Things to do in Japan in March
In March, graduation ceremonies (sotsugyôshiki in Japanese) are held at each school throughout Japan, announcing the end of the academic year. Spring vacation, which lasts several weeks, is the opportunity for Japanese families to visit theme parks 🎡 and other attractions.
Tourism statistics
The first influx of tourists arrives within the month, and crowds peak around March 20th at the start of ohanami, as the season of blooming cherry trees is one of the best times to visit Japan.
Japanese people follow the same trend and assiduously visit the most beautiful gardens and temples of the archipelago. Workers do so in the evenings or at nights, and retired people visit them early in the morning.
As March goes on, the occupancy rate of accommodation increases in the big cities, especially in Kyoto and its surroundings, as people seek gorgeous views of sakura 🌸. Airfare prices skyrocket for last-minute travelers hoping to find vacant seats.
Climate and weather
We are definitely out of the negative temperatures for most of the country except in the north, from Tohoku to Hokkaido, which still have snow and open ski resorts at the beginning of the month.
The average temperature is about 13°C (55.4°F) from Tokyo to Hiroshima and 15°C (59°F) for Kyushu. Mornings remain cold at about 5°C (41°F).
Overcast skies with occasional rains cover Japan in March, lowering the visibility on the mountains. Otherwise, sunny days offer a pleasant and ideal warmth, encouraging people to venture outside to lunch in parks and under the trees.
National public holidays
Just like February, the third month of the year has only one public holiday:
- March 20 or 21 -- 春分の日 Shunbun no Hi : Vernal Equinox Day
There are two other important dates for families and couples:
- March 3 -- Hina Matsuri, special Girl's Day in Japan
- March 14 -- White Day, Japan’s second Valentine’s Day
Top things to do
As soon as the first cherry trees bloom, the calendar brings an avalanche of sakura matsuri held outdoors in the country’s green spaces. Parks offering excellent cherry blossom views have extended opening hours, and their walking paths grow crowded with popular food and drink stalls.
The war between the photographers is also declared as people compete for the best angles, and setting up a camera 📷 on a tripod to take picture at night is often banned in the most crowded temples, especially in Kyoto.
Apart from the lively atmosphere surrounding cherry blossom season, Japan in March has several celebrations, be they traditional or commercial.
Below is a list of Japanese seasonal attractions and events in March:
Travel packing tips
Mornings and evenings are still chilly and require a warm, thick coat. In case of rain ☔️ that lasts several days, it is wise to plan to bring two pairs of shoes to keep your feet dry. Transparent umbrellas, which are cheap and sold in Japanese konbini, are efficient enough for a few hours’ strolling.
With the opening of the picnic season, it can be interesting to bring your own blanket or tablecloth to stretch out on the ground. Also, a backpack of average capacity will allow you to bring snacks and bento 🍱 during a day-long excursion.
The ephemeral beauty of the blooming landscapes will quickly fill your camera, so think about taking extra memory cards, batteries, and film (for analog photography amateurs).