Japan weather & when to go: March

Hokkaido

Sapporo, Niseko, Furano

Hokkaido and the northern regions remain reasonably cold in March (avg temp: 1°C). The winter sports season continues in Sapporo and Niseko, although those in search of the perfect powder stash should travel in the first half of the month for more guaranteed snow conditions. Rain showers are frequent and the snow conditions are more unpredictable as the month progresses; snowfall can at times turn to sleet, with conditions under board and ski becoming slushy.

Honshu

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima

Temperatures at the beginning of March typically remain low, but as the month progresses the weather across Honshu becomes more Spring like (avg temp: 10°C) and the much anticipated cherry blossoms make an appearance by the end of the month in Tokyo, Kyoto and other central parts of the island. Despite warmer days, a jumper is still worth packing for cooler evenings and showers are more common throughout March. 

In Osaka, the Sumo Spring Basho takes place so you may well see the wrestlers around town: it’s one of Japan’s Grand Tournaments of Sumo and the only chance to see a professional sumo match in Osaka.  

Shikoku & Kyushu

Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki

Temperate weather conditions across Shikoku and Kyushu encourages the advance of the cherry blossom up country, with ‘hanami’ parties in full swing in Fukuoka and Matsuyama by the end of March.

Okinawa Islands

Naha, Okinawa, Kerama

Temperatures in Okinawa and Japan’s southern islands can hit the 20’s in March and by the end of the month there’s a sense of Spring in the air. The sea temperature is also warming up, although swimming and surfing in March without a wetsuit is only for the brave!