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Tokyo in March 2020 - Things To Do, Cherry Blossoms, and Events

Kenzia Valetta

by GoWithGuide travel specialist:Kenzia Valetta

Last updated : Apr 28, 202211 min read

Things To Do

Got a trip planned to Tokyo in March? Then you’re in luck! Japan is known for its cherry blossoms, and March is when spring starts and the sakura starts to bloom! But other than that, what else can you do? Keep reading and discover what can you do during your trip to Tokyo in March. Find out the events and festivals in March, where to enjoy the cherry blossom festivals, travel tips, and more recommendation.

 

Things to do in Tokyo - March 2020

 

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March is one of the busiest months in Japan, where tourists from all over the world visit Tokyo to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. Not sure where to go for cherry blossom viewing? Want to learn more about the different events and festivals happening in Tokyo? Here are some things you can do during your March visit to Tokyo:

 

Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival

blog imageOther than just cherry blossoms, you can also experience ume matsuri or plum festival. This is perfect if your trip’s timing is a little early to see the cherry blossoms. Experience the gorgeous blooms of the plum trees in Tokyo!

Date

February 8, 2020 – March 8, 2020

Location

Yushima Tenjin (map)

190 meter from Yushima Station

Website

https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/ume/

 

Washi Candle Garden

Held annually, the Washi Candle Garden features handwritten messages on washi (Japanese paper) from residents who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. Washi (Japanese paper) lanterns are arranged on the grass to raise the spirits of the survivors and remember the victims. Visitors can also write messages and prayers.

Date

 Early to Mid March, 2020

5:00pm – 9:00pm

Location

Grass square behind Tokyo Midtown (map)

 

Mt. Takao Hiwatari Festival

At Mt. Takao Hiwatari Festival, you can see and even participate in fire walking. This is an act where you walk on hot coals and embers, regarded as a cleansing act and also to promote health, world peace, and more.

Date

Mar 8, 2020

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Location

Near Takaosan Yakuouin Temple, a short walk from Takaosanguchi Station (map)

Website

https://www.takaosan.or.jp/english/

 

“I Love Ireland” Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Experience the Irish culture through a festival in Yoyogi Park. The festival is filled with traditional music and dance performances, sports, and Irish gourmet booth. St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place along Omotesando Street at 1 pm on 18th March.

Date

March 14, 2020 - March 15, 2020

10:00am – 6:00pm

Location

Yoyogi Park

2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-0052 (map)

 

Gold Dragon Dance

Watch a special performance of Kinryu no Mai (Golden Dragon dance) with deep history and special meaning.

Date

March 18, 2020

2:00pm – 6:00pm

Location

Sensoji Temple

2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032(map)

 

Ueno Zoo – Free Admission Day

To mark its opening date, the admission to Ueno Zoo is free for the day. So, if you have time, enter and enjoy the zoo for free!

Date

20th Mar, 2020

9:00am – 5:00pm

Location

Ueno Zoo

9-83 Uenokōen, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0007 (map)

 

Cherry Blossom Festivals

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This is the most popular and most anticipated event in Japan during March. Definitely, enjoy the cherry blossoms if you are in Tokyo in March.  People gather around parks and gardens to enjoy the long-awaited cherry blossoms!

 

To enjoy the cherry blossoms, people usually do hanami (cherry blossom viewing) by making picnics under the trees or taking a stroll around the park. For the complete guide on how to Hanami, click here. Also, during the festivals, there are numerous food and drink vendors around the park to be enjoyed by visitors.

 

Be sure to check out the cherry blossom tours to get an authentic local experience. Here are some places to enjoy cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo:

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Date:  March 19, 2020 – April 5, 2020

Location: Sumida Park

1 Chome-2-5 Mukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0033  (map)

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: March 19, 2020 – April 5, 2020

Location: Ueno Park

〒110-0007 Tokyo, Taitō, Uenokoen, 5−20  (map)

Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Late March to Early April 2020

*can change corresponding to the season

Location: Kitanomaru Park

1-1 Kitanomarukōen, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 102-0091  (map)

Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: March 21, 2020 – April 8, 2020

Location: Along the Meguro River (map)

Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Late March to Early April 2020

Location: Sumida Park

1 Chome-2-5 Mukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0033  (map)

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival: A Digital Gourmet Wonderland

