Hakone Weather in March

Season: Spring
Climate overview: a little cold, frequent rain, humid

The weather of Hakone in March is a little cold, especially in the morning and night. At noon, the temperature is moderate, and light winter clothes are enough to keep warm. However, there are over 10 rainy days on average and it causes the humid air.

Port of Lake Ashi

Still, in March, Hakone has something to offer. With the lengthened daily sunshine hours, everything in Hakone gradually comes into life from mid-March. The cherry blossoms in Hakone Yumoto would first bloom in the mid of the month.

Temperature

Average Temperature: 8.8℃ (47.8℉)
Average High Temperature: 13.9℃ (57℉), the highest temperature in history is 22.2℃ (72℉)
Average Low Temperature: 3.5℃ (38.3℉), the lowest temperature in record is -1.3℃ (29.7℉)

There is an altitude difference in Hakone and most attractions are in the mountains, where it is colder than the town area in mountain foot. So, please take an extra coat to keep warm if go up the mountain.

Precipitation

Average Precipitation: 120mm, including 117mm rainfall and 3mm snowfall
Average Precipitation Days: 6 rainy days and the highest record in recent years is about 14 days; less than 1 snowy day

It is still possible to snow in the early March, which if heavy can paralyze the public transportation. To avoid being trapped on mountains and interrupting your tour plan, please check the weather forecast in advance.

Hakone Heavy Snow in March

Sunrise, Sunset, Daylight Hours

Sunrise (1st - 31st): roughly from 6:10 to 5:30
Sunset (1st - 31st): roughly from 17:40 to 18:05
Daylight Hours: 11.5 - 12.5 h

Sakura Starts to Bloom in Mid-March

Located in the rural area with relatively lower temperature, Hakone’s Sakura season comes a little later than Tokyo. It starts in about mid-March. Due to the temperature difference between summit and mountain foot, Sakura around Hakone Yumoto would first bloom and its peak season arrives in late March.

How to Pack for Hakone Trip in March

Upper: knitwear, vest, light down jacket
Although it is still cold in March, on sunny days, especially at noon, you may feel warm, even a little hot after walking for hours, so a thin down jacket is more suitable than a thick one.

Lower: thick woolen pants

Shoes: short boots, water-proof and anti-slippery walking shoes
In March, the humidity is high and there may be moss on roads, and an anti-slippery shoes helps you avoid falling down. Also, the sudden heavy rain may wet your shoes if they are not water-proof. If you have no one, then take 1 extra pair to change.

Other Useful Items to Take:

1. Umbrella;
2. Gloves, scarf and hats – to keep warm when taking Pirate Ship on the windy Lake Ashi;
3. Face mask which is needed if you are allergic to pollen;
4. Kimono; Wearing traditional kimono and taking photos with Sakura, this is a good way to memorize Hakone trip. If you have no Kimono, don’t worry because there are clothes shops there to rent or buy kimono.

What to Do in Hakone in March

1. Appreciate Sakura around Hakone Yumoto

Plan to come to Hakone in March 2026, then appreciating Sakura is recommended.Sakura is the synonym of spring in every corner of Japan, and so is Hakone. These pink flowers gradually replace Hakone’s bleak winter scenery. To appreciate Sakura here, you can go to Shotai-ji Temple and Shogan-ji Temple.

Sakura in Hakone Yumoto

In addition, if you depart from Odawara to Hakone by Hakone Tozan train, you would see more Sakura blossom around stations like Kazamatsuri Station. You can get off the train to see those beautiful flowers, and then continue your journey. Hakone 1-Day/ 2-Day Pass supports getting on and off the train unlimitedly, which can save cost on transportation.

2. Take Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi cruise by Pirate Ship is a must-try program in Hakone. Standing on the deck, you can appreciate the clear Lake Ashi and the eye-catching red Torii Gate. In addition, when the Ship runs from Motohakone-ko to Togendai-ko, there are chances to watch Mount Fuji.

Visitors on Pirate Ship

3. Appreciate Sculptures in Open Air Museum

In the emerging air of spring, the Open Air Museum is a good place to feel the artistic atmosphere in nature. Other than indoor exhibition, this Museum is known for its sculptures built in nature. Visitors can stroll on the grassland to see the mountains in the distance while admiring those art works.

Open Air Museum in Spring

4. Watch Grandeur “Mountain Burning” in Sengokuhara

In mid or late March each year, a grandeur “mountain burning” would be held in Sengokuhara. It aims to remove the dead branches and leaves and welcome the upcoming spring. During the process, you will see the burning fire sweeps across the endless grassland.

Tip: The altitude of Sengokuhara is high and it is cold and windy here. Remember to dress warmly.

You May Wonder

1. Can you see Mount Fuji from Hakone in March?

Yes. There are about 10.5 sunny days and the daily 6 sunshine hours on average in March, so it is not hard to watch Mount Fuji. However, it’s still advisable to check the weather forecast in advance. According to historical records, snowfall also occurred occasionally this month, which influenced the visibility a lot.

2. How to avoid crowds in Hakone this month?

It is crowded in weekends and holidays in March, so please avoid the periods. Traffic jams also happen frequently. It is more suggested to take the train, cable car, or ropeway.

March Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

Hakone Weather by Month

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