February is Japan’s coldest month and one of the least visited by international tourists. It also has the Sapporo Snow Festival (one of the world’s great winter events), peak powder ski conditions, plum blossoms beginning in Kyushu and western Honshu, and the Setsubun bean-throwing ritual. For winter and snow, February is Japan’s best month.
Quick Answer: Japan in February: Cold (3 to 9 degrees in Tokyo and Kyoto). Driest and coldest month of winter. Sapporo Snow Festival in the first or second week. Setsubun (February 3) bean-throwing festivals nationwide. Plum blossoms beginning in western Japan. Peak ski season. Lowest international tourist crowds of the year. See the Japan in winter for the full winter travel picture.
Japan Weather in February
Tokyo
Highs of 8 to 10 degrees. Lows of 1 to 3 degrees. February is Tokyo’s most likely month for snow. Even a single snowfall event transforms the city dramatically.
Kyoto
Highs of 8 to 10 degrees. Lows of 0 to 2 degrees. Kyoto sees more snow than Tokyo, and a significant snowfall (10 to 20cm) is possible in February. The temple stone gardens and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) under snow are among Japan’s finest winter scenes. See the Kinkakuji guide.
Hokkaido
Peak winter. Sapporo averages minus 7 to minus 3 degrees—heavy snowfall. The Sapporo travel guide covers the city in full.
Kyushu
Milder than Honshu. Fukuoka averages 10 to 12 degrees in February. Plum blossoms begin in late February at lower elevations. See the Fukuoka guide and the Nagasaki travel guide.
February Events in Japan
Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri)
The most famous winter festival in Japan is held annually in the first or second week of February. Massive snow and ice sculptures (some the size of buildings) are erected in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome across a 7-day event. Sapporo sees approximately 2 million visitors during the festival. Book accommodation months in advance. See the Sapporo travel guide and Hokkaido guide.
Setsubun (February 3)
The traditional end-of-winter ritual is held at shrines and temples nationwide. Priests and celebrities throw roasted soybeans (mamemaki) into crowds, shouting ‘Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi’ (demons out, good fortune in). Naritasan Shinshoji in Chiba, Zojoji in Tokyo, and Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto are the most famous venues. Free to attend.
Plum Blossom Season (Ume)
Plum blossoms (ume) precede cherry blossoms by 4 to 6 weeks and begin in western Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku) from late January, reaching Kyoto and Osaka in February and Tokyo in late February to early March. Yushima Tenmangu in Tokyo, Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, and Dazaifu Tenmangu near Fukuoka are the most celebrated plum viewing spots.
Where to Go in Japan in February
Hokkaido for Snow Festival and Skiing
If you only go to Hokkaido once, February is the time. Snow Festival, peak powder plus the most dramatic winter landscape in Japan. See the Hokkaido 7-day itinerary.
Kyoto in February
One of the quietest months at Kyoto’s temples. Plum blossoms begin at Kitano Tenmangu from late February. The occasional snowfall is spectacular. See the K-day itinerary and the best hotels in Kyoto.
Fukuoka and Kyushu
Milder winter, early plum blossoms at Dazaifu Tenmangu, and the gateway to Nagasaki travel guide. See the Fukuoka 3 days.
Ski Resorts
Peak powder season. See the Japan ski resorts guide for Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen.
Nearby Guides
- Japan in winter
- Japan in January
- Japan in March
- Hokkaido guide
- Sapporo guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
Is February a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, for specific types of travel. February is ideal for winter sports, the Sapporo Snow Festival, quiet temple visits in Kyoto, and travellers who want Japan without any crowds. It is not good for outdoor hiking, beach activities, or the natural colour seasons that drive most Japanese tourism. See Japan in winter.
When do plum blossoms start in Japan?
Plum (ume) blossoms begin earliest in Kyushu (late January), then reach Kyoto and Osaka in mid-February, and Tokyo in late February to early March. They precede cherry blossoms by approximately 4 to 6 weeks. See the Japan cherry blossom guide for when cherry blossoms bloom.
How cold is Japan in February?
Tokyo averages 8 to 10 degrees in the day and 1 to 3 degrees at night. Kyoto is similar. Hokkaido is significantly colder, with temperatures around -3 to -7 degrees in Sapporo. A proper winter coat is essential throughout Japan in February. See the Japan packing guide.
