Japan in February: Weather, Tips & Snow Sculptures

The average temperature in Japan in February is around 9°C but it varies depending on the area and elevation. For instance, if you plan to spend your winter vacation in bustling Tokyo and its surroundings, expect temperatures between 2 and 12°C. If this is too cold for you, try visiting Kyushu or Okinawa, where temperatures tend to be much higher. For winter sports, escape to Hokkaido, a place famous for its winter activities, but also known for lower temperatures, sometimes even as low as -20°C.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Japan.

While Japan in February might not be your warmest winter holiday, spending February in Japan can still be a great vacation, and here are a few reasons why.

• Japan all for yourself: Although you won’t be the only one enjoying a winter escapade around the country, there will be fewer travelers during the cold season. So, if you want more fun and no crowds, visiting Japan in February might be the answer.
• Friendly prices: Unless skiing is on your must-do list, February is not part of the high season, so your pocket will also win from your Japanese winter holiday.
• Skiing and snowboarding: Head towards the mountains of Japan and enjoy the incredible ski and snowboarding destinations, such as Hokkaido and the Japan Alps.
• Hot springs: While you can enjoy these all year round, winter in Japan is the best time to sit and relax in a mountain hot spring in Hakone, admiring the spectacular white landscapes.
• Plum and cherry blossoms: Yes, you will be able to see the famous cherry blossoms in February! Visit the flower festivals in Kawazu and Kaigan to experience the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan. Also, the equally beautiful plum flowers start blooming earlier than the cherry blossoms in and around Tokyo.

Though the weather in Japan in February is cold, visiting the county during this month can still bring plenty of memorable surprises. Wander the cobbled streets of Kyoto, discover lesser-known little villages, indulge in famed Japanese cuisine in the cities, or ski in Niseko. There are so many things to do in Japan in February!

If you are a city explorer, or passionate about art, history and cuisine, visit buzzing Tokyo. Enjoy sightseeing, indulge in local foods, explore old Japan in downtown Asakusa, and admire the spectacular view from the top of the Tokyo Skytree. And if you want to catch plum blossoms in one of the most picture-perfect locations, go to Yushima Tenjin Shrine.

Nature lovers can take the main trail outside big cities like Tokyo and Fukuoka to discover the beauty of rural Japan. And, talking about nature, soaking in a natural hot spring is a quintessential Japanese experience. Try Japan's most famous onsen town, Beppu, located on the beautiful island of Kyushu.

If you love winter sports, look no further than the Hokkaido region, with a large selection of activities for any level of expertise or budget. Try Niseko for best snow quality or Hakuba, where the 1998 winter Olympics were held.

In Sapporo, Hokkaido region’s main city, you can participate in the largest winter festival in Japan, Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place over twelve days of February every year. Another festival held in February in this region is the Otaru Snow Light Festival, where 1,200,000 candles glow in the snow, creating dream-like scenery.

There you have it! If you believed Japan in February weather can stop you from having the time of your life, now you know this is far from true. Pack your winter clothes, choose your itinerary, and prep yourself for a memorable Japanese adventure. If you’re having problems deciding on the stops and activities, you can always get help from travel experts to plan your well-deserved customized trip to Japan in February or any other month.

Check out tours to Japan in February for more information.

Other articles:
Japan in January
Japan in March