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Tokyo Events
The Setsubun Mamemaki Festival at Zōjōji Temple is a vibrant celebration marking the transition from winter to spring. This traditional event involves the ritual of throwing roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the upcoming year. Visitors can witness lively performances by geisha and maiko, who entertain the crowd with traditional dances. The atmosphere is festive, with participants joining in the bean-throwing activities, creating a sense of community and joy. This event draws large crowds, making it a significant cultural highlight in Tokyo during February.
The Wonder Festival is renowned as one of the largest figure and model exhibitions in the world. Held at Makuhari Messe, this event showcases an extensive range of custom figures, model kits, and collectibles from various artists and companies. Attendees can purchase exclusive items and participate in workshops and demonstrations. The festival attracts fans of anime, manga, and pop culture, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Japan's vibrant hobby culture. The event also features competitions for best figures, adding an exciting competitive element.
The Pokémon x Crafts Exhibition combines the beloved Pokémon franchise with traditional Japanese crafts. This unique event features Pokémon-themed art pieces created by skilled artisans, showcasing how these iconic characters can be reimagined through various craft mediums. Visitors can engage in hands-on workshops to create their own Pokémon-inspired crafts. The exhibition not only celebrates creativity but also emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional Japanese craftsmanship while appealing to a diverse audience of Pokémon fans.
The Tokyo Lantern Festival transforms Ueno Park into a magical landscape illuminated by thousands of lanterns. This enchanting festival celebrates Japanese culture with beautiful displays that reflect both traditional and contemporary designs. Visitors can enjoy food stalls offering local delicacies while strolling through paths lined with glowing lanterns. Cultural performances, including traditional music and dance, enhance the festive atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for families and tourists alike.
Kyoto Events
Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine
February 2-3, 2025
https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/
The Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine is a lively event that marks the beginning of spring by casting away evil spirits. Celebrated on February 2nd and 3rd, this festival features traditional rituals including mamemaki, where participants throw roasted soybeans to cleanse misfortune. The shrine hosts performances by geisha and local musicians, creating a festive atmosphere filled with joy and excitement. Visitors are encouraged to join in the bean-throwing festivities as they pray for health and happiness in the new season.
Kyoto Plum Blossom Festival
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Throughout February 2025
https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/en/
The Kyoto Plum Blossom Festival celebrates the early bloom of plum blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. This picturesque event showcases beautiful plum trees adorned with delicate flowers that herald the arrival of spring. Visitors can stroll through the shrine grounds while enjoying various cultural activities such as tea ceremonies and traditional music performances. The festival not only highlights the beauty of nature but also offers a glimpse into Kyoto's rich cultural heritage as people gather to appreciate the fleeting beauty of plum blossoms.
The Hatsuuma Taisai is an important festival held at Fushimi Inari Taisha that celebrates the first auspicious day of the new year according to the lunar calendar. This event involves various rituals aimed at ensuring a prosperous year ahead. Participants can witness traditional ceremonies performed by shrine priests, along with offerings made to Inari deity for good fortune in agriculture and business. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by food stalls offering local delicacies, making it a culturally enriching experience for all attendees.
Kyoto Gion Matsuri (Pre-Festival Events)
Gion District
Throughout February leading up to July events
https://www.gionmatsuri.com/en/
While the main events of the famous Gion Matsuri occur in July, preparations begin as early as February with various pre-festival activities held throughout Kyoto's Gion District. During this time, visitors can participate in workshops related to traditional crafts such as yukata making or kyo-yaki pottery. Additionally, there are opportunities to witness practice parades featuring floats that will be used during the main festival. This early engagement allows visitors to appreciate Kyoto's rich traditions leading up to one of Japan's most celebrated festivals.
Hokaido Events
The iconic Sapporo Snow Festival is a week-long celebration showcasing stunning snow and ice sculptures across multiple sites in Sapporo City. Now in its 75th year, this festival attracts millions of visitors from around the world who come to admire intricate artistic creations ranging from famous landmarks to beloved characters. Activities include snow slides for children and ice mazes for families to explore. The festival also features food stalls offering local delicacies such as Sapporo ramen and seafood delicacies, making it a delightful experience for all ages.
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Asahikawa City
February 6 - 11, 2025
https://asahikawa-winter-festival.com/en/
The Asahikawa Winter Festival is another prominent winter celebration featuring spectacular snow sculptures and illuminated displays throughout Asahikawa City. Known for its large-scale snow creations that often depict famous characters or scenes from popular culture, this festival offers visitors a chance to enjoy live performances and fireworks displays at night. Local food vendors provide hearty winter fare that complements the festive atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy Hokkaido's winter charm.
