March in Tokyo is, above all else, the month of cherry blossoms — or at least the tantalizing promise of them. The sakura forecast dominates weather reports and dinner conversations alike, and by late March the first blooms typically appear along the Meguro River and in Ueno Park, pulling the whole city into a kind of collective anticipation you really have to experience to understand. Early March still carries winter's chill, with daytime temperatures hovering around 12°C (54°F) and mornings dipping to 4°C (39°F), so you'll want layers. But by the final week, something shifts — afternoons warm to 15-16°C (59-61°F), the light turns softer, and suddenly every park bench has someone craning their neck at the branches overhead.
This is also the tail end of Japan's fiscal and academic year. Graduation ceremonies fill the streets with students in hakama, companies hold farewell parties for transferring colleagues, and there's a bittersweet energy to the city that's hard to describe. It's not quite the full-blown hanami party atmosphere of early April — March is more like the deep breath before the exhale. Hotel prices creep upward through the month, and by the last week they spike sharply as the blossom forecasts firm up.
To be fair, March weather can be fickle. You might get a string of grey, drizzly days that feel more like February, or you might luck into a warm spell that pushes the blossoms open early. The unpredictability is part of the deal. But even on the cooler days, Tokyo in March has a particular energy — that sense of a city on the edge of its favourite season — that makes it one of the better times to visit.
Why visit in March
- Cherry blossoms begin opening in late March, often reaching early to partial bloom — you'll catch the excitement without April's full peak crowds
- Pleasant daytime temperatures between 12-16°C (54-61°F) make walking the city comfortable for hours without overheating or freezing
- End-of-year cultural events give you a window into Japanese life that most tourists never see — graduation ceremonies, corporate hanami prep, seasonal menu changes at restaurants
- Spring seasonal food hits menus across the city, from sakura mochi to fresh bamboo shoots and strawberry desserts at their peak
- Clear days offer some of the best Mt. Fuji visibility of the year from spots like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck
Worth knowing
- Late March hotel prices jump 30-50% as cherry blossom forecasts solidify — booking last-minute gets expensive fast
- Weather remains cold in early March, mornings and evenings, which catches visitors expecting spring warmth off guard
- The exact bloom timing shifts year to year, so if you're visiting specifically for full cherry blossoms, March might deliver only early buds depending on the season
- Cedar pollen season (sugi kafunshō) peaks in March — if you have pollen allergies, this could make outdoor sightseeing miserable without medication
Best for
Think twice if
March in Tokyo is a transitional month that feels like winter slowly losing its grip. Early March mornings are properly cold — the kind where your breath fogs and you wish you'd worn one more layer. By late March, afternoons can feel almost mild, with sunshine that actually warms your skin. Rain comes in periodic fronts rather than sustained downpours, typically as grey drizzly days rather than dramatic storms. Humidity stays relatively low compared to summer, which makes the cool air feel crisp rather than damp. Wind can be a factor, along the waterfront areas of Odaiba and around the high-rises in Shinjuku.
Seasonal caution
- Cedar and cypress pollen counts peak in March across the Kanto region — Tokyo regularly hits 'very high' pollen advisories. Carry antihistamines if you have any history of hay fever, even mild. Pharmacies sell effective options but the packaging is entirely in Japanese.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 | 0 | 35 |
| Feb | 11 | 1 | 54 |
| Mar | 15 | 6 | 156 |
| Apr | 20 | 10 | 152 |
| May | 23 | 15 | 193 |
| Jun | 27 | 19 | 189 |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 168 |
| Aug | 33 | 25 | 144 |
| Sep | 29 | 22 | 202 |
| Oct | 22 | 14 | 143 |
| Nov | 17 | 9 | 79 |
| Dec | 12 | 3 | 56 |
Headline events
Cherry Blossom Season (Sakura)
Late March through mid-April (first bloom usually March 20-28 in Tokyo)
The event that defines spring in Japan. Tokyo's cherry blossom season typically begins in the last week of March, with the Japan Meteorological Corporation issuing forecasts that the entire country follows obsessively. Early blooms appear on the Somei Yoshino trees lining the Meguro River, around Chidorigafuchi moat, and throughout Ueno Park. While full bloom usually falls in early April, the opening days of the season carry their own particular magic — locals start laying tarps in parks for hanami picnics, konbini stock up on sakura-flavoured everything, and the city's mood lifts noticeably.
