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Visiting Japan in February will treat you to a winter fantasy, where you can explore the snow-capped mountains of the northern regions, watch illuminations glow across the night sky, and participate in each Prefecture’s own unique traditions that bring the warmth of festivities amid the cold, mid-winter weather. From skiing in Hokkaido to visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Shirakawa-go and watching early cherry and plum blossoms bloom amid the romantic February air, here are some of the top things to do in Japan in February.

What to Wear in Japan in February

4 people in ski gear posing for the camera

Image Credit: Ski Week

Japan’s reaches peak winter in February, with Tokyo temperatures ranging from -1 to 10 degrees Celcius, and Hokkaido temperatures ranging from -8 to 4 degrees Celcius. Temperatures vary throughout the month, but it’s safe to pack ultra-warm heattech, warm layers, and a long wool coat, puffer, or down jacket. Make sure to also pack warming accessories, such as a hat, scarf, gloves, and thick socks. Consider choosing windproof materials for outerwear and bottoms, and remember to check the weather forecast before heading out as February tends to experience regular rainfall.

We strongly recommend wearing non-slip shoes to prevent accidents as the ground can get slippery with ice or rain. In ski resorts and places that experience plenty of snowfall, wearing snow shoes will help you walk more comfortably. If you’re heading to snowy areas in sneakers, make sure to put on non-slip soles (available at convenience stores) to prevent slipping on the ice hidden underneath.

Setsubun (February 2 – February 4)

Person dressed up as an oni in a temple to celebrate Setsubun in Japan

Image Credit: Discover Kyoto

Setsubun, also known as Setsubun no Hi (節分の日), is a festival held yearly between February 2 and 4. The exact date of the event shifts based on the year’s lunar calendar, as Setsubun is traditionally held on the first day of spring. While Japan doesn’t celebrate the Lunar New Year, the two events are closely tied together and were often celebrated in tandem before the country transitioned into the Gregorian calendar.

Setsubun is a celebration that wards off evil spirits as it’s believed that the spirit world would interact with our world (remember Yu Yu Hakusho?), letting ghosts cross our streets and enter our homes. Some spirits are said to bring sickness and bad luck, so families must expel them before the new year starts. The occasion is typically celebrated privately by families, where the father would dress as an oni as children would playfully drive him away from home.

However, anyone can celebrate Setsubun by visiting temples all over the country. Crowds would visit temples despite the rainy February weather and participate in “mamemaki,” a popular bean-throwing event that is said to drive away evil spirits and bring in good fortune. Locals also celebrate by eating ehomaki, a long, uncut sushi roll similar to Korean kimbap. Traditionally, it is eaten whole and in silence without cutting the edges (otherwise, you’d cut off the good luck!) while facing the lucky direction of the year.

In 2025, Setsubun is celebrated on February 2 and the lucky direction to eat ehomaki is west-southwest. These vary every year, so make sure to check prior to planning a temple visit.

Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4 – February 11)

Snow sculpture of a women in a castle showcased at the Sapporo Snow Festival

Image Credit: Golive Japan

If you plan to visit Hokkaido in February, you can’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival, a highly-anticipated yearly event where massive snow sculptures are displayed across event sites in Sapporo. The event is held across three sites: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsu Dome. In conjunction with the festivities, national snow and ice sculpting competitions and exhibits are held, and popular anime and games would traditionally exhibit specially made sculptures. In 2025, game developer Yostar participated with an impressive sculpture of Arknights’ Amiya.

Most festivities are centralized in Odori Park, where traditional food and souvenir stalls line the streets, and crowds gather to view over a hundred snow statues and performances by idols and popular artists. Meanwhile, the Susukino site would display over 100 magical ice sculptures that are lit up in an impressive illumination that can’t be found anywhere else in Japan. If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities, the snow slides and stalls in Tsu Dome will surely entertain children and adults alike. You can even participate in the snow-sculpting spirit by making your own!

