March in Japan is a month of transition. Winter is fading, plum blossoms are in full bloom, and cherry blossoms begin to appear in the warmer regions.
Schools and companies prepare for graduation ceremonies, and the whole country feels fresh and full of new beginnings!
Whether you’re planning a spring trip or exploring Japanese culture from home, here are the key events and seasonal highlights of Japan in March:
Japanese festivals and events in March
Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
Celebrated on 3 March, Hinamatsuri is a day to wish for the health and happiness of young girls.
You might see Hinamatsuri translated as Girls’ Day, Girls’ Festival, Doll Festival or similar. Hina (雛 / ひな) is the name of the traditional dolls displayed on this day, and matsuri (祭り / まつり) means festival.
Families display elegant hina dolls on red platforms. The simplest displays just have two dolls (representing an emperor and empress), and more elaborate displays can be many tiers high and feature a whole range of courtiers.
Hinamatsuri is also a time to enjoy special foods such as chirashi-zushi (a ‘scattered’ sushi bowl) and sweet hina-arare (pastel coloured sweet rice crackers).
Hinamatsuri is not a public holiday in Japan, but it is widely observed by families with girls, and you will spot beautiful hina doll displays everywhere you go!
White Day
On 14 March, Japan celebrates White Day. It’s the companion holiday to Valentine’s Day.
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