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Japan in February is still winter, but a busy one. Hokkaido is buried in snow and holds its biggest festival of the year, Tokyo and Kyoto are cold, clear and calm, and by the end of the month the first blossoms are out.
Quick answer: February is the last full month of winter. In Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, average highs are about 50-52F and lows about 35-38F, and the Pacific side is mostly dry and sunny. Hokkaido, Nagano and Kanazawa get deep snow – Sapporo averages about 46 in of snowfall in February alone. Okinawa is mild, with highs around 68F. The Sapporo Snow Festival runs 4-11 February 2027. Plum blossoms and the early Kawazu cherry trees open from early to mid-February. There are two public holidays: Thursday 11 February and Tuesday 23 February. Outside Hokkaido, February is generally quieter than spring.
February weather in Japan and where it snows
The table uses Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) averages for 1991-2020. The Pacific side is drier than many people expect: Tokyo averages about 170 hours of February sunshine. The Sea of Japan coast is the opposite, with Kanazawa getting about 6.4 in of rain and snow and roughly half of Tokyo’s sunshine.
| City | Avg high F (C) | Avg low F (C) | Precipitation in (mm) | February snowfall | What to wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 33F (0.4C) | 21F (-6.2C) | 3.6 in (92 mm) | 46 in (116 cm) | Heavy insulated coat, thermals, hat, waterproof boots with grip |
| Sendai | 44F (6.5C) | 30F (-1.1C) | 1.3 in (34 mm) | 7 in (18 cm) | Warm coat, thermal top, gloves |
| Tokyo | 52F (10.9C) | 36F (2.1C) | 2.2 in (57 mm) | 2 in (4 cm) | Warm coat, sweater, scarf |
| Nagano | 42F (5.3C) | 25F (-3.7C) | 1.9 in (49 mm) | 20 in (50 cm) | Heavy coat, thermals, snow boots |
| Kanazawa | 46F (7.8C) | 34F (1.0C) | 6.4 in (163 mm) | 21 in (53 cm) | Waterproof coat, waterproof boots, umbrella |
| Kyoto | 50F (10.0C) | 35F (1.6C) | 2.6 in (65 mm) | 3 in (7 cm) | Warm coat, layers, warm socks for temple floors |
| Osaka | 51F (10.5C) | 38F (3.2C) | 2.4 in (61 mm) | under 1 in | Warm coat, sweater, scarf |
| Hiroshima | 52F (10.9C) | 36F (2.4C) | 2.5 in (64 mm) | 1 in (3 cm) | Warm coat, sweater, scarf |
| Fukuoka | 53F (11.6C) | 40F (4.4C) | 2.7 in (70 mm) | under 1 in | Warm jacket, layers |
| Naha (Okinawa) | 68F (20.2C) | 59F (15.1C) | 4.5 in (115 mm) | none | Long sleeves, light jacket for wind |
Snow in Tokyo is possible but rarely settles for long. For real snow, head north or into the mountains: Sapporo sees snowfall on about 25 days of the month, Nagano and Kanazawa on about 20. Days are lengthening, too – Tokyo’s sunset moves from about 5:08 pm on 1 February to 5:35 pm by month’s end, according to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
What to wear in Japan in February
On the Pacific side, wear a warm coat over a sweater or fleece, plus a scarf and good walking shoes; indoors is well heated, so layers beat one thick garment. In the snow regions, add thermals, insulated waterproof boots, a hat and waterproof gloves. The layering advice in our guide to Japan in January applies almost unchanged.
Visiting from Singapore, Australia, the UK or Canada
Coming from the tropics, you will likely feel the cold more, so pack an extra layer. For Australians, February is late summer at home, so buy winter gear before leaving. UK (Type G) and Australian (Type I) plugs need an adapter for Japan’s Type A sockets; Canadian plugs work as they do in the US.
