Japan, Asia
Tokyo in March
Cherry blossoms typically open in late March, varying year to year. The last week of the month is one of the most magical, and most booked, windows in world travel.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Tokyo. Cherry blossoms typically open in late March, varying year to year. The last week of the month is one of the most magical, and most booked, windows in world travel.
- Weather
- Warming fast, highs near 57F (14C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Tokyo
March warms up fast, with highs near 57F (14C). Cherry blossoms typically open in late March, though the exact timing varies by a week or more each year. The last week of the month is one of the most booked windows in world travel, and hotels fill months ahead. The first half of the month is calmer and cheaper.
It suits anyone who dreams of the blossoms and can book early and stay flexible. If crowds bother you, come in early March for mild weather and lower prices, or pick November for fall color. Families should book trains and hotels as soon as dates are firm.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Tokyo this month.
Cherry blossom season
Ueno Park, Meguro River and Shinjuku Gyoen are the classic viewing spots. Petals last roughly a week once peak arrives.
Quieter blossom spots
The Kanda River and Aoyama Cemetery have beautiful trees and far fewer people than Ueno at midday.
Early March calm
Before the blossoms, the city is mild and relaxed, and hotel prices are much softer.
What to pack for March
- A light jacket plus a warm layer for cool evenings
- A picnic sheet for blossom viewing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Go to the big blossom parks at first light, before the picnic crowds arrive, and keep a second viewing day free in case the bloom shifts.
Book Tokyo for March.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in TokyoOpens a hotel search for Tokyo in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in TokyoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in TokyoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tokyo for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Things to do in Tokyo
Senso-ji and Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 8am to see the lantern gate and Nakamise lane without the crowds; by midday it is a river of people.
Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky
The famous scramble is best at dusk. Shibuya Sky's open-air deck sells out; book the sunset slot days ahead.
Meiji Jingu
A genuine forest in the middle of the city. Early morning is serene, and you may catch a traditional wedding procession on weekends.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The wholesale auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's food stalls remain a world-class breakfast. Go hungry, before 9am.
teamLab Planets
The immersive digital art museum lives up to the hype. Timed tickets sell out weeks ahead in peak seasons.
Shinjuku after dark
Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Some bars are regulars-only; look for English menus as the welcome sign.
Beat the crowds
- Do headline temples and markets before 8am. Tokyo sights open early, tour groups do not, and the difference at Senso-ji or Tsukiji is night and day.
- For cherry blossoms, skip midday at Ueno and go at first light, or pick quieter spots like the Kanda River or Aoyama Cemetery over the Instagram rivers.
- Never plan intercity travel during Golden Week or Obon without reserved seats booked as far ahead as the system allows.
- Book timed-entry attractions (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Ghibli Museum) the moment your dates firm up; they cap capacity and simply sell out.
Know before you go
- December 29 through January 3: the New Year holiday closes many restaurants, shops, and some museums, while shrines see their biggest crowds of the year for first visits (hatsumode).
- Golden Week (late April to early May) closes nothing, but sells out everything: treat trains and hotels like concert tickets.
- Many museums close on Mondays, and when a Monday is a national holiday they close Tuesday instead. Check the specific museum before building a day around it.
- Typhoon season (roughly August through early October) occasionally halts trains and flights for a day. Build one flexible day into any September itinerary.
Tokyo in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Tokyo?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Tokyo. Cherry blossoms typically open in late March, varying year to year. The last week of the month is one of the most magical, and most booked, windows in world travel.
What is the weather like in Tokyo in March?
Warming fast, highs near 57F (14C).
Is Tokyo crowded in March?
Tokyo is busy in March, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Tokyo in March?
Cherry blossom season (typically late march to early april, varies year to year).
Keep planning Tokyo.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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