the iconic spectacle of cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, Imperial Palace, and Merguro River in late March.

Kyoto

With a mild temperature, there are many unique experiences you can have in this city. You can attend the tea ceremony and watch a Kabuki or Noh performance to learn about kimono culture.

In spring, it may be a special memory to walk through the Arashiyama bamboo grove, embrace the fragrance of bamboo, and find inner peace.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Okinawa

With pleasant weather, Okinawa in March is suitable for many outdoor activities such as hiking. There are some beaches begin opening for swimming. With an 18°C average in the daytime, the weather in Okinawa is already summer-like on some sunny days.

You may have a chance to see Sakura in early March in Okinawa. The cherry blossoms in Okinawa will bloom in mid-February and flourish at the end of February.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima in March means you can enjoy this city with fewer tourists. Appreciating the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and learning the history of World War II in Japan. To think about the cruelty of war and the precious of peace.

Hiking on Miyajima Island is another good choice for your Hiroshima tour in March. Appreciate the famous floating torii gate and look for the two-storied Tahoto Pagoda. You can see the cherry trees planted around the pagoda start to bloom in spring.

Nara

Nara has four distinct seasons and you cannot miss the spring of Nara. It is the ideal time to go picnic, bike ride, and see blooming flowers. You can visit Nara Park to feed the Nara deer under the cherry blossoms in late March. It must be an unforgettable memory.

And there are many local festivals to celebrate the beginning of spring that you can attend. The Omizutori Festival is also held in Nara in the first two weeks of March.

Deers in Nara Park

What to See & Do in March

Celebrate Hanami: Cherry Blossoms

Known as one of the most famous icons of Japan, Hanami is the most expected event for late March and April. Most of the cherry blossoms will bloom in late March and flourish in early April. However, if you arrive in Japan in the middle of March, you can still have a chance to see the Sakura in the southern part of Japan.

You can dress in the local customs and picnic under the Sakura tree. Surrounded by the soft aroma of cherry blossoms and enjoying the gentle breeze and warm sunshine of spring.

Smell the Sweet Fragrance of Plum Flowers

Early February to early March is the exact time for you to appreciate plum flowers. It is not as famous as cherry blossoms, but it has unique characters. Plum flowers bloom in the cold winter and have their special sweet aroma.

If you are planning a Japan tour in early March, don't miss plum flowers. You can also enjoy umeshu - a sweet alcoholic beverage, and the umeboshi - sour and pickled plum after appreciating plum flowers.

The Plum Flowers in Japan

Enjoy Onsen in Early Spring

It is also a good choice to enjoy the onsen in March. You can choose onsens with indoor and outdoor baths to enjoy different environments in Hokkaido during early March. You may still have a chance to see the snowfall. The temperature rises from mid-March, which means you can enjoy the outdoor onsens.

The Onsen in Hakone is famous for its great view of Fuji Mountain, Lake Ashi, and lush valleys. Moreover, you can enjoy the diverse and high water quality of onsen in Hakone. Soaking in an onsen and relaxing, forgetting everything but just enjoying your time.

Strawberry in March

It is the prime strawberry season in Japan! Due to the careful cultivation technique and cool winter temperature, Japanese strawberries are famously delicious. There are many famous farms which will hold a strawberry festival in March. You can reserve a strawberry-picking experience to taste the fresh and delicious berries.

The price of strawberries in Japan may be higher than in other countries, but don't be afraid to splurge, because it deserves it!

Skiing in Hokkaido

In the northern part of Japan, the temperature is low but higher than in the previous two months. It is still cold in Hokkaido and you can plan your ski tour in early March.

The rainfalls start in late March and the snow may fall with the rains which means the condition of skiing may not be that safe and comfortable. Ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano can still be reserved in early March, and you can enjoy the amazing powder snow.

Skiing in Hokkaido

Events & Festivals

Inabe Plum Festival

Inabe Plum Grove is known as one of the best places to see plum flowers. The festival usually last from late February to late March, you can check the exact time before your Japan tour. During the festival, there are also some plum products to be sold, such as plum juice, plum jam, plum wine, and more.

Grand Sumo Tournament

You should not miss this exciting event when traveling to Japan in March. Sumo is a full-contact wrestling competition, considered the national sport of Japan. For the Japanese, it reflects traditional values of discipline, respect, and honor.

In 2025, you can watch the Sumo in Osaka from March 9 to 23 according to the schedule published by Japan Sumo Association.

Omizutori Festival

Omizutori is a Buddhist festival held in Todaiji Temple in Nara, which is usually held in the first two weeks of March (March 1 to 14). It is a symbol of the start of spring. It is a marvelous and stunning festival which leads you to learn the local culture of Japan.

You can see giant burning torches, magnificent fire ceremonies, and the dramatic water-drawing ceremony. Remember to dress warmly, and be respectful during rituals.

Tsunan Snow Festival

This festival is on March 8th, 2025, located in Niigata. Known as Yukiguni (snow country), Niigata Prefecture is famous for its heavy snowfall. You can see a unique wonderland here filled with white snow.

You may be surprised by the scene of more than 2000 flying sky lanterns in the night during the festival. And here, you can enjoy your journey with fewer tourists than other cities, for it is a destination off the beaten.

Crowds & Costs

This month is during the shoulder season between the peak season of winter activities and the spring peak Hanami season. In early March, it will be less crowded because the famous hanami will happen at the end of March. So you can enjoy a lower discount at the beginning of March.

However, tourists come to Japan to appreciate Sakura from late March making most cities of this country crowded and hard to reserve accommodations and other tickets. The prices of hotel and flight tickets may be higher than usual.

If you are planning for a Japan tour in late March to see cherry blossoms, it is wise for you to make your plan one year in advance.

Travel Tips for Traveling Japan in March

Clothing Tips

Though it is not as cold as winter, the temperature varies between day and night. So it is important to bring enough clothes for wearing layers.

Choose Work Day to Visit Hot Attractions

It is a good choice to visit the most popular attractions during workdays to avoid crowds, especially during the hanami period.

Taste the Seasonal Delicacies

Fresh seafood, sakura-themed treats, and unique spring vegetables are what you should not miss in March. Remember to try some seasonal delicacies during your March Japan tour.

The Seasonal Delicacies in Japan

Enjoy Colorful Japan in March

Get ready for your Japan tour? Colorful blossoms, green foliage, and fresh ingredients to satisfy your appetite. You should not miss a tour to Japan in March. Escape from the hustle and bustle to find the serene and create lifetime memories in an exotic country.