Best things to do in March
Early Hanami at Shinjuku Gyoen
natureShinjuku Gyoen has over a thousand cherry trees across dozens of varieties, and some early-blooming types open before the main Somei Yoshino wave. The park's size means it never feels as packed as Ueno, and the mix of Japanese, English, and French garden sections gives you different backdrops for the same blossoms. Alcohol isn't allowed inside, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed.
Early-blooming cherry varieties like Kanzakura and Okame-zakura flower in March before the main season, giving you blossoms without April's intensity.Booking tipEntry requires a ticket (500 yen) and the park now uses a reservation system during peak bloom — check the Shinjuku Gyoen website to book a time slot if visiting late March.
Walk the Meguro River Before Peak Bloom
walkingThe roughly 4km stretch of the Meguro River between Nakameguro and Meguro stations is lined with over 800 cherry trees that arch over the water. In late March, the buds swell and the first petals open, and the riverside path is lined with food stalls and paper lanterns. Walking it at dusk, with the lanterns reflected in the water and the faint smell of yakitori from the stalls, is one of Tokyo's great seasonal experiences.
The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival sets up stalls and lanterns in late March, and early bloom days have a fraction of the crowds that descend during full bloom in April.Booking tipNo booking needed — arrive before 4pm on weekends to walk comfortably. The stretch between Nakameguro Station and the first bridge is the most atmospheric.
Chidorigafuchi Moat Boat Ride
experienceRowing a boat through the moat alongside the Imperial Palace walls, with cherry trees arching overhead from both banks — it's one of the most photographed scenes in Tokyo for a reason. Even before full bloom, the effect of budding branches against the old stone walls and still water is striking. The cold air off the water makes it feel more wintry than the streets above.
Cherry trees along the moat begin showing colour in late March, and the boat rental opens for the season. Early-season visits avoid the hour-plus queues of peak bloom.Booking tipBoats are first-come, first-served. Go on a weekday morning in late March for the shortest wait. Rental runs about 800 yen for 30 minutes.
Explore Yanaka's Old Tokyo Atmosphere
neighbourhoodThe Yanaka district, centred on Yanesen (Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi), feels like pre-war Tokyo survived into the present. Narrow lanes, small temples, independent cafes, and an unhurried pace that the rest of the city lost decades ago. Yanaka Cemetery has a famous cherry tree avenue, and the whole area warms up beautifully in March without drawing the crowds that hit Ueno next door.
Yanaka Cemetery's cherry tree-lined central path begins blooming in late March, and the neighbourhood's many small temples hold spring equinox ceremonies (ohigan) around March 20.Visit Teamlab Borderless (Azabudai Hills)
artThe relocated Teamlab Borderless at Azabudai Hills runs seasonal digital installations that shift with the calendar. March programming typically features spring-themed rooms with falling cherry blossom petals and flowing water motifs. On a cold or rainy March day, this is a strong indoor option that's impressive regardless of your feelings about digital art.
Spring-themed installations rotate into the exhibition in March, and weekday mornings still have reasonable crowds before Golden Week drives peak attendance.Booking tipBuy tickets online at least a week ahead — same-day walk-ups are rare. Weekday morning slots (10am entry) tend to be least crowded.
Attend a Baseball Season Opener
sportsJapanese professional baseball (NPB) opens its season in late March, and catching a game at either Tokyo Dome (Yomiuri Giants) or Jingu Stadium (Yakult Swallows) is a window into Japanese fan culture you won't get anywhere else. Coordinated cheering, beer vendors climbing the stands, themed bento boxes. The Swallows' open-air Jingu Stadium has more atmosphere for a first-timer.
The NPB regular season typically starts in the last week of March. Opening series games have charged energy.Booking tipTickets for Giants games at Tokyo Dome sell out quickly — buy through the official NPB site or at convenience store ticket machines (Lawson Loppi or 7-Eleven). Swallows tickets are easier to get.
Day Trip to Kamakura for Early Plum and Cherry Blossoms
day tripKamakura, about an hour south of Tokyo by train, warms up slightly earlier than the city. The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) framed by early blossoms, the hydrangea-famous Hasedera temple showing its first spring colours, and the far thinner crowds compared to April make it a rewarding day out. The coastal air has a different quality than central Tokyo — saltier, cleaner, cooler.
