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
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
Other 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!
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Date |
February 8, 2020 – March 8, 2020 |
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Location |
Yushima Tenjin (map) 190 meter from Yushima Station |
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Website |
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.
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Date |
Early to Mid March, 2020 5:00pm – 9:00pm |
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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.
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Date |
Mar 8, 2020 1:00pm – 3:00pm |
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Location |
Near Takaosan Yakuouin Temple, a short walk from Takaosanguchi Station (map) |
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Website |
“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.
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Date |
March 14, 2020 - March 15, 2020 10:00am – 6:00pm |
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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.
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Date |
March 18, 2020 2:00pm – 6:00pm |
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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!
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Date |
20th Mar, 2020 9:00am – 5:00pm |
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Location |
Ueno Zoo 9-83 Uenokōen, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0007 (map) |
Cherry Blossom Festivals
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:
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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) |
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Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival |
Date: March 19, 2020 – April 5, 2020 Location: Ueno Park 〒110-0007 Tokyo, Taitō, Uenokoen, ５−２０ (map) |
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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) |
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Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival |
Date: March 21, 2020 – April 8, 2020 Location: Along the Meguro River (map) |
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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) |
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Nihonbashi Sakura Festival: A Digital Gourmet Wonderland |
Date: Mid March 2020 to Mid April 2020 Location: Nihonbashi (map) |
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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 |
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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.
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Date |
Late March 2020 to Early April 2020 9:00am – 9:00pm |
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Location |
Rikugien Gardens 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyō-ku, Tōkyō-to 113-0021 (map) |
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Telephone |
03-3941-2222 |
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Website |
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.
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Date |
March 21, 2020 – March 22, 2020 10:00am – 5:00pm |
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Location |
Tokyo Big Sight 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo 135-0063 (map) |
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Price |
Adults: Advance sales: ¥1,800 On the door: ¥2,200 Children (12 years and under): Free |
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Website |
Paella Festival 2020
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.
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Date |
March 28, 2020 – March 29, 2020 9:00am – 7:00pm |
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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.
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Date |
March 1, 2020 9:00am – 4:10pm |
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Location |
Start: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001 (map) |
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Website |
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?
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?
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
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
