February is a fairly quiet month in Hiroshima and a perfect time to visit for those trying to avoid the large spring season crowds. It is also ideal for those who enjoy seafood, particularly oysters, as this is the month in which the Hiroshima Oyster Festival takes place on the island of Miyajima. While there are not many other special events happening throughout February, the short queues and quiet atmosphere make this an ideal month for a Hiroshima trip.
If you do not mind the cold weather and shorter days, then you will most definitely enjoy Hiroshima in February. Below, you can find all the information you might need to best plan your trip!
**PLEASE NOTE – The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum will be temporarily closed from February 16th (Mon.) to the 21st (Sat.) for the changing of exhibitions.
Weather in February
Temperatures in February range from 2ºC to 11ºC (36ºF to 52ºF), which is not much different from the prefecture's January weather. An even split of cloudy and sunny days can be expected along with dry and windy conditions. Snowfall within the city is not particularly common during this month but there is still a chance of it snowing for a day or two.
Wearing scarfs, hats, and gloves will make walking around Hiroshima a lot more pleasant, particularly on the island of Miyajima in which visitors are highly exposed to the winds blowing in from the sea. Heavy coats and thick sweaters are recommended for those not used to cold weather, but make sure to wear layers which can be easily removed as many places have very warm indoor heating.
Festivals & Events in February
Miyajima Oyster Festival
- February 14th-15th
- Miyajima Island
The Miyajima Oyster Festival is held every year during one weekend of February. Throughout these two days, people visiting the island of Miyajima can enjoy a great variety of dishes including grilled, steamed and fried oysters. Most of the food stalls for the festival can be found around the Miyajima ferry terminal, and as the day progresses queues can get very long. Thus, we recommend arriving as early as possible to the island in order to avoid standing these lines.
Snowboarding & Skiing
- Late December - February
- Northern Hiroshima Prefecture
January and February are the best months to do winter sports in Hiroshima as they experience the largest amount of snowfall. While the prefecture is not particularly known for its winter activities, there are 10 great resorts in the northern part of Hiroshima in which you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
Seasonal Highlights in February
Oysters
Hiroshima is Japan's largest oyster producer, accounting for around 60% of the total oyster production in the country. From December to February, these oysters are at their most flavorful which explains why the Miyajima Oyster Festival is celebrated during one of these months. For those who are a big fan of this dish, February is perhaps the best month to enjoy them in Hiroshima.
Featured Tours in February
1-Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour
This 1-Day tour of Hiroshima & Miyajima will allow you to explore all of Hiroshima's most popular and important locations in a single day. It is perfect for travelers who have a tight schedule and want to make the most out of their visit. The lunch break for this tour takes place on the island of Miyajima, giving guests a chance to enjoy the local delicacy, oysters, during their peak season.
Highlights:
- Explore Hiroshima's most iconic locations in just one day
- Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome
- Enjoy a ferry ride to Miyajima island along the World Heritage Sea Route
- Admire the iconic “floating” O-torii gate
Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights Tour
This half-day tour will take you on a guided walk around the city centre in which you will be able to visit some of the most notable landmarks in Hiroshima. We recommend joining this tour in February as there are less tourists during this time, making visits to places such as the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome much more intimate and peaceful.
Highlights:
- Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Stroll around and enjoy the natural beauty of the scenic Shukkei-en Garden
- Fold an origami paper crane and offer it at the Children’s Peace Monument
- Admire Hiroshima Castle and learn about the history of the city
Tips for Visiting & Travel in February
- Peace Memorial Museum Temporary Closure – The museum will be temporarily closed from February 16th (Mon.) to the 21st (Sat.) for the changing of exhibitions.
- Miyajima Ropeway Closure – The Miyajima Ropeway will be under maintenance and unavailable for all of February. Those wishing to get to the Mount Misen observatory will need to do so on foot. Additional information about the hiking trails on the mountain can be found here.
- What to Wear – Long-sleeved tops, sweaters, thick jackets, scarfs, gloves, and winter hats are recommended.
Where to Stay in February
Hiroshima offers a good variety of accommodations, with a decent range of prices and different types of lodging such as hostels, hotels, and ryokans. Below are some suggestions of good areas to stay at within and outside of the city.
- Miyajima Ryokan & Inns – Many of the traditional hotels on the island have onsen facilities which pair perfectly with the cold weather of February. Accommodation prices are also fairly low during this month when compared to the rest of the year.
- Around Hiroshima Station – Most visitors will arrive to and leave from Hiroshima Prefecture via Hiroshima Station. Many tours, including ours, also have the station as their meeting point. Thus, this is an extremely convenient location with a great variety of hotels to choose from.
- Near Peace Memorial Park – Booking a hotel near Peace Memorial Park will not only place guests close to the city's most highlighted location, but also right in the city center. Additionally, it is a very convenient area due its abundance of stores, restaurants, bars, karaoke facilities, etc.
For more guidance and thorough details, see our 30 Things to Do Around Hiroshima & Where to Stay page.
Plan Your February Visit
Planning a visit to Hiroshima in February is a lot less stressful than doing so for most other months in the year. Not a lot of advanced planning is needed as things are not likely to be sold out and facilities operate on a regular schedule. The only thing visitors need to be aware of is that days are shorter and many tourist facilities in winter close earlier than the rest of the year (around 16:30 or 17:00). Keeping these things in mind will help you plan a successful February trip.
Ready to discover Hiroshima in February? Take a look through our other tours offered in Hiroshima and its surrounding area to discover the wide range of locations and experiences you can enjoy when visiting Hiroshima.
