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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