February is a great time to visit Tokyo and see the wonderful plum blossoms. While it doesn't snow much, if at all, in the metropolis, it is still chilly. But what better time to check out the lovely sights and trendy cafes around the city and pick up a nice hot drink! Taking a day trip outside of the city is a great way to be able to experience snow, while not being as expensive as staying in a ski-resort or hot spring area.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Tokyo area in February. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the area without the stress of queues or missed connections, letting you focus on the views, the food, and the charm of Japan's largest city.
Weather in February
February days in Tokyo are usually warmer than the surrounding areas, but it still sees snow on occasion. The average temperature highs and lows are similar to January and range from around 10°C (50°F) to a low of 5°C (41°F) but then start to go up as the month goes on. If you want to see snow, don't despair - heading just an hour or two outside of the city could get you unforgettable snowy landscape views!
Festivals and Events
Tokyo has anything and everything for anyone and everyone! Here are some events going on in February that you should check out in the greater Tokyo area:
Winter Illuminations
Dates: early November - end of early 2026
Location: Country-wide
Popular Tokyo Area Locations:
- Marunouchi Illumination - until February 15th
- Tokyo Dome - until March 1st
- Shinjuku Station Area - until February 15th
- Yebisu Garden Place - until March 1st
- Enoshima Island Samuel Cocking Garden (Kanagawa Prefecture) - until February 28th
Some winter illuminations are still up and shining! The beginning of November is when most locations across the country start putting up their light decorations. However, most of the illuminations come down the day of Christmas on December 25th as it is not an important holiday here in Japan. Enoshima allows you to spend a day relaxing at a popular seaside town and visiting shrines and temples in Kamakura before heading to the island.
Check out our Kamakura tour for an easy way to experience the Enoshima illuminations.
Plum Blossoms
Dates: late January - March
Location: Country-wide
Popular Tokyo Area Locations:
- Hanegi Park (also has a festival)
- Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine
- Ikegami Plum Garden
- Soga Plum Grove (Odawara Plum Blossom Festival)
- Kairakuen (Mito Plum Festival)
As we enter February, it is now the season for plum blossoms! The trees start blooming around late January, depending on location and weather, and go until March. Though they are often confused for cherry blossoms, the flower petals have their own unique shape that sets them apart. They are rounder and don't feature a split at the tip of their petals. One reason I personally enjoy the plum blossoms more than cherry blossoms is the lower interest leading to smaller crowds when compared to cherry blossoms.
Setsubun Mamemaki (Bean Throwing) Festival
Dates: February 3rd - 12:00 ~ 13:00
Location: Zojoji Temple, Tokyo
The holiday Setsubun takes place every year on February 3rd. Setsubun was the holiday marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring (according to the old calendar) and is meant to war of evil and disaster, and bring in good fortune and good health. There are many ceremonies held at shrines and temples, but a popular one is the Zojoji Temple ceremony. Zojoji Temple has a connection to the Tokugawa Shogun family and is situated right next to Tokyo Tower, making it a popular temple to visit all throughout the year.
Check out our Tokyo Highlights walking tour if you would like to visit the temple and see what Tokyo has to offer!
Japan Brewer's Cup 2026
Dates: February 6th - 8th
Location: Yokohama Hammerhead
Don't miss out on this event if you are a beer connoisseur! Though the name suggests a competition, it is also a festival where you will be able to sample over 300 different beers. Brewers from all over Japan will be here as well has a few from other countries such as South Korea and North America. This event takes place in a popular area of Yokohama. The nearest station is Sakuragicho (about 40 minutes from Shinjuku Station) and then you can walk, taxi, take the bus, or the famous Yokohama Air Cabin!
Want to check out Yokohama? Book our Yokohama Highlights tour today!
Sakana (fish) and Japan Festival 2026
Dates: February 20th - 23rd
Location: Yoyogi Park Events Square
If you want to try seafood while in Japan but you are not sure where to go, this festival is for you! Located in one of Tokyo's most famous parks, this festival is host to almost 100 booths selling seafood dishes including seafood ramen and Spanish paella. This is a big event so expect big lines. Come with plenty of time to walk around and an empty stomach to sample everything!
