In Japan, the month of March is both serene and transformative, as it is the time when the harsh chill of winter gives way to the hopeful warmth of spring. During this time, the country is alive with plum blossoms, sunlight, and a renewed spirit. Japan at this time is alive with the azure blueness of unblemished skies, and yet, it is uncrowded.
Early Blossoms and Hidden Beauty
The month of March, with its gentle warmth, is the harbinger of spring, when the whimsical Cherry blossoms of Japan begin to blossom. It is also in March when the gentle Ume plum blossoms adorn the freshly mowed parks and the sun kissed temple gardens of Kyoto and Tokyo with the softest of pinks and whites. Further south, on the Izu Peninsula, the first Kawazu-zakura blossoms burst into a riot of magenta along the riversides. March is a month of celebration where one can feel the warmth of the Hina-matsuri, also known as Girls’ Day. Homes and shrines, with their delicate doll displays, radiate this warmth come the 3rd of March.
Those wishing to explore Japan off the beaten track, away from the bustling crowds, can turn to Jewel Tours Japan as they know secret spots perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
Calm Travels ahead of Cherry Blossom Season Rush
In the country of Japan, the month of March, is the ideal time to experience the country before the arrival of the cherry blossoms and the crowds. While in Kyoto and Nara, gardens and temples can be meandered at leisure. Kanazawa, with its poetic backdrop of still snowy traces, is ideal for leisurely walks in the old quarters. At the same time, Tokyo and Osaka are starting to stir in early anticipation of the new season, with the early festivities, bustling street markets, and open air food stalls that abound.
JTJ has crafted travel routes for people who appreciate harmony. For such people, the travel routes balance city time, nature time, and the much needed breathing room.
Flavours of Transition
Dining in Japan in March, is the sheer delight of some of the seasonal changes. Sakura mochi sweets wrapped in cherry leaves blossom in shops. On Girls’ Day, instead of shoveling endless sips of clam hamaguri clam soup, we raise a warming bowl in celebration. Sansai brings the first earthy fragrances of spring and new mountain vegetables.
Jewel Tours Japan is capable of arranging seasonal tasting experiences with local chefs or taking market tours in which Japan’s dynamics to nature is a reachable way of touching closely, though we still want to remain wary of touching connection with the sushi which is truly made in traditional Japanese style.
Reflection, Light, and Festivals
Throughout the country, the month of March includes sacred rituals and quiet festivals that usher in spring. In Nara, the Omizutori ceremony, which takes place from March 1–14, epitomizes this at the ancient Todai-ji Temple, setting the night sky ablaze with firelight as a mark of purification and renewal. Later in the month, families gather to celebrate Shunbun no Hi to mark the Spring Equinox which helps them to practice gratitude and balance.
Traveling with JTJ means these dates are not just numerical units in a calendar, they are fully fledged experiences thanks to the knowledge of local guides.
March 2026: The Gentle Onset of Spring
March 2026 is an open invitation for people who wish to see Japan in its most tranquil and meditative state. The warmth of the sunlight is now accompanied by the sounds of life in the air, and the harmonies of the landscape glimmer with the promise of new beginnings.
Let Jewel Tours Japan create an itinerary that focuses on this wonderful transition — from the first blossoms to the last of the snowy mountains — marking the delicate springtime renewal that Japan has to offer its travelers.
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