March in Japan: Still Snow and Early Cherry Blossoms
Weather Overview
March in Japan is the time of transition from winter to spring. The temperature also changes between the first and second halves of the month. In northern regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku, most of the snow remains in the first half of March. In Sapporo, mornings and evenings are still below freezing, and daytime temperatures are around 0-4°C. The conditions remain perfect for skiing. Mountainous areas such as Nagano, Niigata, and Gifu can also enjoy snow sports from mid- to late March. Meanwhile, temperatures are starting to rise in cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with average highs of 12-16°C. Nights can still be chilly. In southern regions such as Fukuoka and Hiroshima, signs of spring are in the air by the end of the month. Okinawa is already experiencing mild and sunny days, with highs approaching 20°C, and beaches in Miyakojima and the Yaeyama Islands are opening for the season.
Clothing
When visiting ski resorts or the Tohoku region, please bring winter clothing such as warm clothing, a warm coat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Snow may fall in the first half of March. In Tokyo and Kyoto, as the days get warmer, light layers of clothing become more comfortable. Medium-weight coats, sweaters, and scarves are recommended, especially in the mornings and evenings. Rain will fall more frequently than usual in spring, so a compact umbrella or rain jacket will be useful. In Okinawa, spring clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and light jackets will be sufficient, but wind protection is still recommended. It is the season for cedar pollen allergies in Japan, and many people will be seen wearing masks in the city.
How to spend March in Japan
March is a rare opportunity to enjoy both snowy scenery and early-blooming cherry blossoms. The ski and snowboarding season continues in Hokkaido, Niigata, and Nagano. Resorts such as Hakuba, Nozawa, and Myoko will remain open until the beginning of May, depending on the snow conditions. Meanwhile, in warmer areas such as Shizuoka Prefecture, early-blooming cherry blossoms, including the deep pink Kawazu cherry, bloom throughout March. Kawazu Town is particularly popular, with the riverside promenade covered in cherry blossoms for several kilometers. Although the number of Kawazu cherry blossoms is small, they can also be seen in Tokyo at Kiba Park and Shinjuku Gyoen.
Plum blossoms continue to bloom until early March, and their beauty can be enjoyed in gardens in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In late March, cherry blossoms finally begin to bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto. Parks such as Ueno Park and Maruyama Park are crowded with many tourists as the first cherry blossoms begin to bloom. This season, which combines long winters and budding spring, is a season of great change, with the climate and ways of enjoying it greatly differing depending on the region.
Seasonal events and holidays
One of the most grand events in March is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs until mid-March in Shizuoka. The city is covered with early-blooming cherry blossoms, and the food stalls, local crafts, and river views attract many tourists from Japan and abroad. March 3 is Hinamatsuri, and homes and cultural facilities are decorated with Hina dolls.
The Vernal Equinox around March 20 is a national holiday that heralds the arrival of spring. The beach season begins on some islands in Okinawa, and spring flowers and seasonal foods can be enjoyed in gardens on Honshu. The end of March is the final day of the year for schools and many businesses in Japan. The end of March and beginning of April overlap with the long school holidays, so parks and tourist spots are crowded, especially in urban areas.
Travel Tips
March is the perfect time to plan a variety of itineraries, including skiing and cherry blossom viewing. If you are traveling between snowy and warm regions, be sure to dress appropriately for both weather conditions. Ski resorts are less crowded than in January and February, and it is easier to book accommodation. However, the quality of the snow at lower altitudes deteriorates and there is less snow. Areas where the cherry blossoms bloom early, such as Kawazu and major parks in Tokyo, can get crowded on weekends. Reservations for popular express trains, such as the Saphir Odoriko, begin one month in advance. Make your reservation early.
The cherry blossom bloom date varies from year to year. Cherry blossom forecasts are updated by multiple weather forecasting companies in Japan. It is also a rainy time of year, so if you want to see the cherry blossoms, plan your dates well in advance. Also, at the end of the month, there is a long school holiday and the cherry blossom blooming period, and JR may sell low-priced tickets for students. Please note that accommodation and train reservations may fill up quickly.
What not to do (what not to do)
It is not possible to expect full cherry blossoms nationwide. The blooming period varies by region, but is usually from late March to early April. In Hokkaido, the cherry blossoms do not bloom until late April to May. Mountain climbing is still limited, and high-altitude trails are closed due to snow accumulation. Swimming and other water activities are still not widely available, except in Okinawa. Ski resorts are open, but powder snow thins out after mid-March, so you’ll need to adjust your skiing schedule for the latter part of the season.
Summary: Is March a good time to travel to Japan?
March is one of those balanced months for travelling to Japan, as the long winter comes to an end and tourist destinations start to bustle again. While you can still enjoy snowy landscapes in the north and mountainous areas, signs of spring are beginning to appear in gardens and riverside areas in the south. It’s the perfect time for travellers who enjoy the change of seasons. Whether you’re looking to ski in the mountains or stroll beneath the cherry blossoms, a long stay from March to April will let you experience the beauty of both winter and spring in Japan all at once.