Nikkei up 3 pct, hits 2-mth high on U.S. bank plan

TOKYO, March 24 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 3 percent to a two-month high on Tuesday as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (8306.T) and other banks gained after the U.S. government unveiled a plan to rid the banking sector of bad assets.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 was up 3.0 percent or 247.22 points at 8,462.75, its highest point since Jan. 14.

The broader Topix .TOPX added 2.8 percent to 813.51. (Reporting by Rika Otsuka)