Things to do
in March 2026
Written by
Angus Miyaji
Things to know about MARCH 2026
March is the exciting bridge between winter and spring. The month often begins with chilly winds but ends with the warmth of the cherry blossom season.
This means in early spring you can enjoy winter activities in northern Gunma and Tochigi and in later days of the month you can enjoy Sakura Cherry Blossoms and Spring countryside scenery in flat areas.
Early March: Skiing and Snowboarding in the mountain areas.
Late March: Sakura Cherry Blossom information.
Traveler Tip:
As spring approaches, be aware that this is also the peak season for hay fever (Kafun-sho). If you have allergies, prepare accordingly, as cedar pollen levels can be high. However, masks and hay fever prevention medicine is widely available in drugstores such as `Matsumoto Kiyoshi`.
What to wear and Pack in March
March weather is famously changeable. Early in the month, and especially in the evenings, you will still need a winter coat or warm jacket, particularly in high altitudes. A scarf or stole is also very useful for adjusting your temperature on the train or when the wind picks up.
By late March, a lighter spring coat or windbreaker over a sweater is usually sufficient during the day.
Masks and medicine for hay fever can be easily found in convenience stores and pharmacies such as `Matsumoto Kiyoshi`. These items are highly recommended if you suffer from pollen allergies.
(Being allergic to pollen myself, I understand the frustration of dealing with hay fever while traveling. So, I recommend consulting a pharmacy to find some medicine as soon as you feel your nose is constantly stuffed.)
Holidays & Crowds in March
The first half of March is generally quiet and comfortable for travel. However, crowds increase towards the end of the month. This is due to the Japanese school spring holidays (Spring Break), which typically begin in the last week of March (around March 25th) and last for about two weeks.
Additionally, as the cherry blossoms (Sakura) begin to bloom in Tokyo, Saitama and Ibaraki in late March, popular viewing spots can become a bit busy on weekends. (Outside Tokyo is usually calmer and quieter than in Tokyo)
Recommended Activity in March
March offers a “double flower” opportunity. You can catch the spectacular finale of the Mito Plum Blossom Festival (Mito City), which runs until March 22nd, 2026, featuring thousands of fragrant plum trees.
For food lovers, March is arguably the best month for Strawberry Picking (Japan’s #1 strawberry producer). The berries are at their sweetest and the greenhouses are comfortably warm.
For Sakura Cherry Blossom viewing head to Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi (Kumagaya City) to see some of the region’s earliest and most impressive cherry blossoms and rape blossoms blooming together or see the full list of our recommended Sakura Viewing Spots here.
Another seasonal feature is
“Hina Matsuri” (Girls day / Doll Festivals). While March 3rd is the main date for Girls’ Day, towns in around Japan hold spectacular displays throughout the month. The best places to see this is in the countryside which is far less crowded than Kyoto or Tokyo and has many displays. Famous places include, Moka Roman Hinamatsuri (Moka City), Konosu Surprise Hina Doll Festival (Konosu City), and Makabe Hina Doll Festival (Sakuragawa City).
News for MAY 2025
Japan’s Ministry of Transport has officially recognized the “North Kanto Flower Corridor” under its Garden Tourism registration system. This exciting initiative connects 12 beautiful gardens across Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures, such as Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park aiming to boost regional tourism by showcasing their unique floral attractions.
Events & Festivals in MARCH
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
Recommend things to do in MARCH
Kanuma Kaboku Center
Maenikko Brewery
Ichigo no Sato
Honda Collection Hall
Yoshimura Strawberry Park
Max Minakami
Places to stay in MARCH
Mashikokan Hotel
