March in Japan

Crowds slowly increase toward the end of the month as sakura season approaches.

Here’s what March looks like across Japan 👇

🌸 Where to Go in March (and why)

TOKYO

Ueno Park
One of Tokyo’s main cherry blossom spots. Peak usually late March.

Meguro River
Famous cherry blossom-lined canal. Best from late March.

Shinjuku Gyoen
Long blooming period with early and late varieties.

Chidorigafuchi (Imperial Palace area)
Cherry blossoms around the moat with boat rentals.

Rikugien Garden
Famous illuminated weeping cherry tree.

Showa Kinen Park
Large flower festival starts late March. Early tulips and spring blooms.

Obviously the most popular places. You’ll have many more on the guide with the “cherry blossoom” tag ! :)

KYOTO

Maruyama Park
Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom gathering spot.

Philosopher’s Path
Cherry blossom trees along the canal.

Kiyomizu-dera
Seasonal light-up events during peak bloom.

Arashiyama
Cherry blossoms along the river and near Togetsukyo Bridge.

Nanzen-ji
Quieter temple option during peak season

OSAKA

Osaka Castle Park
Large cherry blossom area around the castle grounds.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Riverside cherry blossom walk along the Okawa River.

HOKKAIDŌ

Still winter conditions in most areas.
Best for skiing in Niseko or winter landscapes.
Cherry blossoms bloom much later here, usually late April.

SNOW STILL AVAILABLE

Niseko
Spring skiing conditions continue.

Shiga Kogen
Resorts remain open into early May.

KYŪSHŪ

Fukuoka Maizuru Park
One of the first major cherry blossom spots to bloom.

Kumamoto Castle
Cherry blossoms around the castle grounds.

Of course, this is just a small selection. There are thousands of sakura spots across Japan, from major parks to quiet local neighborhoods. There are also different types of cherry blossoms, and they don’t all bloom at the same time.Some bloom earlier, some later, and some last longer than others. Before planning, always check which variety blooms in the cities you’re visiting and what timing you’re aiming for. The experience can vary a lot depending on the sakura type and the region.

🌸 Early Cherry Blossom Spots (End of February - Beginning of March)

These areas often bloom earlier than others:

Kawazu (Shizuoka)
Early-blooming Kawazu-zakura variety, often mid March.
Kawazu Sakura can be found in other region too.

Atami (Shizuoka)
Mild coastal climate with earlier blooms.

Kochi (Shikoku)
Among the first official sakura bloom announcements.

🎎 Main March Events and Traditions

March 3 Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day

March 1–14 Omizutori Fire Ceremony at Todai-ji, Nara
Fire rituals with giant torches, peak on March 12

March 3–4 : Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair, Tokyo

Second Sunday of March : Mount Takao Fire Walking Festival

Mid March : Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro
Lantern route from Shoren-in to Kiyomizu-dera

Late March
Ueno Sakura Matsuri, Tokyo
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Start of hanami picnics in southern and central Japan

Mid March (Osaka)
Grand Sumo Tournament at EDION Arena Osaka

Throughout March
Spring illumination events and temple seasonal openings

🌸 Sakura-Themed Sweets (March)

Sakura mochi : Pink rice cake filled with red bean paste, wrapped in a salted cherry leaf.

Sakura dango : Three-colored rice dumplings (pink, white, green) sold during hanami season.

Sakura daifuku : Soft mochi filled with red bean paste and flavored with cherry blossom.

Sakura anpan : Sweet bread filled with cherry-flavored red bean paste.

Sakura cheesecake / roll cake: Limited seasonal desserts sold in department stores and cafés.

Sakura KitKat : Seasonal flavor released around spring.
Sakura ice cream : My favorite !

🌸 Sakura-Themed Drinks (March)

Sakura latte
Cherry blossom flavored milk drink, often sold at cafés and convenience stores.

Sakura milk tea
Seasonal tea blends with cherry aroma.

Sakura sparkling drinks
Non-alcoholic cherry blossom sodas sold in supermarkets.

💡 Travel Tips for March

Cherry blossom timing depends on temperature each year
Bloom starts in Kyushu and moves north
Late March becomes busy in Tokyo and Kyoto
Book accommodations early for sakura season
Weather is mild but evenings remain cool
Layered clothing is recommended