Ah, spring. The end of winter is finally in sight! Tokyo in March is definitely an exciting and beautiful place, with an abundance of Tokyo events in March, from the famous cherry blossom season to the blooming of ume plum blossoms, there is bound to be something to do every day. This year Japan’s official sakura (cherry blossom) forecast expects the famous national flower to bloom at the end of March in Tokyo.
For tips on cherry blossom season, including guides to cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, check out How to Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season in Japan. But if you expect to be in Japan a little earlier, do not fret as there is an early blooming flower forecasted for late February. Known as the plum blossom, it is a different kind of flower but nevertheless just as beautiful and a serene sight that must not be missed if you are on a trip to Tokyo.
Despite being known for the arrival of hanami (flower viewing) season in Tokyo, there are also many other things to do in Tokyo during March. Of course being a foodie, I am here to make sure you don’t miss out on any events that involve Japanese food!
Tokyo Events in March 2020
- Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival
- Sakana & Japan Food Festival
- Japan Local (Furusato) Food Festival
- Oyama Tofu Festival
- I Love Ireland Festival
- Midtown Blossom Festival
- Meguro City Cherry Blossom Festival
- Rikugien Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing
1. Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival
Known as the ume matsuri (plum blossom festival), this is the other popular flower that blooms earlier and lasts longer than the well-known sakura. Happen to be in Tokyo a bit earlier than cherry blossom season and have the fear of missing out? Then you are in luck as the plum blossom festival runs for almost a full month between February to March. Not only can you experience hanami at this festival but you can also experience traditional dance performances, tea ceremonies and many other Japanese cultural events. Make sure to stay till dark to watch the plum blossom illumination for a lovely hanami evening.
Dates: February 7 - March 7
Time: 8 am - 7:30 pm
Price: Free
Location: Yushima Tenjin
Website: http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/ume/2020/index.htm
2. Sakana & Japan Food Festival
Spend your weekend sampling some fresh fish at the annual Sakana (fish) & Japan food festival. Fish is a staple in the Japanese diet so you have every right to expect the freshest flavors at this event. But don’t expect just your typical sushi or grilled fish as there will be other unique dishes to try, from charcoal grilled squid to sea urchin croquettes or a Spanish seafood paella if you prefer, there is bound to be something that would make you salivate. This festival not only hopes to promote the deliciousness of fish but also local fishing industries, educating visitors about incorporating fish as part of a healthy daily diet.
Dates: February 28 - March 1
Time: February 28 (11 am - 8 pm), February 29 (10 am - 8 pm), March 1 (10 am - 6 pm)
Price: Free
Location: Yoyogi Park
Website: https://37sakana.jp/sakanajapanfes
3. Japan Local (Furusato) Food Festival
Every region in Japan has its own speciality dish and the Japan local food festival aims to put all these different dishes for you to sample in one place. If you are a food lover and are passionate about sampling all the delicious flavors that Japan has to offer, then this is the perfect way to spoil yourself with many local flavors from many parts of the country.
Dates: March (to be announced)
Time: March 7 - March 8
Price: Free
Location: Yoyogi Park
Website: http://kuohzei.jp/
4. Oyama Tofu Festival
Not held in central Tokyo but still an event that is worth going to if you are a tofu lover. Oyama tofu is made in Isehara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, famous for the high-quality water from the Tanzawa Mountain, which is why the tofu is popular for all the right reasons (fresh and so delicious). Not only should you sample the delicate tofu from this area but also be sure to not miss out on the tofu speed eating contest, one of the most popular events held during the weekend for all the tofu addicts out there.
Dates: March 14 - 15
Time: March 14 (10 am - 4 pm), March 15 (10 am - 3 pm)
Price: Free
Location: Oyama
Website: https://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp/destination/oyama-tofu-festival-oyama-events/770
5. I Love Ireland Festival
St. Patrick’s Day is the date of global celebration of Irish culture, an opportunity where the Irish and lovers of all things Irish come together and celebrate the heritage and culture of the beautiful country. This date is not taken lightly in Japan as the celebrations take place in two parts. The first part, the cultural festival, takes place at Yoyogi Park with traditional music and dance performances followed by stalls serving some traditional Irish foods. It is promised to be a cheerful and enjoyable day out, celebrating Irish heritage. Then the second part is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which takes place along Omotesando street at 1pm, with an energetic atmosphere that you should not miss out on!
Dates: March 14 - 15
Time: 10 am - 5 pm
Price: Free
Location: Yoyogi Park Square & Omotesando
Website: https://www.iloveirelandfes.com/
6. Midtown Blossom Festival
There are so many cherry blossom themed events it has been difficult to choose the best ones to recommend, but this Midtown Blossom Festival is something that can’t be missed. Taking place in Roppongi, this festival has a number of events that you can enjoy depending on your preferences. With a range of beautiful decorations, you can relax at the Chandon Blossom Lounges whilst watching the sakura lit up at night, or perhaps if you’d rather appreciate art, then you can enjoy the spring flower display exhibition instead which takes places at the Galleria Floor 1F with a collection of striking artwork that represents the beauty of spring.
Dates: March 20 - April 19
Time: Illuminations from 5 pm - 11 pm
Price: Free (viewing of cherry blossoms)
Location: Roppongi Station Exit 8
Website: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/en/events_news/
7. Meguro City Cherry Blossom Festival
We cannot mention spring in Tokyo without referring back to the famous sakura season. As one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami spots, this is one that you should not miss if you only have a limited amount of time to spend in the city. With a magnificent light up of the cherry blossoms at night that runs along the Meguro River, no wonder it is well known for the view in the evening. It is recommended that you view the cherry blossoms in the dark (lights turn on at around 5 pm until 9 pm) as you can also enjoy hanami whilst browsing the numerous stalls along both sides of the river. Not only would your hanami experience be enhanced by the festivities going on but also make sure to grab a glass of pink sparkling wine to really immerse yourself in appreciating the wonders of sakura.
Dates: Late March - early April
Time: Illumination from 5 pm - 9 pm
Price: Free
Location: Meguro River, Nakameguro
Website: https://www.nakamegu.com/archives/category/event
8. Rikugien Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing
Continuing cherry blossom season in Japan, another magnificent spot for appreciating the famous flower is at the Rikugien Gardens. With a long history, the Rikugien garden was built in the 1700s by the order of the 5th Shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. Known as one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in Tokyo, it is no wonder that this garden becomes one of the most visited places by tourists on their trip to Tokyo during spring.
Dates: Late March - early April
Time: Illumination from 5 pm - 9 pm
Price: Entry fee of 300 yen
Location: Rikugien Gardens
Website: https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/bunka/kanko/spot/teien/rikugien.html
There are many events that happen in Tokyo in March but the above are ones that definitely should not be forgotten or missed out on. From the important cherry blossom season in Japan to the celebration of different delicacies coming from different regions and also other countries from around the world, we appreciate the opportunities to celebrate and learn from other cultures even in a city that is already so exciting itself.
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