Japan is considered one of the most alluring countries to travel to year-round thanks to its incredible infrastructure and natural beauty. The nation is also well regarded for its hospitable culture and kind citizens.
When visitors embrace the essence of the snow-covered landscapes, winter sports, hot spring dips, including the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, and much more in February, this blatant pilgrimage becomes more alluring. Because of this, February in Japan is a very worthwhile time to visit.
Best Places to Visit Japan in February
Some of the top locations to visit in February are highlighted in the list below.
1. Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama
The most well-known areas that are UNESCO World Heritage sites, notable for their breathtaking scenery, views, and opulent farmhouses, are worth seeing now.
Ogimachi welcomes every traveler to Shirakawa, the most picturesque village, with its tranquility and peace. Gokayama, another beautiful location, has untainted fields that motivate every traveler to provide them all a completely unique experience.
2. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is unquestionably a fascinating and assertive place to visit, and it’s probably the most popular and attractive place in Japan to go in February.
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Every adventure enthusiast searches for some of the most daring winter sports when it comes to the colder months. Regardless of your degree of expertise, preferred location, or financial constraints, this place offers a vast variety of winter sports like skiing.
3. Tokyo
The best time to visit this well-known location is in February. During that time, a number of well-known festivals and events are held here.
The setsubun festival, which serves as a traditional harbinger of spring, is enthusiastically observed in Tokyo and is open to both locals and visitors. On Valentine’s Day, lavish chocolate displays can be seen in the food courts.
4. Kyoto
The most captivating place to visit in Japan is Kyoto, which is home to numerous temples, beautiful scenery, shrines, and grand occasions. This month, many people flock to To-JI Temple to view the exquisite Buddhist artwork.
The start of spring and the setsubun festival are commemorated at Yasak Jinja Shrine. Kitano Tenmangu celebrates the plum blossom event, which astounds visitors and leaves an indelible impression on their thoughts, to signal the arrival of spring.
5. The Sapporo Snow Festival
The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo City, hosts the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival every year in early to mid-February, drawing about 2 million visitors.
At various locations throughout the snow-covered city, the festival showcases impressive works of art created with snow and ice. There are numerous sculptures made of ice and snow in different sizes.
6. Onsen
One of the most traditional aspects of Japan that every visitor should take advantage of is onsen. The ideal time of year to enjoy an Onsen hot bath and unwind is unquestionably during the winter.
Ideally, stay at a genuine Ryokan inn (a hotel in the traditional Japanese style) and savor delectable Japanese cuisine after an Onsen soak. What a pleasure! Even if your trip only includes Tokyo, you can take a day excursion from Tokyo to a number of amazing Onsen locations.
7. Yokote Kamakura Festival
Numerous snow festivals are hosted in addition to the Sapporo Snow Festival. One of the most iconic aspects of Japanese winter is the kamakura (snow domes), and the Yokote Kamakura event, which takes place in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is the largest kamakura event.
Numerous tiny Kamakura snow domes that are lit up at night and produce breathtaking winter scenery are featured in the event.
8. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
It is a complete misunderstanding to believe that Japanese cherry blossoms are only in bloom from late March to early April. Early cherry blossoms, or kawazu sakura, bloom from mid-February until mid-March.
On the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawazu City hosts the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. From Tokyo, you might simply take a day trip there!
9. Nagasaki Lantern Festival
What is the greatest event occurring around the world in February? The fact that 1.3 billion people are celebrating the Chinese New Year cannot be disregarded.
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The largest Chinese New Year’s festival in Japan, with more than 15,000 lanterns illuminating the city of Nagasaki, is held there.
The 15-day Nagasaki Lantern Festival is hosted in Nagasaki City’s Chinatown. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, colorful lanterns, and lively performances by Chinese artists!
10. Setsubun
One of the oldest celebrations in Japan is called Setsubun, and it typically takes place on February 3rd. The occasion includes a unique tradition called “mamemaki” in which roasted beans are thrown to drive away evil spirits.
On that day, there are celebrations for Setsubun all around the nation, notably in temples and shrines.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that February in Japan is cold and gloomy, it is a fantastic time to travel there! It’s a perfect time to appreciate early blooming Cherry Blossoms because there are numerous unique events held across the nation, including the well-known Sapporo Snow Festival.
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