February 27, 2026
Things to Do in Tokyo in March 2026
Cherry blossoms, marathons, immersive art and spring festivals
By Sutipa Aearoonsangsai, Nattan Casey Plewissara and Moa Sera
In 2025, more than 38,000 runners took to the streets for the Tokyo Marathon. By the time March rolls around, the city shifts gears—marathons give way to cherry blossoms, temple rituals and late-night garden strolls under illuminated sakura.
March in Tokyo feels transitional. Plum blossoms linger, sakura forecasts dominate headlines and exhibition calendars fill up before Golden Week crowds arrive. Here’s where to go in March 2026, from major art retrospectives to fire-walking ceremonies in the mountains.
Monet: Questioning Nature
Until May 24
Photo from Artizon Museum Official Website
“Monet: Questioning Nature” revisits how Claude Monet returned to landscape painting throughout his career, subtly shifting technique and perspective over time. The exhibition gathers around 140 works tracing that evolution, alongside photographs, ukiyo-e woodblock prints and Art Nouveau crafts that shaped the era’s visual language. A contemporary immersive video tribute by French artist Ange Leccia adds a modern lens to Monet’s legacy.
When:
10am – 6pm
10am – 8pm (on Fridays) *Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Where: Artizon Museum
Address: 1-7-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku
Price:
Online tickets: ¥2,100
In-person ticket: ¥2,500
Students: Free entry
Booking required
Website: artizon.museum/exhibition_sp/monet2026
Tokyo Marathon 2026
March 1
Since its inaugural event in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon has become a bucket-list experience for elite athletes and casual runners alike. The 42 km course weaves past landmarks including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Tower before finishing at Tokyo Station.
When: 9:10am – 4:10pm
Where: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Address: 2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Price: Free
Website: https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on Google Maps
Konosu Surprise Hinamatsuri
Until March 7
The Konosu Bikkuri Hinamatsuri is a seasonal celebration centered around Japan’s iconic Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) traditions. At the heart of the festival is the towering 31-tier, roughly 7-meter-high installation that draws visitors from all over to admire its scale and artistry, alongside numerous hina doll exhibitions set up across satellite venues throughout the city.
Konosu has more than 400 years of doll-making history, and that heritage anchors the event. Beyond the display, stage performances, demonstrations by traditional artisans and community activities bring the spirit of spring and well-wishes for health and prosperity to life.
When: 10am – 9pm
Where: Elumi Konosu Shopping Mall
Address: 1-1-2 Honcho, Konosu, Saitama-ken
Price: Free
Website: kounosubina.jp
Elumi Konosu Shopping Mall on Google Maps
Mt. Takao Hiwatari Festival
March 8
The Hiwatari-sai centers on the sacred act of walking barefoot over smoldering coals. This dramatic ceremony at the foot of Mt. Takao is far more than a feat of endurance; it is a ritual cleansing intended to burn away misfortune and usher in health, longevity and even protection from traffic accidents. The air is thick with the scent of burning cypress needles and salt as monks chant amidst towering flames. Once the fire has died down to a glowing path of embers, brave viewers are invited to cross the heat to secure their own year of good fortune.
When: From 1pm
Where: Mt. Takao
Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji
Price: Free
Website: takaosan.or.jp
Green Ireland Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026
March 15
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Green Ireland Festival at Yoyogi Park’s Event Square, bringing together traditional music, Irish dancing, gourmet booths pouring Irish whisky and Guinness and more.
On Sunday, March 15, at 1pm, the parade takes to Omotesando, marching downhill toward Meiji-jingumae Station before heading back up to Yoyogi Park. Expect marching bands, performers and a sea of green lining one of Tokyo’s most recognizable boulevards.
When: March 15 & 16 2025
Where: Yoyogi Park Event Plaza
Address: 2-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
Price: Free
Website: https://greenirelandfes.com/
Yoyogi Park Event Plaza on Google Maps
Salsa Street Festival: Viva La Primavera
March 14 – 15
Celebrate Latin and Caribbean culture with live music, dance, and food stalls serving up authentic Latin cuisine. Salsa and bachata rhythms create a lively atmosphere where everyone is welcome to dance, regardless of skill level.
When: 10am – 7pm
Where: Yoyogi Park
Address: 2-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
Price: Free
Website: wsavannast.com/events/salsa-street
Rikugien Gardens Cherry Blossom Nighttime Illuminations
From March 15
While daytime hanami draws the crowds, at night yozakura (nighttime cherry blossoms) take over. Rikugien’s weeping cherry trees are illuminated against the dark sky, shifting the mood from daytime celebration to something quieter and more reflective.
