March is a beautiful time to explore Tokyo, as the city transitions from the chilly winter to the gentle warmth of spring. With flowers beginning to bloom, Tokyo’s parks and streets come alive with vibrant natural beauty. Tokyo offers many great opportunities for you to experience its cultural traditions, beautiful scenery, delicious foods, and exciting events. Here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Tokyo this season!
Hanami: Cherry Blossom Viewing
Hanami, which directly translates to “flower viewing,” is a Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers. This spring tradition is all about celebrating nature’s beauty, hope, and new life. Since cherry blossoms bloom and fall quickly, this tradition is a reminder to appreciate the fleeting nature of life. Cherry blossom season is from around late March to mid April while plum blossom season is from around late January to March. People love to gather and picnic by the riverside, parks, or gardens where the trees are in full bloom. Some foods people commonly eat during hanami include bento boxes, hanami dango, and sakura mochi. People also love dressing up in kimonos, yukatas, or clothes decorated with spring flowers and bright colors.
Here are three parks to check out if you want to see gorgeous cherry blossoms:
Shinjuku Gyoen
Admission: ¥500
Location: Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area
- 6 Chome-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Website: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
Ueno Park
Admission: Free
Location: Ueno Park
- Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Time: 5:00am – 11:00pm
Website: https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCKENSETS
Chidorigafuchi Green Way
Location: Chidorigafuchi Green Way
- 九段南二丁目から, 先 Sanbancho, Tokyo 102-0074, Japan
Time: Open 24 hours
Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/en/sakura/spot/
Hina Ningyo on display – Photo from: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Japanese Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri)
Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll’s Day or Girl’s Day, is a traditional Japanese festival celebrating the happiness, health, and prosperity of young girls and women. Intricately crafted dolls, called hina ningyo, are displayed on a multi-tier platform covered with red cloth. These displays are significant because they symbolize good fortune and bring protection to girls. Hinamatsuri is typically celebrated at home with family; however, the Hyakudan Kaidan is putting their own dozen of Hina dolls on display.
Admission: ¥1,600
Date: January 20 – March 10, 2025
Location: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
- 1 Chome-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064, Japan
Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Website: https://www.e-tix.jp/100event/en/hina.html
Shinagawa Yakiimo Terrace Flyer – Photo from: Shinagawa Style Plus
Shinagawa Yakiimo Terrace
Shinagawa Season Terrace is hosting their annual sweet potato event. Yakiimo, “roasted sweet potato,” is a popular street food commonly eaten in the winter. There will be a variety of sweet potato specialty dishes, so if you are a sweet potato fan, then this event is for you!
Admission: Free
Date: February 27 – March 2, 2025
Location: Shinagawa Season Terrace
- 1 Chome-2-70 Konan, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan
Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Website: http://sst-am.com/
Hiwatari-sai – Photo from: Bencowburn
Mt. Takao Fire-Walking Festival (Hiwatari-sai)
Hiwatari-sai, also known as the Fire Walking Festival, is a religious ceremony held annually on the second Sunday of March. Buddhist monks, known as Yamabushi, walk barefoot over burning goma-gi, “prayer sticks.” It is believed that walking on fire will purify the body and soul, remove evil spirits, and bring safety and longevity. At the end of the ritual, after the flames are put out, you can experience safely walking it yourself.
Admission: Free
Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple
- 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-8686, Japan
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Website: https://www.takaosan.or.jp/english/events.html
Art Fair Tokyo at Tokyo International Forum – Photo from: Art Fair Tokyo
Art Fair Tokyo
Art Fair Tokyo is the largest art fair in Japan and the oldest in Asia. The fair showcases a wide variety of art, including antiques, crafts, and paintings. It’s the perfect place for those who want to admire art, find inspiration, or connect with other artists.
Admission: Varying between ¥3,500 – ¥5,000
Date: March 7 – 9, 2025
Location: アートフェア東京/Art Fair Tokyo
- 3 Chome-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Time:
Friday/Saturday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Website: https://artfairtokyo.com/
Vendors at Oedo Antique Market – Photo from: Oedo Antique Market
Oedo Antique Market
Oedo Antique Market is the largest outdoor antique market in Japan. With around 250 vendors, the market offers a wide selection of goods to explore. It’s the perfect place to browse for unique trinkets and souvenirs.
Admission: Free
Date: March 16 and 30, 2025
Location: Oedo Antique Market
- 3 Chome-5 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Website: https://www.antique-market.jp/english/
Golden Dragon Dance – Photo from: Tak1701d
Golden Dragon Dance (Kinryu-no Mai)
Honzon Jigen-e is an annual religious ceremony at Sensoji Temple that celebrates prosperity and good fortune. It was believed that in the year 628, two fisherman brothers discovered a Buddhist statue of Kannon in the Sumida River. This statue later became the foundation for the establishment of Sensoji Temple. Kinryu-no Mai, a dance featuring an 18-meter-long golden dragon, commemorates the appearance of the Bodhisattva Kannon and the construction of Sensoji’s main hall, Kannondo.
Admission: Free
Date: March 18, 2025
Location: Sensō-ji
- 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Time:
11:30am, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm
Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
Ueno Zoo Entrance – Photo from: Kakidai
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo, located in Tokyo’s oldest public park, is also the oldest zoo in Japan. Every March 20th, the zoo offers a free admission day to celebrate their anniversary. Home to around 300 animals, Ueno Zoo also has a five-storied pagoda and traditional tea ceremony house, adding a cultural touch to your visit.
Admission: Free
Date: March 20, 2025
Location: Ueno Zoological Gardens
- 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Website: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/index.html
Anime Japan 2025 Flyer – Photo from: Anime Japan
Anime Japan
Anime Japan is the largest anime convention in Japan. This event features exciting exhibitions, merchandise for sale, and even an award ceremony for “Manga We Want to See Animated.” Although not mandatory, many attendees love to cosplay as their favorite anime characters. If you love anime, you won’t want to miss this event!
Admission: ¥2,500
Date: March 22 – 23, 2025
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
- 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Website: https://www.anime-japan.jp/en/
Family Anime Festa 2025 Flyer – Photo from: Family Anime Festa
Family Anime Festa
Family Anime Festa is a part of Anime Japan’s exhibition. This section is exclusive only to children and their families. The event features a variety of family-friendly exhibitions, interactive workshops, and character meet-and-greet opportunities.
Admission: Free (limited to elementary school students and under, and their guardians)
Date: March 22 – 23, 2025
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
- 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Time: 9:30 am – 5:00pm
Website: https://www.family-animefesta.jp/en/
Tokyo in March is a beautiful city in bloom. From taking a mesmerizing stroll under the cherry blossoms, indulging in seasonal treats, or immersing yourself in local festivals, the opportunities for new experiences are endless. There is no end to the fun and discoveries waiting for you this month in Japan’s beloved capital. We hope this guide inspires you to fully embrace all that Tokyo has to offer this March!
Feature photo credit: Page Light Studios