Map of places in this guide
- Odori Park (Sapporo) – Main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival, 4-11 February 2027 Directions
- Otaru Canal (Otaru, Hokkaido) – Snow Light Path: candles and snow lanterns along the canal in February Directions
- Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station (Zao Onsen, Yamagata) – Ride up to the juhyo snow monsters, usually at their best in February Directions
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen snow monkeys (Nagano) – Wild macaques in hot spring pools; snowy February is prime time Directions
- Kairakuen (Mito, Ibaraki) – One of Japan's best-known plum gardens; plum festival usually mid-February to March Directions
- Kawazu (Izu, Shizuoka) – Kawazu-zakura original tree – Early-blooming Kawazu-zakura cherry trees, usually February to early March Directions
- Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown (Nagasaki) – Heart of the Nagasaki Lantern Festival around Lunar New Year Directions
- Tokyo Disneyland (Urayasu, Chiba) – Several rides closed for part of February 2027; check the official list Directions
Sapporo Snow Festival 2027
The Sapporo Snow Festival runs from 4 to 11 February 2027 (confirmed by the organizers as of November 2026). The main site is Odori Park, a long strip of park through central Sapporo lined with large snow and ice sculptures, many lit up after dark. Other sites are listed on the official site.
- Nights are very cold – average lows are about 21F, and standing still feels colder.
- Pavements are often packed snow or ice, so boots with a grippy sole or slip-on ice cleats make a real difference.
- Sapporo hotels for festival week tend to fill early, so book as soon as your dates are firm.
Our Sapporo Snow Festival guide has more on what to expect.
Other February events
Setsubun (Wednesday 3 February 2027). The eve of the traditional start of spring. Temples and shrines hold bean-throwing ceremonies to drive out bad luck, and many families eat ehomaki, a thick sushi roll eaten while facing the year’s lucky direction.
Otaru Snow Light Path (6-13 February 2027). The Otaru Tourism Association has confirmed these dates, with times and venues still to be announced. Snow lanterns and candlelight fill the town, including the area along the Otaru Canal, and it is an easy add-on to the Snow Festival.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival (5-21 February 2027). The official festival page lists these dates, which follow Lunar New Year on 6 February. Lanterns light up the city around Shinchi Chinatown, and Lunar New Year may also mean busier travel from elsewhere in East Asia.
Valentine’s Day (Sunday 14 February). In Japan, women traditionally give chocolate to men – to partners and, as a courtesy, to colleagues. On White Day, 14 March, men give a gift in return.
First blossoms: plum and Kawazu-zakura
Plum blossoms (ume) are the flower of February. Kairakuen in Mito, Ibaraki, is one of Japan’s best-known plum gardens, and its plum festival usually runs from mid-February into March (11 February to 22 March in 2026). The 2027 dates had not been announced when we checked, so check the official site. In Kyoto, Kitano Tenmangu holds its Baikasai plum festival every year on 25 February, with an outdoor tea ceremony served by geiko and maiko.
For early cherry blossoms, go to Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula, where the deep pink Kawazu-zakura bloom weeks ahead of most cherry trees. The Kawazu Sakura Festival usually runs from early February to early March (7 February to 8 March in 2026); 2027 dates had not been published as of early November 2026. Japan’s main cherry blossom season is still late March to April – see our cherry blossom bloom calendar.
Snow monsters, snow monkeys and skiing
At Zao Onsen in Yamagata, a ropeway climbs to the juhyo, or “snow monsters”: conifers so thickly coated in rime ice and snow that they look like strange figures. The Zao Ropeway says February is their peak. Bad weather can halt the ropeway, so keep plans flexible.
In Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for Japanese macaques soaking in a hot spring, most striking with snow on the ground – see our snow monkey hot springs guide. February is also deep ski season in Hokkaido and Nagano; our Hokkaido ski and onsen itinerary is a good starting point.