Date: Mid March 2020 to Mid April 2020

Location: Nihonbashi (map)

Midtown Blossom 2020

Date: Mid March 2020 to Mid April 2020  

Location: around Tokyo Midtown, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 107-0052 (map)

Hours: 8:00am – 11:00pm

Edo Fukagawa Sakura Festival

Date: Late March 2020 – Early April 2020

Location: Edo Fukagawa

Hours: 9:30am – 9:00pm

 

Rikugien Gardens: A Mystical Weeping Willow

You can enjoy the beautiful, weeping sakura tree (symbol of the park) where it is brightly by sunlight during the day, and illuminated to form a stunning scenery at night. Feel and enjoy the presence of age and grace.

Date

Late March 2020 to Early April 2020

9:00am – 9:00pm

Location

Rikugien Gardens

6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyō-ku, Tōkyō-to 113-0021 (map)

Telephone

03-3941-2222

Website

https://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/

 

AnimeJapan

If you like Anime, definitely visit this convention where you can enjoy exhibitions, goods, stage appearances and performances by some of the biggest names in the anime industry. You can even cosplay (but you have to pay a fee of 1000 yen), and enjoy access to a changing room and luggage storage.

Date

March 21, 2020 – March 22, 2020

10:00am – 5:00pm

Location

Tokyo Big Sight

3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo 135-0063 (map)

Price

Adults:

Advance sales: ¥1,800

On the door: ¥2,200

Children (12 years and under): Free

Website

https://www.anime-japan.jp/en/

 

Paella Festival 2020

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Every year in Yoyogi Park, the Japan Paella Association hosts the Tokyo Paella Festival.. Here you can taste the traditional Spanish dish as vendors square off against each other for the title of Japan’s Best Paella. You can also enjoy your paella with free music from Harukaze Music Festival, held on the same weekend in the park.

Date

March 28, 2020 – March 29, 2020

9:00am – 7:00pm

Location

Yoyogi Park

2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-0052 (map)

 

Tokyo Marathon 2020

Enjoy a nice run around Tokyo, or simply come and cheer on the marathon runners. The Tokyo Marathon kicks off March with a city wide running course starting from Shinjuku, heading east across the Sumida River, then south to Shinagawa, until finally ending in Tokyo Station.

Date

March 1, 2020  

9:00am – 4:10pm

Location

Start: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001 (map)

Website

https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/

 

Travel tips

  • It’s spring in March, so the weather can be a little chilly with the average temperature of 13°C (55°F) at max, and 4°C (40°F) at the lowest.
  • It can be very busy as more people will visit Japan during March for the cherry blossoms. So, be prepared.
  • During the sakura season, there will be plenty of sakura-flavored drinks and snacks, so definitely give a try during your visit.

 

Make your Tokyo trip more interesting! How?

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With all the places to and things to do, it’s impossible to have a boring time while in Tokyo. But, you can make your trip more interesting! How, you ask? Hire a private guide. Private guides know where are the best places to go to experience Tokyo in March, especially for the cherry blossoms!

 

Where to find a private tour or hire a tour guide in Tokyo?

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There are many places on the web offering private tours in Tokyo, or private guides. However, it’s difficult to determine whether it’s good and trustworthy website or not. Or whether the tour guides are professional and qualified or not. That’s why I’m recommending you GoWithGuide website. The website offers many local tour guides and also private tour options in Tokyo, from which you can choose according to your needs and preferences.

 

Recommended tours in Tokyo

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If your trip’s timing in Tokyo is perfect, you will be lucky to enjoy the cherry blossoms of Japan! For a great experience, I recommend checking out our cherry blossom tours

 

Additionally, here is a list of tours in Tokyo to take into consideration to make your trip more interesting, and also you can click here for tours in other areas of Japan.

 

If you don’t prefer looking through the private tour options but prefer to find the perfect guide for you, here is a list of great tour guides in Tokyo.

 

Further Reading:

Spring in Japan: 11 Things to Do and Places to See

Shinjuku Gyoen Park: Tokyo Top Park You Must Visit

Shinto Shrine: Top 7 Shinto Shrines You Must Visit in Tokyo Japan

How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost?

Shinkansen Tickets, Prices, Speed & Travel Tips

 

Written by Kenzia Valetta

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GoWithGuide’s writers are passionate travel specialists sharing unique tips and essential information for global explorers.

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