March is one of the best months to visit Tokyo. Winter loosens its grip, spring flowers start blooming, and the city fills up with seasonal festivals and outdoor events. Whether you arrive in early March for Hinamatsuri and plum blossoms or time your trip for late March when the cherry trees burst open, there is always something worth seeing.
This guide covers weather tips, major events, and the top spots for cherry blossoms and rape blossoms so you can plan your March trip with confidence.
*The events introduced here are subject to change or cancellation. Please check each venue's official website before heading out.
If you want to read about visiting Tokyo in the colder months, take a look at our winter guide:
Tokyo in March: Weather and What to Pack
Tokyo in March sits right at the seam between winter and spring. The first week or two can still feel cold, but by the end of the month daytime highs often reach 17 to 18 degrees Celsius and the air turns noticeably milder.
Here is what to expect:
- Early March temperatures hover around 8 to 13 degrees Celsius during the day. Mornings and evenings can drop below 5 degrees, so a warm coat is still useful.
- Mid to late March daytime temperatures climb to 13 to 18 degrees. Layering is the key strategy: a light jacket or cardigan over a long-sleeved shirt works well. You can always peel off a layer if the afternoon sun is strong.
- Rain showers are not uncommon, so pack a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to stroll through parks for cherry blossom viewing.
March also marks the end of the Japanese school year. Graduation ceremonies take place throughout the month, and spring break begins around late March, so popular tourist areas and trains get busier toward the end of the month.
Major Events in Tokyo in March
Tokyo Marathon (Early March)
The Tokyo Marathon is one of the world's six major marathon events, attracting about 38,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. The 2026 race takes place on Sunday, March 1. The course winds through famous landmarks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate, and Ginza, finishing near Tokyo Station. Even if you are not running, lining up along the route to cheer is a memorable experience. The Tokyo Marathon EXPO at Tokyo Big Sight (February 26 to 28) is open to the public and features running gear, food, and cultural exhibits.
Hinamatsuri (Girls' Festival) on March 3
Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese festival held every year on March 3 to pray for the growth and happiness of girls. The day is also called Momo-no-Sekku (Peach Festival) because peach blossoms are in season around this time.
In Japanese homes with daughters, families display a set of ornamental dolls called hina ningyo on tiered platforms. These dolls depict the imperial court and represent wishes for a happy life. Shrines, hotels, and museums also put up large displays and hold related events. If you are in Tokyo around March 3, the following spots are worth a visit:
"Hyakudan Hinamatsuri" at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo -- Hotel Gajoen's Hyakudan Staircase is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo. Each year the hotel selects a different theme for its hina doll exhibition. A staircase of 99 steps connects seven uniquely decorated rooms, and visitors can see a wide range of hina dolls, from traditional styles to more unusual regional variations.
Mitsui Memorial Museum, "Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family" -- Located in the Nihonbashi area, this museum exhibits hina dolls and accessories passed down through the Mitsui family, founders of the Mitsui business group. The collection spans from the Edo period to the 20th century, showing how doll styles evolved over the centuries.
Kinryu-no-Mai (Golden Dragon Dance) at Senso-ji, Asakusa -- March 18
Every year on March 18 and October 18, a group of performers carries a large golden dragon through the grounds of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. The dance celebrates the legend of a golden dragon that supposedly descended from the sky when the temple's sacred Kannon statue was discovered. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes and draws large crowds, so arriving early in the morning gives you the best vantage point.
If you are visiting Asakusa, you might also enjoy a professional photoshoot around the temple area:
For a deeper look at what to do in this neighborhood, see our Asakusa guide:
AnimeJapan 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight (Late March)
AnimeJapan is one of the largest anime events in the world. In 2026 it runs from March 28 to 31 at Tokyo Big Sight, with public days on March 28 and 29 and business days on March 30 and 31. Fans can browse booths from major anime studios, see exclusive screenings, pick up limited-edition merchandise, and attend stage events with voice actors and creators. Tickets usually sell out for the most popular sessions, so booking ahead is recommended.
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festivals)
Cherry blossom season is the highlight of March in Tokyo. According to the 2026 forecasts, Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Tokyo are expected to start blooming around March 19 to 21 and reach full bloom around March 27 to 28. The best viewing window is roughly March 25 through early April, though the exact timing shifts a little each year depending on winter temperatures.
