Things To Do In Tokyo In March - Recommended Events

March is the beginning of spring in Japan and if you'll be traveling here in March you'll notice right away that the change of seasons is reason enough to celebrate.

There’s so much to see and do in Tokyo in March, it can be difficult to sort out your plans in a timely manner. If you are interested in learning more about traditional Japanese culture through some fun and informative events, then check out our selection of three traditional Japanese events and exhibitions held in March 2017. By taking part in these events you will surely get a feel of the great significance this time of the year has for the locals.

Hyakudan Hina Matsuri - A Gorgeous Display of Vintage Hina Dolls

Photo courtesy of Meguro Gajoen

Hyakudan Hina Matsuri, held until March 12th at Meguro Gajoen, is an exhibition dedicated to Hina Matsuri, or Girls’ Day, celebrated on March 3rd in Japan. This is a holiday wherein the health and continued good fortune of girls is prayed for by families through auspicious dishes and elaborate displays of stunning Hina dolls.

Hyakudan Hina Matsuri is an exhibition dedicated to this festival, featuring collections of antique Hina dolls from the Kyushu region.

Photo courtesy of Meguro Gajoen

Photo courtesy of Meguro Gajoen

This is the eighth year of this event, and features around one thousand traditional dolls gathered together from twelve different areas in seven prefectures. Kyushu has historically been known as a region where lords and reigning families of Japanese history lived, and as such there are numerous clan-based dolls and other special items included in this display that are typically impossible to see.

If you would like to enjoy the sight of these Hina dolls, learn of their cultural significance, and enjoy being surrounded by such a precious part of Japanese culture, then please visit Meguro Gajoen as soon as you can.

Hyakudan Hina Matsuri
Dates: January 19th - March 11th 2017
Hours: 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Admission: General 1500 yen, junior high school/high school/university students 800 yen, elementary school children and under free.
Address: Tokyo, Meguro, Shimomeguro 1-8-1
Nearest Station: JR/Tokyo Metro Meguro Station
Access: 3 minute walk from west exit of JR/Tokyo Metro Meguro Station
Website: Hyakuden Hina Matsuri (Japanese)

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! NIHONBASHI FLOWER FES

Photo courtesy of NIHONBASHI FLOWER FES

Nihonbashi is the classic downtown of Tokyo, full of luxury shops and department stores that have stood the test of time. It is a refined place, with a sophisticated atmosphere that is only enhanced by the natural environment around it.

The NIHONBASHI FLOWER FES is a multi-part event centered on the theme of flowers. FLOWERS by NAKED is an exhibition produced by NAKED Inc., a design company led by artist and designer Ryotaro Muramatsu, wherein the natural plants are interwoven with modern technology. Artistic cocktails featuring flowers and Japanese sake, fashions, music and more await those who wish to see this exhibition.

FLOWERS by NAKED
Time: 10:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)
Admission: Adults (high school and over) 1400 yen (1200 yen advance), children (elementary/junior high school) 900 yen (700 yen advance)
Address: Tokyo, Chuo ward, Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-2-1 Coredo Muromachi 5F
Nearest Stations: Mitsukoshimae Station (Hanzomon and Ginza lines), Tokyo Station (JR)
Website: Flowers by Naked

The Flowers Photo Rally is an event where people who take photos of the flower spots in and around the Nihonbashi area, and then upload them to social media and tag them with a specific tag are entered into a draw, and can win prizes and tickets that can be redeemed for flower-related prizes at specific shops in the area.

There are so many beautiful flowers, flower-related items, and the like here that it almost feels like you’ve entered into a landscape of an Impressionist painting. You can also enjoy limited edition flower sweets, cocktails, and much more at any of the participating locations in the NIHONBASHI FLOWER FES.

NIHONBASHI FLOWER FES

The Nihonbashi Flower Fes has become the Nihonbashi Sakura Fes

A Dream in Pink - Nihonbashi Sakura Fes

Photo courtesy of NIHONBASHI SAKURA FES

If you are going to just miss this event, then fear not! From March 16th th, the NIHONBASHI SAKURA FES begins. Take a historical stroll through the streets of Tokyo’s downtown and savor the sight of brilliant sakura trees blooming all around you, enjoy stunning displays based on the theme of sakura, and overall soak up the pink-petaled world of cherry blossoms.

Nihonbashi Sakura Gate. Photo courtesy of NIHONBASHI SAKURA FES

NIHONBASHI SAKURA FES
Date: March 16th - April 15th, 2018
Time: 10:00-21:00
Admission: free
Address: Tokyo, Chuo ward, Nihonbashi area
Nearest Stations: Mitsukoshimae Station (Hanzomon and Ginza lines), Tokyo Station (JR)
Website: NIHONBASHI SAKURA FES (information will be released at the beginning of March)

Celebrate the Beginning of Spring in Japan!

In addition to these three events that we highly recommend, please don't forget that there are cherry blossom viewing (hanami) events held in various parts of the city, such as Ueno Park or the Meguro River area.

With so much to see and do every month in Tokyo, visitors to this vast city are sure to find something that will suit their tastes. Check out the events introduced above and other amazing activities around the city and make the most of your time spent in Japan in March!