This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and the best foods to enjoy during your visit to Nagoya and the surrounding regions this March.
Weather in March
March marks the beginning of spring in Nagoya and the surrounding regions. The city gradually shakes off the chill of winter, with plum blossoms giving way to cherry blossoms toward the end of the month.
March typically offers mild and pleasant weather conditions perfect for travel. Daytime highs in Nagoya in March increase noticeably throughout the month, rising from around 11°C (52°F) at the beginning of March to about 16°C (61°F) by the end. Temperatures rarely fall below 7°C (44°F) or exceed 21°C (69°F). Spring showers do tend to become more common towards the end of the month, so it is a good idea to bring an umbrella with you if you plan to spend the day outdoors.
The weather remains colder in the mountains surrounding Nagoya, including Takayama, Shirakawago, and the ski areas of Gifu Prefecture. In these higher elevations, daytime highs in March generally range from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), with colder mornings and evenings. Early in the month, there is still a chance of snowfall, particularly at higher altitudes, though snow becomes less frequent as spring progresses.
We recommend visitors to Nagoya and the surrounding region in March pack layers. A medium-weight jacket or coat, sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts are ideal, especially for evenings. If you plan to explore mountainous areas, warmer outerwear and winter footwear are still advisable. An umbrella or light rain jacket is also useful especially towards the end of the month.
Seasonal Highlights in March
Spring Blossoms
March brings the long-awaited arrival of spring blossoms to Nagoya and the greater Tokai Region. The blossoms, combined with the pleasant weather makes March one of the best months to visit Nagoya.
In 2025, cherry blossoms are forecasted to begin blooming around March 20, and reach full bloom by March 29-30 in Nagoya. Making the best time to travel around Tokai late-March through early April for those who wish to see the blossoms.
Before the sakura arrive, plum blossoms also blooms in abundance around the region. This year, plum blossoms are expected to bloom between February 14 through mid-March in Nagoya. As plum blossoms typically bloom for a longer duration than cherry blossoms, they do grant a bit more flexibility for travelers.
Beyond Nagoya, Hikone and Omi-Hachiman offer perhaps the best cherry blossom scene in the region. In Hikone, cherry trees frame the historic castle and moat making it an excellent location for photography or to enjoy the Japanese tradition of Hanami at the sakura festival. Omi-Hachiman's canals are also lined with cherry blossom trees which provide a relaxing and picturesque background for a boat ride through the canal.
Spring Foods
Early spring is prime season for mountain vegetables or "sansai" in Japanese. These include warabi (braken fern), takenoko (bamboo shoots), and fuki (butterbur). These wild mountain vegetables are often lightly battered as tempura or simmered in traditional dishes. They typically have a bitter, earthy flavor. In the rural areas of nearby Gifu Prefecture, locally forages sansai are often found alongside soba noodles at many countryside restaurants.
March is also peak strawberry season. Farms in the greater Tokai region offer fresh, juicy berries, and oftentimes have strawberry picking experiences. Strawberry daifuku, strawberries wrapped in sweet red bean paste and mochi, are especially popular.
Festivals and Events in March
Konomiya Naked Festival
- March 1 (Sunday)
- 15:00 start
- Konomiya Sando Road leading to Owari Okunitama Jinja Shrine
In Japan, according to ancient traditions, men aged 25 and 42 are believed to harbor bad luck. So each year on the 13th day of the lunar calendar, men of those ages gather at Okunitama Jinja, outside of Nagoya, for a festival thought to remove their misfortune.
During the festival participants wear only loincloths and white traditional footwear. One man is elected to be the "Shin-Otoko", or "Lucky Man", and the rest of the participants try to catch him as it is believed touching the Lucky Man will dispel their bad fortune for the year.
Kinekosa "Spanking" Festival
- March 5 (Thursday)
- 15:30 start
- Shichishosha Shrine
〒453-0862 7 Kamikoji, Iwatsuka-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
Another of Nagoya's oddest festivals, this event also brings together participants of an unlucky are in Japanese superstition (25, 42, and 61 for men, and 19, 33, and 37 for women).
During the Kinekosa Festival, shrine attendants carry a paddle which they use to spank visitors on the butt in order to dispel their bad fortune. The tradition is said to have been passed down for generations and is now designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Nagoya.
Nagoya Women's Marathon
- March 8 (Sunday)
- 9:10 start
- Vantelin Dome, 1 Chome-1-1 Daikominami, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0047
The world's largest women's marathon will be held again in Nagoya with approximately 20,000 female runners taking to the streets. The relatively flat course passes through several famous spots in the city and is particularly popular with runners looking to secure spots for the upcoming Asian Games or Olympic teams.
For two days leading up to the race there will also be a Marathon EXPO at the Vantelin Dome where visitors can shop original goods from race sponsors and watch staged events including a fashion show.
F1 Japanese Grand Prix
- March 27-29
- Suzuka Speedway
The legendary Suzuka Circuit, located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, just over one hour from Nagoya, is once again hosting the F1 Japanese Grand Prix.
Recurring Monthly Events in Nagoya
Higashi-betsuin Morning Market
- The 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month (canceled if rain)
- 10:00 - 14:00
- Nagoya Betsuin: 〒460-0016 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Tachibana, 2 Chome−8
- Okaya Nagoya Hall (1-1-3 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi)
A morning market featuring vendors selling all kinds of vegetables, breads, sweets, and miscellaneous goods.
Nagoya Tsurumai International Shogi Class
- Every Second and fourth Sun of the month
- 9:30 - 11:30
- Okaya Nagoya Hall (1-1-3 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi)
Learn how to play shogi from a basic level. The instructors will teach you how to move the pieces and some strategy tips. The class is appropriate for all ages and nationalities. (Reservation required)
Featured Tours in March
Enjoy the Spring Blooms at Hikone and Omi-Hachiman
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman will take you to two castle towns, Hikone, with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman, known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
Make hand-made Soba along the Nakasendo
Recommended Tour: Embark on a scenic escape to the mountains and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s Kiso Valley as you explore the rich history and traditions of the villages along the Nakasendo Trail on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Local Traditions of the Nakasendo Road.
Delight in a hands-on soba-making workshop where you’ll create and savor this iconic dish. Explore a traditional Kabuki theater and learn about the region’s favorite pastime. Wander through the picturesque streets of Magome-juku, a historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail, and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Small Group
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Soba Cooking Class & Nakasendo Traditions
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Guided Garden Walk of Nagoya
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya's Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of Nagoya's titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Plan Your March Visit
Ready to discover Nagoya in March? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best the region has to offer.
