Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Researched by Patrick Balfe
Spring is coming, and we have the best list of events — from traditional fire festivals to the much-anticipated cherry-blossom parties.
There’s also the Girl’s Day doll festival 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.
Don’t miss: Check out our guide to the top events in Tokyo throughout the year — organized by month.
1. Cherry-blossom festivals in Tokyo
Check the latest cherry-blossom forecastAll over Tokyo
Fleeting, but iconic
No guide to Tokyo 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
2. Mt. Takao Hiwatari-Sai Fire Festival
Feel the burn
Join the yearly fire-walking ritual at Mount Takao, where barefoot 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 just a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station.
3. Sensōji Temple Golden Dragon Dance
An old tradition in the heart of Tokyo
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 1000 trees to represent prosperity, abundance, and longevity. Today’s dragon doesn’t quite swoop in from the sky but is instead a giant rod puppet, needing eight people to support it as it dances through the crowds.
4. Shōnan Enoshima Spring Festival
Beachside traditional processions and displays
Held at one of our favorite Tokyo day trip destinations, the Shōnan Enoshima Spring Festival is a great way to experience the area’s local culture. One of the biggest draws is the Samurai Warrior Procession through Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street.
Over on Katase Higashihama Beach, the action intensifies with yabusame horse archery. Riders, dressed in traditional hunting attire, gallop at full speed while expertly firing arrows at targets. The event is held over two days on March 14 and 15.
5. Anime Japan
One of Tokyo’s biggest annual anime events
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: ¥2,500 | At the door: ¥2,800 | |
6. Tokyo Marathon
Watch from the sidelines as athletes from across the world compete
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. Keen to get involved in a slightly less demanding run? Check out the Nakano Running Festa and Shibuya–Omotesandō Women’s Run also happening in March.
7. Green Ireland Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A lively festival and parade celebrating Irish culture
Not many countries get their own parade in Tokyo, but Ireland is one of the few. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes its way down Omotesandō Avenue to the sounds of traditional Irish music, fluttering flags, and cheers. The color of choice is, of course, green. Nearby, the Green Ireland Festival is held at Yoyogi Park Events Square for two days of Irish food, music, and drinks.
8. Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair
One of Japan’s biggest daruma doll markets
Daruma are round dolls used for making wishes. At this expansive fair in Tokyo, you can expect around 300 stalls of the bright red charms, as well as rituals, special shrine stamps, and processions. Once you’ve bought your doll, you can take it to a special monk to get the eye filled in, and in the process, make a wish.
While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in February 2017. Last updated February 2026, by Patrick Balfe.
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