How can you enjoy Japan in February 2025? Consider the snowy scenery in Hokkaido, charming Japanese-style alleys in Kyoto, tame deer in Nara, bustling night scenes in Tokyo, etc. In February 2025, why not travel to Japan to experience the rich Japanese culture and regional flavors, the romantic early cherry blossoms, the gorgeous fireworks, and winter special events? Here are more things to do in Japan in February 2025 for you, enriching your trip in Japan and leaving you with a memorable journey. Leave us a message if you hope to embark on a private trip to Japan in February with private car and private guide.
Table of Contents
1. Things to Do in Japan February 2025
2. Best Places to Visit in Japan in February 2025
3. Weather in Japan in February 2025
4. What to Wear in Japan in February 2025
1. What to Do in Japan in February 2025
What is Japan like in February? February in Japan is characterized by many unique festivals and beautiful scenery. Needless to say, the snowy activity, the soothing hot springs, and the early Sakura are all attractive to enjoy. Check out more "Japan in February things to do 2025". Contact us to tailor a cost-effective trip to Japan during February in the off-season holiday.
Experience the World's Best Powder Snow: Skiing and Snowboarding in the Peak Season during Winter in Japan
Is it good to go to Japan in February 2025? January and February, the coldest months of the year in Japan, are also the peak season for skiing in Japan. If you're a skier who goes to Japan specifically to ski, you'll want to head straight to Niseko, Hokkaido. If you will only go to Tokyo and the vicinity and also want to experience skiing, then you can consider these day-trip destinations departing from Tokyo: Niigata's GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, Naeba Ski Resort, and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, Nagano's Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort, Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort, etc. All of these are the best places in Japan to visit in February for outdoor adventures.
Take Part in Sapporo Snow Festival: One of the World's Top Three Snow Festivals with a Strong International Flavor Not to Be Missed in Japan during February 2025
As one of the most important events in Japan in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is also one of the world's top three snow festivals, along with the Harbin International Ice Festival in China and the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada. Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when local junior students and high school students displayed six ice sculptures in Odori Park, and has become a major winter event in Sapporo. During the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 from 4th to 11th February, large and small ice sculptures are lined up in Odori Park, and after the sun goes down, there are nighttime illuminations and light projection show that will keep you entertained well into the night. Of course, the streets of Sapporo are filled with food stalls during the event, including sea urchin rice, charcoal grilled king crab, and bibimbap with white sauce, and the vendors at the Odori venue offer a wide variety of exotic food, giving this Japan festival in February an international flavor that is worthy of visit among tourists all over the world.
Enjoy the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival: Feeling as If You Were in a Fairy Tale World of Snow and Ice
What are the best things to do in Japan in February 2025? For me, my answer must be the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival! There are many festivals in Japan February 2025, but I think the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is the most attractive and even the most romantic. It will be held from February 8 to 15, 2025, with the Otaru Canal and the Former Japanese National Railways Temiya line as the main venues. During the festival from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., not only will the roadside be lit up, but the Otaru Canal will also be filled with starry glass floats, which will add a natural filter to the canal at night. The Temiya Line venue will be filled with snow candles and ski lifts so that you can enjoy the snowfield to the fullest. Although the snow festival here is not as lively as in Sapporo, it is so much more romantic than in Sapporo. The retro and nostalgic small town is decorated with warm lights, and no matter which corner you visit, you will feel much more relaxed, making it also one of the best cities to visit in Japan in February 2025.
Experience Setsubun Festivals: Join Bean Throwing Ceremonies to Receive Good Fortune and Ward off Bad Luck during February in Japan
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese holiday marking the transition from winter to spring, falling on February 3rd (or sometimes between February 2nd and 4th) according to the lunar calendar. To commemorate the occasion, people throw roasted soybeans while chanting phrases inviting good luck and driving off evil spirits. Joining the Setsubun Festivals provides insight into Japanese traditions and customs, making it an unforgettable experience when you visit Japan in February 2025.
