Introduction
Hello! I’m Ken, editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.
March 2026 in Tokyo is the most energetic month of the year, where the tail end of winter meets the burst of spring. While the city turning pink during sakura season is the main draw, it is also a month when Tokyo’s energy reaches its peak with world-class events like the Tokyo Marathon and one of the world’s largest anime festivals.
In this guide, I’ve hand-picked 5 “Must-Go” events that are worth adjusting your travel schedule for. Plus, I’ve included an exhaustive list of local festivals and traditional events to help you navigate the city like a true insider.
Ken’s TIP: March in Tokyo follows the saying “Sankan-shion” (three cold days, four warm days), with temperatures changing drastically from day to day. Even if it feels like spring during the day, it can drop to winter-level cold during evening events or flower viewing. If you’re heading out for night illuminations, I recommend bringing a disposable heat pack (Kairo) to stay warm!
【Ken’s Choice】 5 Must-Go Events in Tokyo (March 2026)
1. 【World-Class Energy】 Tokyo Marathon 2026
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- Summary: One of the world’s six major marathons. Top athletes and over 30,000 amateur runners run a 42.195km course starting from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishing at Tokyo Station.
- Ken’s Point: Even if you aren’t running, cheering from the sidelines is a top-tier attraction. The energy in front of Asakusa’s Kaminarimon or the main streets of Ginza is like a massive city-wide festival.
- Official Website: TOKYO MARATHON 2026
- Date: March 1, 2026 (Sun)
- Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bldg ~ Iidabashi ~ Kanda ~ Nihonbashi ~ Asakusa Kaminarimon ~ Ryogoku ~ Monzen-nakacho ~ Ginza ~ Takanawa ~ Tokyo Station
2. 【The Greenest Street】 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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- Summary: Asia’s largest international parade where Omotesando is dyed in the Irish theme color “green.” It features bagpipe performances and Irish dancing.
- Ken’s Point: Locals love heading to a nearby Irish pub for a pint of Guinness after the parade. It’s one of those rare days when you can feel connected to the whole world while being right in the heart of Tokyo!
- Date: March 15, 2026 (Sun) Around 13:00 – 15:00 (Expected)
- Location: Omotesando (Jingumae Crossing ~ around Omotesando Hills)
3. 【Anime Holy Land】 AnimeJapan 2026
- Summary: One of the world’s largest anime events held at Tokyo Big Sight. Experience the forefront of Japanese pop culture with new title announcements, star-studded stages, and exclusive merchandise.
- Ken’s Point: 2026 will see even more expansion of immersive booths using VR technology. Tickets are pre-sale only, so check the official site as soon as you plan your trip!
- Official Website: Anime Japan 2026
- Date: March 21 (Sat) – 22 (Sun), 2026 9:00 – 17:00 (Expected)
- Location: Tokyo Big Sight (East & West Exhibition Halls)
4. 【Sakura Holy Land】 Ueno Sakura Matsuri
- Summary: One of Japan’s most iconic cherry blossom spots, dating back to the Edo period. About 1,000 cherry trees in Ueno Park bloom at once, accompanied by food stalls and traditional lanterns.
- Ken’s Point: It gets incredibly crowded, but that “festive chaos” is the true Ueno experience. Walking the main sakura-lined path under the lanterns at night is breathtaking.
- Period: Late March ~ Early April 2026 (Depends on bloom)
- Location: Ueno Onshi Park
5. 【Magical Nights】 Night Sakura Illuminations (Chidorigafuchi & Meguro River)
- Summary: The most romantic moments in Tokyo. Chidorigafuchi offers a “sakura tunnel” over the moat viewed from boats, while Meguro River features trees overhanging the water for miles.
- Ken’s Point: For 2026, reservation-only “Sakura Cruises” on the Meguro River are the trend. Sip champagne from a boat while drifting under the lit-up petals for the ultimate luxury hanami.
- Period: Late March 2026 (Peak bloom, usually 18:00 – 22:00)
- Location: Chidorigafuchi Greenway (Kudanshita), Meguro River (Nakameguro area)
- Location: Meguro River (Nakameguro to Ikejiri-ohashi area)
Major Event List for March 2026
Beyond the top 5, Tokyo in March is packed with charming local events. Add these to your itinerary for a true deep-dive into Japanese culture.
- Bunkyo Plum Festival: Enjoy the last of the plum blossoms at a shrine dedicated to the god of learning (Yushima Tenmangu) (Early Feb ~ around March 8, 2026)
- Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival): Beautiful displays of traditional dolls praying for the health of young girls (Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel, etc.) (March 3, 2026)
- Jindaiji Daruma Fair: A traditional market where tens of thousands of “Daruma” luck charms are sold (Jindaiji Temple) (March 3 – 4, 2026)
- Tokyo Creative Salon 2026: A massive design and fashion festival taking over multiple districts simultaneously (Nihonbashi, Marunouchi, Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku, etc.) (March 13 – 17, 2026 expected)
- Senso-ji Kannon Jigen-e / Kinryu-no-Mai: A massive “Golden Dragon Dance” celebrating the birth of Senso-ji (Senso-ji) (March 18, 2026)
- Roppongi Hills Spring Festival: Enjoy gourmet food from high-end stalls under the sakura of Mori Garden (Roppongi Hills Mori Garden) (March 20 – 22, 2026 expected)
- Sumida Park Sakura Matsuri: A perfect collaboration of Tokyo Skytree and cherry blossoms along the river (Sumida Park) (Late March ~ Early April, 2026)
- Outdoor Day Japan 2026: Japan’s largest camping event held at Yoyogi Park (Yoyogi Park) (March 28 – 29, 2026 expected)
Final Advice from Ken
- Book Restaurants NOW: March is graduation and retirement season in Japan. Locals dine out frequently, and any restaurant with a sakura view will be booked a month in advance.
- Prepare for Pollen: Cedar pollen (Sugi) peaks in March. If you’re sensitive, grab some “Kafun-sho” medicine or high-performance masks from a Japanese drugstore early.
- Subways are your best friend: On the day of the Tokyo Marathon (March 1), large areas are closed to vehicles. Buses and taxis will be stuck, so stick to the reliable subway system.
Summary
Tokyo in March 2026 is a blend of ancient Daruma markets, cutting-edge anime tech, and the overwhelming beauty of cherry blossoms. The joy of locals celebrating the end of winter is infectious. Soak it all in and enjoy this wonderful season to the fullest!
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