The enchanting Otaru Snow Light Path Festival transforms this picturesque coastal town into a magical wonderland illuminated by countless candles and lanterns lining its streets and canals. Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated areas where snow sculptures add to the charm of this serene setting. The festival promotes local arts and crafts through exhibitions along with food stalls serving Otaru specialties like fresh seafood and sweets. This romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful winter experience amidst stunning scenery.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Lake Shikotsu
February 1 - 14, 2025
http://ww12.shikotsuko.com/en/event/ice_festival.html?usid=25&utid=7648533854
The annual Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival celebrates winter's beauty with stunning ice sculptures crafted from pure water sourced from Lake Shikotsu itself. Visitors can explore illuminated ice structures while enjoying activities like ice skating on a frozen surface or participating in snowshoe walks around the lake area. The festival also hosts fireworks displays that light up the night sky against a backdrop of sparkling ice formations. With its breathtaking natural setting combined with artistic displays, this festival offers an unforgettable winter experience for all attendees.
Fukuoka Events
Porter Robinson SMILE! : D World Tour in Fukuoka
Fukuoka (Venue TBA)
February 2025 (Exact date TBA)
https://www.klook.com/en-PH/event-detail/101024401-2025-porter-robinson-fukuoka/
Porter Robinson, the acclaimed electronic music producer and DJ, is bringing his "SMILE! : D World Tour" to Fukuoka in February 2025. Known for his innovative blend of electronic dance music, pop, and emotive storytelling, Porter Robinson
has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique sound and immersive live performances. This tour promises to be a spectacular audiovisual experience, featuring tracks from his latest album as well as fan favorites from his extensive discography. Attendees can expect a night filled with euphoric
melodies, pulsating beats, and stunning visuals that have become synonymous with Porter Robinson's shows. The exact date and venue are yet to be announced, but fans are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be an unforgettable night of music
and emotion in Fukuoka.
Jojima Sake Festival
Kurume City Jojima Chomin no mori Park, Kurume City,
February 8-9, 2025
Fukuokahttps://en.japantravel.com/fukuoka/jojima-sake-festival/70568
The Jojima Sake Festival is a two-day celebration of sake culture in Fukuoka's Kurume City, known as one of Japan's premier sake-producing regions. Held at the Kurume City Jojima Chomin no mori Park, this festival attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually. Attendees have the unique opportunity to sample and compare brews from eight different local breweries, offering a comprehensive taste of Jojima's renowned sake. The standard 14-ticket plan, priced at 1500 JPY, allows visitors to explore a variety of sake types, with drinks valued at one, two, or three tickets depending on their grade. For enthusiasts, an all-you-can-drink plan is available for 3500 JPY. The festival not only showcases the region's
finest sake but also provides a platform for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich sake culture of Jojima, making it a must-visit event for both sake connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
Kurume Ueki Festival
Kurume City Central Park, Kurume City,
February 15-16, 2025
Fukuokahttps://en.japantravel.com/fukuoka/kurume-ueki-festival/70500
The Kurume Ueki Festival is a horticultural extravaganza that brings together local vendors to exhibit and sell an astounding 100,000 plants of approximately 1,000 different types. This event is a paradise for plant enthusiasts and gardeners, offering a diverse array of flora to suit every taste and garden
style. Beyond the vast selection of plants and saplings available for purchase, the festival also features engaging activities such as a moss ball making experience, available for a fee of 1200 JPY. This hands-on activity allows visitors to create their own unique plant decoration, adding an interactive element to the festival experience. The Kurume Ueki Festival not only serves as a marketplace for plants but also as an educational platform where visitors can learn about various plant species, gardening techniques, and sustainable
horticulture practices. With no admission fee, the event is accessible to all, inviting both seasoned gardeners and curious newcomers to explore the lush world of plants in a festive atmosphere.
