Overview

February in Japan is a month of winter scenery, lively snow festivals, and unique cultural celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying the ice sculptures in Sapporo, watching spectacular fire rituals, or soaking in a steaming onsen surrounded by snow, this month offers an unforgettable experience.

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Top 5 Events

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

Where: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome Sites, Sapporo, Hokkaido

When: Early to mid-February

Japan’s largest and most famous winter festival, featuring massive ice and snow sculptures

Includes ice bars, snow slides, and nighttime illuminations

International snow sculpture competitions attract artists from around the world

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2. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Where: Otaru, Hokkaido

When: Early to mid-February (coincides with Sapporo Snow Festival)

Romantic candlelit snow sculptures line canals and streets

Creates a magical winter atmosphere, perfect for evening strolls

A quieter alternative to Sapporo, yet equally beautiful

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3. Setsubun – Bean-Throwing Festival

Where: Nationwide (e.g. Sensō-ji in Tokyo, Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto)

When: 3 February

Celebrates the end of winter by throwing roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits

Some shrines host large-scale events with celebrities and sumo wrestlers

Families chant “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Out with demons! In with good fortune!”)

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4. Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event

Where: Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture

When: Select nights in February

UNESCO-listed thatched-roof houses blanketed in snow, beautifully illuminated

A truly magical, picture-perfect winter scene

Limited entry with advance reservations required due to high demand

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5. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Where: Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture

When: Early February to early March

One of Japan’s earliest cherry blossom spots, with vibrant pink blooms

Blossoms line a scenic riverside, with food stalls and local crafts

A great way to experience hanami before the main season

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Additional Events

Yokote Kamakura Festival

Where: Yokote, Akita Prefecture

When: 15–16 February

Traditional snow huts (kamakura) are lit up at night

Locals serve amazake and mochi inside the huts

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Hachinohe Enburi Festival

Where: Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture

When: 17–20 February

Colourful folk dances featuring tall eboshi hats

Celebrates the arrival of spring and good harvests

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Tokamachi Snow Festival

Where: Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture

When: Mid-February

Snow sculptures, performances, and snow fashion shows

A relaxed alternative to the Sapporo festival

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Asahikawa Winter Festival

Where: Asahikawa, Hokkaido

When: Early February

Home to one of the world’s largest snow sculptures

Ice carving, family activities, and fewer crowds than Sapporo

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Plum Blossom Festivals (Ume Matsuri)

Where: Kairakuen (Ibaraki), Kitano Tenmangū (Kyoto), Atami Baien (Shizuoka)

When: Mid-February to early March

Early-blooming plum trees signal the coming of spring

Festivals feature tea ceremonies and seasonal food

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Additional Tips

Book accommodation early, especially for Sapporo and Shirakawa-go

Dress warmly – use thermal layers, gloves, and proper winter boots

Try local winter food – nabe hot pot, ramen, yakiimo (roasted sweet potato)

Check train and bus schedules – snow can cause travel delays

Respect local customs – especially during shrine events like Setsubun

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