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a unique experience that can only run once a year, as it’s dependent on the Japan February weather to maintain the snow sculptures. We strongly recommend spending around two days to fully enjoy the festivities. The festival dates vary every year, so make sure to visit the website for the exact schedule and plan ahead.

Valentine’s Day – February 14

Heart shaped valentine's notes attached to a temple in Japan

Image Credit: Tokyo Weekender

Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world through unique traditions that bring a local flair to the day of hearts. In any romance anime, be it in the school, office, or another world, Valentine’s Day marks an important time when frustratingly slow romance finally starts moving. What makes Japan’s Valentine’s Day celebrations so unique is that men typically don’t prepare anything. Instead, it’s a day for women to dominate the snowy landscapes of mid-February with bold love confessions and presents for the person they like.

Chocolate is the symbol of Valentine’s in Japan. In Japan’s Valentine’s gift-giving scene, flowers, cards, and any other present outside of chocolates are not exchanged. Women would purchase beautiful chocolates or make their own to give to someone important to them. It’s also a popular time for girls to confess their love while presenting a box of handmade chocolates. Meanwhile, outside of the romance bubble, girls also present chocolates to their friends in a tradition called “tomo-choco,” which literally means “friend chocolate.”

A women-led Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that men are only expected to receive gifts all-year round. Every year on March 14, White Day is celebrated all over Japan. On this day, men would reciprocate the love they received on Valentine’s by giving gifts to their significant other, someone they like, or people important to them.

Nagasaki Lantern Festival – First 15 Days of Chinese New Year

Crowds visiting the brightly lit temple in the Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Image Credit: Kosublog

If you plan to visit Japan in February, consider catching the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, a two-week-long event that occurs on the first 15 days of Chinese New Year. It’s the country’s largest lantern festival where approximately 15,000 lanterns illuminate Nagasaki City, and is celebrated alongside festivities that merge Chinese and Japanese culture. If you enjoy visiting Chinese cultural hotspots, such as Yokohama Chinatown, Nagasaki’s once-a-year festival is a unique winter festival not to miss.

Apart from the life-sized lanterns depicting zodiac animals and other decorative elements, another popular attraction during the festival is the Lantern Parade. A specially chosen Emperor and Empress would ride Chinese-style palanquins and parade alongside people dressed in traditional Chinese garments. Their party would roam across the streets of Nagasaki and bring awe to endless crowds.

During this time, the city would bustle with programs and events, including magic performances, Lion Dances, and Chinese acrobatics. Food stalls would also fill Nagasaki’s streets with local Chinese delicacies and popular fusion dishes.

The dates for the Nagasaki Lantern Festival vary every year as they’re based on the first 15 days of the Lunar calendar, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance. In 2025, the event will be held from January 29 to February 12. There are generally fewer crowds in Nagasaki, making it the perfect destination to experience traditional festivities in the winter season. While Nagasaki is far from Tokyo and Osaka, it’s only an hour and a half to two hours away from Fukuoka by train or car. Visit the official website for more information.

Yokote Kamakura Festival (February 15 – February 16)

People walking along the snow lit path in the Yokote Kamakura Festival

Image Credit: Japan Web Magazine

The Yokote Kamakura Festival is a special event held in Yokote, a southeastern city in Akita Prefecture. Every year on February 15 to 16, visitors flock to the city to find “kamakura,” handmade snow sculptures shaped like igloos. Each kamakura houses a snow altar for a water deity, who is said to bring ample water to those who pray to it. From 6 PM to 9 PM, locals will invite visitors to enter their kamakura, typically offering rice cakes and amazake (sweet sake made of rice) in return for an offering at the altar.

The festival extends throughout Yokote’s key areas, starting from Yokote Station to Yokote Castle and Yokote River. Most of the beautiful sights and activities are held at night, but you can stop by Komyoji Park to participate in Kamakura building sessions. Apart from the homey igloos where a few people can sit together to enjoy a meal, you can also take in the enchanting atmosphere along the snow-covered streets of the riverbank, which is filled with mini Kamakura that illuminate into a sea of lights every night.