During the event, Rikugien’s Fukiagejaya Tea House remains open for Japanese sweets and matcha. Opening dates depend on bloom conditions so check the official website before planning your visit.
When: 6:30pm – 9pm (Last admission 8pm)
Where: Rikugien Gardens
Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku
Price:
Online ticket (Middle school students and up): ¥1,000
Same-day ticket (Middle school students and up) : ¥1,200
Disability ticket: ¥500
Elementary school students and below: Free
Website: tokyo-park.or.jp
Rikugien Gardens on Google Maps
SWEET UNIVERSE (Art & Goods Collaboration at Konica Minolta Planetarium)
Until March 15
For those who are not familiar with Japanese culture, the level of public enthusiasm for cat day may come as a surprise. This year, convenience stores unveiled lineups featuring cat paw-shaped bread and Mofusand collaborations. If your desire to participate in this yearly cat craze hasn’t been satisfied, delve deeper into the world of felines with this cat exhibition held by aoneco, an organization dedicated to helping rescue cats.
Operating under the mission that we, who are healed by cats, should give back to them, this event will feature a lineup of exhibitors and artists showcasing cat-themed items. True to the brand’s mission, ten percent of all sales from the exhibition will go directly to support for rescue cats. Beyond spending time healing your tired eyes and mind with the sight of handmade art and imagery of cute cats, don’t miss the opportunity to support your local community of furry friends.
When: 10:30am – 9:15pm (weekdays), 10am – 9:45pm (weekends)
Where: At all Konica Minolta aquariums and planetariums:
Planetarium TOKYO (Yurakucho)
Planetarium YOKOHAMA
Planetarium Manten (Ikebukuro)
Planetarium TENKU (Oshiage)
Website: planetarium.konicaminolta.jp
Naked Meets Gaudí Exhibition
Until March 15
From Barcelona to Tokyo, Naked Inc. brings Antoni Gaudí and his life’s work, the Sagrada Familia, to an immersive, interactive exhibition in commemoration of the completed Tower of Jesus Christ.
In collaboration with the Gaudí Foundation, this exhibit displays tools, sketches, notes and materials that allow insight into the Spanish architect’s creative process. Technology and architecture intersect through art installations that appeal to all five senses.
When:
Monday to Thursday: 10am – 6pm (Last entry 5pm)
Friday: 10am – 8pm (Last entry 7pm)
Weekends and Holidays: 9am – 8pm (Last entry 7pm)
Where: 2nd Floor (Reception Lobby) 5th Floor (Exhibition Area), Warehouse Terrada G1 Building
Address: 2-6-4 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku
Website: meets.naked.works/gaudi
Warehouse Terrada on Google Maps
Yokohama Night Flowers Fireworks Show
March 21
After a full day exploring the port city, Yokohama Night Flowers offers a brief but striking fireworks display over the waterfront. Recommended vantage points include the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Pier (Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal) and Yamashita Park. While the show lasts only five minutes, the March display marks the final date of the 2025–2026 season, giving it a sense of occasion.
When: 7pm – 7:05pm
Where: Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal
Address: 1-4 Kanagawa, Yokohama
Price: Free
Website: yokohamajapan.com/events
Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal on Google Maps
Yokai Immersive Experience Exhibition
March 27 – June 28
Yokai, the supernatural entities and spirits of Japanese folklore, have haunted the nation’s stories and artworks for millennia. The Yokai Immersive Experience Exhibition transforms traditional depictions of supernatural creatures into a full-scale digital environment using projection mapping, video technology and 3D modeling.
This exhibition collaborates with the Nishio City Iwase Bunko Library and the Yokai Art Museum on Shodoshima Island, grounding the experience in historical research. The exhibition also traces how classical yokai imagery continues to influence contemporary pop culture, from manga to digital media.
Tickets are available on the Yokai Immersive website. Early bird prices are discounted by ¥200. Tickets can also be purchased at the venue, cash only.
When: 10am – 6pm (Closed Mondays)
Where: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building
Address: 2-6-10 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku
Price:
General admission: ¥2,600
University/high school/vocational students: ¥1,900
Middle school students: ¥800
Senior (age 65 and up): ¥2,500
Disability discount: ¥1,200
Disability discount (Junior High School Students): ¥500
Website: yokaiimmersive.com
