10 Things to Do in Japan in March
- Tokyo Localized
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Consider yourself lucky to be reading this since March is regarded as a peak month to visit Japan, toward May during spring, and from September to November during the autumn season.
At these periods, Japan is at its most vibrant, shining with delicate cherry blossoms in spring or illuminating red leaves in fall. What are the best things to do in Japan in March? Let’s check them out.
This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossoms or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.
1. Cherry Blossom Viewing!
Some travelers hit the beach as March is the start of the summer season in Southeast Asia, while others are preparing for the Holy Week celebration. Meanwhile, those who want a breath of fresh air head over to Japan for cherry blossom viewing, which is best in spring, of course. Make the experience the most memorable by wearing a kimono and taking photos. The best spots for sakura viewing are the Hiroshima Castle, Osaka Castle, and Inokashira Park, among many others.
2. Celebrate Hinamatsuri or Doll’s Day
To pray for the well-being of young Japanese women, a festival called Doll’s Day or Girl’s Day is celebrated each year on the third of March. It is a Shinto holiday wherein dolls, known as Hina, are displayed on beautifully decorated step altars of homes and stores, a tradition that has existed since the Edo era, way before the popularity of Funky Pops and McDonald’s Happy Meals.
3. Witness How Japanese Men Return the Favor in a Post-Valentine’s Day Festivity
In Japan, it’s more of Valentine’s month rather than just Valentine’s Day. There is a day known as White Day wherein men return the favor they got on Valentine’s Day from their women. As you know, women love showering their men with chocolates every February. But a month later, men endow women with anything white as a symbol to return the favor. You’ll see couples celebrating this in public spaces.
4. Watch the Grand Sumo Tournament
If there is such a thing as the Olympics or the NBA, several people in Japan are obsessed with sumo wrestling as it is rooted in history and culture. This national sport of Japan is celebrated via a tournament, usually a 15-day showdown and big show, literally speaking. So, you might want to consider getting your tickets if you’re headed to Japan in March.
5. Take Part in the Omizutori Fire Festival
If China has the Jingzhe Festival or the Awakening of the Insects to usher in the arrival of spring, Japan has the Omizutori Fire Festival. It is an ancient and dramatic Buddhist celebration that asks participants to repent of their past sins as they welcome spring. The most popular spot for this festival is at the Tōdaiji Temple, a fire ritual wherein the temple appears to be burned.
6. Try End-of-Season Skiing
Can you even believe that? If there’s an end-of-season sale in the shopping world, there’s end-of-season skiing that’s ideally experienced in March. You can head over to Hokkaido and Honshu’s northern and central regions to try this activity. Never worry, since the snow hasn’t melted yet.
ALSO READ: TOKYO ONSEN GUIDE: 10 BEST ONSEN IN TOKYO
7. View the Kinryu-no-Mai or Golden Dragon Dance
The iconic Sensō-ji Temple comes fully alive every year in late March when a performance of the Golden Dragon Dance takes place. The look of the dragons is more sophisticated than the Chinese New Year dragons since this event celebrates the transfiguration of a religious icon in Japan into a large golden dragon.
8. Niigata Sake Festival
Are you a frequent alcoholic? In Japan, you never need to worry about the elders or your moral friends telling you not to, because there’s the Niigata Sake Festival that gathers the best sake brands from Japan and sometimes from various parts of the globe in an event comparable to a trade or wedding fair.
9. See the Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination at Maruyama Park
If, for some weird reason, you find the lights show in Tokyo Disneyland not cool, then you can proceed to Maruyama Park to see the weeing cherry tree illumination. It is called such because the tree appears to be weeping or shedding tears because the leaves are hanging down. You’ll appreciate its “weeping” when it lights up at night.
10. Tsunan Snow Festival
Interestingly, the “aftertaste” – or maybe, after-feels? – of the Japanese winter spell is still seen and felt in March. In fact, in Tsunan, a small town on the southern edge of Niigata Prefecture, a snow festival is held, featuring snow and ice sculptures, live music, and dance shows. There is also a market selling crafts and food. Plus, you can go snow-biking and snowboarding, too.
Crowds during this month in Japan can get really thick, so you’d want to ensure you’ve planned ahead. Some of the things you must do when you visit at this time are pack accordingly and reserve your tickets in advance. Even if it’s spring and sakura season in several parts of Japan in March, some regions, such as Hokkaido and Tohoku, are still covered in snow. Discover Japan, discover spring magic.
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