Japan, Asia

Osaka in March

Plum season and the sumo spring tournament early, cherry blossoms starting in the last week. Book blossom dates early.

GoodWarming, highs near 57F (14C)

Osaka Castle, Japan — OsakaPhoto: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Osaka. Plum season and the sumo spring tournament early, cherry blossoms starting in the last week. Book blossom dates early.

Weather: Warming, highs near 57F (14C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Osaka

March warms up, with highs near 57F (14C). Early in the month, plum season is still going, and Osaka hosts the Grand Sumo Spring Tournament, one of six grand tournaments each year. In the last week, cherry blossoms usually start to open, though timing varies by year. Crowds and prices build as the blossoms approach.

It suits sumo fans, blossom seekers and anyone who wants spring before the April rush. Book sumo tickets and blossom-week hotels early, since both sell out. If you want the blossoms at full peak, the turn of March into April is the target window, so keep a few days flexible.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Osaka this month.

Grand Sumo Spring Tournament

Osaka hosts a 15-day grand tournament each March. Tickets sell out quickly, so book as soon as sales open.

First cherry blossoms

In the last week, blossoms usually begin to open at Osaka Castle Park and along the Okawa River.

Late plum season

Early in the month, the castle's plum grove is still in bloom with far fewer people than blossom season.

What to pack for March

A light jacket plus a warm layer
A picnic sheet for blossom viewing
A compact umbrella
Comfortable walking shoes

Our timing tip

Book Osaka hotels for the last week of March months ahead, since blossom dates fill fast.

Book Osaka for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Osaka
Opens a hotel search for Osaka in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Osaka
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 Osaka
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Osaka for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Grand Sumo Spring Tournament

March, a 15-day tournament each year

Osaka hosts one of the six annual grand tournaments. Tickets sell out quickly.

Cherry blossom season

Usually late March to early April, varies by year

Osaka Castle Park and the Okawa River are the classic spots; the Mint Bureau opens its blossom walk for about a week.

Things to do in Osaka

Full guide

Osaka Castle and park

The castle tower is a modern reconstruction with a museum inside; the grounds, moats, and blossom-season picnics are the real draw.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Dotonbori and Namba

The neon canal is best after dark. Eat your way along it, then escape to the quieter Hozenji Yokocho alley.

Tickets and tours →

Kuromon Market

Go in the morning. By afternoon it is crowded and some stalls start packing up.

Tickets and tours →

Universal Studios Japan

Super Nintendo World needs a timed entry or Express Pass on busy days. Avoid school holidays, Golden Week, and weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kaiyukan aquarium

Its giant central tank holds whale sharks. A perfect rainy-season or midsummer escape.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shitennoji Temple

Among the oldest officially founded temples in Japan, and far calmer than the famous Kyoto temples.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid Golden Week (roughly April 29 to May 5) and Obon (mid August) entirely if you can. All of Japan travels, and hotel prices spike.
During cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, stay in Osaka and take early trains to Kyoto. Arrive at the big Kyoto temples at opening, then retreat.
Hit Kuromon Market and Osaka Castle before 9am. Dotonbori is better late, after the day-tripper crowds thin.
Book Universal Studios Japan for a weekday outside school holidays and buy timed entry for Super Nintendo World in advance.

Know before you go

New Year (roughly December 29 to January 3): many museums, some restaurants, and small businesses close. Shrines are packed for first prayers.
Golden Week and Obon: everything is open, but trains, hotels, and theme parks run at maximum crowds.
Typhoons in late summer and early autumn can halt trains, close Kansai Airport operations, and shut outdoor attractions for a day or so.
Many museums close one day a week, often Monday; check hours for anything specific.

Osaka in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Osaka?

March is a good month to visit Osaka. Plum season and the sumo spring tournament early, cherry blossoms starting in the last week. Book blossom dates early.

What is the weather like in Osaka in March?

Warming, highs near 57F (14C).

Is Osaka crowded in March?

Crowds in Osaka are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Osaka in March?

Grand Sumo Spring Tournament (march, a 15-day tournament each year); Cherry blossom season (usually late march to early april, varies by year).