Akita Prefecture is fairly far from the Tokyo area and other popular travel starting points. It’s a four-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station to Akita Station, so consider staying for at least two days to make the trip worth it. If you miss out on the dates of the Yokote Kamakura Festival, you can also participate in a similar Kamakura Festival at the Yunishigawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture. It runs until March 2, 2025. Visit this website for more information.

Zao Snow Monsters – Entire February

Cable car running through the zao snow monsters in Japan

Image Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization

While more urban areas of Japan tend to see less snow, consider heading north of Tokyo to find an array of onsen towns, which sometimes double up as ski resorts. Zao Onsen in between the Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures is an especially popular winter wonderland due to the unique snow formations that are created from the icy Siberian winds that stick to trees that line Mount Zao. The result is the formation of Zao Snow Monsters, which usually reach their peak around mid-February.

If you’re an avid skier, take the opportunity to ski down the slopes of Mount Zao to witness the height of the life-like Snow Monsters, which usually grow to twice the size of humans. You can alternatively take a cable car called the Zao Ropeway, which takes you up the summit of the mountain and back down. You’ll have full access to mesmerizing views of the Zao Snow Monsters in their full glory, as well as the February Japan snowscapes that can only be enjoyed during the short snow season.

While tourists flock to see the mesmerizing sights of Snow Monsters, Zao Onsen also has plenty of activities to offer. The area is brimming with tatami-lined ryokan and natural onsen (hot springs), so consider staying overnight to fully enjoy the wonders of onsen culture. It’s also a rare opportunity to enjoy the sights of traditional Japanese architecture amid the winter weather.

Zao Onsen is only 2.5 hours away from Tokyo via a shinkansen bound for Yamagata Prefecture. Upon arrival, take a 40-minute bus directly to Zao Onsen. Due to the travel time, you may want to stay for at least two days to make the trip worth it. Additionally, the temperature in the area is much lower than in Tokyo, with temperatures ranging from 4 degrees Celsius to the negatives, so make sure to pack extra layers and bring clothing appropriate for cold winters.

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival – Entire February 

Early blooming Kawazu cherry blossom trees

Image Credit: The Gate

Japan’s cherry blossom season usually doesn’t start until temperatures warm up between late March and early April. However, the country has over 600 cultivars of cherry blossoms that bloom at different times of the year. Some of the earliest blooming sakura can be found in Kawazu, an onsen (hot spring) resort located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Every year from early February to early March, the town is painted in shades of blossoming pink, signaling the yearly Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival where tourists flock to the city to view the stunning Kawazuzakura in full bloom.

The Kawazuzakura (Kawazu Cherry Blossoms) blooms alongside yellow rapeseed flowers along Kawazu River, which runs across the whole town from the west side of Kawazu Station, offering a wide variety of viewing points and picnic spots for you to enjoy romantic sunny days under the falling petals. Additionally, being a festival, local food and souvenir stalls would also be set up around Kawazu Station, so you can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the pre-spring festival. Popular souvenirs include local specialties, such as citrus fruits and Kawazuzakura seeds for you to plant at home.

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival’s exact dates change every year, depending on the weather, which affects the sakura’s blooming time. In 2025, it runs from February 1 to 28, with the best views expected around mid-February. It takes about 3 hours to get from Tokyo to Kawazu via shinkansen, so we recommend staying for at least two days to make the trip worth it. There are plenty of other things to do in Kawazu, which is rich in onsen, beaches, and waterfalls. Visit the official site for more details.

