Tokyo Events in March 2024
Tokyo will offer an array of events and activities in March 2024. This article explores cultural experiences such as the Hanazono Shrine Antique Market, I Love Ireland Festival and futuristic exhibitions like the IREX International Robot Exhibition. From plum and cherry blossom festivals to a massive anime convention and a thrilling marathon, the city offers numerous opportunities to experience its vibrant culture.
March 2024 promises to be an exciting time for locals and visitors in Tokyo, with various events celebrating spring’s arrival. Enjoy these events with our guide to Tokyo’s top happenings in March.
| Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| March 3, 2024 | Hanazono Shrine Antique Market | Cultural |
| March 3, 2024 | Tokyo Marathon 2024 | Sports |
| Mid Feb – Early Mar 2024 | Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival: Hanegi Park | Cultural |
| Late Jan – Mid Mar 2024 | Hyakudan Hinamatsuri | Cultural |
| Mid-Feb – Early Mar 2024 | Konosu Surprise Hinamatsuri | Cultural |
| Mid Mar 2024 | St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tokyo | Cultural |
| Mid Feb – Mid Mar 2024 | Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival | Cultural |
| Late Mar 2024 | Anime Japan | Cultural |
| Late Mar 2024 | Rikugien Gardens: Mystical Weeping Cherry | Cultural |
| Late Mar – Early Apr 2024 | Ark Hills Cherry Blossom Festival | Cultural |
| Late Mar 2024 | Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival | Cultural |
| March 5- March 8, 2024 | Japan Meat Industry Fair | Trade Fair |
| March 5- March 8, 2024 | Agro Innovation Tokyo | Trade Fair |
| March 8- March 10, 2024 | Art Fair Tokyo | Trade Fair |
| March 12- March 15, 2024 | RetailTech Japan | Trade Fair |
| March 12- March 15, 2024 | Japan Shop | Trade Fair |
| March 12- March 15, 2024 | Lighting Fair 2024 | Trade Fair |
| March 13- March 15, 2024 | Fashion Goods & Accessories Expo | Trade Fair |
Tokyo Events in March 2024
Hanazono Shrine Antique Market
Dates: March 3, 2024, March 10, 2024, March 17, 2024, March 24, 2024 and March 31, 2024
Venue: Hanazono Shrine
Every Sunday in March, the Hanazono Shrine will host a quaint antique fair featuring around 25-30 stalls filled with treasures. The market will open at sunrise but most close at around 3 pm.
In addition to its variety of small items like trinkets and figurines, visitors may find smaller furniture pieces at this relaxed marketplace. Due to festivals or inclement weather, the event may be canceled on short notice. Stay updated by checking their Twitter feed before attending.
Tokyo Marathon 2024
Date: March 3, 2024
Race through the Heart of Tokyo
The Tokyo Marathon attracts 38,000 runners, including marathon and 10km race participants. It starts with a wheelchair marathon at 9:05 am, followed by other races throughout the day. Spectators can watch the exciting sporting event for free at notable locations such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku near Tokyo Station or at Ginza for entertainment and shopping.
Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival: Hanegi Park
Dates: Mid Feb – Early Mar 2024
Venue: Hanegi Park
A Floral Wonderland
Offering a delightful sight for nature enthusiasts, the Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival takes place at Hanegi Park from February until early March. The park features 650 plum trees in red and white varieties, making it the perfect venue for Setagaya’s Ume Matsuri. On weekends during the festival, vendors sell plum-themed food like madeleines, jelly, yokan jelly, and daifuku.
Cultural Performances and Activities
Visitors can also enjoy cultural events such as koto performances, haiku classes, tea ceremonies, and mochi pounding at Hanegi Park. The park is easily accessible from Umegaoka Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
MukÅjima-Hyakkaen Garden Plum Festival
Dates: Mid Feb – Early Mar 2024
Venue: Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden
Captivating Plum Blossoms and Traditional Dances
Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden hosts an enchanting plum festival during the plum season. Activities include traditional dance performances, guided walks, and hands-on art workshops. Sakura loversDuring spring, sakura-lovers can also visit this garden to view cherry blossom trees and azalea bushes. Accessible from Higashi Mukojima Station on the Tobu Railway’s Tobu Skytree Line
Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival
Dates: Early Feb – Early Mar 2024
Venue: Yushima Tenjin Shrine
Ancient Shrine Celebrates Spring’s Arrival
Yushima Tenjin Shrine hosts an Ume Matsuri showcasing an impressive array of festivities, including shamisen-playing, traditional dances, tea ceremonies, mikoshi processions, and illuminated plum blossoms after sundown. Located near Roppongi, visitors can access the shrine from Roppongi-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
IREX International Robot Exhibition
Dates: Early – Mid March 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Held at the Tokyo Big Sight, this year’s theme for the IREX International Robot Exhibition is “The way towards a friendlier society, bridged by robots.” With over 300 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors expected, IREX claims to be the world’s largest robot trade show.
