Japan, Asia

Kyoto in March

Blossoms typically open in the final week, varying year to year. Book a year out for the famous ryokan; the city fills fast.

BestWarming, highs near 56F (13C)

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond, Kyoto — KyotoPhoto: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Kyoto. Blossoms typically open in the final week, varying year to year. Book a year out for the famous ryokan; the city fills fast.

Weather: Warming, highs near 56F (13C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What March is like in Kyoto

March warms up, with highs near 56F (13C). Cherry blossoms usually begin opening in the last week of the month, though the timing varies year to year. As the blossom forecast firms up, the city fills fast and prices rise. Early March is still calm and fairly priced.

This is a top month for travelers chasing the blossoms, but you need to book early, especially the well-known ryokan. Families can enjoy early March with few crowds. If you want the fullest bloom, early April usually hits the peak, but it is even busier.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Kyoto this month.

The first cherry blossoms

In late March, the Kamo River banks and Maruyama Park start to bloom. Each day brings more pink.

Early March calm

Before the blossom crowds arrive, the first half of the month is a quiet, pleasant time for temple visits.

Evening walks along the river

Mild evenings are great for strolling the Kamo River and Gion at dusk.

What to pack for March

Layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons
A light rain jacket
Comfortable shoes that slip off easily
A small picnic mat for blossom viewing

Our timing tip

Book rooms months ahead for the last week of March, and check the official blossom forecast a few weeks out to fine-tune your days.

Book Kyoto for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kyoto
Opens a hotel search for Kyoto in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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Vacation rentals in Kyoto
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Kyoto
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kyoto for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Cherry blossom season

Typically late March to early April, varies year to year

Maruyama Park, the Philosopher's Path, and the Kamo River banks are the classic spots. This is Kyoto's most booked window; plan months ahead.

Things to do in Kyoto

Full guide

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The thousand-gate mountain shrine, open 24 hours. Go at dawn or after dinner; by mid morning the lower gates are a slow-moving line.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Gleaming above its pond and busy all day. Arrive at opening or in the last hour for the calmest light.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Arashiyama bamboo grove and river

The bamboo path is short and mobbed by 9am. Come very early, then give the rest of the day to the riverside, monkey park, and Okochi Sanso garden.

Tickets and tours →

Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama lanes

The hillside temple's veranda view is the classic Kyoto panorama. The preserved streets below (Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka) are best before the shops open.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Gion at dusk

Lantern-lit Hanamikoji street and the Shirakawa canal. Be respectful: photographing geiko and maiko on private lanes is restricted.

Tickets and tours →

Nishiki Market

Five blocks of food stalls, pickles, knives, and skewers. Go hungry, midmorning, before the afternoon crush.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Kyoto rewards early risers more than any city in Asia: Fushimi Inari at 6:30am and the bamboo grove at 7am are transcendent, and both are shoulder to shoulder by 10.
In blossom and maple season, hit the famous gardens at opening, then spend afternoons at second-tier temples (Shoren-in, Honen-in, Daitoku-ji's subtemples) that see a fraction of the traffic.
Stay overnight rather than day-tripping from Osaka: the magic hours are before the day-trip waves arrive and after they leave.
Skip the buses at peak season; they jam solid. The subway, JR lines, and a bike cover most of the city faster.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: many restaurants and shops close for the New Year holiday while shrines see their heaviest crowds of the year.
Golden Week (late April to early May) and the mid-November maple peak are Kyoto's two sold-out windows: nothing closes, everything fills. Book transport and rooms far ahead or shift your dates.
Some temples close irregularly for private ceremonies, and several famous gardens admit visitors only in short spring and fall windows. Check specific temples before anchoring a day to them.
Obon in mid August brings closures at some family-run restaurants and shops while the big sights run normally.

Kyoto in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Kyoto?

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Kyoto. Blossoms typically open in the final week, varying year to year. Book a year out for the famous ryokan; the city fills fast.

What is the weather like in Kyoto in March?

Warming, highs near 56F (13C).

Is Kyoto crowded in March?

Kyoto is busy in March, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Kyoto in March?

Cherry blossom season (typically late march to early april, varies year to year).