Enjoy the Early Sakura Viewing: Get the Best Chance to Admire the Stunning Cherry Blossom in February Japan 2025
Can you see cherry blossoms in February in Japan? Of course yes! If you're the kind of person who wants to see cherry blossoms when you travel to Japan, then visit Okinawa in early February or the Izu Peninsula in late February, both are the best places where to see cherry blossoms in Japan in February 2025. Go to Okinawa and enjoy the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan, whose best viewing time is from late January to early February. And the Okinawa cherry blossoms bloom gradually from north to south on Okinawa Honto because colder areas bloom first. The best time to enjoy the Kawazu cherry blossoms in Izu, Shizuoka is from late February to early March, and you can enjoy the beautiful Kawazu Sakura from the time they bloom to the time they fall for up to one month. The color of the Kawazu cherry blossom is thicker than that of the normal cherry blossoms. The Kawazu River is planted with cherry blossom trees along the coast of the river for about 4 km, and you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the pink Kawazu cherry blossoms and the bright yellow rapeseed blossoms when strolling along the Kawazu River, which is also one of the best places to see in Japan in February. Don't miss the lively Kawazu Sakura Festival 2025 from February 10 to March 10, when you can enjoy not only cherry blossom viewing but also snacks from local stores and stalls. Moreover, there are seven famous hot springs in Kawazu, making it the best place in Japan to visit in February to experience Japanese hot springs. But remember to bring a towel if you like to soak in the hot springs in Kawazu.
Admire the Plum Blossoms: Viewing More Stunning Flowers to Explore More Nature Beauty in Japan in February
For nature lovers or photographers, plum blossoms are also things to see in Japan in February 2025. Though technically still winter, late February and early March mark the start of plum blossom season in warmer regions of Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa. And I'd like to recommend you marvel at the delicate pink and white blooms against the clear blue skies before they wilt away too soon. Don't miss out on this fleeting but captivating display of nature's beauty!
Experience Narcissus Festival: Witness the Beautiful Flower Sea in Japan in Winter
There are all kinds of beautiful flowers in the world, but it is not so common to see a sea of narcissus. Narcissus, which blooms in early spring, is what to see in Japan in February in Awaji Island. In Nada Kuroiwa Narcissus Park in Hyogo Beach, there are as many as 5 million narcissuses and the entire mountainside is covered with a 7-hectare sea of narcissus. Around February in Japan 2025, you can see the stunning yellow and white narcissus on the hills, and with the warm Seto Inland Sea shimmering in front of you, it is a refreshing winter sight to behold in Japan. Karaoto Daffodil Park in Ikeda City, Shimane Prefecture, also has large man-made daffodil colonies with millions to tens of millions of daffodils, and the peak viewing season is from early January to early February. If you look for more festivals in Japan February about narcissus, you can also pay attention to the Nomozaki Daffodil Festival, which also has some fun activities to make the festival interesting and enjoyable.
Experience Akita Yokote Kamakura Festival: One of the Top Things to Do in Japan in February to Enjoy Japan's Unique Snowy Scenery
Is it worth visiting Japan in February? Sure. Head to Akita's Yokote, which receives a lot of snowfall, where you can spend a dreamy night as if you had stumbled into a fairy tale and it is the best city to visit in Japan in February for a family tour with kids. About 450 years ago, in order to pray for the growth of children, the local custom of building a wall of snow and digging a hole in the center to place New Year's decorations and offerings was popular, and it has since then evolved into a playground for children and a culture of enjoying sweet wine in the snow caves. Throughout Yokote city, there are 100 large snow caves and thousands of small ones, and at twilight in the evening from 15th to 16th February 2025, adults and children light up these snow caves one by one, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Yokote Kamakura Festival is one of the most famous winter events in Japan February 2025. When you travel to Tohoku in February, don't miss Japan's unique snowy landscapes that are shining in the countless snow caves.
Watch the Spectacular Winter Fireworks: One of the Romantic Things to Do in Japan February
Can you go to Japan in February to see the fireworks display? Yes, summer is not the only time to see gorgeous fireworks displays, but winter is also a colorful time to enjoy the romantic fireworks festivals in Japan. Moreover, the clear night sky in winter will make the blooming fireworks even more beautiful. Lake Kawaguchi hosts the winter fireworks display from late January to late February every year, so why not kick off 2025 with a romantic fireworks display? Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks features the iconic Mount Fuji as a backdrop, and brilliant fireworks blooming in the night sky. Unlike other fireworks festivals, the fireworks are also reflected in the crystal clear surface of Lake Kawaguchi, and the whole world is in for a treat. Besides, Hakodate Fireworks held in early February in Japan also worth watching during your trip.
