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Yasaka Pagoda above Yasaka-dori in Kyoto, early morningDotonbori's neon signs above the canal in Osaka at night

Kyoto vs Osaka in March

Kyoto edges it in March. Kyoto averages 4–14°C with moderate-high crowds; Osaka 6–14°C with moderate crowds.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Kyoto and Osaka

The verdict for March

  • WeatherKyoto has the better weather7/10 vs 6/10
  • CrowdsVery similarModerate-High vs Moderate
  • PricesVery similar$$$$ vs $$$
  • OverallKyoto comes out ahead6.5/10 vs 6/10
Yasaka Pagoda above Yasaka-dori in Kyoto, early morning

Kyoto in March

Spring arrives, crowds follow

Temperature
4–14°C
Crowds
Moderate-High
Prices
$$$$

+Mild days and early blossoms

–Crowds and prices rise sharply at month's end

Plum blossom gives way to the first cherry trees toward the end of the month. Early March is still quiet and affordable, while the last week gets busy fast. Evenings remain cool.

Kyoto in March
Dotonbori's neon signs above the canal in Osaka at night

Osaka in March

Spring starts warming up

Temperature
6–14°C
Crowds
Moderate
Prices
$$$

+The city wakes up ahead of the cherry blossom rush.

–Unpredictable weather, and prices jump hard in the final week as sakura arrives.

The city wakes up ahead of the cherry blossom rush.

Osaka in March

Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.

Another month