Nagoya→
Station: NagoyaNagoya, Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Jingu, Inuyama
High
14.5℃
Low
4.6℃
- Precip.
- 116.2mm
- Sunshine
- 200h
- Sunset
- 17:59
Highs of 14.5°C. Cherry blossoms start to open at Nagoya Castle and elsewhere late in the month
Chubu & Hokuriku Weather Guide
Chubu & Hokuriku Weather in March: What to Wear & Expect
March in Chubu & Hokuriku is the season of change from winter to spring. Nagoya's high is 14.5°C and mornings are around 5°C. Late in the month, cherry blossoms start to open at Nagoya Castle and elsewhere. In the mountains, though, the snowy scenery continues, with average maximum snow depths of 125 cm in Shirakawa-go and 70 cm in Hakuba. Mornings in Takayama and Nagano also drop close to freezing, so it's important to dress for your destination.
- Nagoya high
- 14.5℃
- Nagoya low
- 4.6℃
- Nagoya rainfall
- 116.2mm
- Nagoya sunset
- 17:59
Overview
Chubu & Hokuriku in March: Key Points
- ✓Nagoya's high is 14.5°C, with mornings around 5°C. You still need a heavy jacket
- ✓Nagoya's cherry blossoms usually open from late March. Cherry blossom festival at Nagoya Castle
- ✓The snow is still deep in Shirakawa-go and Hakuba. Takayama mornings are below freezing
- ✓Spring skiing season in Hakuba, with softer snow during the day
By Area
March Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for March 15.
Kanazawa→
Station: KanazawaKanazawa, Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya District, 21st Century Museum
High
11.6℃
Low
3.4℃
- Precip.
- 157.2mm
- Sunshine
- 145h
- Sunset
- 18:00
Highs around 12°C. Kenrokuen's yukitsuri snow ropes stay up until around mid-month
Shirakawa-go→
Station: ShirakawaShirakawa-go, Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses, Ogimachi Observatory, Gokayama
High
8.3℃
Low
−2.3℃
- Precip.
- 195.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 125cm
- Sunset
- 17:59
Highs around 8°C, mornings around -2°C. Snow still lingers in the village
Takayama→
Station: TakayamaTakayama, Sanmachi, Miyagawa Morning Market, Okuhida Onsen
High
9.8℃
Low
−1.6℃
- Precip.
- 122.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 18cm
- Sunset
- 17:58
Highs around 10°C, mornings around -2°C. Dress for winter
Gero Onsen→
Station: HagiwaraGero Onsen, Hida River, Gassho Village
High
11.2℃
Low
0.3℃
- Precip.
- 175.4mm
- Sunshine
- 166h
- Sunset
- 17:58
Highs around 11°C. The Saturday night winter fireworks run through March
Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route→
Station: ToyamaToyama, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam, Unazuki Onsen
High
11.8℃
Low
2.6℃
- Precip.
- 164.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 10cm
- Sunset
- 17:58
Highs around 12°C. The Alpine Route is getting ready to open in April
Matsumoto / Kamikochi→
Station: MatsumotoMatsumoto, Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, Norikura Highlands
High
11.2℃
Low
−1.0℃
- Precip.
- 78mm
- Sunshine
- 191h
- Sunset
- 17:55
Highs around 11°C, mornings around -1°C. Lots of sunny days
Hakuba→
Station: HakubaHakuba, Happo-one, Tsugaike Kogen, Hakuba Goryu
High
7.0℃
Low
−3.6℃
- Precip.
- 136.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 70cm
- Sunset
- 17:55
Highs around 7°C, mornings around -4°C. Snow lingers, and spring skiing is on
Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen→
Station: NaganoNagano, Zenkoji, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen, Shiga Kogen
High
10.3℃
Low
−0.5℃
- Precip.
- 60.1mm
- Sunshine
- 173h
- Sunset
- 17:54
Highs around 10°C. Some mornings drop below freezing
Kiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)→
Station: NagisoTsumago-juku, Magome-juku, Narai-juku
High
11.3℃
Low
−0.7℃
- Precip.
- 182.1mm
- Sunshine
- 169h
- Sunset
- 17:56
Highs around 11°C, mornings around -1°C. Bundle up for strolling the post towns
What to Wear
What to Wear in Chubu & Hokuriku in March
Base layer
Long-sleeved underwear; thermal if you're heading into the mountains
Tops
Sweater or heavyweight knit top
Outerwear
A heavy jacket or coat in Nagoya; a down jacket for areas where snow lingers
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes in Nagoya. For Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Hakuba, non-slip waterproof shoes
Accessories
Gloves and a scarf; a mask if pollen bothers you
Nagoya and Shirakawa-go or Hakuba feel more than a month apart in season. On days you head into the mountains, bring a winter coat and non-slip shoes.
Good to Know
Good to Know
The season depends on where you go
Even as spring arrives in Nagoya, snow still lingers in Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Hakuba. If you're visiting several areas on one trip, dress in layers you can adjust.
Watch out for melting snow on roads
Snow that melts during the day freezes again in the mornings and evenings, making roads slippery. Take care on morning walks in the mountains.
Spring break crowds
Late March is spring break, and tourist spots and the shinkansen get crowded. Book accommodation around Nagoya early for cherry blossom season.
Pollen season
March is a heavy time for cedar pollen. If you have hay fever, bring a mask and medication.
Events
March Events & Highlights
Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
NagoyaUsually late March to early AprilHeld at Nagoya Castle, a famous cherry blossom spot. Opening hours are extended, and the blossoms are illuminated at night.
Kenrokuen's Yukitsuri
KanazawaUsually November 1 to mid-MarchA winter tradition in which ropes are strung in a cone shape to protect pine branches from the weight of snow. They can be seen until around mid-March.
Gero Onsen Winter Fireworks (Hanabi Monogatari)
Gero OnsenUsually every Saturday from January to MarchFireworks light up the night sky for about 10 minutes from the banks of the Hida River. March is your last chance this season.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Nagoya in March?＋
On average, the high is 14.5°C and the low is 4.6°C. Days feel like spring, but mornings and evenings are still cold.
Q. Is there still snow in Shirakawa-go in March?＋
Yes. The average maximum snow depth is 125 cm, and snow still lingers in the village. Highs are around 8°C, with mornings around -2°C.
Q. When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Nagoya?＋
They usually start to open in late March and can be enjoyed until around early April. Nagoya Castle usually holds its cherry blossom festival at this time.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Chubu & Hokuriku TripPR
Other Months
Chubu & Hokuriku Weather in Other Months
Back to the Chubu & Hokuriku Weather Guide (all months & areas) →
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.