Celebrate Valentine's Day: Enjoy a Memorable Moment in Japan with Your Beloved One on This Special Day in February
Although not traditionally celebrated in Japan, more and more people are participating in this Western holiday. When you embark on a honeymoon tour in Japan in February 2025, don't forget to have a romantic dinner at Osaka's Umeda Sky Building rooftop on Feb 14th, give loved ones chocolates as gifts, and enjoy special menu items at the restaurant while experiencing the enchanting panoramic view of the Osaka city at night.
These are just a few suggestions on what to do in Japan during February and we have listed our best Japan tours suitable to embark on during February 2025. Just tell us what you hope to experience when visiting Japan in February, and we will tailor the personalized itinerary for you, ensuring you a worry-free trip in Japan.
12 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Matsumoto - Takayama - Knazawa - Kyoto - Osaka Tour
12 days | From $ 6670
14 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Nikko - Karuizawa - Nagano - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Tour
14 days | From $ 7878
15 Days Tokyo - Hakone - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Sapporo - Asahikawa Tour
15 days | From $ 8562
13 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Nagano - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto Tour
13 days | From $ 6876
●If you plan to travel to Japan in different months of the year to explore different cities, check out the must-do things to do in Japan from January to December for related reading:
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in January
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in March
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in April
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in May
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in October
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in November
>>>Best Things to Do in Japan in December
>>>Best Things to Do in Tokyo
2. Where to Go in Japan in February 2025
Although February is a cold month in Japan, it's a great time to embark on a trip because of the low season for domestic travel. And because the temperature in Japan in February is low enough, it will be a great enjoyment to soak in hot springs, watch the snow scenery, and even get a sneak peek at signs of spring flowers blooming. But do you know where to visit in Japan in February? Just pick the best place to visit in Japan during February 2025 in the following.
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Relaxing yourself in the natural hot springs is what to do in Japan February, so places to visit in Japan in February 2025 must include the Onsen resorts. There are so many Onsen resorts in Japan, but I will recommend the Nozawa Onsen to you to enjoy the Nagano hot springs in Japan's most famous snowy areas.
When you travel to Japan in winter, one thing you can't miss is dipping in the hot spring! Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's best-known snow areas and ski resorts, and it is a hot springs resort that was discovered in the Nara period! The hot springs and the ski slopes here make it the best place to visit in Japan in February for a great winter getaway. There are 13 public bathhouses in the local hot spring street, and each bath is filled with natural hot spring water and is open to the public free of charge. Each bathhouse has a donation box, so you can make a donation if you want to. Oyu, located in the center of the town, is a representative outdoor bath with a beautiful building that seems to tell the world about the beauty of the Edo period. The temperature of the spring water varies from bathhouse to bathhouse, but on the whole, it is hot water over 40℃, and it is so hot that you will forget that this is a snowy area. There are also slight differences in the quality and efficacy of the hot springs in each bathhouse here. Anyway, 1 meter-deep snow, hot springs inside, and snowy landscape outside are a real treat in Nozawa Onsen! So, what to do in Nagoya Japan in February 2025? Wandering around the snow-covered Nozawa Onsen town and figuring out which bathhouse you want to go into will be a fun thing!
Address: Toyosato, Nozawaonsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun 389-2502 Nagano Prefecture
Access: Approx. 25 minutes from Iiyama Toyota Interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. Approx. 20 minutes by bus from JR Togari Nozawa Onsen Station to Nozawa Onsen Station.
Osaka Castle Park, Osaka
Plum blossom season: Late February - Early March
What are the best things to do in Osaka Japan in February? Just visit the number one plum blossom viewing spot in Kansai with Osaka Castle as a backdrop. Osaka Castle Park features the largest area of plum trees in Kansai, with 1,270 plum trees of 100 different varieties in bloom from late January, and the colors of the plum blossoms are white, red, pink, and yellow. Therefore, when they are at their peak in Osaka Japan in February, you can see the brilliant colors of the blossoms competing with one another, and you will also be surprised to find Osaka Castle Main Tower waving at you in the background. If you look in other directions, you can also see the beautiful scenery of plum blossoms and skyscrapers competing with each other. Kindly remind you to pay attention to the Osaka Japan weather in February if you hope to enjoy the breathtaking views on the cold days!
