March in Japan is a magical time. As winter loosens its grip, the landscape transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, festivals abound, and the weather beckons you to explore. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best Japan has to offer in March!
A Quick Jump To…
- Hanami: The Cherry Blossom Obsession
- Cultural Celebrations: Festivals and Traditions
- The Great Outdoors: Skiing, Snow, and Spring Sunshine
- Culinary Delights: Seasonal Flavors
- Travel Tips
Hanami: The Cherry Blossom Obsession
March and cherry blossoms, or 櫻 sakura, are synonymous in Japan. The delicate pink flowers symbolize fleeting beauty, making ‘花見 hanami‘ (cherry blossom viewing) a cherished tradition.
Top Spots
目黒川 Meguro River
On a boat, cruise under a tunnel of blossoms or enjoy riverside picnics alongside locals. Be prepared for crowds!
- Location: 東京都目黒区大橋～目黒区下目黒
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Fees: Free
- Sakura Festival ✓
- Sakura Light-up ✓
- Parking ✖
上野恩賜公園 Ueno Park
It is a classic choice, boasting over 1,000 sakura trees and numerous food stalls.
- Location: 東京都台東区 上野公園
- Opening Hours: 5:00～23:00
- Fees: Free
- Sakura Festival ✓
- Sakura Light-up ✖
- Parking ✖
Want to know more recommended places? Check out this blog: Your Guide to 花見 Hanami in Tokyo 2024: Stay Under the Pink Canopy. (Soon to be updated)
Cultural Celebrations: Festivals and Traditions
雛祭りHinamatsuri (Girl’s Day, March 3rd)
Families display elaborate traditional dolls and wish good health and fortune for their daughters.
お水取りOmizutori (Nara)
A spectacular fire and water festival. Witness monks drawing sacred water in a torchlit ceremony at 東大寺 Todaiji Temple.
東大寺
- Date: 2024/3/1 ~ 2024/3/14
- Tel: 0742-22-5511
- Location: 奈良市雑司町406-1
- Fee: 600 yen
- Parking Available
The Great Outdoors: Skiing, Snow, and Spring Sunshine
Niseko (Hokkaido)
World-class powder snow makes March a prime time for skiing and snowboarding.
Niseko United
- Location: 北海道虻田郡ニセコ448
- Winter Lift Ticket: One day pass: ¥9,500; for more information, click here
- Purchase lift ticket online
- Parking Available
Want to know more about ski resorts in Japan? Check out this blog: 2023 Coto Travel Guide: Things To Do In Japan In December.
つなん雪まつり Tsunan Snow Festival (Niigata)
Experience Japan’s snow country at this festival, filled with lantern displays, food, and activities.
つなん雪まつり
- Date: 2024/03/09
- Location: 新潟県中魚沼郡津南町大字下船渡戊585番地
- Fees: 13,000 yen with S-size parking
- Parking Available
高尾山 Mt.Takao Hiking
Trails like Mt. Takao near Tokyo beckon hikers with nature reawakening as temperatures rise.
高尾山
- Location: 八王子市高尾町
- Fees: Free
- Parking Available
Want to know more about Mt. Takao? Check out this blog: Mt. Takao In the Fall.
Culinary Delights: Seasonal Flavors
Strawberry Picking
Indulge in Japan’s perfectly sweet strawberries. Many farms offer picking experiences.
YOKOHAMA STRAWBERRY PARK (横浜ストロベリーパーク)
- Time: Saturday and Sunday 11:00~16:00
- Fees: ¥2,000 (300g)
- Location: 神奈川県横浜市鶴見区大黒町11−1
- Parking: Available
- Reservation: Link
佐野観光農園アグリタウン
- Time: 2023年1月~2月 9:30～12:00、12:30～15:00 | 3月～5月 9:30～12:00 、12:30～16:00
- Fees: Regular – ¥2,600 | Member – ¥2,400
- Location: 栃木県佐野市植下町802-4
- Parking: Available
- Reservation: Link
- Have all-you-can-eat strawberry
Sakura Sweets
From mochi to cakes, sakura-infused treats are a delicious way to savor the season.
Travel Tips
- Book Ahead: Cherry blossom season is busy. Secure accommodation and transportation well in advance.
- Pack for Layers: Temperatures fluctuate in March. Layers make it easy to adapt to the weather.
- Explore Beyond the Hotspots: Venturing outside major cities reveals hidden gems and less crowded experiences.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Japan is full of surprises. Be open to new experiences!
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