Tokyo Weather in March
Planning a trip to Japan in March? Here's what Tokyo's weather is really like — including when cherry blossom season actually starts.
March is when Tokyo turns the corner from winter into spring. Highs settle into the mid-to-upper 50s°F, nights still drop into the 30s and 40s, and the rain picks up from the dry winter months to 8–10 light, showery days called harusame (spring rains). The big draw, of course, is cherry blossoms — sakura season begins kicking in toward the end of the month, though timing varies year to year and is worth checking close to your trip.
Meteorologist Ian Schwartz breaks down what to actually expect.
At a glance
What's covered
- Highs, lows, and the wide spring temperature swings
- Why layering matters more than any single piece of clothing
- What harusame spring showers feel like (and the noodle they're named after)
- When cherry blossoms typically begin in Tokyo
- Why Mount Fuji photos get harder this month
Jump to a moment
Tokyo, Japan in March FAQ
What is the weather like in Tokyo, Japan in March?
The pivot from winter to spring — wide temperature swings, harusame showers, and the start of cherry blossom season.
- Highs: 54–59°F
- Lows: 39–44°F (30s on colder nights)
- Rain: 8–10 days — light, showery harusame (spring rains)
- Cherry blossom season typically begins late March
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
Tokyo's cherry blossoms (sakura) typically begin opening in mid-to-late March and reach peak bloom in late March or early April. Exact timing varies year to year by a week or more depending on winter conditions, so check the Japan Meteorological Agency's sakura forecast (released starting in late January) closer to your trip. Famous viewing spots include Ueno Park, the Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi.
Is March a good time to visit Tokyo?
If you're chasing cherry blossoms, yes — but with caveats. Bloom timing is variable, so booking weeks before sakura is a gamble. Weather is also unpredictable: warm sunny days, cold snaps, and harusame (spring rains) all show up. Layers are essential. The trade-off for the variability is one of Tokyo's most spectacular sights when the timing works out.