Industry leaders from Japan and overseas will showcase innovative technologies in two main categories: industrial robots and service robots. These machines range from welding arms to personal companions, space explorers, agricultural workers, and cleaning aids.
Hyakudan Hinamatsuri – An Enchanting Display of Traditional Japanese Dolls
Dates: Late Jan – Mid Mar 2024
Venue: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
The Hyakudan Kaidan, a tangible cultural asset of Tokyo, hosts the annual Hyakudan Hinamatsuri showcasing traditional Japanese dolls of various sizes and origins. Each year, this exhibition features dolls collected from different regions in Japan, making every visit to Gajoen a unique experience for locals and tourists.
Konosu Surprise Hinamatsuri
Dates: Mid-February – Early March 2024
Venue: Elumi Kounosu Shopping Mall
Celebrated annually at Elumi Kounosu Shopping Mall in Saitama, the Konosu Surprise Hinamatsuri event honors Japan’s traditional Dolls’ Day. The centerpiece of the festivities is a breathtaking 7-meter pyramid with 31 steps adorned with around 1,800 dolls. This exhibition is recognized as Japan’s tallest Hinamatsuri pyramid.
Getting to Kounosu City is relatively easy on Tokyo’s public transport as it can be reached directly from Shinjuku Station in about an hour. Additionally, free shuttle buses are provided to take visitors to various Hinamatsuri exhibits throughout the city.
Yushima Cat Festival – Feline-themed Fun for Cat Enthusiasts
Dates: Mid-Feb – Mid-Mar 2024
Venue: Yushima, Bunkyo City
Yushima Cat Festival began in 2015 to revitalize the local area and foster community through cat-related activities. Visitors can look forward to cat-inspired menu offerings at cafes and restaurants, cat merchandise for sale, and local cat mascot Sabu-chan appearances on select dates. Additionally, Tsumakoi Shrine offers limited-time cat goshuin (shrine stamps) for collectors.
Mt. Takao Fire Walking Festival (Hiwatari Festival)
Dates: Mid-March 2024
Venue: Yakuoin Temple
The Mt. Takao Hiwatari Festival at Yakuoin Temple features an awe-inspiring ceremony where Yamabushi monks walk barefoot across hot embers while chanting and praying for safety and removing impurities.
From 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, attendees can witness these rituals and enjoy tofu dishes from water naturally sourced from Mt. Oyama during the Oyama Tofu Festival held alongside the Hiwatari Festival.
Tokyo Anime Award Festival
Dates: Early-Mid March 2024
Venue: Ikebukuro
The Tokyo Anime Award Festival welcomes animation lovers to attend screenings of notable films worldwide at various venues in Ikebukuro. Some movies will include subtitles in Japanese and English. To purchase tickets for these screenings, head over to their official website.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tokyo – An Annual Celebration of Irish Culture
Date: Mid Mar 2024
Venue: Omotesando
The biggest Irish event in Japan, Tokyo’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, attracts thousands of participants and attendees dressed in green, embodying the festive spirit of this vibrant celebration. Established in 1992, this Omotesando-based event features a lively parade filled with music, dance, and laughter.
Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: Mid Feb – Mid Mar 2024
Venue: Nishiraira Park
Nishiraira Park: Early Blooms and Stunning Views
Located at Nishiraira Park in Matsuda, Kanagawa Prefecture, this cherry blossom festival spotlights 360 kawazu-zakura trees that bloom in mid-February, earlier than most cherry trees in Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Fuji alongside blossoms by connecting Matsuda via train from Shinjuku Station to Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line.
Nakameguro Sakura Matsuri
Date: Late Mar 2024
Venue: Nakameguro
Nakameguro: Illuminated Cherry Blossoms
Located in Nakameguro, the Cherry Blossom Festival is organized by workers in the Nakameguro Ekimae shopping arcade. It features street performances, taiko drumming, school band concerts, sakura tree illuminations, and a picturesque Meguro River Park for blossoming cherries. Accessible by a short train ride from Shibuya via either Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station on the Toyoko or Hibiya lines.
Anime Japan
Date: Late Mar 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Biggest Anime Event at Tokyo Big Sight
Anime enthusiasts can gather at Tokyo Big Sight for Anime Japan to discover the latest news, purchase exclusive merchandise, attend stage appearances and performances by industry professionals, and participate in family-friendly activities at the Family AnimeFesta area.
Rikugien Gardens: Mystical Weeping Cherry
Date: Late Mar 2024
Venue: Rikugien Garden
Moonlit Magic at a Time-Honored Landscape Garden
Tokyo’s Rikugien Gardens offers visitors nighttime illuminations of its famed weeping cherry tree from late March to early April. Apart from admiring the floodlit tree and pink blooms, guests can take advantage of extended opening hours, visit the teahouse or indulge in fun snacks.
Ark Hills Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: Late Mar – Early Apr 2024
Venue: Ark Hills
Sakura Strolls and Gourmet Delights
The Ark Hills area near Spain-zaka features a lesser-known yet remarkable display of mature cherry trees. The three-day festival highlights illuminations of blossoming sakura trees alongside gourmet stands and live music performances. Accessible via a short walk from Roppongi-itchome Station or Tameikesanno Station.
