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Updated: January 19, 2024

Is February a good time to visit Tokyo?

February is packed with special events. In early February, you might even catch the tail end of some evening winter light-up displays around the city. February is also plum blossom season. Though cherry blossoms may be more famous, these earlier-blooming plum blossoms shouldn't be missed.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in February?

February weather in Tokyo is perfect for sightseers. February has an average temperature of about 6ºC (43°F), low levels of precipitation, and a balance of sunny and cloudy days. While it's still cold, snow falls only rarely. Wondering what to wear? Layered clothing is a good idea, as is a sturdy pair of shoes for enjoying the city on foot.

Best events, festivals, and other things to do in February

Setsubun

Held at the beginning of February, Setsubun marks the start of spring in Japan. It's a traditional custom that is still observed by many, either at home or at gatherings at shrines and temples.
The meaning behind the event is to welcome good fortune in the coming spring. If you'd like to see Setsubun for yourself, check out the festivals held at Okunitama-jinja Shrine, Sensoji Temple, or Zojoji Temple.

ⓒsenso-ji

Ume (Plum Blossom) Festivals

In Tokyo, plum blossom season begins in early February. These blossoms can range in color from pale pink to a pinkish cherry red. To celebrate this symbol of spring, plum blossom festivals are held all over the city. The best-known examples include the Setagaya Ume (Plum Blossom) Festival, Bunkyo Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival), and Kyodonomori Park Plum Festival.

 

Valentine's Day

In Japan, people give chocolate on Valentine's Day to express romantic interest. Some people also give chocolate to friends or colleagues as a token of gratitude. Others celebrate themselves by buying gourmet chocolate. Different people show different feelings depending on who they're giving a gift.
Try visiting a department store to look for a special treat. During the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, many stores offer beautiful displays of chocolates from around the world. You're sure to find some that are to your liking.

Hatsuuma-sai (First Day of the Horse)

There are twelve animals in the East Asian zodiac, one of which is the horse. Each day of the year is assigned a zodiac animal in order, starting from January 1. On February's first "horse" day, people gather at Inari shrines across Japan to pray for good harvests in a celebration known as Hatsuuma-sai, or the First Day of the Horse. In Tokyo, you can take part in this celebration at Mabashi Inari Shrine. Festivities include traditional ceremonies and music, as well as mochi-making.

 

Ohme 30 & 10 km Road Race

Since 1967, the Ohme Road Race has blazed a trail by allowing anyone to participate as a runner. Each February, the race is brimming with energy. Everyone from internationally ranked professionals to high school students and 70-year-old veterans gather from around the country to run alongside each other. They're divided into a 30-km group and 10-km group to engage in fierce competition. Spectators can enjoy this gripping race up close.

Photo courtesy of The Hochi Shimbun

Kite Market

Oji Inari Shrine has hosted a "kite market" since the Edo period (1603-1868). At that time, Tokyo experienced frequent and devastating outbreaks of fire. Kites were known as "fire-preventing kites" because they cut through the wind that causes fires. Oji Inari Shrine's kite market originally sold these kites as fire-repelling charms.
The market is held in February, on dates designated as "days of the horse" by the lunar calendar. Over two days, more than 50,000 people attend.

 

Kasai Rinkai Park Narcissus Festival

Kasai Rinkai Park boasts great views of Tokyo Bay and sometimes Mt. Fuji. It's made even more scenic by the narcissus blooms each February. This narcissus festival is the largest of its kind in Tokyo's public parks.

 

Event on This Month

 

Calendar

January January in Tokyo speaks of traditions. Start the New Year in good spirits and head to a temple or shrine for Hatsumode on January 1 and pray like the locals do for peace and good health. Some begin their sojourn the night before on New Year's Eve to hear temple bells chime 108 times as the new year dawns, but Hatsumode is drawn out and takes place over 2-3 days.
February Tokyo's festival and event card is varied in February. Visit Tokyo at this time of year and you'll be witness to festivals and events that honor ume (plum blossoms), banish devils, celebrate the efforts of runners and see an unusual take on Valentine's Day—only men are supposed to receive chocolate.
March Temperatures and moods begin to thaw in March, the month heralding the start of spring. While cherry blossoms or sakura appear at month's end and are eagerly awaited, the rest of March offers much to see and do.
April April in Tokyo is blooming marvelous. Many of spring's events have a floral focus, with the highly anticipated Sakura or cherry blossom season reigning supreme. Join in the hanami or flower viewing parties all over the city.
May May festivals and events begin with the latter half of cluster of Golden Week holidays. Greenery or Arbor Day (May 4) sees entry fees waived in many of the cities parks and gardens, while Children's Day (May 5) heralds the arrival of brightly colored carp or koi streamers festooned around the city.
June Visit Tokyo in June, and the weather begins to get steamy. Rainy season arrives, but not all days are marked by wet weather. Embrace the increasing humidity with the official opening of Tokyo's many beer gardens and imbibe in a glass of your favorite ale. From the lofty heights of the beer garden atop Mt. Takao to the elegant surrounds of Meiji Kinenkan, you'll find a beer garden for every occasion.
July From the booming sound of fireworks lighting up the night sky to the soothing sounds of fuurin wind chimes tinkling in the breeze, July in Tokyo is a sensory experience. Festivals and events ranging from spectacular fireworks shows and ancestral bon odori rites to the sonic wizardry of summer music festivals that attract the best of domestic and international artists.
August August sees Tokyo at it’s hottest, but a continuing cascade of fireworks, traditional obon dances, multicolored tanabata lantern events, and the height of official water park and beach season all provide welcome distractions.
September September means sayonara, or goodbye, to the soaring heat of summer. Nights begin to cool and temperatures become more bearable, but these changes also see the occasional typhoon. Many of the city’s beer gardens remain open, however, a reminder that there’s still fun to be had outdoors yet.
October October, the height of autumn, is one of the best times of year to visit Tokyo. From ongoing traditional festivals to art and cultural soirees to culinary-focused events celebrating the bounty of the season—the city's event card is full.
November Visit November in Tokyo and shade yourself in hues of yellow, orange, red and golden brown. With seasonal foliage at its finest, the month sees the arrival of Koyo, or changing autumn leaves. Bask in the rich-jeweled tones of the season at Rikugien Gardens—at night the grounds are illuminated—or delight in the vibrant yellows of the city's numerous ginko trees.
December Tokyo is dazzling in December–literally–when the city lights up with illuminations. The dark nights are an ideal canvas for intricate and elaborate light displays and the illuminations are a signature winter sight.

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