Things to Do in Tokyo in March 2025

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/

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

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/

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

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/

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 (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

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

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

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

On a trip to Tokyo? Join our Daytime and Evening Hanami tours this spring to truly enjoy the sakura this season!