Early spring sees rising temperatures and the start of cherry blossom viewing in some regions; travel picks up around blooming periods. Weather can still be changeable with cool nights.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Japan in March.
Sapporo, Niseko, Furano, Asahikawa
Late-winter thaw arrives unevenly in March: higher resorts still have superb snow while Sapporo and coastal towns begin a slow melt. Ski touring and spring powder runs are still reliable in Furano and Asahikawa, but river crossings and muddy trails start to appear at low elevations. Travelers planning city walks should layer-the mornings can bite with frost but afternoons reach single digits Celsius.
Aomori, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Kanazawa
March brings a cautious thaw-snowbanks shrink in Sendai while the Sea-of-Japan coast keeps lingering wintry weather. Cherry blossoms are still weeks away in the north, but early signs of spring appear in lower elevations; road conditions improve except in higher passes. It’s a quieter time to see city life resume and to visit museums without peak-season crowds.
Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji approaches
Late winter thaw and the first cherry blossoms arrive in March-central Tokyo often sees sakura in late March, which floods parks and riversides with crowds. Expect pleasant daytime temperatures and packed hanami spots in Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen and along the Sumida. If you prefer fewer people, do weekday mornings or explore smaller wards such as Meguro and Koishikawa.
Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kamikochi, Mt. Fuji approaches
March brings variable conditions: excellent spring skiing early in the month and increasingly slushy lower slopes by late March, while higher ridges remain wintery. Mountain trails can be treacherous from thaw-freeze cycles, so guided outings are wise. Towns like Matsumoto are quieter and pleasant for castle visits as snow recedes.
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Okayama, Takamatsu
Late-winter warmth begins to show by March as early cherry blossoms open in southern Kansai; Kyoto becomes busy toward the end of the month. Daytime walking is comfortable but crowds grow quickly at famous spots like Kiyomizu-dera and the Philosopher’s Path. Reserve accommodations near central districts if visiting during peak sakura weeks.
Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Okinawa main and outlying islands
March shows spring arriving early in Kyushu with cherry blossoms reaching southern cities before central Honshu; Nagasaki and Kumamoto are scenic at this time. Yakushima retains high rainfall and mud on trails-good boots are essential. Okinawa’s subtropical islands begin to warm noticeably; crowds are light and it’s a good time for diving in clearer water.
Cherry blossoms begin opening in parts of southern and central Japan in March, with dates varying year to year and by location.
See how March compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.