FUSAFES 2025 (Fukuoka Salsa Festival)
Fukuoka Convention Center, Fukuoka City
February 21-23, 2025
https://tiempo.jp/fusafes/en/
FUSAFES, the Fukuoka Salsa Festival, is a vibrant celebration of Latin dance and culture set to take place in February 2025. This dynamic event brings together dance enthusiasts, professionals, and curious newcomers for a weekend filled
with rhythm, passion, and cultural exchange. The festival features an exciting lineup of activities, including dance shows showcasing various Latin dance styles, workshops led by renowned instructors, and live music performances that capture the essence of Latin American rhythms. Attendees can also look forward to nightly parties with top DJs spinning the best in salsa, bachata, and other Latin genres. Beyond dancing, FUSAFES offers a holistic cultural experience with lectures on dance history and technique, art exhibitions highlighting Latin American artists, and a tantalizing array of Caribbean food and cocktails. This immersive event not only provides an opportunity to improve dance skills but also fosters a sense of community among dance lovers from various backgrounds, making it a must-attend festival for anyone interested in Latin dance and culture.
Kyushu Events
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Chuo Park, Minato Park & Shinchi Chinatown, Nagasaki
February 9 ~ 25
https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/lantern-festival
Experience the Magic of the Nagasaki Lantern Festival:
A Dazzling Celebration of Chinese New Year
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the city of Nagasaki transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland of light and color. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, Japan's largest lantern festival, illuminates the streets for 17 enchanting days, creating a spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. This year, the festival runs from February 9 to February 25, 2024, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
A Rich History Rooted in Cultural Exchange
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival began in 1994 as a modest celebration by the residents of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, one of Japan's three largest Chinatowns. Over the past three decades, it has evolved into a grand citywide event that honors Nagasaki's deep-rooted connections with Chinese culture. The festival's growth reflects the city's unique history as a port of international trade and cultural exchange.
A Sea of Lights: 15,000 Lanterns Illuminate the Night
As darkness falls, Nagasaki comes alive with the warm glow of 15,000 lanterns and lights. The grand lighting ceremony, held on February 10 at Shinchi Chinatown and Chuo Park, marks the official start of the festival. From 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., watch in awe as the city is bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors, with some lanterns reaching an impressive height of 10 meters.
Throughout the festival, the lanterns are lit daily from 5 p.m., while specific venues like Minato Park, Hamanmachi, and Chuo Park begin their illuminations from noon starting February 11. Each area of the city boasts its own unique lantern designs and color schemes, creating distinct atmospheres for visitors to explore.
Beyond the Lights: A Feast of Cultural Experiences
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival offers much more than just stunning visual displays. Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural events and activities:
Emperor Parade:
On February 24, witness the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty brought to life as 150 participants in elaborate Chinese costumes parade from Chuo Park to Minato Park.
Mazu Procession: Join this historical reenactment on February 11 and 18, honoring the Chinese god of safe navigation.
Dragon Dance:
Marvel at the energy and skill of performers as they bring the mythical dragon to life through dance.
Bian Lian Face-changing Show:
Be amazed by the mysterious art of mask-changing from Sichuan Province, performed daily throughout the festival.
Handmade Lantern Corner:
Get creative at this family-friendly event on February 11 and 18, where you can craft your own lantern.
Lantern Festival Walk:
Take a guided tour through the festival's most picturesque spots and learn about its history.
Savor the Flavors of Nagasaki
No visit to the Lantern Festival is complete without indulging in Nagasaki's unique culinary offerings. Sample local specialties such as:
Nagasaki Champon:
A hearty noodle dish loaded with seafood and vegetables.
Castella:
A sweet sponge cake with Portuguese origins.
Sara Udon:
Crispy noodles topped with a savory stir-fried mixture.
Nagasaki Kakuni Manju:
Steamed buns filled with melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly.
Exploring Beyond the Festival
While the Lantern Festival is the main attraction, take time to discover Nagasaki's other cultural landmarks:
Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum
Glover Garden, showcasing Western-style houses from the late 19th century
Oura Church, Japan's oldest church
Dejima, the former Dutch trading post
Getting to Nagasaki from Hakata Station in Fukuoka:
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Take the Limited Express Kamome train, which runs directly between Hakata and Nagasaki. The journey takes about 2 hours and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
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Once in Nagasaki, the city's efficient tram network is your best bet for getting around. A one-day unlimited pass costs 600 yen (about $4 USD) and allows you to hop on and off at your leisure.
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Many festival venues are within walking distance of tram stops. The main hub of activity is around Shinchi Chinatown, accessible via the Shinchi Chinatown tram stop.
Whether you're drawn by the dazzling lights, rich cultural performances, or delicious food, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival offers a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Japan's most spectacular winter events!
