Kyoto is one of the most peaceful and amazing places in Japan full of historical sites and ancient traditions. Various wonderful places offer a unique and memorable experience in February giving the other beauty of Kyoto in the winter season in Japan.

If you are planning to travel to Kyoto in February, here are some best things to do in February in Kyoto.

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February in Kyoto

Kyoto in February is chilly and cold however, it is one of the best times to visit Kyoto with fewer tourists and more peaceful. It is off-season therefore not many big events are happening this month. You can witness the Setsubun a traditional and annual event during this month(3rd of February) not just in Kyoto but all over Japan.

The temperature in Kyoto in February ranges from 10°C high to 1°C low with occasional snowfall. You can enjoy exploring Kyoto even in the winter season it offers various things to do and activities from traditional to modern trends highly suggest wearing comfortable layers of winter clothes before roaming around.

In this article, I will share the 10 best things to do in Kyoto in February 2025. Things to enjoy together with your loved ones.

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1. Enjoy Plum Blossom

Enjoy Plum Blossoms or (Ume) in Japanese when you visit Kyoto in February it is an early sign of the spring season in Kyoto although February is still a winter season in Japan. Various places in Kyoto where you can enjoy viewing beautiful plum blossoms such as shrines and temples also take place plum blossom festivals. The most famous shrine for the plum blossom festival is the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, featuring activities such as flower viewing, tea ceremony, etc.

For more information about Plum Blossom in Japan, check the following article!

▶Plum Blossoms in Japan: Best Places to See 

2. NAKED Garden Illumination

NAKED offers fantastic light-up and illumination for all seasons in Japan, especially in Kyoto which holds various events in some shrines and temples. You can enjoy the light art, projection, and illumination in the Kyoto Station building the newly released project of Naked Garden “A Japanese Picture Scroll of Light – Kyoto Night Lights of the Four Seasons”

Website: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/

For more information about the NAKED Spot in Japan, check the following article!

▶Best Naked Spots in Japan

3.  Experience Setsubun Festival

Experience and witness the traditional Japanese festival called Setsubun a famous event in February celebrated annually on the 3rd of the month. It symbolizes the beginning of the new season it features rituals like throwing beans to drive away evil spirits and invite Good Luck.

For more information about the Setsubun, check the following article!

▶Setsubun no Hi: Demon out, fortune inside

4. Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit one of the most visited shrines in Kyoto the Yasaka Shrine also known as Gion Shrine. Although the most famous festival in Yasaka Shrine is held in July it still offers a lot of things to do for all seasons. You can stroll and be amazed by the architecture and ornaments, take photos, perform rituals, and ask for good luck. Relax and feel the peaceful atmosphere.

For more information about Yasaka Shrine, check the following article!

▶Yasaka Shrine: The Spirit of Gion

5. Walking around Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

Not far from Yasaka Shrine, visit and explore Hokanji-temple also known as Yasaka Pagoda one of the iconic landmarks in Kyoto also located in Higashiyama. A historic neighborhood with its traditional old house that offers a picturesque setting perfect for both photography and leisurely walks.

For more travel tips in Higashiyama, check out the following article!

▶Yasaka Pagoda: the Best Photo Spot in Higashiyama

6. Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

One of the most visited tourist spots in Kyoto is the Bamboo grove located in Arashiyama. Offer a magical picturesque in winter. A cooler atmosphere and the gentle breeze of the bamboo give a perfect serene experience while walking through the grove.

For more travel tips in Arashiyama, check out the following article!

▶Kyoto Arashiyama and Sagano: 10 Best Things to Do

7. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit one of the iconic shrines in Japan the Fushimi Inari Shrine located in  Kyoto famous for its thousand vivid orange torii gates and become most of the visited shrines. In February it offers a peaceful and cooler atmosphere due to fewer tourists during this season. You can enjoy walking around and taking more photos.

For more information about the Fushimi Inari Taisha, check out the following article!

▶Fushimi Inari Taisha: Kyoto’s Most Visited Shrine

8. Explore the Nishiki market and Get some souvenirs

Looking for a gift or souvenirs to bring home, Nishiki Market is a place for shopping, that offers various local foods, gifts, and souvenir ideas. One of the famous places in Kyoto to discover a variety of delicacies in Kyoto.

For more travel tips in the Nishiki market, check out the following article!

▶Nishiki Market Tour: Food and Shopping Guide

9. Visit Kurama Onsen and Relax

February is chilly and cold in Kyoto, therefore it is so recommended to soak in an onsen and relax after exploring Kyoto. Kurama onsen is one of the popular onsen in Kyoto offering a traditional and natural hot spring. Various options to choose from and a foreigner-friendly onsen.

For more information about the Kurama Onsen, check out the following article!

▶Kurama Onsen: Kyoto’s Healing Waters

10. Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony

Experiencing a Tea ceremony in Kyoto is one of the must things to do when you visit Kyoto although this kind of activity is also available in other parts of Japan. Kyoto offers traditional way tea ceremonies that showcase ancient rituals. Often held in famous temples and shrines along with other activities such as events and festivals.

For more information about the Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences

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