Kotatsu Boat Ride in Nagatoro
Dates: January - February
Location: Chichibu, Saitama
This activity is more for those who have a whole day to spare and want to get out of the busy city. This is a river boat ride in the city of Chichibu in Saitama prefecture. It is about a 2-hour train ride northwest of Tokyo, but is definitely worth it. The boat has a kotatsu (heated table) that you can sit under while enjoying the scenery. It is a short walk from Nagatoro Station and offers other activities around the area for a slow-paced day of relaxation.
Featured Tours in February
1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima: Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Highlights:
- The opportunity to have a traditional matcha and Japanese sweet experience in a Bamboo forest and temple!
- Feed Japanese Koi in a beautiful Japanese garden and pond!
- See the Great Buddha of Kamakura and go inside this amazing statue!
- Ride the iconic ’Enoden’ train through the picturesque streets and alongside the sea!
- Go to the top of Enoshima Island’s observatory and take in panoramic views of the sea of Japan and the coastline!
Kamakura is a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it’s only just over 60 minutes away from Shinjuku station. This tour is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city!
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Highlights:
- Learn all about ’Yanesen’ old Tokyo and Shitamachi style with a local guide
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony and drink from antique tea bowls!
- The opportunity to explore historic hidden gems and trendy neighbourhoods in Tokyo!
- Visit a popular art museum and enjoy views of Tokyo from its rooftop terrace
Take in the sights and experiences of traditional and old Tokyo on this walking tour. Known as ’Yanesen’ in Tokyo, the trio of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi make up this area and have retained their old ‘Shitamachi’ (lower city) style, architecture and charm, despite being a stone’s throw away from some of the well-known metropolis areas of Tokyo. If on your trip to Tokyo you want a chance to step off the tourist trail and see a different side to this amazing city, then ’Yanesen’ must be added to your Tokyo itinerary!
Small Group
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Mount Fuji Day Trip: Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji with an English speaking guide!
- Visit three popular vantage points to see Mount Fuji from different perspectives!
- Visit a unique museum and get up close to beautiful kimono!
- Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you!
Hakone Highlights: Explore Japan’s Mountainous Region
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip to experience Hakone from Tokyo!
- Enjoy a relaxing pirate ship boat cruise on Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko!
- Visit the beautiful and picturesque Hakone Shrine and see its famous Red Torii Gate in Lake Ashinoko!
- Experience the volcanic valley of Owakudani and try an outdoor footbath!
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmarks during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! Due to the elevation in Hakone, the foliage starts changing colors a little earlier than in Tokyo, so this spot is perfect from late October onwards!
Mount Takao Adventure: Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo
Highlights:
- Climb one of Japan’s most popular mountains!
- See and feed Japanese Snow Monkeys, walk across a suspension bridge and marvel at ancient Cedar trees!
- Try the traditional Japanese snack of Dango freshly made on the mountain!
- Visit one of Tokyo’s most sacred temples and learn all about mountain worship!
- The opportunity to escape the metropolis of Tokyo’s city centre and experience being immersed in nature for the day!
When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and green landscapes. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is beloved by the residents of Tokyo as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis full of nature and tranquility.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in February
- Large crowds - While February might not be the busiest time in terms of international travel, be ready for some crowds due to the ski season. Make sure to reserve your train tickets in advance, if possible, if you are taking the bullet train or any of the express trains like the Tobu SpaciaX. By joining one of our tours, your transport is reserved in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on seats or connections.
- What to Wear – February days in Tokyo are cold so a jacket or sweater will be necessary. The average temperature ranges from around 10°C (50°F) during the day to 3°C (37°F]) at night.
- Timing Your Visit – Weekends and festival days are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting locations on weekdays so you don't also collide with local tourists.
Where to Stay
Not sure where to stay during your visit to Tokyo? Check out our article that covers the major areas of the city and what they have to offer.
Plan Your Visit
February is one of the best times of the year to visit Tokyo and experience all it and the surrounding regions have to offer. The city has many events, festivals, and gardens where you can enjoy a nice bowl of matcha and sweets or take in the rows of plum blossom trees. Try to take a day or two to get out into more rural areas if you are hunting for snow, but don't want to deal with the crowds of the ski resorts.
With crowds expected and express trains like the bullet train often selling out, planning ahead is essential. If you're planning on getting out of Tokyo to experience more of Japan, why not check out some of our articles explaining February in other regions on our News page!