If you’re unable to go all the way to Kawazu, there are a few spots in Tokyo where Kawazuzakura blooms. They don’t fill the entire parks, but a few will dot the horizon with stunning shades of pink from early February onwards:

  • Yoyogi Park
  • Kiba Park
  • Rinshi no Mori Park (2025 blooms expected from the second week of February)
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Mito Plum Blossom Festival – February to March

Plum blossoms blooming in different shades of pink in Mito, Ibaraki

Image Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization

For over a hundred years, the historic Kairakuen Garden in Mito, Ibaraki has celebrated the Mito Plum Blossom Festival, which welcomes the first plum blossoms of the season. The Japanese plum, “ume,” has historical roots in China, but has since become a staple since its introduction into Japan 2,000 years ago. Plum blossoms were once used as ornamental garden features, but they were eventually eclipsed by the popularity of sakura. However, plum blossoms still bloom fervently across Japan, and Kairakuen is one of the best places to visit to view shades of pink that dot the beautiful pre-spring landscape.

The 2025 Mito Plum Blossom Festival is held from February 11 to March 20, featuring a plethora of activities that happen in conjunction with the event. During the festival, the Mito Natto Speed Eating World Championship will take place (as Natto is a specialty of Ibaraki), as well as Taya Stick Fighting demonstrations, outdoor tea ceremonies, and the Mito National Plum Wine Festival, where you can try a variety of sweet sake made with locally-grown ume (plum). In addition, illuminations are set to happen at night at Kairakuen Garden and Mito Castle.

Ibaraki is only a little over an hour away from Tokyo by train, making it a perfect stop for a day trip. Do keep in mind that the Mito Plum Blossom Festival timeline varies every year depending on the weather, which determines the plum blossoming period. Head to the official site for more information on the event schedule and festivities.

Weeping plum blossoms blooming in early spring in Mie Prefecture

Image Credit: Japan Web Magazine

If you happen to be traveling across the southern areas of Japan, consider heading to Mie Prefecture to experience the Suzuka Forest Garden Plum Blossom Festival, which features a magical collection of over 200 weeping plum trees that look like vivid pink wisteria. The 2025 festival period is confirmed to run from February 15 to late March and will feature similar festivities and night illuminations as the Mito Plum Festival.

Meanwhile, Tokyo is also home to a selection of plum blossom viewing sites that host other festivals, including the following:

  • Hanegi Park (Site for the Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival from February 8 to March 2, 2025)
  • Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine (Plum Blossom festival period is from February 1 to 25, 2025)
  • Ikegami Plum Garden
  • Jindai Botanical Garden

Onsen – Entire February

Scenery at the Shuzenji Onsen in Japan

Image Credit: Explore Shizuoka

Taking a bath in onsen (hot springs) is a key part of Japanese culture that you may be interested in trying when you visit Japan. As the water is usually heated through natural means (such as geothermal activity underground), winter is unquestionably the best time to relax and enjoy onsen. The experience is usually paired with a stay at a traditional Japanese inn (“ryokan”), where guests are treated to the experience of a tatami room, futon, homestyle Japanese meals, and sometimes traditional entertainment as well. There are plenty of onsen within Tokyo, but if you’re looking for a more scenic overnight trip outside of the city, here are a few recommended sites to visit.

Hakone

Tourists usually head to Hakone with the goal of seeing Mount Fuji, but the area is full of lovely hot springs and traditional ryokan to spend a relaxing night in. If you want to make the most out of your itinerary, take a shinkansen to Odawara (about 30 minutes from Tokyo) to experience the Odawara Plum Blossom Festival and do some sightseeing. From there, take a 15-minute train to Hakone, where you can relax and enjoy natural onsen and traditional amenities in a ryokan. The next day, head to the base of Mt. Fuji for some sightseeing and shop at the Gotemba Premium Outlets before heading back to Tokyo via a direct shinkansen from Hakone.

Shuzenji Onsen

If you’re interested in a scenic trip filled with bamboo forests, fairytale sights, seaside views, and ancient temples, Shuzenji Onsen is a must-visit to take in all the best of Japan packed into one overnight trip. Nestled in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, this onsen town is brimming with history, with foundations that date back to the 800s. The location is a little two hours away from Tokyo by train. A typical route would go from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station, then change trains and head straight to Shuzenji Station. If you want to pack your itinerary with more stops, you can also take a train from Mishima to Numazu (less than 10 minutes) to take in the views of the popular seaside town.

