March 2020: Top Events Around Japan

March marks the officially start to spring, and the quietest corners of Japan are waking from the winter hibernation for some fiery celebrations and film festivals! Wherever you are in the country, there will be something exciting to see and make your March memorable!

Note: As a preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19 in Japan, some events have been canceled or postponed for 2020.

Omizutori Festival | Nara

An annual event, the Omizutori Festival is one of the oldest Buddhist recurrent events and dates back 1,250 years. Large numbers of torches are lit and hung from the balcony of the temple and people gather below them to be cleansed of sins and to look forward to a fresh start when the cherry blossom emerges. If you are showered with the embers from the hanging torches, it is considered good luck and you will be protected from evil.

Omizutori Fire Festival

Dates:1st Mar–14th Mar, 2023

Entry:Free

Venues:

Nigatsudo, Tōdai-ji

Osaka Asian Film Festival 2019 — Photo by Osaka Asian Film Festival

The rallying cry of this annual film festival is “From Osaka to All of Asia!” and involves screenings of films from 19 countries and regions including Macao, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Greece, the USA and of course, Japan. They will be screening a total of 58 films including several international premieres.

Get a Discount on Kimono Rental in Kyoto

Enjoy sightseeing in historical Kyoto while wearing a traditional kimono. Rent your outfit from a well-known store for a great rate, English and Chinese language support, and assistance with dressing and accessories. The store is conveniently located in the heart of the traditional Gion district, and you can leave your luggage there while you stroll around town. ...

Click here for details

Osaka Asian Film Festival 2023

Dates:10th Mar–19th Mar, 2023

Higashiyama Hanatouro Temple — Photo by Chad Kainz used under CC

An evening illumination event showing you Kyoto in a new light, this is the perfect excuse for an after-dinner stroll. The full route is 5km but you can pick and choose your highlights (geddit?) – including Shorenin, Entokuin, Hokanji and Kiyomizudera. There will be a Geisha performance at Yasaka Shrine.

Higashiyama Hanatoro

Dates:4th Mar–13th Mar, 2022

Entry:Free

The Sumo roadshow docks in Osaka for its annual March tournament and offers the Kansai locals a chance to see the wrestlers in action. While the first few days, weekends and final two days are the most crowded, it is easiest to get unreserved tickets on the other days – tickets are ¥2,100 for adults at the ticket booth.

March Grand Sumo Tournament

Dates:12th Mar–26th Mar, 2023

Entry:

¥3,800 – ¥38,000

Venue:

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (Edion Arena)

In preparation for this fiery festival, the 13 neighborhoods that once surrounded the castle of the famed 16th-century warlord Oda Nobunaga construct complex floats using straw, bamboo and paper to compete for the top prize. Once a winner has been crowned, they are all burned together and men dance beside the flames.

Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival

Dates:

Mid

Mar

Entry:Free

Venue:

Himure Hachimangu Shrine

A chance to see one of the traditional Geisha (known as Geiko in Kyoto) performances in Kyoto, the annual Kitano Odori features Geiko from the Kamishichen Area. Running since 1952, they have two performances a day and tickets cost under ¥0.

Kitano Odori

Dates:

Early

Late

Oct

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥5,500

Venue:

Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater

Ongoing events

Kepp an eye out for some plum blossom and lanterns depending on which end of Japan you find yourself in this month!

Souriike Plum Blossom Festival | Aichi

One of the later destinations thanks to the cooler temperatures at this end of Japan, the pond known as Souriike is next to a park filled with over 5000 plum trees. There are 25 varieties and you’ll find blossoms a long walk or short bus ride from Teramoto Station.

Souriike Plum Blossom Festival

Dates:11th Feb–12th Mar, 2023

Entry:Free

Venue:

Souri-midoritohana-no-fureai Park

Osaka Castle Illuminage

One of the non-free events, this one has a historical theme, with light displays taking you through the adventures of the Edo period and into the Meijo-era. Lights go on from 5.30pm until 9.30pm.

Osaka Illuminage

Dates:11th Nov–5th Mar, 2023

Entry:

¥1,500 – ¥8,000

Venue:

Osaka Castle

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival | Tochigi

A small town transformed each winter, Yunishigawa sees hundreds of small snow houses appear in the snowy months. The town has sledding and onsen to enjoy during the day while the kamakura (snow houses) are illuminated at night.

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

Dates:27th Jan–26th Feb, 2023

Entry:

¥300 – ¥1,000

Sapporo White Illumination | Hokkaido

There are quite a few different locations for the Sapporo illuminations, with three stretching out into the first few days of March. Minami Hikyoritsu, Sapporo City Kita Square and the South Exit of Sapporo Station. The first two involve trees while the last has some unusual illuminated structures.

Sapporo White Illumination

Dates:22nd Nov–14th Mar, 2023

Entry:Free

Venue:

Odori Park

Light of Versailles | Shizuoka

This illumination event involves plenty of lights, fountains and water displays with shows at 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm and 8:30pm as well as a 9pm show on weekends. The event is held at the location of the Gotemba Kogen Brewery if you fancy a drink to go with the sights.