Plum blossoms at temples like Zuisenji peak in early March, and cherry blossoms begin slightly ahead of central Tokyo's schedule. The shoulder timing means fewer tourists.Booking tipTake the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station — it's about 55 minutes. Go on a weekday if possible; weekend crowds at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū can get dense even in March.
Soak in an Onsen After a Cold Day of Walking
wellnessAfter a full day of walking in March's chill, sinking into a hot spring bath is restorative in a way that's hard to overstate. Thermae-Yu in Kabukicho runs 24 hours and draws actual hot spring water. Saya no Yudokoro in Itabashi has a more local, less touristy feel with outdoor rotenburo baths. The contrast of cold March air on your face and 40°C water on everything else is pure physical pleasure.
March is cold enough that the thermal contrast between outside air and bath water is at its most satisfying — summer onsen visits lack this edge. The low humidity also means you cool down pleasantly between soaks.Booking tipNo reservation needed for most public onsen. Bring your own small towel or buy one there. Remember: wash thoroughly before entering the bath, and tattoo policies vary by facility.
What to eat in March
In season: fruit
Ichigo (Japanese Strawberries)
March is peak strawberry season. Varieties like Tochiotome and the luxurious Skyberry appear at fruit stands and department store basements (depachika). The quality is notable — sweet, fragrant, and nothing like supermarket strawberries elsewhere. Strawberry daifuku and strawberry parfaits take over café menus across the city.
On menus now
Nanohana Ohitashi
Rapeseed blossoms blanched and dressed in dashi and soy sauce — a simple side dish that shows up on izakaya menus and in bento boxes across the city in March. Slightly bitter, bright green, and unmistakably seasonal. It's the kind of dish that wouldn't make sense in any other month.
What to drink
Sakura-flavoured Drinks and Sweets
Every major chain — Starbucks, Tully's, convenience stores — releases sakura-themed limited editions in March. Some are good (the sakura latte at certain kissaten uses real cherry blossom extract), others are more about the pink aesthetic. Worth trying at least once to understand the cultural moment, even if cherry blossom flavour is essentially mild and floral.
In markets
Takenoko (Bamboo Shoots)
Fresh bamboo shoots start appearing in late March, and the difference between fresh takenoko and the canned version is night and day. Restaurants feature them grilled with a light soy glaze, simmered in dashi (takenoko gohan), or tempura-fried. The texture is tender and faintly sweet, with an earthiness that tastes like the season changing.
Festival food
Sakura Mochi
Soft pink rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf, with sweet red bean paste inside. The salt from the leaf against the sweet filling is the taste of Japanese spring. You'll find two styles in Tokyo — the Kanto version uses a crêpe-like wrapper rather than the Kansai glutinous rice style. Available at every wagashi shop and most convenience stores from late February through April.
Regular events in March
Tokyo MarathonFree
One of the six World Marathon Majors, drawing over 38,000 runners and huge spectator crowds along a route that passes Tokyo Station, Ginza, Asakusa, and finishes near Tokyo Big Sight. Even if you're not running, the atmosphere along the route is festive — taiko drummers, neighbourhood cheer squads, and spectators handing out snacks to runners.
First or second Sunday in MarchHina Matsuri (Girls' Day)Free
March 3rd is Hina Matsuri, when families display elaborate tiered sets of ornamental dolls representing the imperial court. Department stores and hotel lobbies set up large displays, and special Hina Matsuri sweets (hina arare, chirashizushi) appear everywhere. It's not a public holiday, so the city runs normally, but the decorations add colour to an otherwise grey early-March stretch.
March 3Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)Free
A national holiday around March 20-21, part of the Buddhist ohigan period when families visit ancestral graves. Temples hold special services, and the week surrounding the equinox sees increased activity at cemeteries and temples across the city. A good day to visit temple districts like Yanaka or Zojoji near Tokyo Tower.
March 20 or 21 (varies by year)AnimeJapan
One of the world's largest anime industry events, held at Tokyo Big Sight. Major studios announce upcoming series, exclusive merchandise drops draw long queues, and cosplay fills the convention halls. Even casual anime fans find it worth a visit for the sheer scale and energy.
