Looking for the best time to see Japan? While everyone waits for April, savvy travelers know that March is the ultimate secret. Here is why you should book your campervan for March, followed by our recommended 14-day route.
5 Reasons to Choose March
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AVOID THE CROWDS: Beat the massive April/May peak. Enjoy “Real Japan” and hidden gems at your own pace.
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SAKURA FREEDOM: Blooms start in late March. With a van, you can drive to wherever the flowers are peaking!
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BETTER VALUE: Rental rates in March are lower than in April, saving you money for food and fun.
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UNIQUE ACTIVITIES: Enjoy peak strawberry picking, spring skiing in Nagano (Stick to snow-safe access areas only), and the Osaka Sumo Tournament.
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COZY COMFORT: We provide extra-warm sleeping bags and portable heaters to keep those crisp spring nights toasty.
Pro Tip: Beat the Crowds
Use Japan’s “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Stations). By parking nearby overnight, you can reach famous photo spots by 6:00 AM—long before the tour buses arrive.
The Ultimate 14-Day “Sakura Chaser” Itinerary
This route is designed to start in late March, following the blossoms from the coast to the mountains.
Izu Peninsula & Mt. Fuji
Days 1-3
Pick up your van and head to the Izu Peninsula. It’s warmer here, so flowers bloom earlier. Afterward, drive to Lake Kawaguchi. March offers the highest probability of seeing a clear, snow-capped Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake—a perfect backdrop for early blossoms.
Shizuoka Tea Fields & Local Castles
Days 4-6
Drive through the rolling green hills of Shizuoka, Japan’s tea capital. Visit local castles like Kakegawa or Hamamatsu. These spots are much quieter than the famous castles in Himeji or Osaka, giving you a more intimate connection with Japanese history.
Lake Biwa & Rural Kyoto
Days 7-10
Avoid the chaotic hotels of central Kyoto. Instead, park your van by Lake Biwa in Shiga. It’s peaceful, scenic, and only a short drive or train ride from Kyoto’s temples. You get to enjoy the culture during the day and the quiet of the lake at night.
Osaka for Sumo & Street Food
Days 11-12
Head to the vibrant city of Osaka. If you’ve timed it right, you can catch the Grand Sumo Tournament. Spend your evenings diving into the world-famous street food culture of Dotonbori before retreating to your van.
Nara & Wakayama Nature Escape
Days 13-14
End your journey by visiting the deer in Nara Park, then head south into the spiritual forests of Wakayama. The mountain air is fresh, and the ancient shrines surrounded by blooming trees offer a perfect, peaceful conclusion to your trip.
Discover Japan’s Spring Landscapes with a Campervan!
Check out some of our recommended Itinerary here:
- See Our Enjoying Sakura By a Campervan Road Trip
- See Our Seasonal Places to Visit in Japan: Spring and Summer
- See Our Best Cherry Blossom Road Trips by a Campervan
Looking for more? Find a huge range of different routes and road trip itineraries across Japan.
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