Absolute Asia/Japan/Japan in March: Weather, Cherry Blossom Timing and Festivals
Japan in March: Weather, Cherry Blossom Timing and Festivals
Japan in March is cool, with plum blossom and the first cherry trees late in the month. Weather in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo, March festivals and how to plan around the bloom.
Quick Overview: Japan in March is cool, with plum blossom and the first cherry trees late in the month. Weather in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo, March festivals and how to plan around the bloom.
Japan in March is cool, with daytime highs around 58°F in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and just 40°F in Sapporo. It’s the month winter lets go: plum trees bloom early, festivals like Hinamatsuri and Nara’s Omizutori fill the first half, and the first cherry blossoms can open in Tokyo and Kyoto late in the month. The bloom date moves by a week or more from year to year, so keep your plans flexible and don’t build the trip around one sakura date.
Japan weather in March
| City | Average high | Average low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 14.2°C / 58°F | 5.0°C / 41°F | 116 mm |
| Kyoto | 14.1°C / 57°F | 4.3°C / 40°F | 106 mm over 11.2 days |
| Osaka | 14.2°C / 58°F | 6.0°C / 43°F | 103 mm over 10.3 days |
| Sapporo | 4.5°C / 40°F | -2.4°C / 28°F | 77.6 mm over 18.3 days |
These are 1991 to 2020 averages from the Japan Meteorological Agency. March is a showery month in Kyoto and Osaka, with rain on about a third of days, so pack a light waterproof. Sapporo is still wintry, and snow is likely.
Cherry blossom timing
The Japan Meteorological Agency publishes the sakura forecast every year, and private forecasters such as Weathernews do too. The forecasts start in the new year, so there isn’t one yet for 2027. For a sense of the swing, Tokyo reached full bloom on 22 March in 2023, nine days earlier than normal, according to Tenki.jp. That puts a normal year’s full bloom in Tokyo around the end of March (our arithmetic from that figure). Treat late March as the start of the blooms in Tokyo and Kyoto and keep a few days of slack on either side. Our cherry blossom season guide goes city by city.
March festivals
Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival, falls on 3 March. Families display dolls for girls’ health and good luck.
In Nara, the Shuni-e ceremony at Todai-ji, known as Omizutori, runs from 1 March to the morning of 15 March. It’s held at the Nigatsu-do hall. Nara is under an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by train, so it works as a day trip.
How to plan a March trip
| Plan | Best for |
|---|---|
| Early March: Kyoto, Nara and Osaka | Festivals, temples and fewer crowds before the bloom |
| Late March: Tokyo and Kyoto | A chance of early cherry blossom; keep dates flexible |
| March in Hokkaido | Winter scenery and snow; see our Hokkaido in winter guide |
For a first-time itinerary, read things to do in Kyoto and see our Japan tours. Our Japan trip cost guide covers budgeting.
Entry rules
US citizens can enter Japan for a short tourist stay without a visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan sets the stay length and conditions, so confirm them on its site before you book. Rules for other passports vary.
Sources: climate normals for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo (Japan Meteorological Agency 1991 to 2020, as compiled on Wikipedia); Hanami; Hinamatsuri; Shuni-e; Tenki.jp on Tokyo’s 2023 full bloom; visa policy of Japan. Last checked 7 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Japan in March?
Cool. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka average highs of about 58°F and lows of 40 to 43°F. Sapporo averages 40°F by day and 28°F at night.
Is March a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, if you’re flexible. Early March has festivals and fewer crowds, and late March can bring the first cherry blossoms, though the date changes every year.
Will the cherry blossoms be out in March?
Sometimes, late in the month in Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo’s 2023 full bloom was on 22 March, nine days earlier than normal, which puts a normal year near the end of March. Forecasts for 2027 come out in the new year.
Does it snow in Japan in March?
In Sapporo and Hokkaido, yes. Sapporo’s average high is 40°F, with rain or snow on about 18 days. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are mostly rain.
What festivals are on in Japan in March?
Hinamatsuri on 3 March, and Omizutori at Todai-ji in Nara from 1 to 15 March.
What should I pack for Japan in March?
Layers, a light coat and a light waterproof. Kyoto and Osaka see rain on about a third of days.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
Not for a short tourist stay. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the current length and conditions.
That puts a normal year’s full bloom in Tokyo around the end of March (our arithmetic from that figure).
Further Reading
Journeys That Go There
