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Japan in February: where to go, plum blossoms, snow festivals & travel tips
February is one of the calmest months to travel in Japan. Itās peak winter in the north, plum blossoms start blooming in cities, and crowds are low almost everywhere.
Where to Go in February
TOKYO
Yushima Tenjin
One of Tokyoās most famous plum spots. Peak usually mid to late February. Linked to studies and exams.
Koishikawa Korakuen
Early blooming varieties. Central location and long viewing period.
Hanegi Park (Setagaya)
Large public plum grove. Free access and wide variety of trees.
Ushijima Plum Garden (Sumida)
Smaller and local. Good combined with Asakusa visit.
KANTÅ (DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO)
Mito Kairakuen (Ibaraki)
One of Japanās top three gardens. Over 3,000 plum trees. Major February highlight.
Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka)
Very early blooming due to mild climate. Often starts before Tokyo.
Odawara Plum Festival (Kanagawa)
Festival atmosphere with views of Odawara Castle and Mount Fuji on clear days.
KYOTO
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kyotoās main plum blossom site. Hundreds of trees and a dedicated plum garden.
Jonangu Shrine
Late-blooming plum trees. Good option if you arrive later in February.
Gion Shirakawa area (early bloom years)
Not guaranteed every year, but can show early plum trees near the canal.
OSAKA
Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove
One of the largest plum groves in Kansai. Best from mid to late February.
Expo ā70 Commemorative Park
Wide open space. Different plum varieties bloom at different times.
HOKKAIDÅ
Sapporo
Base city for winter travel and the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Otaru Canal
Known for the Snow Light Path Festival with lanterns along the canal.
Niseko
Best snow conditions of the year for skiing and winter landscapes.
TÅHOKU
Ginzan Onsen
Snow-covered onsen town at peak winter conditions.
Zao Onsen
Famous for snow monsters formed by ice and wind.
HOKURIKU / CHÅŖBU
Shirakawa-go
Traditional village covered in snow. February offers classic winter scenery.
Takayama Old Town
Winter streets, seasonal food, and fewer visitors.
Nagoya Agricultural Center (Dela Farm)
Large plum collection. Less international tourism.
Kanazawa Gyokusen-en (early varieties)
Small garden. Works well if snow conditions allow.
KYÅŖSHÅŖ
Dazaifu Tenmangu
One of Japanās most important plum blossom sites. Blooms earlier than Honshu.
Beppu Onsen
Ideal winter onsen destination with stable weather.
š Main festivals & events
Early February
Setsubun bean-throwing ceremonies at temples and shrines, nationwide
Sapporo Snow Festival, HokkaidÅ
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, HokkaidÅ
Asahikawa Winter Festival, HokkaidÅEarly to mid February
Nagasaki Lantern Festival, KyūshūMid February
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival, Akita
Nozawa Fire Festival, NaganoThroughout February
Plum blossom season begins across central and southern Japan
All events in Tokyo in January here : https://tokyocheapo.com/events/january/
All events in Japan in January here : https://japancheapo.com/events/january/
šµ What to eat this month
Snow crab (zuwai gani)
Yellowtail (buri)
Hot pot dishes (nabe)
Oden
Mikan mandarins
Amazake
Winter strawberry desserts
š” Travel tips
February is cold, especially mornings and evenings
Snow can affect transport in northern and mountain regions
Cities are calm outside festival periods
Plum blossom timing depends on temperature
Warm layers and waterproof shoes are recommended
Onsen towns are at their best this month
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āØ Next Monthā¦
February brings snow festivals, plum blossoms, and quieter travel across Japan.
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Hi, Iām Marie, the creator behind @tabimawari.
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Planning a trip to Japan usually breaks at the same point: you save a lot of places, but donāt know how to turn them into a realistic route. Cities are large, distances are not intuitive, and itās hard to know what actually fits in one day.
This guide was created to solve that. It helps you understand how places connect, how many days make sense per area, and how to build an itinerary that flows.
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Hi, Iām Marie.
French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.
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