Top 10 Not-to-Miss Occurrences and Activities in Tokyo During February 2025
February in Tokyo: A Captivating fusion of Tradition and Experience
In the crisp winter months, Tokyo transforms into a vibrant cultural hotspot, offering a diverse mix of events, festivals, and unique experiences that celebrate the transition from winter to spring. From lively traditions like Setubun to the quirky Tengu Festival, Tokyo caters to both first-timers and seasoned travelers seeking an immersive taste of Japan.
1. Setubun: Beating Demons, Welcoming Fortune
Setubun, celebrated annually on February 3 or 4, marks the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar. Festivities include roasted soybean scatterings in a ceremony called "mame maki" while participants chant the phrase "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" - "Out with the demons, in with fortune." Many temples and shrines across Tokyo and Japan host these events. At Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and Zojoji Temple in Shibakoen, celebrities join the spectacle, throwing roasted soybeans to the eager crowd. The event is free, making it an excellent opportunity to share the experience with friends and family.
2. Shimokitazawa Tengu Festival 2025: Luck and Laughter
Held in the first week of February, Shimokitazawa's Tengu Festival features masked characters resembling mythical beings with long noses or beaks, believed to bring prosperity or good luck. Similar to Setsubun, Tengu Festival-goers chant "Fuku-wa-uchi" (Good Fortune inside) as they scatter the beans. Visitors can additionally enjoy delicious festival food, shop for unique handicrafts, and participate in a blessing ritual. The energetic atmosphere makes it a standout among February events in Tokyo.
3. Super Bowl 2025: The Global Gathering
For football enthusiasts, Japan boasts numerous venues to enjoy the Super Bowl in style. Sports bars like Hub and restaurants serving American food, such as Outback Steakhouse, commonly have big screens, delicious snacks, and passionate fans. If you prefer watching from home, NHK will broadcast the game live, though kick-off times may vary due to the time difference.
4. Tokunoshima Tourism & Products Fair
Taking place on February 16, 2025, this event showcases the best of Tokunoshima - an island known for its high birth rates and large population of centenarians. Visitors can sample local delicacies, shop for unique handicrafts, and enjoy cultural performances at Yoyogi Park. This event offers a memorable slice of regional Japan within the city, with free admission for all.
5. Plum Blossom Festivals
As winter gives way to spring, Tokyo's parks and gardens are adorned with beautiful plum blossoms. Tokunoshima tourism and the original text suggests taking a closer look at these tiny yet beautiful flowers as they bloom, symbolizing the subtle transition from winter to spring. From late January to mid-February, various plum blossom festivals like Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival and Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival offer guests the chance to stroll, sit, and partake in food stalls and cultural performances.
6. Ohme 30 & 10 km Road Race
This famous road race, attracting runners from around the globe, offers a 30-km or 10-km course through stunning countryside on February 16, 2025. Spectators line up along the streets to cheer on runners, creating a festive atmosphere. Whether a seasoned athlete or casual observer, this event is a remarkable opportunity to witness the community spirit in Tokyo.
7. Hokkaido Local Cheese Fair
Lovers of cheese can rejoice! The annual Hokkaido Local Cheese Fair offers sixty varieties of cheeses from Hokkaido's numerous dairy farms. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding the exact dates and location of the event!
8. Itabashi No Ta-asobi
This traditional "Ta-asobi" event, held at Tokumari Kitano Shrine in Itabashi ward, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese agricultural customs. Participants can take part in rituals celebrating a bountiful harvest, complete with music and traditional attire. The night features a "Ta-asobi" performance demonstrating a year's worth of rice farming and an "Okagari" ceremony where New Year's decorations are ritualistically burnt in a large bonfire, praying for a prosperous year.
9. Strawberry Picking
February marks peak strawberry season in Japan, with Tokyo offering several farms and greenhouses where visitors can pick and indulge in fresh strawberries. These interactive programs, unusual in an urban setting, make for a fun and fruity day out.
10. Kite Market
Celebrate the art of kite-making at the Kite Market, held at Ōji Inari Shrine during the days of the horse in February. The market features beautifully crafted kites, live demonstrations, and merchant stalls selling kites as souvenirs.
With a captivating blend of traditional customs and modern experiences, February in Tokyo promises an unforgettable adventure to suit travelers of all kinds. From vibrant festivals to serene flower gardens, Tokyo's rich cultural tapestry awaits exploration during this exciting month.
1. Extend Your Stay for the Tokorozawa Sumo Tournament
Guests planning their Tokyo visit during February should consider staying a little longer to experience the Tokorozawa Sumo Tournament. As one of the six major tournaments in the sumo world, this event takes place from the 5th to the 11th of February. This exhilarating competition brings together Japan's top wrestlers, providing an opportunity to witness the age-old tradition and sheer power of sumo wrestling.
2. Explore Tokyo's Hidden Culture and History
To truly immerse oneself in Tokyo's rich culture and history, a visit to Edo-Tokyo Museum is a must. Opened in 1993, this museum transports visitors back in time, showcasing the life and times of the Edo period (1603-1868) through artifacts, models, and multimedia displays. By understanding the past, one can better appreciate the customs, food, and lifestyle that define Tokyo today.
3. Departure from a Gourmet Perspective: Sushi, Ramen, and More
As you bid farewell to Tokyo, indulge in one of Japan's beloved cultural exports - sushi. The Tsukiji Fish Market, relocated to Toyosu, remains a sushi haven, offering a vast array of fresh seafood while the famous conveyor belt restaurants present a fun, affordable sushi experience. For the ultimate ramen adventure, head to Ichiran ortarō, known for their secret-recipe ramen in a cozy, atmospheric space.
4. Souvenirs to Remember: Traditional Crafts and Tokyoites' Favorites
Tokyo's vast shopping scene offers endless opportunities for unique souvenirs. Brand-name stores and glitzy shopping malls cater to luxurious tastes, while areas like Harajuku and Akihabara are home to quirky, trendy fashion. For traditional arts and crafts, explore Asakusa's Nakamise Shopping Street, where you can find kimonos, yukatas, woodblock prints, and Japanese sweets.
5. Last Bites of Tokyo: Experience Local Nightlife
As evening falls, Tokyo's nightlife reveals itself, offering an array of entertainment options. Head to Roppongi for clubs, bars, and international cuisine, Shibuya for its vibrant neon lights and street fashion, or Shinjuku for Kabuki or movie theaters. Don't miss the opportunity to unwind at an authentic izakaya (Japanese pub) or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony before departing from this enchanting city.
