Japan in March

Blossom arrives late in the month: prices jump, book early.

• Hokkaidō · Sapporo, Nisekocool

  Snow Dec–Mar (ski season); the only main region without a real rainy season.

• Honshū cities · Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshimafine

  Rainy season June to mid-July; humid heat July–August; typhoon risk peaks in September.

• Okinawa · Naha, Ishigakibest weather

  Subtropical; rainy season May–June, typhoons July–September.

• Kansai: Kyoto / Osaka · Kansai basin and bayfine

  Rainy season (tsuyu) June to mid-July; Kyoto's basin holds heat — 35 °C+ days in August; typhoons Aug–Sep can shut KIX for a day.

• Kyoto14° / 4°, 11 rain days
• Osaka14° / 6°, 10 rain days
• Tokyo14° / 5°, 10 rain days
• Nagoya15° / 4°, 10 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Cherry blossom season big impact

  Late Mar – mid Apr (moves north through May)

  Kyoto and Tokyo hotels at peak prices; parks crowded from dawn; book months ahead.

• Spring Grand Sumo tournament (Haru Basho) check

  15 days in March, starting on the second Sunday · Osaka

  The only top-division tournament in Kansai; tickets sell out on release day (check).

• Plum blossom

  Mid-February to early March · Tokyo

  Small crowds, a quieter preview of the cherry season.

• Tokyo Marathon check

  Early March (check) · Tokyo

  Roads closed through the morning; taxis and buses reroute. Hotels on the course fill.

Crowds · Japan

High

Prices · Japan

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• Okinawa

  Best weather of the year (Naha, Ishigaki)

• Kyoto

  Late March crowds build with blossom.

• Osaka

  Late-March blossom at the castle.

• Tokyo

  Late-March blossom crowds.

• Nagoya

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov

• Fukuoka

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (mild, before/after the rains)

• Hiroshima

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (mild, cherry blossom or autumn colour)

• Yokohama

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (mild, and clearer harbour views)

• Nara

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (cherry blossom or autumn colour in the park)