Shirakawa-go Weather in March
Season: Winter In short: 1. In March, temperatures are in a slight uptrend, along with a huge temperature gap between day and night. Snow starts to melt, but you can still see it.
2. Shirakawa-go has a lot of precipitation in March.
3. It is the shoulder season, but early reservation is still required.
Snow Cover in March
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Temperature
In March, the temperature in Shirakawa-go slightly goes up. Specifically, from early to late March, the lowest temperatures increase from -3℃ (26.6℉) to 3℃ (37.4℉), while the highest ones rise from below 5℃ (41℉) to above 10℃ (50℉). Due to this, snow accumulation starts to melt little by little, yet a majority of it lingers.As a season-transitional period, March in Shirakawa-go features changeable weather, and some days may experience plummeting or soaring temperatures. In 2025, the high even reached 21 degrees Celsius (69.8 degrees Fahrenheit) at the end of the month. Located in the mountains, the daily temperature variation of the village is extremely large, occasionally exceeding 15℃ (59℉).
Precipitation
Snowy Scene from Window
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Is there still snow in Shirakawa-go in March?
Although there are still plenty of accumulated snow on the ground, with drifts being more than one meter, the snow on the thatched roof of gassho-style houses may have melted away. For more beautiful snowy scenery, January and February are better choices.
Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours
Both daylight hours and sunshine hours are growing longer this month, averaging roughly 12 hours and 6 hours respectively per day. The opening hours of some travel destinations are prolonged. For example, that of Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum is extended from 9:00 - 16:00 to 8:40 - 17:00. These allow you to explore the village at a more leisurely pace.What to Wear in Shirakawa-go in March
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Females: Given the climate of Shirakawa-go in March, turtleneck sweaters and woolen overcoats are suitable top outfits; if you would like to wear skirts, try to choose a long one, paired with thick leggings. Anti-slip leather boots or snow boots, allowing for a long walk, are both acceptable. Males: Hoodies, thick down jackets and fleece joggers are highly recommended. Warm and comfortable shoes such as sneakers or hiking shoes are always good options. You’d better put crampons on the soles to avoid falling down on the frozen roads. Others:1. It’s advisable to wear winter hats, gloves and scarves, especially in rainy and snowy days when the temperature drops. And bring along a compact umbrella or light raincoat.
2. Plus, there are some puddles formed by melted snow on the streets and muddy water may splash onto your shoes, so a small bottle of waterproof spray or plastic shoe covers are helpful to deal with the situation.
Travel Advice and Tips for Shirakawa-go in March
1. As the winter is drawing to an end, March belongs to the shoulder season. Though hotels are not as difficult to book as in the peak season of January and February, you’re advised to reserve them early, just to ensure a smooth trip in March 2026.
2. In Shirakawa-go in March, the most recommended thing to do is to appreciate winter landscapes. Apart from the hottest snow-viewing destinations including Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck, Kanda House is a nice spot with fewer tourists. Looking out from its second-floor window, a beautiful scene - faraway snowy mountains embracing the quiet village - unfolds. Besides, there is an irori fireplace with a burning fire on the first floor, around which you can get some warmth after coming in.
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Wada House Entrance
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4. You are required to remove your shoes before entering some scenic spots like Wada House and Nagase House, so it’s better to wear an extra pair of socks to keep the feet warm.
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Inside the Kanda House
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