March is the month Japan watchers most eagerly anticipate. The cherry blossom season begins in southern Japan and moves northward through the month, and the entire country seems to hold its breath waiting for the blooms. Here's what to expect and how to plan.
Cherry Blossom Timing in March
March cherry blossoms begin in southern and coastal areas, typically in this sequence:
- Early March: Kyushu (Fukuoka, Nagasaki), Hiroshima, some coastal areas
- Mid-March: Tokyo (some years — early bloomers like Kawazu zakura in Izu begin much earlier)
- Late March: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka typically reach peak bloom in late March to early April
- Kyoto: Usually peaks late March to early April
The exact timing varies by 2–3 weeks annually. A warm February accelerates the season; a cold winter delays it. The Japan Meteorological Corporation publishes its annual forecast in January — check this before finalizing March travel dates.
Weather in March
Tokyo: High 12–17°C, Low 4–8°C. Feels like early spring — light jacket weather during the day, genuinely cold in mornings and evenings. Sudden rain is possible. Kyoto: Slightly cooler than Tokyo. Hokkaido: Still winter — expect snow in Sapporo through March. Pack layers and a light waterproof layer. The famous cherry blossom viewing photographs often show people in winter coats — this is accurate for early March.
Crowd Levels
March transitions from off-peak to peak. Early March (before bloom) is Japan's quietest tourist period of the year — excellent hotel rates, no queues, empty temples. From bloom announcement onward (typically mid-March), the crowd building is rapid. Cherry blossom peak in Kyoto (late March/early April) is the most crowded moment of the year. If you can adjust your schedule by 1–2 weeks, arriving just before peak bloom gives you good flowers with manageable crowds.
Festivals and Events in March
Omizutori (Todaiji, Nara, March 1–14): The most ancient unbroken religious ritual in Japan — monks at Nigatsu-do hall perform ceremonies continuously for two weeks, including the dramatic torch-lighting ceremony (March 12–13) where giant torches are waved over the crowd from the hall's balcony. Free to watch from below. Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival, March 3): Tiered displays of imperial court dolls are exhibited throughout Japan; Katsuura (Chiba) and various towns hold elaborate public displays. Plum blossom season peaks in early March at major plum gardens (Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, Yushima Tenjin in Tokyo).
Booking for March
Late March accommodation in Kyoto and Tokyo books 4–6 months ahead. If traveling in early March (before bloom), booking 4–6 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. The price differential between early March and late March can be 30–50% for the same property — early March travelers get better value with adequate flowers if the season runs early.