February in Japan might be cold and dark, but it’s actually a wonderful month to visit Japan! There are numbers of special events held across the country including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, and it’s a great time to enjoy early blooming Cherry Blossoms!

Let’s check out the best things to do and places to visit in Japan in February!!

Japan in February

February is the end of winter in Japan following the previous coldest month. It is a slower season with less foreign tourists compared to January when more travelers visit the country using their New Year’s holidays. You may see snow in February and there are snow festivals held in colder regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku Region. In addition, you can experience a traditional Japanese event Setsubun and the globally famous Valentine’s Day. Some people take a trip to the country for plum blossoms or early-blooming cherry blossoms and Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. The average daily temperature in February in Tokyo is 5-9°C (41-48.2°F). It is recommended to simulate the colder conditions than that just in case, especially if you visit mountain areas or northern regions.

Best Things to Do in Japan in February

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

The world’s famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually in early-mid February at the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo City in early February, attracting around 2 million visitors every year. The event features impressive artworks made with snow and ice at several sites in the snow covered city. There are hundreds ice and snow sculptures in various sizes.

More info ▶ Sapporo Snow Festival

Related article ▶ Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in Winter

2. Onsen

Onsen is one of the most traditional things about Japan that every tourists should experience at least once. Winter is definitely the best season for Onsen to soak up your body in a hot bath and relax. Ideally, stay at one of the authentic Ryokan inn (traditional Japanese style hotel) and enjoy delicious Japanese dishes after Onsen bath. What a treat! Even if you are going to visit only Tokyo, there are several amazing Onsen spots that you can access from Tokyo for a day trip.

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▶ Top 5 Onsen Towns near Tokyo
▶ Best Hot Springs in Japan: Japan Onsen Map

3. Winter Illuminations

Winter illuminations are the biggest attraction in Japan in winter and available at cities across the country during the season. Some of illumination events run until Christmas Day, but many long-run events are available until February or even longer. Don’t miss a chance to see the most spectacular light-ups before they end!

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▶10 Winter Illuminations in Japan You Can still Enjoy after New Year
▶Best Winter Illuminations in Japan: Japan Illumination Map
▶Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide

4. Ski/Snowboarding

Ski and Snowboarding are the most popular winter sports in Japan, and the great ski resorts with high quality powder snow attracts visitors from all around the world. The coldest months of the year, January and February is definitely the best season for skiers as the snow conditions are at top notch.

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▶ BEST SKI RESORTS IN JAPAN
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5. Yokote Kamakura Festival

Besides Sapporo Snow Festival, there are several snow festivals held across the country during winter. Kamakura, traditional Japanese snow dome is one thing that symbolizes Japanese winter with 450-year history, and snow festivals of Kamakura domes are held at several locations in Japan.

Yokote Kamakura Festival (横手かまくら祭り) is the biggest Kamakura festival in Japan, held annually in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. The event features approx 100 Kamakura domes which visitors can go inside and cozy up with hot sake and mochi. Countless small Kamakura lanterns are also lined across the city, which are lit up at night and create a spectacular winter scenery in dark.

More info ▶ Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival

6. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

If you think Japanese cherry blossoms are only available from late March to early April, it’s a 100% misconception! Kawazu Sakura is early cherry blossoms that flourish from mid February to mid March. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is held at Kawazu Town in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture. You can easily visit there for a day trip from Tokyo!

More info ▶ Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Besides Kawazu Town, there are more places to enjoy early blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms in Japan! Check the below article to find the best viewing spots for early blooming cherry blossoms in Japan!

▶ Best Early Blooming Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

7. Nagasaki Lantern Festival

What is the biggest event in February worldwide? We can not ignore the fact that 1.3 billion people are celebrating the Chinese New Year. Nagasaki City hosts the biggest Chinese New Year’s celebration in Japan that features colourful lights by over 15,000 lanterns. Nagasaki Lantern Festival is held for 15 days at the Chinatown of Nagasaki City. Enjoy delicious Chinese food, vivid lanterns and energetic traditional Chinese performance!

More info ▶ Nagasaki Lantern Festival

8. Ume (Plum Blossoms)

Not only the early Cherry Blossoms, but Japanese flower season slowly kicks off in February. One of the most popular and significant flowers in Japan in early spring is Ume (Plum Blossoms). Several Plum Blossoms events are held across the country in February and March in Japan. Plum trees usually bloom longer than cherry blossoms, which usually last for a month.

More info ▶ Plum Blossoms in Japan: Best Places to See

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▶ Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival
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9. Setsubun

Setsubun (節分) is one of the most traditional events on the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan (usually 3 February). The event features a special ritual called “mamemaki” by throwing roasted beans to cleanse away the evil spirits. Setsubun celebration is held across the country on that day, especially at temples and shrines.

Related Article ▶ Setsubun no Hi

10. Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest events that is celebrated worldwide. Japanese Valentine’s Day is quite unique comparing to many other countries, since it’s considered as the day that women give chocolates to men. How funny?? Feel lucky if you are a male traveller cos we may be receiving some 😉

But it’s also an amazing time of the year to visit Japan if you are a big chocolate fan cos many confectionery stores offer special edition chocolates and desserts during this period including Starbucks Japan’s Valentines Day merchandise and beverage collection!

Related Article ▶ Valentine’s Day in Japan

▼Check the Travel Info in Japan in March!▼

Thanks for reading! I hope you have enjoyed my list of 10 best things to do in Japan in February! For more info about travelling in Japan in winter, here are some more articles which you may wanna check out!

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