Precipitation

In February, cities located on the coast of the Sea of Japan receive substantial snowfall. In these areas, snowy days average around 15 to 20 in February. In places like Hokkaido and Aomori, snow depths reach approximately 40 to 50 cm (15.7-19.7 in), making them ideal destinations for tourists seeking snowy landscapes.

Hokkaido with Much Snow in February

Other regions experience considerably less snowfall. Cities along the Pacific coast, sheltered by mountain ranges, not only have higher temperatures but also lower precipitation levels. Consequently, these cities enjoy many sunny days in February, and their precipitation mostly falls as rain. If you visit warmer southern cities like Okinawa, you will only encounter a bit frequent rainy days but zero snowy days.

Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours

In February, daylight hours in Japan are relatively short, generally not exceeding 12 hours. However, due to Japan’s wide latitude span, specific durations vary by region: Hokkaido in northern Japan experiences approximately 10-11 hours of daylight, with sunset no later than 17:30; Tokyo in central Japan sees 10.5-11.5 hours of daylight; and Okinawa in southern Japan sees daylight lasting from 11 to nearly 12 hours, with sunset generally occurring after 18:00. When planning your itinerary, note that temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, so you may wish to wrap up outdoor activities early and return indoors before dusk. Additionally, some attractions open later or close earlier than usual, so it’s advisable to check the opening times of your destinations in advance.

Regions on the Sea of Japan coast with high precipitation enjoy short sunshine hours of around 3-4 on average per day. The durations of sunshine in other cities tend to be longer, but not much.

Is It Cherry Blossom Season in February?

February isn’t the main cherry blossom season when Japan sees widespread blooms, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see any cherry blossoms if you visit Japan in this month:

In the warm Okinawa region, Sakura begin to bloom as early as late January. February is when these flowers reach their peak beauty in full bloom. However, note that by mid-to-late February, the flowers will have mostly fallen. 

For Sakura admiring in the second half month, you can head to the Izu Peninsula that is not far away from Tokyo. Since mid-February, over 850 Kawazu cherry trees on the riverbanks are full of pink flowers, creating a dreamlike pink corridor that’s truly breathtaking. The beautiful scenery here typically lasts until early March.

Japan's Early Sakura in February

Is It Cheaper to Go to Japan in February?

This depends on your specific destination.

February is when regions like Hokkaido and Nagano, known for abundant snowfall at this time, boast thick snow cover and wonderful snowy scenery, and are at their best visiting time. Therefore, traveling to these places in February, you will spend quite more than in many other months.

For most other regions, February is a cold month with rather monotonous scenery, making it the off-season. Due to the low tourist numbers, the prices of hotels and transportation will be very low. However, note that the local people will enjoy three days off from February 21st to 23rd, 2026. During this period, even in these cities, price will surge.

Is It a Good Time to Visit Japan in February?

Overall, February is a favorable time to visit Japan for certain types of travelers:

1. Travelers who enjoy winter sports and snowy landscapes: As mentioned above, cities along the Sea of Japan coast are at their peak for skiing and snowy scenery during this period.
2. Travelers enjoying quiet and seeking budget-friendly trips: Most famous destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka tend to have fewer tourists and more affordable travel costs this month.

Quiet Nara in February

Besides, February in Japan also has some highlights that may attract you:
1. Some areas with high snowfall will host Snow Festivals featuring ice sculptures, light displays, and interesting snow activities this month, attracting numerous tourists. Among them, the most famous one is the Sapporo Snow Festival that will be held from February 4th to 11th in 2026.
2. In addition to the above-mentioned cherry blossoms, in cities like Kyoto, Fukuoka, etc., the plum blossoms are charming to indicate that spring is coming soon.
3. This month, the snow-covered area on the summit of Mount Fuji is extensive, and visibility is exceptionally high.
4. At this time of year, hot springs in places like Hokkaido offer a unique experience: when enjoying the warmth of the hot springs in the cold weather, you can also witness breathtaking snowy landscapes at the same time.
5. There are whales to see in warm Okinawa in February.

How Should I Dress in Japan in February?

 Clothes: In most cities across central Japan, those sensitive to the cold can wear sweaters, thin fleece-lined pants, and down jackets; others can opt for warm long-sleeved T-shirts, hoodies, thick pants, and overcoats. During the noon of sunny days, you might even be able to take off your outer layer. If your destination is Hokkaido, you need to wear thicker clothing: For the upper body, consider thermal underwear, a sweater, and a thicker down jacket. For the lower body, layer thermal leggings under thick pants. In southern Okinawa, short-sleeved T-shirts and jeans plus thin jackets are OK on warm sunny days. However, on windy or rainy days, the wind chill can make it feel much colder, so you need a windproof jacket like the windproof outer shells of the 3-in-1 jackets for warmth.

 Shoes: A pair of comfortable boots/shoes is crucial for sightseeing, while thicker and non-slip ones are better in northern Japan. You are also advised to prepare relatively thick stocks to cope with the cold overall climate of Japan.

 Others: Hats, scarves, and gloves for warmth, and sunglasses for eye protection from the light reflected by the snow are needed for outdoor activities in Hokkaido. 

Tips for Visiting Japan in February

1. Heavy snowfall frequently causes flight delays or cancellations in cities on the Sea of Japan coast, including Hokkaido, Kanazawa, etc., and rail and road services may also be suspended sometimes. So, be sure to monitor weather forecasts and transportation updates before and during your trip, and allow ample time for your journey.
2. If planning to view cherry blossoms, note that blooming periods are highly dependent on annual weather conditions. Remember to check up-to-date bloom forecasts.

3. Book hotels in Hokkaido in advance this month, especially if you plan to travel to Sapporo during the Snow Festival from February 4th to 11th in 2026, to avoid last-minute price spikes or sold-out options

February Weather of Major Japan Cities