Chiba - Things to Do in Chiba in March

Chiba in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Chiba

16.7°C (62°F) High Temp
20°C (68°F) Low Temp
127 mm (5.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak plum blossom season at Chiba's 200+ parks - early March brings spectacular hanami viewing at sites like Chiba Park and Gosen-yama without Tokyo's crushing crowds
  • Ideal hiking weather with comfortable 16-20°C (61-68°F) temperatures for coastal trails like the Kujukuri Beach boardwalk and Mount Nokogiri's 329m (1,079 ft) summit
  • Fresh spring seafood season begins - local kaiseki restaurants feature premium spring catches like sakura-dai (cherry blossom sea bream) and spring bamboo shoots from southern Chiba
  • Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to cherry blossom peak season in April, with fewer tourists at major attractions like Tokyo Disneyland

Considerations

  • Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 8-10°C (14-18°F) in a single day requiring layered clothing and flexible indoor backup plans
  • March rain tends to be persistent drizzle lasting 2-4 hours rather than quick tropical downpours, affecting outdoor photography and hiking schedules
  • Some coastal attractions like Kamogawa Sea World have reduced operating hours before spring season officially begins in late March

Best Activities in March

Mount Nokogiri Hiking and Temple Tours

March's cool, crisp air makes the 2.5km (1.6 mile) mountain trail comfortable for hiking to the 31m (102 ft) Daibutsu Buddha statue. Clear spring weather offers excellent Tokyo Bay views from the 329m (1,079 ft) summit. Avoid the summer heat and humidity while enjoying uncrowded trails.

Booking Tip: Cable car operates daily 9am-5pm, hiking trails accessible year-round. Entry fees typically ¥600-800 for adults. Book JR ferry combinations 3-5 days ahead for weekend trips. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Kamogawa and Chiba Coast Ocean Tours

Early spring brings calm seas perfect for whale watching tours along Chiba's Pacific coast. March is peak migration season for gray whales, with 70% sighting success rates. Cool weather makes deck viewing comfortable without summer's intense sun exposure.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours typically cost ¥3,500-4,500 for adults, operating 8am-3pm. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Weather-dependent - indoor aquarium backup at Kamogawa Sea World recommended.

Narita Traditional Culture Experiences

March's mild weather is perfect for exploring Narita-san Shinshoji Temple's outdoor grounds and participating in morning prayer sessions. Spring temple festivals begin preparation, offering authentic cultural workshops like calligraphy and tea ceremony in comfortable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Temple grounds free, cultural workshops typically ¥2,000-3,500. Book cultural experiences 5-7 days ahead. Morning sessions (9-11am) offer best light for photography and smallest crowds before tour groups arrive.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Extended Visits

March's comfortable walking weather and lower crowds make this ideal for experiencing both parks without summer heat exhaustion. Average wait times 20-30% shorter than peak season, with pleasant temperatures for full-day outdoor park touring.

Booking Tip: Single-day tickets ¥7,900-8,700 depending on date tier. Book park tickets 30 days ahead for guaranteed entry. Two-day park hoppers typically ¥13,200-14,800. Check current availability in booking section below.

Chiba Peninsula Cycling Tours

Perfect cycling weather with cool mornings and mild afternoons along the 60km (37 mile) Kujukuri Beach coastal route. March winds are gentle, and spring flowers begin blooming along rural farming roads through strawberry fields and traditional villages.

Booking Tip: Guided cycling tours typically ¥4,500-6,500 including bike rental and lunch. Self-guided rentals ¥1,500-2,500 per day. Book guided tours 7-14 days ahead. See current cycling tour options in booking section below.

Makuhari and Chiba City Food Walking Tours

March marks the beginning of spring vegetable season - perfect timing for food tours featuring fresh local specialties like Chiba's famous peanuts, spring bamboo, and seasonal sashimi. Comfortable walking weather for 3-4 hour culinary explorations.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost ¥5,500-7,500 including tastings at 6-8 locations. Evening tours (5-8pm) offer best restaurant variety. Book 5-10 days ahead, especially for weekend tours. Current food tours available in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Early to Mid March

Chiba Castle Plum Blossom Festival

Over 150 plum trees in full bloom around Chiba Castle ruins create spectacular photo opportunities. Traditional tea ceremonies and local food vendors operate throughout the grounds. Less crowded alternative to Tokyo's famous plum viewing spots.

Mid March

Narita Gion Festival Spring Preparation

While the main festival occurs in summer, March features traditional craftsmen preparing festival floats and practicing traditional music. Visitors can observe authentic cultural preparation processes typically closed to tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 8-10°C (14-18°F) daily, pack t-shirts, light sweaters, and a medium jacket
Waterproof hiking boots for Mount Nokogiri trails - March trails can be muddy from recent rain and snowmelt
Compact umbrella and light rain jacket - March drizzle lasts 2-4 hours, longer than summer downpours
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during clear spring days, reflection off water increases exposure
Thermal underlayer for early morning activities - 6am whale watching tours start at 8°C (46°F)
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - temple stairs and coastal boardwalks can be slippery when wet
Light daypack for hiking - Mount Nokogiri trail requires 2-3 hours with water and snack storage
Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries faster during long outdoor photography days
Cash in small bills - many temples and local restaurants don't accept cards, typical daily budget ¥3,000-5,000
Japanese phrase book or translation app - fewer English speakers outside Tokyo Disneyland area

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near JR Chiba Station rather than Makuhari - saves 30-40% on hotels with easy access to all major attractions via efficient local train networks
Visit Mount Nokogiri via Kurihama ferry route instead of train - the 40-minute ferry ride offers spectacular Tokyo Bay views and costs only ¥200 more than train alternatives
Time Disneyland visits for weekday mornings - Japanese school holidays don't start until late March, creating unusual low-crowd windows during typically busy periods
Local convenience stores stock amazing seasonal items in March - try sakura-mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes) and spring vegetable bentos unavailable other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather changes - many tourists pack only for average temperatures and get caught in cold morning whale watching tours or unexpected afternoon chills
Skipping Chiba's coastal attractions for Tokyo day trips - you'll miss the prefecture's best features and unique experiences unavailable elsewhere in Japan
Not booking Disneyland tickets in advance - March weekend tickets often sell out 2-3 weeks ahead despite being shoulder season

Activities in Chiba