March in Chugoku & Shikoku is the season when winter turns to spring. Hiroshima's high is 14.5°C and mornings are around 5°C, with warm and cold days alternating. The average cherry blossom opening dates are March 22 in Kochi, the 24th in Matsuyama and the 25th in Hiroshima, so the blossoms open first in southern Shikoku and move north. The spring tides make this the season when the Naruto whirlpools grow bigger. In Matsue and Tottori in San'in, it can still snow in early March.
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for March 15.
Hiroshima, Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome
Average cherry blossom opening date of March 25. Blossoms start to open in the city at the end of the month
Onomichi, Shimanami Kaido, Ikuchijima, Imabari
Highs around 13°C. Lots of sunny days, a good time to start cycling
Okayama, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Korakuen, Okayama Castle
Plum blossoms at Korakuen until early March. Average cherry blossom opening date of March 28
Matsue, Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji
Highs around 13°C. Some snowy days in early March. Average cherry blossom opening date of March 29
Tottori, Tottori Sand Dunes, Uradome Coast, Mt. Daisen
Highs around 13°C. It can still snow. Matsuba crab fishing season lasts until March
Hagi, Tsunoshima, Akiyoshidai, Kintaikyo Bridge
Hagi highs around 14°C. Cherry blossoms at Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni peak from late March
Takamatsu, Naoshima, Shodoshima, Kotohiragu, Ritsurin Garden
Plum blossoms at Ritsurin Garden until early March. Average cherry blossom opening date of March 27
Tokushima, Naruto Whirlpools, Iya Vine Bridge, Oboke
The spring tides make the Naruto whirlpools bigger. Tokushima's average opening date is March 28
Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, Uchiko
Average cherry blossom opening date of March 24. Evening illumination of the cherry blossoms at Matsuyama Castle from late March
Kochi, Katsurahama Beach, Kochi Castle, Shimanto River
Average cherry blossom opening date of March 22, the earliest in the region. Highs around 16°C
Whirlpool sightseeing boats and cycling the Shimanami Kaido leave you chilled by the sea wind. Bring a windproof jacket.
Temperatures vary a lot from day to day. Layers you can adjust are recommended.
The Naruto whirlpools grow bigger when the tidal current is fastest, and can't be seen when the tide is slack. Check a tide table for the times before you go.
The average opening dates are Kochi March 22, Matsuyama the 24th, Hiroshima the 25th, Okayama the 28th, and Matsue and Tottori the 29th. At the end of the month, aim for the blossoms in Shikoku and along the Seto Inland Sea.
From late March it's spring break, and popular sights like Miyajima and the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter start to get busy.
The whirlpools of the Naruto Strait are at their largest during the spring tides in spring and autumn, and can reach 20–30m in diameter. You can see them up close from sightseeing boats and more.
The Japan Meteorological Agency's average opening dates are Kochi March 22, Matsuyama the 24th, Hiroshima the 25th, Takamatsu the 27th, Okayama and Tokushima the 28th, and Matsue and Tottori the 29th.
Around 1500 cherry trees bloom around Kintaikyo Bridge. Nighttime illumination begins on the day the blossoms are officially declared open.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
On average, the high is 14.5°C and the low is 5.1°C. Warm and cold days alternate.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's average opening dates, Kochi is the earliest on March 22, followed by Matsuyama on the 24th, Hiroshima on the 25th, and Matsue and Tottori on the 29th.
They are at their largest during the spring tides in spring and autumn. Within a day, aim for the time when the tidal current is fastest, so check a tide table.
Back to the Chugoku & Shikoku 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.
