Weather In Japan In March – Travel Tips For Foreigners

Japan stands on the verge of winter and spring in March, with many regions favoring one season over the other. Later in the month, as the sakura bloom, the famous cherry blossom celebrations of the nation start in more southern areas. Skiing is still possible in the country’s northern regions, which are still fairly wintry. Here are some things you should know before the weather in Japan in March.

Quick Weather Facts for Weather in Japan in March

• March typically has chilly, rainy weather.
• Temperature range in Tokyo: 5°C (41°F) to 12°C (53.6°F).
• 100 mm of rain fell on average (3.9 inches)
• Temperature range in Hokkaido: 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F).
• T-shirts with a jacket, a parka, or a light coat are appropriate attire for March. Top tourist attractions include cherry and plum blooms, springtime snow activities, and festivals.

Details on the weather in Japan in March

1. Hokkaido: Niseko, Sapporo, and Furano

Hokkaido and the northern parts are still rather chilly in March (1°C on average). Although those looking for the ideal powder stockpile should travel in the first half of the month for more reliably snowy conditions, the winter sports season is still going strong in Sapporo and Niseko. As the month goes on, there are more regular rain showers and less predictable snow conditions; snowfall can occasionally transition to sleet, making the terrain slippery for board and ski use.

Hokkaido and the northern parts are still rather chilly in March (1°C on average). ( Source: Internet)

2. Honshu: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Osaka

The beginning of March is traditionally a cold month, but as the month goes on, temperatures rise over Honshu (avg temp: 10°C), and towards the end of the month, the eagerly awaited cherry blossoms start to bloom in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other central areas of the island. Despite the warmer days, it’s still a good idea to carry a sweater for the evenings because March tends to have more rain.

The beginning of March is traditionally a cold month, but as the month goes on, temperatures rise over Honshu (avg temp: 10°C). ( Source: Internet)

One of Japan’s Grand Tournaments of Sumo, the Sumo Spring Basho, is taking place in Osaka, so you might encounter wrestlers throughout town. It’s also the only opportunity to watch a professional sumo bout in Osaka.

3. Kyushu and Shikoku: Nagasaki, Matsuyama, and Fukuoka

The cherry blossoms are encouraged to march up the country by the mild weather conditions in Shikoku and Kyushu; by the end of March, ‘hanami’ celebrations are in full swing in Fukuoka and Matsuyama.

The cherry blossoms are encouraged to march up the country by the mild weather conditions in Shikoku and Kyushu. ( Source: Internet)

4. Islands of Okinawa: Okinawa, Naha, and Kerama

In March, temperatures in Okinawa and the southern islands of Japan can reach the 20s, and by the end of the month, springtime is in the air. Although swimming and surfing in March without a wetsuit is only for the courageous, the sea temperature is also rising.

In March, temperatures in Okinawa and the southern islands of Japan can reach the 20s, and by the end of the month, springtime is in the air. ( Source: Internet)

What should I bring with me and what should I wear for my March vacation to Japan?

Imagine a somewhat colder spring if you are traveling to Tokyo or other places with typical temperatures.

Prepare for spring, but imagine it being a little cooler

There shouldn’t be many surprises unless you visit areas of Japan that are extremely cold or warm. You’ll probably be moving around a lot, so if that’s the case, a sunny day might feel a little warm.

There shouldn’t be many surprises unless you visit areas of Japan that are extremely cold or warm. (Source: Internet)

However, keep in mind that evenings and nights typically have significantly cooler temperatures than days. Comfortable clothing and jackets that you can easily store in a backpack until you need them are advised, especially for extended sightseeing days.

Visiting northern Japan? You’ll need to bring a bit more weight.

The weather in Japan’s colder regions will not resemble that in Tokyo. Pack for winter if you’re going to Hokkaido or another region of northern Japan because it will feel like winter there.

In general, heavier clothing and coats (together with socks and gloves) will be sufficient. ( Source: Internet)

In general, heavier clothing and coats (together with socks and gloves) will be sufficient, but if you are planning a trip at a higher altitude, remember to include boots and heavier-duty apparel.

It will be warmer in certain areas of Japan than you anticipate.

