Winter continues in February in Japan. Skiing conditions reach their best in northern Japan (Hokkaido). Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) stays cold and quiet, while spring shows signs of coming in the warm south (Okiwana).
Along with the benefits of lower crowding, February is a great time to discover Japan for all travelers: thrilling winter activities, relaxing hot springs to bathe in, and stunning early cherry and plum blossom.
Find out about average temperatures, rain/snowfall, and tips on where to go and what to wear...
Japan Weather in February: Overview
![Japan Weather in February](gif/grey.gif)
- Average Temperature range: 2°C (36°F) – 10°C (50°F)
- Average Rainfall: 73 mm (3 inches)
- Average Rainy days: 8
- Average Sunny days: 20
Weather of Japan's Major Cities in February
Japan City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall/Snowfall |
---|---|---|---|
Sapporo | -6°C (20°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 116 mm (46 in) |
Tokyo | 2°C (34°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 56 mm (2 in) |
Kyoto | 2°C (34°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (3 in) |
Osaka | 3°C (38°F) | 11°C (51°F) | 60 mm (2 in) |
Hakone | 2°C (36°F) | 8°C (47°F) | 68 mm (3 in) |
Nara | -1°C (30°F) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (3 in) |
Hiroshima | 2°C (36°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (3 in) |
Okinawa | 14°C (58°F) | 19°C (67°F) | 58 mm (2 in) |
Sapporo and Northern Japan: Winter Sports
![Torii in the snow](gif/grey.gif)
You can expect heavy snow in February on Hokkaido, Japan's northern island. The snowy landscape and winter sports appeal to travelers, especially skiing lovers, while the festive atmosphere lights up the city of Sapporo.
Being in Sapporo's peak season, crowds and higher prices are inevitable in February. So, early booking and avoiding weekends are helpful. With us, you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).
Tokyo and Central Japan: Quieter Attractions
![Night Views in Tokyo](gif/grey.gif)
Most of central Japan remains cold and dry. The Japanese Alps are still covered by snow.
If you're travelling to Tokyo and Kyoto, your trip is unlikely to be disrupted by the weather. Thanks to the cold weather, you'll have quieter attractions, or even times to yourself, and save a bit on your budget.
Okinawa and Southern Japan: Warmer Winter Escapes
Unlike the north and central Japan, the (extreme) south has mild/warm and pleasant days. The earliest cherry blossom is already fully blooming in February.
Read more about How to Plan a Japan Winter Trip >>>
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Sharon has been very helpful since the…
Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More
May,
Jul 2023
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When I first book I was scared of what…
When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More
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Jul 2023
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Albee was very helpful and responsive…
Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More
Bhavini Patel,
Jul 2023
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Alisa was a perfect tour consultant
Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More
Matha Goram,
Jul 2023
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I highly Recommend Asia Highlights
For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More
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Jul 2023
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Working to put together a custom trip…
Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience More
Marc,
Jul 2023
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Wonderful Service from Sharon!
Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More
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Jul 2023
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Wonderful trip
We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip! More
Happy Customer,
Jun 2023
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Just got to say
Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica! More
Teri,
Jun 2023
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Monica is fantastic
Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend. More
Philip Sheldon,
Jun 2023
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Me and my son are traveling to Japan
Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More
Ana Letícia Urbanin,
Jun 2023
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A great way to plan a dream vacation
Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More
KC,
May 2023
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Yeliz - Asia Highlights
Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More
Cyndie,
May 2023
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Sharon’s was very patient and helpful…
Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More
Jonny Abad,
May 2023
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Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!!
Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More
Lianne Stone,
May 2023
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11 days trip to Japan
I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More
LE,
May 2023
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Japan trip
Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More
Serene Storslett,
May 2023
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Quick, easy and detailed service
Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More
Lynette Whittle,
Apr 2023
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Japan Tour
Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More
Madhu,
Apr 2023
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I organized a trip to Japan for my
I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More
Luisa,
Apr 2023
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5 Best Places to Visit in Japan in February
![5 Best Places to Visit in Japan in February](gif/grey.gif)
1. Hakone: Indulge in a Hot Spring
Just 1½ hours' drive from Tokyo, Hakone is a perfect winter getaway, known for Japan's best hot springs.