Late March (typically last weekend)Rikugien Gardens Evening Illumination
Rikugien, one of Tokyo's finest Edo-period gardens, runs special evening illuminations for weeping cherry trees in late March. The main weeping cherry (shidarezakura) at the garden entrance, lit from below against the dark sky, is a beautiful sight that draws long but orderly queues.
Late March through early April (check exact dates yearly)Best places this March
Ueno Park
parkOver a thousand cherry trees make this the most traditional hanami spot in Tokyo. The main path between the rows of trees gets packed on weekends, but the quieter corners near Shinobazu Pond and the Tokyo National Museum still offer breathing room. Early mornings before 9am are your best window for photos without crowds.
UenoChidorigafuchi Moat and Walkway
walkwayThe green walking path along the Imperial Palace moat is lined with cherry trees that create a tunnel effect when in bloom. Even in late March when flowers are just starting, the walk between Kudanshita Station and the British Embassy is peaceful. The adjacent Kitanomaru Park has a less crowded alternative.
ChiyodaNakameguro
neighborhoodThe neighbourhood around the Meguro River cherry tree walk has developed into one of Tokyo's most interesting areas for independent shops, specialty coffee, and small restaurants. The river path itself is the draw in late March, but the side streets reward exploration any time — tiny vintage shops, craft chocolate makers, and izakaya that barely seat eight people.
MeguroKoishikawa Korakuen Garden
gardenOne of Tokyo's oldest and most refined gardens, right next to Tokyo Dome. The weeping cherry tree near the entrance is one of the first to bloom in the city, often opening before Somei Yoshino varieties elsewhere. The plum grove may still have late blooms in early March, giving you two flowering seasons in one visit.
BunkyoTsukiji Outer Market
marketThe outer market (distinct from the relocated inner wholesale market at Toyosu) stays lively year-round, but March brings seasonal specialties — fresh strawberries, spring vegetables, and sakura-themed sweets — to the stalls. The cool weather makes wandering and eating from stall to stall comfortable rather than the sweaty ordeal it becomes in summer.
ChuoRikugien Gardens
gardenThis Edo-era strolling garden in Komagome is famous for its massive weeping cherry tree, which typically blooms slightly ahead of the citywide Somei Yoshino schedule. The garden is smaller and more intimate than Shinjuku Gyoen, and the evening illumination of the main tree in late March is worth planning around.
KomagomeSumida Park and Tokyo Skytree Area
parkThe cherry trees along the Sumida River near Asakusa frame views of Tokyo Skytree in a way that well captures old-meets-new Tokyo. The river walk connects Asakusa to the Skytree commercial complex, and late March brings food stalls and temporary seating along the banks. Early morning here, with the Skytree reflected in the river and no crowds, is quietly spectacular.
Asakusa
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Insider tips
The Japan Meteorological Corporation's cherry blossom forecast (sakura-kaika-yosō) updates daily from early March and is surprisingly accurate — check it to time your park visits rather than relying on hotel staff or guidebook estimates that were printed months ago.
If pollen is bothering you, duck into any drugstore and ask for 'kafun taisaku' (pollen countermeasures) — staff will point you to a wall of masks, eye drops, and antihistamines. The masks that Japanese commuters wear in March aren't a fashion statement; they're survival gear.
Convenience store seasonal items rotate fast in March. The sakura-flavoured onigiri and limited-edition strawberry sandwiches at 7-Eleven and Lawson are tasty and disappear after a few weeks — treat konbini as a daily food adventure, not just a backup option.
The green Yamanote Line train that circles central Tokyo gets extremely crowded during morning rush (7:30-9:30am), but between 10am and 4pm it's comfortable. Plan your longer cross-city trips for midday and use the morning for nearby neighbourhood walks.
Department store basement food halls (depachika) at Isetan Shinjuku and Mitsukoshi Ginza put out free samples of seasonal sweets around 11am and 3pm. It's a legitimate way to taste high-end wagashi and sakura confections without committing to full-price boxes that often start at 2,000+ yen.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming late March will deliver full cherry blossom canopy — the trees typically reach mankai (full bloom) in early April. Visitors who build their entire trip around late-March hanami photos often arrive to find branches with more buds than petals. Check the forecast before booking, and be at peace with partial bloom, which has its own quiet appeal.
