Japan in February 2027 — Complete Travel Guide

What defines this month

Weather across Japan this month

Best cities to visit this month

Ranked by how much is happening there

9 major events happening this month

Setsubun at Sensoji Temple

February 3

Tokyo, Tokyo

Bean-throwing ceremony marking the start of spring. Actors and celebrities scatter roasted soybeans and lucky charms from the main hall. 'Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi' — demons out, fortune in.

Setsubun at Yoshida Shrine (Kyoto)

February 2-4

Kyoto, Kyoto

One of Japan's largest Setsubun festivals, drawing 500,000 people over three days. Highlight is the 'oni yarai' ritual on the eve when demons are chased from the shrine grounds with fire and drums.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Early February (7 days)

Sapporo, Hokkaido

One of Japan's most famous winter events. Over 200 massive snow and ice sculptures fill Odori Park and Susukino — from replicas of world landmarks to anime characters.

Nabana no Sato Illumination

Late October – May

Kuwana, Mie

Japan's most spectacular winter illumination. Millions of LED lights create dazzling tunnels and landscape scenes across this botanical garden. The 'tunnel of light' is unmissable.

Shirakawa-go Light-Up

Select Saturdays in January–February

Shirakawa, Gifu

The UNESCO World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawa-go are illuminated against heavy snow — creating one of Japan's most magical winter images.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Mid February (10 days)

Otaru, Hokkaido

Hundreds of snow candles and lanterns illuminate the historic canal and streets of Otaru. A more intimate and romantic alternative to the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo)

November to mid-February

Tokyo, Tokyo

1.2 km of Tokyo's Marunouchi Naka-dori decorated with 1.2 million champagne-gold LEDs. The most photographed illumination in central Tokyo, and free to walk.

Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up

Selected Sundays in January and February

Shirakawa, Gifu

UNESCO-heritage gassho-zukuri thatched houses glow warm against the snow on 6-8 selected evenings per winter. Advance reservation required — no walk-ins.

Otaru Snow Light Path (Yuki Akari no Michi)

Early to mid-February (10 days)

Otaru, Hokkaido

20,000 candles lit along Otaru's historic canal and abandoned rail lines over 10 evenings in February. One of Hokkaido's most romantic winter events.

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