Several neighborhoods hold their own cherry blossom festivals during this period. Here are the major ones:
Chidorigafuchi Greenway and Chiyoda Sakura Festival (March 5 to April 22, 2026)
Chidorigafuchi is a promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace. About 260 cherry trees line the 700-meter walkway, and when they are in full bloom the branches arch over the water to form a tunnel of pink. During the Chiyoda Sakura Festival, the trees are lit up at night and the Chidorigafuchi Boat Park opens for evening rowboat rides. Paddling beneath illuminated cherry blossoms reflected in the moat is one of Tokyo's most photogenic spring experiences. The festival headquarters is at Kudanshita, a short walk from Kudanshita Station on the Tozai, Hanzomon, and Toei Shinjuku lines.
Ueno Park and Ueno Sakura Matsuri (March 14 to April 5, 2026)
Ueno Park has about 800 cherry trees and has been a popular hanami destination since the Edo period. The park's wide central pathway is lined with Somei Yoshino trees that create a canopy overhead. Food stalls pop up along the path during the festival, and the park's museums -- including the Tokyo National Museum, which holds a special "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" event from March 10 to April 19, 2026 -- make it easy to combine an indoor visit with outdoor blossom viewing.
Meguro River and Naka-Meguro Cherry Blossom Festival (March 28 to 29, 2026)
Over 800 cherry trees line a roughly 4-kilometer stretch of the Meguro River, with the most popular viewing area centered around Naka-Meguro and extending from Ikejiri-Ohashi toward Osaki. In late March the branches hang over the canal, creating a pink corridor that is especially atmospheric in the evening when paper lanterns are lit along the banks. The Naka-Meguro Cherry Blossom Festival falls on March 28 and 29 in 2026, with live performances and food stalls near Naka-Meguro Station. The neighborhood's cafes, bakeries, and boutiques make it a great spot for a half-day outing.
For a unique perspective, consider viewing the blossoms from the water on a sakura cruise:
Or capture the moment with a professional cherry blossom photoshoot:
Sumida Park and Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival (March 15 to April 5, 2026)
Sumida Park sits along the Sumida River near Asakusa, and its roughly 640 cherry trees frame picture-perfect views of Tokyo Skytree in the background. During the festival, the trees along the riverbank are lit up at night. You can also ride the Sumida River water bus and see the blossoms from the river itself, which offers a perspective you cannot get on foot.
Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine is home to the specimen cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses to officially declare the start of cherry blossom season in Tokyo. About 500 cherry trees bloom within the shrine grounds. The Sakura Matsuri here includes traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh and Sumo demonstrations, giving visitors a chance to enjoy culture alongside the blossoms.
Rikugien Garden
Rikugien is a traditional Japanese stroll garden in Bunkyo ward, and its star attraction in spring is a massive weeping cherry tree near the entrance. The tree is lit up in the evenings during a special viewing period that usually runs for about one week in late March (the exact dates are announced shortly before). The illuminated weeping cherry against the dark sky is one of the most striking sakura sights in Tokyo. Admission is 300 yen for adults.
Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival (March 20 to May 24, 2026)
Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa hosts a large-scale flower festival each spring. Cherry trees bloom in the "Cherry Blossom Garden" area, and the park's fields of tulips and other spring flowers follow shortly after. The park is spacious enough that it rarely feels as crowded as central Tokyo spots, making it a good option for a more relaxed hanami.
If you are interested in cherry blossom spots beyond Tokyo, we have a nationwide guide:
Looking for hanami bento ideas to bring along? Check out our picks from Daimaru Tokyo:
Rape Blossom Spots
Rape blossoms (nanohana) are bright yellow flowers that bloom from late winter into spring across Japan. In Tokyo, several parks and waterfronts have large fields of rape blossoms, and their vivid color against the city skyline makes for great photos. Timing usually peaks between mid-February and late March depending on the location.
Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens sit in the middle of central Tokyo, a short walk from Tsukiji and the Shiodome skyscraper district. The garden's "flower field" fills with rape blossoms each spring, and the contrast between the yellow flowers and the glass towers behind them is a signature Tokyo shot. With the right angle, you can frame Tokyo Tower and the rape blossoms in a single photo. Entry is 300 yen for adults.
Showa Kinen Park
Head to the "Minna no Harappa" area inside Showa Kinen Park to see roughly 200,000 rape blossoms blooming at once. The field sits near the "Cherry Blossom Garden," so if you time your visit for late March you can photograph both flowers together.
Shinagawa Hanakaido
The Shinagawa Hanakaido is a greening project along the seawall of the Katsushima Canal in Shinagawa ward. A 1.5-kilometer stretch of seawall is covered with rape blossoms from mid-February to mid-March each year. It is a lesser-known spot and makes for a peaceful walk away from the crowds.
Exploring More of Tokyo
If you are spending several days in the city, these guides cover specific neighborhoods and food scenes worth checking out:
