Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, March 2, to Sunday, March 8, 2026.
As the temperatures rise and the Punch-kun lines grow, March’s events kick off with dolls, daruma, and a dash across hot coals. Hinamatsuri events take over the city early in the week, while the latter part sees a mix of hot feet, hot potatoes, spicy bargains, and sweaty runners. Check out some of our favorite events this week below.
Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair
This popular spring event in Tokyo started in the Edo period in memory of Ganzan Daishi. As one of Japan’s three biggest daruma markets, there are around 300 street stalls selling these traditional dolls.
Iwatsuki Hina Doll Festival
Iwatsuki is one of a few towns left in Japan prized for its doll-making and craftsmanship. Hina Matsuri, Japan’s annual Doll Festival, offers the perfect chance for the town to show off its talent.
Kōnosu Surprise Doll Festival
Kōnosu City in Saitama has nearly 400 years of experience in the doll-making industry. Every year, a gigantic pyramid is erected to celebrate Hinamatsuri, a Japanese holiday otherwise known as Dolls’ or Girls’ Day.
Katsuura Big Doll Festivali
There will be three main event venues to see: about 2,000 dolls on the steps leading up to Tomisaki Shrine, a large display outside the Kakuoji Temple gate, and another display at the Sumina Intersection.
Mt. Takao Hiwatari Festival
The sacred ritual of walking across hot coals and glowing embers is believed to cleanse and purify the spirit. Beyond warming cold feet, it is also said to invite a host of blessings, from world peace and long life to good health, disaster prevention, and even protection from traffic accidents.
Shinagawa Yakiimo Terrace
From croquette burgers to chips and baked potatoes, sweet potatoes of all shapes, sizes, and flavors will be sold from 17 vendors from around the country.
Showa Retro Market
At the Showa Retro Market, Japan’s retro game is on full display. You’ll find stalls selling everything from retro music to posters, toys, clothes, furniture, and home appliances.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
Nakano Running Festa
This isn’t for extreme runners, but there will be plenty of fun to be had. Think food and drink stalls, special guests, and a nice day out in the delightful environment of the park.
Chinese Spring Festival
Of course, festivities in Hong Kong or elsewhere in China are just a short airplane ride away, but you can celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival in Tokyo’s own Chukagai (Chinatown) in Yokohama, the largest Chinese community in Japan.
Sankeien Plum Blossom Viewing
There are around 500 plum trees here — as well as a plum bonsai exhibition featuring around 40 carefully trained tiny trees.
Miura-kaigan Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Kawazu-zakura, the particular variety of sakura that proliferates around Miura-kaigan on the Kanagawa Prefecture coast, flower earlier than most other varieties of cherry. At this festival, more than 1,000 Kawazu-sakura line the road from Miura-kaigan station to Komatsugaike Park.
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