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 6-6755-4146
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Access: Take the JR Loop Line and get off at Morimiya Station or Osaka Castle Park Station; take the Subway Tanimachi Line and get off at Temmabashi Station or Tanimachi 4-chome Station
Nagasaki Lantern Festival, Nagasaki
Where to go in Japan during February? Don't hesitate to head to Nagasaki to experience the Lantern Festival in the streets of Japan with the flavor of the Lunar New Year. When you come to Nagasaki City, you will find it quite exotic. This is because Nagasaki was the only place open to foreign trade during the era of Japan's Seizure, making it a multicultural city that was unprecedented in Japan by mixing Japanese customs with the Western colors of Holland and the Oriental cultures of China. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, which makes the exotic city of Nagasaki shine brightly, is a festival that originated in the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2025 will be held from Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with grand lantern-lighting ceremonies taking place in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Central Park, Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine, Minato Park, and around the Megane Bridge. In addition to the 15,000 lanterns and installations that highlight the streets, there will be performances of traditional Chinese arts such as dragon and lion dances, Chinese juggling, and erhu performances, making it a wonderful night to feel the flavor of the Lunar New Year while you are still in Japan. And this is also one of the fun things to do in Japan in winter to immerse yourself in the February holiday in Japan 2025.
Address: 10-13 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken
LANTOKO流氷遊ウォーク, Hokkaido
Which part of Japan to visit in February 2025? Hokkaido is a great choice if you would like to explore more natural wonders in the cold area in Japan. Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship is one of the highlights of Hokkaido's sightseeing experience every winter. Abashiri is located at 44 degrees north latitude, where the cold Amur River turns into a silver land in winter, dazzling in the light color from the impact of the ice floes that come down from the south. With the arrival of the drift ice period, a wide variety of wildlife comes out: drift ice angel manatees, seals, northern foxes, and scampi deer make their appearance on the drift ice. The Drift Ice Walk runs from February 1 to the mid-late March. In addition to taking the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship, there is also blue drift ice beer sold only on the ship, which is made from real drift ice, so be sure to try it! I guess it will make your trip to Japan during February more exciting and memorable!
Address: 131 Utorohigashi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4355, Japan
Phone: +81 80-5135-7698
Kasuga Taisha, Nara
Kasuga Taisha lights up all the lanterns only twice a year, one on Setsubun (the day before the first day of spring) and the other one on Ghost Festival (July 15 on the lunar calendar). About 3,000 stone lanterns and hanging lanterns are lit up, and the vermilion shrine hall is illuminated with various patterns of deer and wisteria flowers on the lanterns, making it look like a beautifully painted scroll of a dynasty. When you visit Japan on February 3, 2025, the day of the Setsubun, you will find that from 18:00 to 20:30 in Kasuga Taisha Shrine, nearly 3,000 lanterns that are donated by the Fujiwara clan and the common people will be lit up. At that time, the two sides of the mountain road and the lights under the corridor of the shrine will converge to show you the dazzling scene, which is also one of the best things to see in Japan in February at night.
Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212, Japan
Hours: Closes 5:30 PM
Phone: +81 742-22-7788
Okinawa
Okinawa is the warmest place in Japan in February and the best city to visit in February because you can not only enjoy the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan but also go out to the sea to watch whales. From January 26th to February 11th, there will be the "Nakijin Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival", whose highlight is the illumination at night. During the Sakura festival, there will be many snack stores, a special stage, and performances of local traditional performing arts and creative Taiko drums, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and Okinawa culture at the same time. It is one of the lively February events in Japan not to be missed. In addition, you can go whale-watching in Okinawa and meet humpback whales, the largest mammal on earth, which can only be seen in Okinawa and Alaska in the world. This is a limited event in Okinawa during the winter season and only happens once a year. Humpback whales return to the Kerama Islands from late December to early April, where they play and breed for four months.
Check out the best place to go in Japan in February and add it to your itinerary. If you have any special requirements on where to go in Japan February, feel free to reach out to us now to create your personalized trip!