- Packing only for spring weather and freezing on the first morning — March in Tokyo is not warm. Visitors who read 'spring' and bring only light jackets spend their first day buying emergency layers at Uniqlo. The temperature difference between a sunny 15°C afternoon and a 4°C morning is real and significant.
- Trying to visit Ueno Park for hanami on a late-March weekend without arriving early — by mid-morning the main paths are shoulder-to-shoulder and the blue-tarp picnic spots are fully claimed by groups who sent someone at dawn. Either go at 8am or choose a less famous spot like Koganei Park or Kinuta Park.
- Skipping reservations at popular restaurants because 'it's not peak season' — March is busier than many visitors expect, and the end-of-year farewell party season (sōbetsukai) means restaurants are often booked by Japanese diners. Reserve at least 2-3 days ahead for any specific restaurant you want to try, on weekends.
Practical tips for March
Book accommodation for late March as early as possible — ideally 6-8 weeks ahead. The cherry blossom forecast typically drops in early March, and hotel prices in popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa jump within days of the announcement. Consider staying in slightly less central neighbourhoods like Ikebukuro, Koenji, or Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, which offer good transit access at lower rates. Train schedules run normally in March with no holiday reductions except on Spring Equinox Day (March 20 or 21), when some businesses close but trains operate on a holiday schedule. If you're planning to use a Japan Rail Pass, March is efficient — you can combine Tokyo with a day trip to Kamakura or even a quick Shinkansen run to see plum blossoms in Atami. Pre-load a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any station for smooth train and bus payment; they also work at convenience stores and vending machines. Dress in layers and carry a bag large enough for the jacket you'll want to shed by 2pm. Restaurant lunch sets (teishoku) offer the same quality as dinner at roughly half the price — take advantage of these, at places you can't get evening reservations. Note that the fiscal year ends March 31, so ATMs and banks may have slightly longer queues in the final days of the month.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Tokyo?
March is one of the best months to visit Tokyo, the second half. The weather transitions from cool winter to mild spring, cherry blossoms begin opening in the last week or so, and the city has a distinctive seasonal energy that you won't find in summer or autumn. The main trade-offs are rising hotel prices ( late March), cold early-March mornings, and heavy cedar pollen. If you're flexible on dates, the last ten days of March tend to deliver the best balance of weather, blossoms, and pre-peak-season atmosphere.
What is the weather like in Tokyo in March?
Expect average highs around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 4°C (39°F), with the month warming noticeably from start to finish. Early March feels like late winter — cold mornings, occasional frost, grey skies. Late March feels like genuine spring — sunny afternoons reaching 16°C (61°F), lighter winds, longer daylight. Rainfall averages about 117mm across roughly 10 rainy days, usually as light drizzle rather than heavy storms. Humidity sits around 50-55%, which feels comfortable compared to Tokyo's brutal summer moisture.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
The first blooms (kaika) in Tokyo typically appear between March 20-28, with full bloom (mankai) following about a week later, usually in early April. The exact timing shifts year to year depending on winter temperatures — a cold February can push things later, a warm one pulls them earlier. The Japan Meteorological Corporation publishes daily forecasts starting in early March that are worth following closely. Even before official kaika, early-blooming varieties like Kanzakura flower in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen from early March.
Is Tokyo crowded in March?
Moderately to heavily, depending on timing. Early March is manageable — domestic tourism is relatively quiet and international visitors are fewer than in April. But crowds build through the month as cherry blossom season approaches. The last week of March, weekends, sees significant crowds at popular hanami spots like Ueno Park and the Meguro River. Weekday visits and less famous parks help considerably. It's not August-in-Kyoto levels of crowding, but it's noticeably busier than January or February.
How bad is pollen season in Tokyo in March?
For people with pollen sensitivity, March in Tokyo can be difficult. Japanese cedar (sugi) pollen peaks this month, and Tokyo's proximity to the forested mountains west of the city means counts regularly hit 'very high' levels. Locals take it seriously — you'll see widespread mask-wearing and drugstores dedicate entire sections to pollen countermeasures. If you have any history of seasonal allergies, bring antihistamines from home and consider adding a daily nasal spray. On high-count days, limiting time in parks during windy afternoons helps. Indoor attractions like museums and department stores offer pollen-free refuge.
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