Japan in March: Festive Galore in Warm Weather
As flowers start to blossom and the festival season draws close, Japan begins to bloom in spring. From the silent, snow-covered peak of Mount Fuji to the bustling markets of Osaka, the island country is more beautiful than ever in March. Plus, with summer crowds yet to arrive, it is also easier and cheaper to see it all. For your unforgettable experience in a land that seamlessly blends its rich history with technological innovations, here is all you need to know about a trip to Japan in March.
- Dennis Laehn
Japan Weather in March
The weather in most parts of Japan in March is mild, with an average daily temperature of 12°C. However, while you might be able to get by in a full-sleeved jumper during the day, the mercury dips down to an average 5°C at night. The only exceptions to this weather condition are areas to the north of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, where winter persists even as the rest of the country transitions into spring. Average daily temperatures in the northern city of Aomori, for example, hover at around 4°C, with the lows of around -2°C during this time of year. Japan receives an average of 12 hours of sunlight each day during March.
For a seasonal overview, see our article on the best time to visit Japan.
Weather in Japan in March - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 8 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 29 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 47 | 49 | 54 | 63 | 70 | 76 | 83 | 85 | 79 | 68 | 59 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 36 | 36 | 41 | 50 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 74 | 68 | 59 | 49 | 40 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 43 | 58 | 94 | 119 | 132 | 181 | 128 | 147 | 181 | 158 | 84 | 44 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 9 | 12 | 17 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 49 | 54 | 63 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 36 | 41 | 50 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 58 | 94 | 119 |
Why Visit Japan in March
Japan is an enchanting country, as rich in history as it is in technological advancements. A visit in March offers you the opportunity to discover the country at your own pace and mostly in solitude, without having to contend with throngs of fellow travelers.
- Cheaper airfare and accommodation: Since March does not fall under the peak tourist season, you can save on flights and hotels during your trip to the country this month.
- Less-crowded experience: Visiting Japan in March means that you will encounter fewer tourists. Take in the highlights at your own pace, and without anyone blocking your view.
- Grand Sumo Tournament: The second of six annual sumo wrestling contests in Japan, Osaka’s Nihon Sumo Kyokai, is held in March. This contest honors classic traditions while raising funds for the elderly and disabled.
- Festivals galore: Join in the celebrations while in the city of Nara and welcome spring with a spectacular firework display carried out by Buddhist monks around the Todaiji Temple. Then see the traditional streets of the Higashiyama district in Kyoto lit up as live music fills the air during a lantern festival organized in the city.
Where to go and what to do
There are countless unforgettable places to visit in Japan. Tokyo is a fascinating city with both indoor and outdoor attractions. Visit the historic landmarks, like the Buddhist temple of Sensō-ji, and browse through the collection of the National Art Center during your tour of Tokyo. In addition to its attractions, the city also holds the annual Bunkyo Plum Festival until March 8 at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine to celebrate the blossoming of sacred plum trees in the shrine.
Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital, sees its streets lit up with over 2,400 lanterns during March as part of the Higashiyama Hanatouro festival, while live performances fill the streets of the city from the fourth to the thirteenth of the month, between 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm.
In addition to its friendly deer and sprawling parklands, Nara is also known for the Omizutori firework display, which takes place each day at 7:00 pm during the first two weeks of March. Make sure that you add the nearby Osaka to your itinerary while in the city.
Festivals, fireworks and flowers await you in Japan in March, allowing you to experience a trip of a lifetime without having to deal with hordes of travelers. Accommodation is cheaper in every enchanting city and you will never run out of things to do in Japan during this time of the year. Connect with our local travel experts to begin your adventure on a customized trip to Japan.
You might also want to check out our tours to Japan in March.
