Japan in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across Japan in March.
City Weather in March
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama | 13° | 5° | 126 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Nagoya | 13° | 4° | 133 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Sapporo | 4° | -4° | 73 mm | low | Cold |
| Fukuoka | 14° | 6° | 106 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Kawasaki | 13° | 5° | 120 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Kobe | 13° | 4° | 94 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Saitama | 13° | 3° | 86 mm | moderate | Cold |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Hokkaido (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.
Tohoku & the Sea-of-Japan Coast (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 & the Kanto Plain (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.
Central Alps & Japanese Alps (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.
Kansai & the Seto Inland Sea (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.
Kyushu & Okinawa (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.