Visiting Sapporo in March offers several advantages:
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Avoids peak tourist season: March falls outside of the peak tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and more availability at hotels and attractions.
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Cultural festivals: Sapporo hosts the annual Sapporo Snow Festival in February, which typically extends into early March. This provides an opportunity to experience the city’s famous ice sculptures and winter festivities.
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Early signs of spring: While March is still considered winter in Sapporo, early signs of spring begin to emerge. Temperatures start to rise slightly, and the city transforms with blooming cherry blossoms.
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Budget-friendly: The off-season brings lower prices on accommodations and flights, making it a more affordable time to visit.
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Snowy landscapes: While the snow may start to melt, March still offers picturesque snowy landscapes, providing ample opportunities for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Weather In Sapporo During March
Average Temperatures:
- High: 39°F (4°C)
- Low: 28°F (-2°C)
Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 3.1 inches (79 mm)
- Average snowfall: 12.2 inches (31 cm)
Other Weather Conditions:
- Sunshine: Sapporo typically receives an average of 5.6 hours of sunshine per day in March.
- Wind: Winds are generally light, averaging around 10 mph (16 km/h).
- Humidity: Humidity levels are usually moderate, ranging from 50-70%.
- Snow cover: Snow cover is common throughout March, with the city of Sapporo typically experiencing snow on the ground for an average of 15 days during the month.
Overall Summary:
March in Sapporo is generally cold and snowy, with average temperatures below freezing at night. Snowfall is frequent, with an average of over a foot of snow falling throughout the month. Sunshine is limited, but winds are generally light and humidity levels are moderate. It’s advisable to pack warm clothes, including a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Things To Do In Sapporo In March
March Events and Festivals in Sapporo, Japan
- Sapporo White Illumination (early to mid-March): A mesmerizing display of over 800,000 LED lights adorning trees, buildings, and sculptures along Odori Park and its surrounding streets.
- Sapporo Snow Festival (early February to mid-March): While the main festivities occur in February, the festival continues into March with smaller-scale ice sculptures and snow slides around the city.
- Sapporo International Ski Marathon (early March): A popular cross-country skiing event held on a 50km course around Sapporo’s outskirts.
- Sapporo Beer Museum (open year-round): Offers guided tours and tastings of local Sapporo beer, providing insights into Japan’s brewing traditions.
- Hokkaido Museum (open year-round): Delves into the history, culture, and nature of Hokkaido prefecture, including exhibits on the Ainu indigenous people.
Unique Attractions to Visit in March:
- Nakajima Park: A charming park with a lake, cherry trees, and a glasshouse filled with tropical plants. In March, the park offers stunning views of the blooming plum trees.
- Sapporo Moerenuma Park: A contemporary art park with a series of unique sculptures, playgrounds, and open spaces designed by world-renowned artist Isamu Noguchi.
- Sapporo TV Tower: Soars 147 meters above Odori Park, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Susukino District: Sapporo’s vibrant entertainment district with an array of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and karaoke venues.
- Sapporo Factory Outlets: An indoor shopping mall with over 200 brand-name stores offering discounted prices.
Tourism In Sapporo, Japan During March
Sapporo’s tourism scene during March transforms into a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences. The Hokkaido Shrine Festival, held in the heart of Odori Park, captivates visitors with traditional performances, food stalls, and vibrant processions honoring the area’s rich heritage. Art enthusiasts flock to the Sapporo Snow Festival, where colossal snow sculptures and intricate ice carvings adorn the city’s streets, showcasing the creativity of renowned artists. Sapporo’s vibrant nightlife comes alive during this time, with bustling bars and restaurants offering a taste of the city’s culinary delights and lively entertainment. The city’s many museums, such as the Sapporo Art Park and the Hokkaido Museum, provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history, art, and culture. Sapporo’s renowned ramen shops entice food lovers with their savory broths and tantalizing toppings, offering a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds.