Tokyo Disneyland in February 2027: what’s closed
Several Tokyo Disneyland attractions are closed for part of February 2027, according to the resort’s official closure list (seen 1 November 2026). The resort can change these dates; check the official page before you go.
| Attraction | Closed | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Pan’s Flight | 6 Jan – 2 Feb 2027 | Open again from 3 Feb |
| Splash Mountain | 7 Jan – 4 Feb 2027 | Open again from 5 Feb |
| Haunted Mansion | 8 Jan – 4 Feb 2027 | Open again from 5 Feb |
| Star Tours | 5 – 18 Feb 2027 | Closed mid-month |
| Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin | 8 Feb – 2 Mar 2027 | Closed most of February |
| Jungle Cruise | 6 Jan – 31 Mar 2027 | Closed all of February |
From 19 February, only Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin and Jungle Cruise are on the list. Expect bigger crowds around the two public holidays. Our Tokyo Disneyland guide has more planning tips.
Tips for a February trip
- Plan around Thursday 11 February (National Foundation Day) and Tuesday 23 February (Emperor’s Birthday); popular sights are likely to be busier around them.
- Snow Festival week is one of Sapporo’s busiest times, so book flights and hotels early.
- Outside Hokkaido and the ski areas, February is generally one of the quieter, better-value months – our best time to visit Japan guide compares the seasons.
- Since 1 November 2026, Japan’s tax-free shopping works on a refund basis; our tax-free shopping guide explains how.
Research-based picks for a February trip
We have not tested these; they are well-known brands chosen from research.
Waterproof, insulated snow boots are the most useful single purchase for the Snow Festival or the mountains.
Winter boots (item type, not the exact product). Photo: freestocks.org, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Columbia Women's Bugaboot III Snow Boots
Waterproof, insulated lace-up snow boots with a grippy sole for icy Sapporo pavements and mountain towns.
Check price on AmazonInsulated waterproof mittens keep hands warmer than gloves on long, cold evenings outdoors.
Mittens (item type, not the exact product). Photo: Kara Babcock, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Carhartt Men's Waterproof Insulated Knit Cuff Mitten
Waterproof insulated mittens with a fleece cuff for long evenings outdoors at the Snow Festival.
Check price on AmazonCold drains phone batteries quickly, and a small power bank keeps maps and train apps running.
Power bank (item type, not the exact product). Photo: Mk2010, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Anker Power Bank, 10,000mAh PowerIQ USB-C
A slim 10,000mAh power bank with a USB-C cable – cold weather drains phone batteries faster than you expect.
Check price on AmazonWinter air is dry, especially in heated hotel rooms, so a lip balm is worth keeping in your pocket.
Lip balm sticks (item type, not the exact product). Photo: Francesca Cesa Bianchi, CC BY-SA 3.0 it, via Wikimedia Commons
Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, 4-Pack
Fragrance-free lip repair sticks for dry winter air and heated hotel rooms.
Check price on AmazonFAQ
Is February a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, if you don’t mind cold. You get the Snow Festival, peak snow, plum blossoms and generally smaller crowds than spring outside Hokkaido.
When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027?
4 to 11 February 2027, with Odori Park as the main site. Check snowfes.com for details.
Does it snow in Tokyo in February?
Occasionally. JMA averages show about 2 in of February snowfall over a few days, and it rarely lasts on the ground.
How cold is Japan in February?
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto average highs of about 50-52F and lows of about 35-38F. Sapporo averages 33F and 21F, while Naha in Okinawa reaches about 68F.
What should I wear in Japan in February?
In the cities, a warm coat over layers, a scarf and comfortable shoes. In Hokkaido and the mountains, add thermals, a hat, waterproof gloves and insulated boots with good grip.
Can you see cherry blossoms in Japan in February?
Only early varieties. Kawazu-zakura in Izu usually blooms from early February to early March, alongside plum blossoms. The main cherry season is late March to April.
Is Tokyo Disneyland crowded or closed in February 2027?
The park is open, but Star Tours (5-18 February), Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (from 8 February) and Jungle Cruise (all month) are among the closures. Expect more people around the 11 and 23 February holidays.
Bottom line
Japan in February is cold but rewarding: snow festivals and deep powder in the north, clear days in Tokyo and Kyoto, and the year’s first blossoms by month’s end. Pack properly warm layers, book Sapporo early for the Snow Festival, and check official sites for any 2027 dates still to be announced.
Top photo: a lit snow sculpture at the 65th Sapporo Snow Festival (2014). Photo: t-konno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.