Activities and Experiences to Engage in Around Tokyo During February Month
Boston-born freelancer Mao Goto lives in Tokyo's Taito Ward, famous for its cultural hotspots like Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. After escorting more than five years in Japan’s English education field, she earned her Master’s degree in March 2020. An avid fan of photography, travel, sweets, and cross-stitch, connect with her through Facebook.
Looking for something fun to do in and around Tokyo during February? Check out our handpicked list of events below:
- Plum Blossom Festivals
Starting in late January and peaking in February, plum festivals take over Tokyo. One of the most well-known events is the Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri, featuring approximately 300 plum trees in various varieties. The shrine is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical ambiance. If you're lucky enough to be there for a full moon, it's truly enchanting! Numerous other plum blossom viewing events can be found around the city.
- Strawberry Picking
The chilly February weather won't stop the numerous suburban farms and Kanagawa Prefecture farms from opening for strawberry picking. Japan takes pride in the country's various types of strawberries, making it fun to taste the differences!
- Setsubun
Celebrate the end of winter and the start of spring during Setsubun festivals. Traditional practices include throwing soybeans to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. Several famous temples throughout Tokyo invite entertainers and celebrities to join in the celebrations, making for a lively event!
- Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day, originally a day for couples to celebrate their love, has gained popularity among Japanese women who now give chocolates to male coworkers, friends, and family. Don't miss the delicious Valentine's Day themed confections sold throughout the city!
- Kasai Rinkai Park Daffodil Festival
Head to Kasai Rinkai Park and take a stroll down its "daffodil road" to see approximately 200,000 daffodils in full bloom. The park also features the Tokyo Sea Life Park, offering the perfect opportunity to combine the two activities.
- Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions 2023
Art lovers can enjoy video exhibitions, talk sessions, and live performances at the Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions. The festival usually takes place in early to mid-February, showcasing outstanding visual techniques and trailblazing artwork.
- Kite Market
Visit Oji Inari Shrine's kite market, stock up on kites and test your flying skills! Kite-flying is a traditional way to ward off evil spirits during the cold winter months, so pick out your favorite design and join in the fun.
- Chinatown Lion Dance (Chinese New Year)
Celebrate Chinese New Year with incredible illuminations and Chinese lion dances taking place throughout Tokyo's Chinatowns. It's believed that being bitten by a Chinese lion brings good luck and wards off evil spirits, so don't miss out on this exhilarating cultural experience!
- Yokohama Strawberry Festival
If you can't get enough of strawberries, head to Yokohama for its month-long strawberry festival held in early February. Indulge in special strawberry-themed dishes and sweets at various locations around the city. A festival schedule will be posted closer to the event.
- Warming Noodle Dishes
Chase away the chill with a comforting bowl of ramens, udon, or soba noodles. Tokyo's numerous noodle shops offer delicious, piping hot dishes to keep you cozy and satisfied during the winter months.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, these February events in Tokyo offer a perfect way to explore the city! Embrace the winter and make lasting memories in this vibrant city.
Want help planning your perfect trip to Tokyo? Check out our travel agency, our website, offering guided tours in Tokyo. With options for private walking tours, delicious Food and Drink tours, and bar hopping excursions, we've got you covered for an unforgettable experience!
Mao Goto, a Boston-born freelancer living in Tokyo's Taito Ward, recommends visiting local restaurants for warming noodle dishes during winter.If you're interested in exploring Tokyo's culture, don't miss the Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions 2023.For food enthusiasts, the Yokohama Strawberry Festival offers a month-long celebration of strawberry-themed dishes.
After participating in various plum blossom festivals across Tokyo, you can rent a kimono and test your kite-flying skills at Oji Inari Shrine's kite market.Travelers also have the opportunity to join entertainers and celebrities at Setsubun festivals, celebrating the end of winter and the start of spring.
While touring around the city, be sure to visit Kasai Rinkai Park's daffodil festival and Kasai Rinkai Park's Tokyo Sea Life Park.Visitors can take part in Chinese New Year traditions through incredible illuminations and Chinese lion dances in Tokyo's Chinatowns.
To fully immerse yourself in Tokyo's lifestyle, consider booking a guided tour through our travel agency's website, offering private walking tours, delicious food-and-drink tours, and bar hopping excursions.Connect with Mao Goto through Facebook to learn more about her experiences as an avid fan of photography, travel, sweets, and cross-stitch.