Is March the right time to visit Japan

Is March the right time to visit Japan- Depending on what you hope to get out of your vacation to Japan, the month of March may or may not be the best time to go. The following are some considerations to take into account:

Climate: The month of March in Japan ushers in the end of winter and the beginning of spring. March is a month in which temperatures are still relatively moderate, but they start to climb, making it an ideal month to view the renowned cherry blossoms. Despite this, it is possible for it to be brisk, and there is a probability of precipitation.
Cherry Blossoms: The time of blooming for cherry blossoms ranges from the end of March to the beginning of April, depending on the region and the circumstances of the weather. March is an excellent month to visit Japan if you want to witness the cherry blossoms at their most beautiful.
Crowds: Although March is a popular time to visit Japan for the cherry blossoms, tourist spots can become extremely congested during this time of year. If you want to avoid the crowds, you could think about planning your trip for the beginning of the month or during the off-season.
Hina Matsuri, also known as the Doll Festival, and Hanami, also known as the Festivals: Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival, are two of the festivities that take place in Japan during the month of March. Visiting Japan during one of these festivals is a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and is highly recommended for anyone interested in doing so.

In general, March is a good month to visit Japan if you are interested in the cherry blossoms, festivals, and milder temperatures than other times of the year. But make sure you are prepared for the chance of weather as well as some crowds.

Things to do in Japan during March

March is a great time to visit Japan as it marks the start of spring and the beginning of the cherry blossom season. Here are some things to do in Japan during March:

Cherry Blossom Viewing: Cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March to early April, depending on the location and weather conditions. Many parks and gardens throughout Japan are famous for their cherry blossoms, and it’s a great time to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of the flowers.
Attend a Festival: March is a month of festivals in Japan, including the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) and the Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) festivals. These festivals feature traditional food, music, and performances, and are a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Visit Tokyo: Tokyo is a bustling city with plenty to see and do year-round, but March is a great time to visit as the weather is mild and there are many events happening. You can visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, explore the historic Senso-ji Temple, or take a stroll through the trendy Shibuya district.
Skiing and Snowboarding: March is still a good time to enjoy winter sports in Japan, especially in the northern regions such as Hokkaido. The snow is still good for skiing and snowboarding, and there are many ski resorts to choose from.
Visit Kyoto: Kyoto is known for its traditional architecture and temples, and March is a great time to visit as it’s less crowded than the peak tourist season in April. You can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, see the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), or take a stroll through the picturesque Gion district.

Overall, March is a great time to visit Japan, especially for cherry blossom viewing and experiencing traditional festivals. There are also plenty of other activities and sights to enjoy, whether you’re interested in skiing, city exploration, or cultural experiences.

Weather of different regions of Japan During March

Because Japan is a very long and thin country that runs from north to south, the climate can change dramatically from one location to another and from one season to the next. The following is an outline of the weather that may be expected in various regions of Japan during the month of March:

Hokkaido: Hokkaido is the most northern area of Japan and is well-known for having snowy winters due to its location. The average high for the month of March is approximately 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average low is approximately -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit). March is still known for its snowfall, making it an excellent month for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Tohoku: Tohoku is a region in the north-eastern part of Japan that is home to a number of cities, including Sendai and Aomori. Temperatures start to rise in March, with the average high reaching around 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low reaching around 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit). Nonetheless, there is still a chance of snow, particularly in the higher elevations.
Kanto:Kanto is the name of the area in Japan that is home to some of the country’s most populous cities, including Tokyo and Yokohama. Temperatures start to climb in March, with the average high reaching around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low reaching around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). There are a good number of days when the sun shines, although the temperature might still drop at times.
Chubu: The Chubu region is located in the middle of Japan and is home to major metropolitan areas such as Kyoto and Nagoya. The average high for the month of March is approximately 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low for the month of March is approximately 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). There are times when it rains, but there are also a good number of days when the sun shines.
Kansai: Kansai is the name of the region that encompasses the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe in Japan. Temperatures in March are comparable to those of Chubu, with an average high of approximately 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) and an average low of approximately 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). Late in March is when the cherry blossoms in Kansai start to bloom, making this a very popular time to visit the region.
Kyushu: Kyushu is located in the southwestern part of Japan and is home to a number of important cities such as Fukuoka and Nagasaki. The average high for the month of March is approximately 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low for the month of March is approximately 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit). There are times when it rains, but there are also a good number of days when the sun shines.

Temperatures and the nature of the weather can vary widely from one region of Japan to another during the month of March because Japan is in the midst of transitioning from winter to spring. Before making the trip to Japan, it is strongly recommended that you look at the upcoming weather prediction.

List of festivals in march in Japan

Here are some popular festivals in Japan that take place in March:

Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) – celebrated throughout Japan
Omizutori (Water-Drawing) Festival – held at Todaiji Temple in Nara
Shunie (Repentance) Ceremony – held at Todaiji Temple in Nara
Okayama Momotaro Festival – held in Okayama City
Kanda Matsuri – held at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo
Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair – held in Tokyo
Iizaka Kenka Matsuri – held in Fukushima Prefecture
Mifune Matsuri – held in Kyoto
Tsunan Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) – held in Niigata Prefecture
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival – held in Hokkaido

Frequently asked questions to travel to Japan in March ?

In March, Japan is transitioning from winter to spring. Temperatures can vary greatly depending on the region, but generally, it's still chilly in the north and mild in the south. There may be some rain and snow, but there are also sunny days.

Yes, March is a great time to visit Japan, especially for cherry blossom viewing and experiencing traditional festivals. The weather is mild and there are plenty of things to see and do.

Yes, it's a good idea to bring warm clothing, especially if you're traveling to northern regions like Hokkaido. Even in southern regions, temperatures can be chilly at times, especially at night.

Cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March to early April, depending on the location and weather conditions. Some popular places to see cherry blossoms in March include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.

Yes, there are several festivals and events in Japan in March, including the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) and the Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) festivals. There are also several other cultural and religious events throughout the month.

It can be crowded in popular tourist destinations during cherry blossom season in late March to early April. However, overall, March is a less busy travel season compared to peak tourist season in April and May.