Tokyo in March 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
March in Tokyo offers a unique transition from winter to spring, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C to 14°C. While nights remain cool, daytime temperatures rise steadily. From mid to late March, Tokyo's iconic cherry blossoms begin to bloom, heralding the arrival of spring.
Tokyo is a metropolis that perfectly balances urban development with abundant nature. Large parks and riverside areas provide green spaces for relaxation. One of Tokyo's most distinctive features is how cutting-edge trends coexist with traditional culture.
March brings numerous exciting events to Tokyo. The highlight is undoubtedly the cherry blossom viewing festivities, making this the most vibrant time of year in Tokyo. Traditional festivals at famous temples also draw large crowds, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
In this guide, we'll introduce various March events in Tokyo, from traditional festivals to anime events and cherry blossom viewing celebrations. We've compiled detailed information including event descriptions, basic details, dates, and access information to help you make the most of your March visit to Tokyo.
Traditional Events in Tokyo - March 2025
Mt. Takao Fire-Walking Festival
Source: Official website
The Mt. Takao Fire-Walking Festival is a dramatic religious celebration held at a temple on Mount Takao in Tokyo.
This fire-walking festival is a ritual of Shugendo, a traditional Japanese religious tradition. It's performed to ward off bad luck and pray for health and peace. The ceremony is unique in that all rituals involve fire. The spectacular nature of these ceremonies has made it a popular and well-attended traditional event.
The highlight is the climactic ritual where monks walk across fire. After various ceremonies, a bed of cypress leaves is set ablaze. Once the flames die down, monks walk barefoot across the remaining embers as part of their ascetic training. The sight of the blazing fire and the powerful image of monks crossing it is truly impressive.
Visitors can also participate in the fire-walking to ward off bad luck. Due to its popularity, those who definitely want to participate should arrive early in the morning to receive a numbered ticket. Of course, simply watching the spectacular traditional ceremony is worthwhile on its own.
<Information>
- Date: March 9, 2025, 13:00 (planned)
- Access: From Shinjuku Station, take JR Chuo Line or Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station (about 60 min) → 5-min walk → Venue: Takaosan Yakuoin Temple
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.takaosan.or.jp/taiken/hiwatari.html
Golden Dragon Dance
Source: Asakusa Kankou Renmei
The Golden Dragon Dance is a traditional festival held at Sensoji Temple, one of Asakusa's most historic temples.
During this festival, people carry and manipulate a large golden dragon puppet in a procession. According to legend, a golden dragon once descended from the heavens to Sensoji Temple. This dance festival commemorates this legend and has been performed for over 70 years to honor Kannon Bodhisattva and entertain both locals and visitors.
The highlight is the majestic dance of the enormous dragon. As people manipulate the dragon puppet, it appears as if a golden dragon is performing a joyous dance. The dragon is 18 meters long and weighs 88 kilograms. The performance is accompanied by traditional festival music, creating a lively atmosphere that draws cheers from the crowd.
If you're planning to visit Sensoji Temple, try to coordinate your visit with this special festival date. It's sure to create unforgettable memories of your time in Tokyo.
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- Date: March 18, 2025, 11:30-15:30
- Access: 2-min walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and others) → Sensoji Temple
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/annual_event/23.html
Special March Experiences in Tokyo
AnimeJapan
Source: Official website
AnimeJapan is a major anime event held at the massive multipurpose facility Tokyo Big Sight. Each year, it features exclusive anime merchandise sales and stage events with popular voice actors. It's also where upcoming anime series for April and beyond are showcased, making it the earliest opportunity to get information about highly anticipated shows. This annual special event is packed with everything that makes anime enjoyable.
The main highlight of AnimeJapan is its high-quality exhibition booths featuring numerous popular anime series. For example, you might find recreated dungeons from anime worlds or life-sized character panels. My recommended way to enjoy the event is taking photos and videos at these exhibits.
In recent years, there has been an increase in interactive attraction-type booths. Visitors can enjoy various anime-related games. Whether you're an anime fan or simply want to experience Tokyo's POP culture in March 2025, AnimeJapan is definitely worth attending.
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Dates: March 22-23, 2025 (Public Days) 9:00-17:00
March 24 10:00-18:00, March 25 10:00-17:00 (Business Days)
Access: 8-min walk from Rinkai Line "Kokusai-Tenjijo" Station, or 4-min walk from Yurikamome Line "Tokyo Big Sight" Station
Admission: Same-day ticket ¥2,600, Advance ticket ¥2,300, Premium ticket ¥50,000 and others
Website: https://www.anime-japan.jp/
Seasonal March Experiences in Tokyo
Cherry Blossom Viewing
In March, Tokyo welcomes the blooming season of cherry blossoms and spring flowers. The Somei Yoshino cherry trees, Tokyo's most commonly planted variety, typically bloom from mid to late March and remain at their peak until mid-April.
Spring in Japan centers around hanami (cherry blossom viewing). People visit parks and natural areas to enjoy parties, walks, and photography under the cherry blossoms.
Multiple famous cherry blossom spots in Tokyo host major viewing events from mid-March. These events feature illuminated nighttime viewings, food stalls, and stage performances, creating a festive atmosphere for enjoying the blossoms.
Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival
Source: ACTIVITY JAPAN
The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates one of Tokyo's most famous cherry blossom locations along the Meguro River.
Visitors can enjoy 800 Somei Yoshino trees lining both sides of the river. Take a leisurely stroll under the falling blossoms along the 4km cherry tree-lined path.
While walking along the Meguro River, look both up and down - cherry petals falling into the river create a stunning pink surface. This iconic Tokyo spring scene is extremely popular on social media.
