Japan by month
Japan in March
Spring arrives from the south: cherry blossoms open in Fukuoka and Kochi around 22 March and in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka by the last week. Hokkaido is still snowy.
What March is like
March is a month of change. Early March can still feel wintry in Tokyo (14.2°C average high, 5.0°C low), but by the end of the month days of 18–20°C are common. Rain picks up compared with winter.
In the north, winter hangs on: Sapporo averages 4.5°C by day and snow lies on the ground for most of the month, so late-season skiing is still good.
Where to go in March
Follow the cherry blossom front. On average, blossoms open in Fukuoka and Kochi on 22 March, Tokyo and Nagoya on 24 March, Hiroshima on 25 March, Kyoto on 26 March and Osaka on 27 March. Full bloom comes about a week after opening.
Before the blossoms, the Omizutori fire rites at Todaiji in Nara light up the first half of the month.
Planning tips for March
Blossom dates move by a week or more from year to year. Book a trip that covers the last week of March and the first week of April to give yourself the best chance in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Late March is also Japan's spring break and moving season, so trains and hotels get busy. Book cherry blossom hotels three to four months ahead.
Festivals and events
Omizutori at Todaiji東大寺二月堂 修二会（お水取り）
1–14 March · Nara
Giant torches swung from Nigatsudo's balcony each evening.
Typical weather in March
Average daily high and low and total rainfall for the month (1991–2020). Tap a city for its 7-day forecast.
| City | High | Low | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 5°C | -2°C | 78 |
| Asahikawa | 3°C | -6°C | 55 |
| Kushiro | 3°C | -4°C | 56 |
| Aomori | 7°C | -1°C | 75 |
| Akita | 8°C | 0°C | 100 |
| Sendai | 10°C | 1°C | 74 |
| Niigata | 10°C | 2°C | 112 |
| Kanazawa | 12°C | 3°C | 157 |
| Tokyo | 14°C | 5°C | 116 |
| Utsunomiya | 13°C | 2°C | 88 |
| Nagano | 10°C | 0°C | 60 |
| Nagoya | 15°C | 5°C | 116 |
| Osaka | 14°C | 6°C | 103 |
| Takamatsu | 14°C | 5°C | 81 |
| Matsue | 13°C | 4°C | 134 |
| Hiroshima | 15°C | 5°C | 118 |
| Kochi | 16°C | 6°C | 175 |
| Fukuoka | 15°C | 7°C | 104 |
| Kagoshima | 18°C | 9°C | 161 |
| Amami | 20°C | 14°C | 210 |
| Naha | 22°C | 17°C | 143 |
| Ishigaki | 24°C | 19°C | 134 |
Tips
- Pack a light down jacket or warm coat. Evenings under the blossoms can drop to 5°C.
- Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation or local news for the latest blossom forecasts from mid-February.
- Popular hanami parks like Ueno and Maruyama fill up on weekends. Go early in the morning for photos.
Questions travellers ask
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
The average flowering date is 24 March, with full bloom around 31 March.
Is March a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, especially the last week, when cherry blossoms open in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Early March is cooler, with fewer crowds.
Is there still snow in March?
Yes, in Hokkaido, northern Tohoku and the mountains. Sapporo usually keeps snow on the ground until late March.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
All 12 months7-day forecasts for 22 cities
Facts checked 23 October 2026