Japan in February 2025: 10 Events to Celebrate the End of Winter
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February 2025 is a time when you feel the end of winter, yet the cold weather persists. However, various unique events are happening across Japan! We introduce events where you can fully enjoy the charm of this season, from snow festivals and Valentine’s Day celebrations to festivals marking the arrival of early spring.
1. Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)
Held in early February, this is Hokkaido’s representative winter festival. In Odori Park and the Tsudome venue, giant snow sculptures and ice carvings decorate the city. At night, they are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. It is one of Japan’s biggest winter events, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
2. Valentine’s Day Events (Nationwide)
February 14th is Valentine’s Day! In Japan, there is a tradition of women giving chocolate to men, but recently, ‘friend chocolate’ and self-reward chocolates have also become popular.
- Recommended Spotsｼ
- Temporary sweet shops appear in Omotesando and Harajuku, Tokyo.
- High-quality chocolate can be enjoyed at specialty stores in Kobe.
Warm up your heart and body with something sweet!
3. Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum (Kanagawa)
Since February is a cold season, indoor activities are recommended. At the Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum, workshops where you can create your own original cup noodles are popular. It’s a perfect spot for families.
4. Kyoto Ume Festival (Kyoto)
This festival, held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on February 25th, heralds the arrival of spring. In conjunction with the blooming plum blossoms, rituals and tea ceremonies are held. It is an event where you can feel the elegance of early spring along with the scent of plums.
5. Sapporo International Ski Marathon (Hokkaido)
Held in mid-February, this is one of the world’s largest citizen participation ski tournaments. Its appeal lies in the fact that anyone from beginners to advanced skiers can participate. The course runs through the beautiful nature surrounding Sapporo, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as well.
6. Tokyo Lantern Festival (Tokyo)
Held in Ikebukuro in early February, this event evokes Chinese culture. Colorful lanterns decorate the streets, and visitors can enjoy Chinese cuisine and performances. The light of the lanterns brightly illuminating the winter night makes it a popular photo spot.
7. Beppu Yattﾅ Hot Spring Festival (Oita)
This is a winter tradition of the Beppu hot springs, held in early February. You can enjoy parades winding through the onsen town and cuisine using hot spring ingredients. Why not warm up your body in the hot springs during this cold season?
8. Izu no Odoriko Literary Festival (Shizuoka)
Held in Izu in mid-February, this event is inspired by Yasunari Kawabata’s masterpiece, “Izu Dancer.” It is a festival where you can feel the blend of literature and nature through literary strolls, readings, and markets featuring local specialties.
9. Osaka Art Fair (Osaka)
A contemporary art festival held in late February. Artists from both Japan and abroad gather for exhibitions and workshops. It is a stimulating event that art lovers cannot miss.
10. Setsubun Festival (Nationwide)
February 3rd is Setsubun Day. At shrines and temples across the country, rituals like bean scattering (mame-maki) and demon chasing are held.
- Recommended Spotsｼ
- A large-scale Setsubun Festival is held at Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto.
- Luxurious bean scattering takes place at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
Eat beans equal to the number of years you are alive, and invite good fortune!
Summary
Japan in February 2025 is a time when the cold weather persists while feeling the end of winter. However, there are plenty of highlights! From snow festivals and Valentine’s Day to early spring festivals, why not enjoy an experience unique to this season?