A highlight of the festival is the music performances enjoyed alongside the cherry blossoms. Free music events featuring student dance performances, famous artists, and DJs are held all day at the "Confluence Plaza" where the Meguro and Jakuzure rivers meet.
From late March, the Meguro River features nighttime illumination of the cherry blossoms. Nakameguro is also home to many atmospheric bars and restaurants. We recommend exploring these establishments while walking under the illuminated evening blossoms.
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Dates: March 23-24, 2024, 10:00-17:00
Access: 2-min walk from JR Line/Hibiya Line "Nakameguro" Station to Confluence Plaza
Admission: Free
Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival
Source: Sumida City
The Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival is a hanami (flower-viewing) event celebrating the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River near Asakusa. Looking ahead to the Tokyo Event March 2025, this festival promises to be a major attraction for tourists.
The Sumida and Taito district areas along the Sumida River are known for their traditional shitamachi (old town) atmosphere. Near the festival grounds, you'll find Sensoji Temple, famous for its Golden Dragon Dance. Over 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, planted more than 300 years ago, line the riverbank. During the festival, these trees burst into full bloom, creating a unique spectacle that can only be experienced during this special season.
The highlight is viewing the cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background. The Skytree, visible up close from the Sumida River, creates perfect photo opportunities. During the festival, nighttime illumination enhances both the cherry blossoms and the Skytree, creating magical evening views for tourists.
Food stalls selling traditional snacks dot the festival grounds, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from traditional yakatabune boats on the river. If you're visiting the Asakusa or Sumida areas, this festival is a must-see attraction.
<Information> (2025 Event Details)
Dates: March 16 - April 14, 2025, approximately 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Access: 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station, Honjo-Azumabashi Station, or Tokyo Skytree Station to Sumida Park
Admission: Free
Website: https://visit-sumida.jp/event/sakuramatsuri2024/
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Source: Taito City Official website
The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the verdant Ueno Onshi Park, one of Tokyo's most anticipated events for March 2025. The park stands as one of Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing locations.
Approximately 800 cherry trees blanket the vast grounds in beautiful blooms. Starting from mid-March, the traditional festival features spectacular nighttime illuminations and stage performances, creating a lively spring celebration that tourists won't want to miss.
The festival's biggest attraction is its diverse array of food stalls. Multiple areas throughout the park host numerous vendors selling Japanese street food favorites such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Visitors can also enjoy sweet treats, various beverages, and alcoholic options including wine, champagne, and sake.
As one of Tokyo's largest spring events, the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among international tourists. Come enjoy the festive atmosphere while savoring both cherry blossoms and street food delicacies.
<Information> (2024 Event Details)
Dates: March 17 - April 9, 2024, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station to Ueno Onshi Park
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/uenosakuramatsuri.html
Bunkyo Azalea Festival
Source: Bunkyo City
The Bunkyo Azalea Festival is held at Nezu Shrine in Yanaka, Bunkyo district, making it a perfect addition to your Tokyo Event March 2025 itinerary.
Nezu Shrine is renowned as a famous flower-viewing destination. During the festival period, the shrine's special azalea garden opens to the public. This garden showcases approximately 100 varieties and 3,000 plants of azaleas. Visitors can marvel at various sizes of blooms in red, white, and pink hues. The panoramic view of endless azaleas creates a breathtaking spectacle that offers tourists a unique Japanese cultural experience.
The highlight is viewing the azaleas alongside Nezu Shrine's famous architectural features. The shrine is home to the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates), where countless vermillion torii gates create a sacred and vibrant pathway. The main hall and the grand tower gate, built about 300 years ago, are precious cultural properties. These beautiful landmarks become even more spectacular when surrounded by the colorful azaleas, creating a distinctively spring atmosphere.
The azalea garden is open for one month from late March, with an admission fee of 500 yen. This event is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing traditional Japanese scenery.
<Information> (2024 Event Details)
Dates: March 30 - April 30, 2024
Azalea Garden Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM during festival period
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Nezu Station or Sendagi Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
- 5-minute walk from Todaimae Station on Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
- 10-minute walk from Hakusan Station on Toei Mita Line → Nezu Shrine
Admission: 500 yen for Azalea Garden
Website: https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/b014/p003947.html
Gourmet events in Tokyo in March 2025
Shinagawa Sweet Potato Terrace
Source: FASHION PRESS
The Shinagawa Yaki-imo (Roasted Sweet Potato) Terrace is a unique gourmet event that offers tourists a taste of a beloved Japanese snack. As we look forward to Tokyo Event March 2025, this festival showcases one of Japan's traditional winter treats.
Yaki-imo is a traditional Japanese snack made by roasting sweet potatoes until they become naturally sweet and tender. At the Shinagawa Yaki-imo Terrace, carefully selected sweet potato specialists from across Japan gather in Shinagawa. Visitors can taste premium roasted sweet potatoes that showcase different regional varieties and roasting techniques.
The event's highlight is its innovative sweet potato desserts. Modern interpretations go beyond the traditional simple roasted sweet potato. Tourists can explore creative offerings such as sweet potato mont blanc, soft-serve ice cream, and even "drinkable sweet potato" made from roasted sweet potatoes blended with milk.
Sweet potatoes can vary dramatically in sweetness and texture depending on the variety and roasting method. For tourists who have never tried yaki-imo, this event offers a perfect opportunity to explore this simple yet profound aspect of Japanese cuisine in Tokyo.
<Information> (2024 Event Details)
Dates: March 1 (Fri) - 3 (Sun), 2024, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access: 6-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station Konan Exit → Shinagawa Season Terrace Event Plaza
Admission: Free
Website: https://sst-am.com/event/8632.html