For some authentic cultural experiences, stay overnight in a traditional Japanese inn (a ryokan) with hot springs. If possible, try the outdoor baths. What could be better than bathing in a steaming hot spring as the snow falls around you?
On clear days, taking the Hakone Ropeway or a Hakone Lake cruise is a great way to get views of Mount Fuji...
2. Hokkaido: Go for Winter Activities
In February, Hokkaido becomes a snowy world. With the best powder snow, Sapporo is on the top of adventure lovers' bucket lists.
Look for something thrilling? Go for a drift ice walking tour! Take an icebreaker, try drift ice bathing, spot wild animals (like eagles and seals), and enjoy the sunset over drift ice.
Even if you're not big on winter sports, you may find a journey to the north worth it for the impressive snow scenery and atmospheric festivals. The beauty of Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb. 4–11, 2023) and Otaru Snow Light Path (Feb. 11–18, 2023) will never disappoint.
3. Kyoto: Encounter Plum Blossom in an Ancient City
![Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto](gif/grey.gif)
The temperature gets up to around 10°C (50°F) in February in Kyoto. It might snow occasionally. The ancient city of Kyoto doesn't lose its charm in the cold weather.
Watch Setsubun rituals (celebrating spring's coming), encounter geisha in the old streets, and have photo opportunities with fully-blooming plum trees...
If the cold weather is not too much of a challenge for you, you can enjoy having the attractions to yourself and paying lower prices.
Get more information about How to Plan a Trip to Kyoto (Couples, Families, First Timers…) >>>
4. Tokyo: Take in the Winter Illuminations
![Akihabara has many anime shops](gif/grey.gif)
Tokyo in February remains dry and sunny with a temperature high averaging 11°C (52°F).
Winter illuminations make Tokyo a romantic city, especially for celebrating Valentine's Day.
As home to anime and manga, the warm anime-themed museums and shops are great escapes from the cold weather. A sushi cooking class is a friendly way to have closer contact with locals.
5. Okinawa: Catch the Earliest Cherry Blossoms
Okinawa is one of Japan's warmest places in February, averaging highs of 19°C (67°F). With warmer weather, Okinawa welcomes spring earlier than other cities.
Appreciate stunning cherry flowers, walk on beautiful beaches, and explore historic castles...
Although February is not the peak time for water activities, it is ideal for spotting whales.
Costs and Crowding in February
Being one of the best times for skiing, February sees most Japan travelers in Hokkaido. If you're going for winter sports, you can expect higher prices and more crowds than usual. Early booking is advisable for a better chance of availability and choices.
For other popular destinations (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto…), you would have a more tranquil experience at the attractions. You could also take advantage of lower prices and more hotel choices.
What to Pack in February
Since the average daily temperature only gets up to around 10°C (50°F), you're suggested to take winter clothing, such as winter jackets, down coats, hats, gloves, thick socks, long-sleeved shirts...
If you're visiting even-colder northern Japan (Hokkaido), heavier clothes (or specialist clothes for winter sports) are helpful.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Japan
Learn about the weather in Japan for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.Japan in January | Japan in February | Japan in March |
Japan in April | Japan in May | Japan in June |
Japan in July | Japan in August | Japan in September |
Japan in October | Japan in November | Japan in December |
Touring Japan with Asia Highlights
Planning a February getaway to Japan? If so, contact us to create a customized itinerary based on your interest and time. At Asia Highlights, we created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, especially for families and couples.
Get inspiration from the below sample itineraries:
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
- Japan Weather in January 2024: Quiet Winter Month
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- Japan Weather in April 2024: Best for Cherry Blossoms
- Japan Weather in May 2024, Where to Go and Costs
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- Japan Weather in July 2023: Best for Festivals, Travel Tips
- Japan Weather in August 2023, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
- Japan Weather in September 2023, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
- Japan Weather in October 2023, Where to Go & Costs
- Japan Weather in November 2023: Best Autumn Month, Travel Tips
- Japan Weather in December 2023, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.