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Weather ? clothing late March

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ifjames

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Hi All
We are pretty organised now for our first trip to Japan next March 22-29: one very packed week!! 3 nights Tokyo (1 day in Mashiko), 2 nights Osaka, 2 nights Kyoto (half day in Nara), all by JR Pass, in hotels, but hoping to meet up with friends and/or family in Tokyo and Osaka (not likely to be in their homes due to locations). BUT How cold is it at that time: remember we will be coming off the end of a predicited VERY hot, VERY dry southern Australian summer: websites show Tokyo Kyoto 7C-15C range at that time: we are sorted re jeans, trainers (with elastic laces for ease of taking off and on: how great a suggestion has that been!!!) light rain jackets, folding umbrella etc : all sensible tourist wares, BUT the "top half" is the issue: polo shirts and windcheaters, or long-sleeved shirts and light woolen jumpers/sweaters??? Beanie/scarves/gloves??? ie HOW cold??? I expect we will be warm with walking, and on trains, and inside buildings, but waiting around train stations, bus stops etc etc ????? Just wondering. Also, are we likely to catch the Cherry Blossoms: I fear we may be a little early???
Cheers and thanks
 
Although I cannot help regarding tellling you what the weather will be like in Japan at your specified arrivel date, I do wish to point out that the best thing you can do is layer your clothing. March in Japan shouldn't bee all too cold (although it might be relatively speaking). Look around on the net as there are always sites with weather trends, as do some guide books - the local library is fantastic for research, and if it isn't, check out your local Uni library.

Back to layering, it is better to wear several layers rather than one or two, as one can adjust clothing according to ones situation - which can change quickly upon, for example, entering/exiting stores or sunset. I suggest a comfy t-shirt, a top (preferably wool, merino if you don't like the itch) and a windproof jacket. The windproof jacket hould have a light padding - idealy removeable - so that if the wind picks up you'll be fine.

As for the cherry blossoms, AFAIK it is way too early, unless summer breaks way too early.
 
There is actually a chance that you will be able to see the cherry blossoms at the end of your trip. They usually start around the end of March. You might want to keep your last day/evening avaible for the cherry blossoms.

Being prepared with layers is a good idea. I remember 2006 in Tokyo everyone was sitting under the cherry blossoms at 5 degree Celcius (at night).
 
Thanks for the tips: have checked sites and will layer as usual: just wondering about the heaviness of the layers but seem to be OK with what we have. Hope the CB's come through!!
 
Hi Felicity,

just read this after emailing you.

I went a month later than you on my last trip. It was quite humid and hot in the south (Kyoto/Okayama area) and more pleasant in the north. But the key thing is that it's all relevant (my brother has just relocated to Aus and is finding the winter very summery!!). So be prepared for it to be cooler. What you are suggesting is about right (especially if you are not good with the cold). Perhaps more important is dealing with the wet weather, which statistically you are bound to face at some point. Having a set of light weight water proofs would be a good idea if you want to walk around outside (you'll do a lot of walking in Kyoto). Water proof trouser as well, that way you can venture out no matter what the weather.
 
I arrived in Japan two Aprils ago, and left Japan this April past. Around the end of March it's a little rainy at times, but generally still cool and dry in the evenings. The real humidity starts in June and continues throughout the summer. As was pointed out I think layers are going to be your friend. It can reach t-shirt weather at noon, and then cool down considerably by the evening. It is a tad humid but nothing unbearable.

Also, last year, I had the pleasure of catching the cherry blossoms before leaving. I left on the 4th, and they were in full-swing at that point. I think you've got a good chance of catching them, at least the beginning.
 
Many thanks Amos (also just read this after emailing!!!) and babaKanadajin: your tips are much appreciated. Felicity
 
Fel1city sounds like you are going to be leaving just as I am arriving in mid-April. My fiance and I really hope to see the Cherry Blossoms for our honeymoon, but we are getting there April 13.. and I dunno if they will be in good form or not.
 
After April 13,
The area that a cherry blossom can look at is Yamanashi, Nagano, Tohoku region.
The cherry blossom which I recommend
Yamanashi
An OITO cherry tree of JINDEN
http://shaw.fan-site.net/photograph/photo/flower/sakura/jinden/jinden.html
The location: Yamanashi HOKUTO city Kobuchizawa-cho 1904-2, Shokou

YAMATAKA JINDAI cherry tree
The age of a tree is about 2000
http://shaw.fan-site.net/photograph/photo/flower/sakura/jindai/jindai.html
The location: Yamanashi HOKUTO city TAKEKAWA-CHO YAMATAKA 2763

SANEHARA Sakuranamiki
http://www.kidsjapan.net/~albion/20000423saneharasakuranamiki.htm
The location: Yamanashi HOKUTO city TAKEKAWA-CHO Yanagisawa
 
Great, thanks everyone: looking forwards to march!!
 
To me, late-March/early-April are generally jacket weather days. You can dress in spring clothing but do pack a jacket. Also, pack an umbrella (but you can buy them anywhere in Japan for about 500 yen). Some days can be rainy, but other days can be comfortable without a jacket and in short-sleeve shirts. It varies.
 
I would wait until a week or two before your departure date and ask about the weather then.
 
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