Tips for travel in late Feb/early March?

I've been twice before but in other seasons. Also I live in Colorado, so I think it generally gets a lot colder here than in Tokyo/Osaka.

  • Do I need to bring leggings and my best puffer?
  • Will Fushimi Inari Taisha still be packed by noon?
  • Might places I want to go be closed, or maybe close earlier than posted times?
  • Will I freeze walking from a ryokan to an onsen?
  • Emperor's birthday is Feb 23, what should I do or not do to avoid major crowds in Tokyo?
  • Can plum blossoms be found everywhere? I heard gardens will be sad and yellow

by zeekaran