Tokyo Outside Festival – A Celebration of Outdoors and Sports Activities
Date: Late Mar 2024
Venue: Shinjuku Central Park
Tokyo Outside Festival is an annual event geared towards outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities to engage in physical activities, purchase discounted outdoor retail products, and feast on food stalls. Coinciding with the beautiful Japanese spring season, this festival is perfect for people looking to connect with nature in the heart of Tokyo.
Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival – Embrace the Beauty of Sakura Season
Date: Late Mar 2024
Venue: Koganei Park
Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival offers visitors a less crowded hanami (flower-viewing) experience with picturesque cherry blossoms adorning Koganei Park. The festival highlights musical performances on stage and various picnic spots where attendees can enjoy a peaceful getaway from the bustling city center.
As Tokyo gears up for a bustling month of exhibitions and trade fairs, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the major fairs in March 2024. These events showcase the latest technology, services, and products in their respective industries, covering a diverse range of interests, from agriculture innovations to fashion accessories.
Japan Meat Industry Fair
Date: March 5- March 8, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
The ultimate meat event is set to take place at the Tokyo Big Sight between March 5 and March 8, 2024. Presented by the Japan Meat Industry, this fair features innovative technology and products used by producers, processors, distributors, retailers, and food-related personnel. It aims to promote Japan’s meat industry while improving its people’s diet.
Agro Innovation Tokyo
Date: March 5- March 8, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Coinciding with the Japan Meat Industry Fair is Agro Innovation Tokyo, held at the Tokyo Big Sight from March 5 to 8. This agriculture trade event aims to stimulate innovation and development within Japan’s farming business via seminars and demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies from across the globe. Exhibitors will showcase transplant production systems, grafting systems, plant factories, hydroponic systems, and monitoring systems.
Art Fair Tokyo
Date: March 8- March 10, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the aesthetically stunning Tokyo International Forum, Art Fair Tokyo is scheduled from March 8 to March 10. Presenting a diverse range of artwork from contemporary to ancient, this esteemed event will feature over 130 galleries and dealers from around the world. Attendees can expect displays of 2D work, sculptural work, new media art, performance, and more.
RetailTech Japan
Date: March 12- March 15, 2024
Venue: Makuhari Messe
Held at Makuhari Messe, RetailTech Japan will take place from March 12 to March 15. This comprehensive information systems exhibition showcases solution categories such as total retail information systems, digital marketing, and warehouse and distribution. Focused on enhancing efficiency between visitors and exhibitors, participants can find the latest retail and distribution technology offerings at the event.
Japan Shop
Date: March 12- March 15, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Concurrently taking place at the Tokyo Big Sight from March 12 to March 15 is the Japan Shop design exhibition. Featuring many store systems and designs geared toward better space utilization and efficiency, this event will display innovative products and services suited for commercial use.
Lighting Fair 2024
Date: March 12- March 15, 2024
Venue: International Exhibition Center, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Big Sight
Tokyo is gearing up for an exciting event in March 2024, the Lighting Fair 2024. As a comprehensive exhibition, it showcases the latest lighting products and technology from both Japan and abroad. Industry professionals and enthusiasts will gather at the Tokyo Big Sight – International Exhibition Center to witness the future of lighting unfold.
The Importance of Energy-Saving Light Sources
With LED and Organic LED gaining global attention as energy-saving, next-generation light sources, the Lighting Fair will feature an extensive range of products and technologies incorporating these advancements. This makes the exhibition a must-see for those interested in understanding the lighting prospects and related technologies.
Fostering Building Security and Comfort
The exhibition highlights how modern lighting innovations are essential in developing secure and comfortable building environments. This includes showcasing new control systems and measuring equipment designed to improve lighting performance throughout various spaces.
Networking Opportunities at Lighting Fair 2024
The Lighting Fair is widely recognized as one of Japan’s premium lighting exhibitions, providing attendees with valuable business opportunities, networking events, and learning experiences. The event is an ideal platform for buyers and sellers to meet, discuss trends, exchange ideas, and form potential partnerships.
Fashion Goods & Accessories Expo
Date: March 13- March 15, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
For those interested in style trends and fashionable items, make sure to mark your calendar for the Fashion Goods & Accessories Expo taking place at Tokyo Big Sight from March 13 to March 15. Exhibitors will present an extensive collection of gifts, home and interior products, and fashion accessories such as bags, leather items, costume jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes, and more.
March 2024 showcases an array of exciting events throughout Tokyo that cater to various interests. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural festivities like St. Patrick’s Day Parade or embrace the beauty of cherry blossoms at Koganei Park, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this bustling city.
With an exceptional lineup of events scheduled throughout March 2024, Tokyo’s exhibition and trade fair scene promises to engage, educate, and entertain attendees from various industries. Be sure to explore these incredible opportunities unfolding in the city this coming year.
These exciting events capture the essence of Tokyo’s spring festivities and offer unforgettable experiences to everyone in March 2024.
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