Make sure you pack appropriate spring attire because regions like Fukuoka, and especially Okinawa, can be significantly warmer than the rest of Japan. It will be very helpful to wear shorts, thinner shirts, and light sweaters. Also, keep in mind the following items:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A portable umbrella (just in case)

Remember that you will spend a lot of time outdoors.

Remember to pack additional chargers or batteries for your electronics and comfortable shoes since you’ll likely spend a lot of time outside of your hotel in Japan, whether it’s in March or any other month.

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• Best Things To Do In Okinawa – The Most Comprehensive Guide
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What To Do

It would be a mistake to visit Japan in March and fail to attend a hanami (though you probably won’t need to, as they will be readily apparent!). The delicate pink sakura flower, which the Japanese are enthusiastic about, serves as their national emblem.

In parks and temples, people spread out rugs or tarpaulins to celebrate the arrival of spring while enjoying food and drink (there is always a lot of drink in Japan!).

The delicate pink sakura flower, which the Japanese are enthusiastic about, serves as their national emblem. ( Source: Internet)

Mid-March may mark the beginning of the sakura blooming season in more southern regions of the nation, such as Kyushu and western Honshu before an upward ‘wave’ of blooming continues until April.

In most regions of Japan, March is a great season to engage in general sightseeing activities aside from hanami. The temperature is usually just warm enough to venture outside.

When the weather permits, combine interior activities like visiting museums and galleries with outdoor ones. The best of both worlds may be found in temples and shrines across the nation because they typically have lovely interiors to explore as well as well-kept grounds for an outside stroll.

Packing advice for travel

Still chilly, mornings and evenings call for a warm, heavy coat. It’s a good idea to pack two pairs of shoes in case of prolonged rain to keep your feet dry. For a few hours of wandering, transparent umbrellas, which are inexpensive and available in Japanese konbini, are sufficient.

Consider bringing extra memory cards, batteries, and film because the fleeting splendor of the flowering landscapes will quickly fill your camera (for analog photography amateurs). ( Source: Internet)

It can be fun to bring your own blanket or tablecloth to spread out on the ground when the picnic season gets underway. Additionally, a bag with a typical capacity will enable you to bring snacks and bento on a day trip.

Consider bringing extra memory cards, batteries, and film because the fleeting splendor of the flowering landscapes will quickly fill your camera (for analog photography amateurs).

FAQs

1. Is March a suitable month to visit Japan?

Japan is best visited in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Japan is at its most colorful during this time, with delicate cherry blossoms or vivid red leaves providing contrast to the surroundings. Keep in mind that at this time, it might also be very congested.

2. In Japan, why is March 3rd significant?

On March 3rd, people pray for the joy and healthy development of girls during Hina Matsuri (also known as the doll festival or girls’ festival). Young daughters’ families celebrate this day by setting up a doll display within the home. They give the dolls rice crackers and other meals.

3. What is prohibited from entering Japan?

Drugs and related equipment, weapons, ammunition, explosives, gunpowder, germs that might be used in bioterrorism, firearms, imitation coins or currencies, obscene materials, and anything that violate international law are all strictly prohibited from entering Japan.

4. What notable events occur in March?

National Grammar Day, National Dentist’s Day, and National Pi Day are a few of the national holidays celebrated in March. Holi, St. Patrick’s Day, and International Women’s Day are additional occasions to celebrate in March. Plus, March is frequently a holiday month with Passover, Easter, and Ramadan.

5. Is Tokyo chilly in March?

Tokyo experiences an average March high of 13 degrees in the afternoon and 5 degrees in the morning and nighttime. In April, afternoon highs often reach 18.5 degrees, while morning and nighttime lows hover around 10.5 degrees.

Final Thought

One important thing to ask yourself while making travel plans to Japan is if you would like better weather or less tourists there. After all, some tourists despise the cold or the summer’s heat and humidity, while others will stop at nothing to avoid crowds!

In terms of weather in Japan in March, spring is typically regarded as the ideal period to visit Japan. We’ve put together this thorough advice on the best time to visit Japan because there are so many variables to take into account. It includes details on the seasons, weather, important national holidays, and more.