Spring is coming, and we have a great list of events — from traditional fire festivals to the much-anticipated cherry blossom parties.
There’s also Hinamatsuri and St. Patrick’s Day this month, as well as the last of the early-blooming cherry trees — keep up to date with our event listings on the site.
Check out our guide to the top events in Tokyo throughout the year — organized by month.
1. Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is a major event. Even if you’re not cheering for anyone, check it out for the human interest aspect. The marathon kicks off in Shinjuku at 9:10 a.m. and passes through Iidabashi, Ginza, and Shinagawa, before coming to a finish near Tokyo Station. Some neighborhoods hold mini-events and performances (marching bands and more) to keep morale up and cheer runners on.
2. Mt. Takao Hiwatari-Sai Fire Festival
Come join the yearly fire-walking ritual at Mount Takao, during which barefooted monks chant sutras and prayers while walking atop smoldering embers. Visitors are welcome to try walking atop the embers as well, but only after they’ve slightly cooled down — safety first, after all! This ritual is said to bring good luck.
Note that while this event is organized by Takaosan Yakuōin Temple, which is atop Mount Takao, the fire-walking festival takes place at a public square that’s a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station.
3. Sensōji Temple Golden Dragon Dance
The Kinryu no Mai is one of the highlights of the event calendar at the already popular Sensōji Temple in Tokyo. The Golden Dragon Dance celebrates the founding of the temple back in 628 when two fishermen pulled a Buddhist statue from the river. It takes place on March 18 every year.
Why a golden dragon, you ask? Well, as legend has it, one night after the temple’s founding, Kannon appeared as a dragon and created a forest of over a thousand trees to represent prosperity, abundance, and longevity. Today’s dragon doesn’t quite swoop in from the sky but is instead a massive marionette, needing eight people to support it as it dances through the crowds.
4. Anime Japan
Why not go to an anime convention in the country that started it all? Anime Japan has everything you’d expect: exhibitions, goods, special anime-business collaborations, and stage appearances and performances by some of the biggest names in the industry.
Along with Winter Comiket and Summer Comiket, it’s one of the biggest events on the anime calendar.
| Advance sales: ¥2,300 | At the door: ¥2,600 | |
5. Cherry blossom festivals
Lastly, no guide to events in March would be complete without Japan’s famous cherry blossom festivals. If you’re looking for a few to visit, then try our mega guide to the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo.
Whether you just want to see them in the daytime, see them while doing something fun, or admire them all lit up at night, we’ve got all the bases covered.
Here’s a quick rundown of the top cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo, but remember to read our guide for the full list:
- Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
- Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival
- Nakameguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
- Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
- Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival
- Edo Fukagawa Sakura Festival
While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in February, 2017. Last updated Feb 2024, by Alex Ziminski.
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