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park)

The Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park) is located in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, and is popular for the incredible sight of snow monkeys enjoying natural onsen. While most come to trek around the area and watch the monkeys enjoying a hot bath amid the chilly Japan February weather, you can also extend your itinerary by staying at the nearby Shibu Onsen, which is brimming with the char of traditional Japanese architecture. You can find a variety of renovated ryokans that have preserved the beauty of the town for over 1,000 years. The area is also brimming with plenty of natural onsen to enjoy a dip or two.

Winter Illuminations – Entire February

Jewellumination at Yomiuri Land in Japan

Image Credit: Good Luck Trip

Japan is famous for its winter illuminations, which usually begin lighting up from sunset to late at night, forming complex light structures and snow light paths across the country. These are wonderful events to visit to watch the amazingly choreographed light shows that showcase the craft of the country’s illumination specialists. Here are some places you can visit in and outside of Tokyo. Depending on the venue, a fee may be charged for entry:

  • Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination – November 18, 2024 to February 28, 2025
  • Nagoya Nabana No Sato – October 19, 2024, to June 1, 2025, on select days; visit the website for more information
  • Kanagawa Sagamiko Illumillion – November 16, 2024, to April 6, 2025 (except Wednesday and Thursday); April 7, 202,5 to May 11, 2025 (weekends only)
  • Tochigi Ashikaga Flower Fantasy – October 18, 2024, to February 16, 2025
  • Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up – entire February 2025 (Sundays only)
  • Country Farm Tokyo German Village – November 1, 2024, to April 6, 2025
  • Yomiuri Land Jewellumination – October 24, 202,4 to April 6, 2025; visit the website to confirm illumination dates
  • Shinjuku Winter Illumination – November 17, 2024 to February 14, 2025

Winter Sports – Entire February

Snow-capped huts at shirakawa-go in winter

Image Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization

Japan is a popular destination for winter sports, as northern Japan experiences extremely cold weather and plenty of snowfall. Whether you’re a seasoned ski professional or are coming to take lessons or enjoy a day riding snowmobiles with children, there’s a winter sport for everyone to enjoy. Here are some destinations to begin forming your perfect winter itinerary.

Hokkaido

Nestled in northern Japan, Hokkaido is an extremely cold place where the weather typically reaches the negatives, allowing winter sports to thrive. The snow season can last anywhere between October to May, but many come in early February to experience peak snowfall.

Hokkaido is home to the Niseko Ski Resort, a popular destination for its incredible powder snow and complex ski trails. But don’t worry as beginners can also enjoy skiing for the first time with an abundance of ski schools and private classes available for guests. Cable cars and activities for children are also available to plan a family-friendly trip. Visit the official website for more information.

Nagano

Nagano is a less-popular but highly valued winter wonderland where you can experience a plethora of snow sports in the winter season. In fact, the city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, making it a great place to discover Japan’s history!

One of its hidden gems is Nozawa Onsen, a charming hot spring village renowned for its authentic Japanese atmosphere and world-class skiing. With its powdery slopes, traditional ryokan inns, and free public onsen, Nozawa Onsen offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

The snowfall usually lasts from November to mid-April, depending on the weather, so there’s a large window for you to visit and enjoy the ski resorts for skiing, sledding, riding snowmobiles, and even snowshoeing around the mountain. The best part is that Nagano is less than two hours away from Tokyo, making it a great option for a day trip. Visit the website for more information on activities and resort selection.

Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is an amazing destination where you can discover Japan’s incredible snowscapes and enjoy winter activities without having to travel far into the northern regions of the country. Only about 2.5 hours away from Tokyo, Gifu features an incredible selection of ski resorts that populate five of the highest peaks in Japan. The prefecture is also home to the Shirakawa-go UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you must visit to take in the sights of magical snow-capped huts that look like they’ve been plucked from a fantasy children’s book.