3. What Is the Weather Like in February in Japan 2025
What season is it in Japan in February? Is it cold in Japan in February? Does Japan snow in February? These questions are frequently asked by our readers who tend to travel to Japan during February. Actually, in February, Japan experiences winter weather. The temperatures generally range from -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F) depending on the region, with an average temperature in Japan February of 6°C (48.2°F). Snowfall is common during February, especially in northern and mountainous areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano, and Hida. In contrast, warmer coastal regions like Okinawa feature milder weather with occasional rain showers. Check out the regional February weather in Japan 2025 in detail below:
Japan Weather in February 2025 in Northern Honshu (Tohoku)
February weather in Tohoku Japan, which includes cities like Sendai and Akita, tends to experience heavy snowfall throughout February due to its northerly location. Average temperatures in this region hover around freezing (0°C/32°F), occasionally dipping below (-5°C/23°F).
Japan Weather in February 2025 in Central Honshu (Nagano & Niigata)
Central Honshu is located inland and receives plenty of snow in February thanks to its high altitude. The high temperature during daytime is between 2°C and 7°C (35°F and 44°F), while the low temperature often falls below zero (-6°C/21°F).
Japan Weather in February 2025 in Western Honshu (Kyoto & Osaka)
Weather in Osaka Japan in February or weather in Kyoto Japan in February is characterized by less snow than their northern counterparts but you still will see some flurries in this month in the Kansai region. Temperatures here vary widely based on elevation, with coastal areas staying milder at around 9°C (48°F) and mountainside towns experiencing colder days averaging around 3°C (37°F).
Japan Weather in February 2025 in Eastern Honshu (Tokyo)
February weather in Tokyo Japan brings frequent cold fronts and occasional snow showers, though accumulation is minimal. High temperatures in Tokyo Japan in February during the daytime rarely break double digits Celsius (around 7°C/45°F), while its low temperature at night drops into single figures (about -2°C/28°F). Focus on more changes of weather in Tokyo Japan February 2025 to explore more fun in this fashionable city.
Japan Weather in February 2025 in Southern Islands (Okinawa)
Despite being part of Japan, Okinawa has a subtropical climate and remains much warmer than other parts of the country in February, with daytime highs reaching up to 21°C (70°F) and nighttime lows holding steady around 17°C (63°F), making it the warmest place in Japan in February. However, rainfall is common during this time of year too in Okinawa. Do remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat to protect yourself from getting wet in the rain during your journey.
How do you feel about the weather and the temperature in Japan in February 2025? Anyway, there is still a lot of fun to expect when you travel to different regions in Japan during February 2025!
4. What to Wear to Japan in February 2025
Before embarking on the trip, maybe you will be curious about what to wear in Japan February and how to pack for Japan in February. As we have mentioned February in Japan is still winter season, therefore, it is essential for you to pack warm clothing suitable for the cold temperatures. In the following, we also share our suggestions on what to pack for Japan in February 2025:
●Thermals or base layers: Wear long underwear made out of synthetic materials like polyester or wool blends. They help regulate body temperature by keeping you warm without adding bulkiness to your outer layers during February in Japan.
●Fleece jackets: Fleece provides insulating warmth against the chill while remaining lightweight enough to layer easily underneath thick coats.
●Puffer jackets: A puffy coat will keep you extra warm against the frigid winds. Pack those made of down feathers or synthetic fillings for maximum insulation.
●Heavy-duty boots: When you visit Japan in February, wearing waterproof and thermal boots can protect your feet from the harsh elements. Ankle-length boots are suitable for you to enjoy city walking in Japan February; however, if you hope to explore snowy terrain or go hiking in this cold month, we suggest you pack knee-high boots.
●Scarves, gloves, and hats: Accessories will not only add style points but also prevent heat loss through exposed skin when you visit Japan in February. And I would like to recommend the merino wool or silk scarves because they retain warmth even when they are wet.
Packing well is important to enjoy your winter adventure in Japan! Kindly remind you to check the forecast of February weather in Japan 2025 before finalizing your packing list as weather patterns can differ significantly across Japan during February.
Conclusion
In short, February in Japan features snowy attractions, hot springs, fireworks, cherry blossoms, and a variety of cultural events, so despite the weather in Japan February 2025 is cold, you'll always be able to find the destination of your choice and the best things to do in Japan in February. Start planning your tailor-made Japan February trip 2025 by contacting one of our specialists now.