Introduction
Hello! I’m Ken, editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.
With Setsubun behind us, spring is officially on the horizon according to the traditional calendar. February in Tokyo is a dramatic season where the scent of plum blossoms and the sight of early-blooming cherry blossoms begin to pierce through the crisp winter air.
In this article, I have carefully selected 5 events that you “absolutely must visit” in Tokyo during the latter half of February 2026.
This is a special two-part guide that also includes a “Major Event List” to help you plan your stay. Let’s make the most of Tokyo’s late winter beauty!
Ken’s TIP: While the sun can feel warm in February, the wind remains very cold. I recommend warming up from the inside with some “steaming hot ramen” as you explore the city waiting for spring!
【Ken’s Choice】 5 Must-Visit Events This Month
Here are five topics with high experience value for your trip from mid to late February.
1. 【Tradition】 Yushima Tenjin Plum Festival
- Overview: Yushima Tenjin is famous as a shrine dedicated to the god of learning. It is one of the best plum blossom spots in Tokyo, with about 300 white plum trees beautifully coloring the grounds. They have a stronger, more dignified fragrance than cherry blossoms.
- Ken’s Point: I recommend visiting during the weekend to see traditional performances or to try the local specialty “Plum Daifuku” (rice cake). As this is the god of learning, the sight of students hanging Ema (votive tablets) to pray for exam success is a quintessential Japanese winter scene.
- Dates: February 8 – March 8 (Subject to change based on blooming status)
- Location: Yushima Tenmangu (Yushima Tenjin)
2. 【Seasonal】 Setagaya Plum Festival (Hanegi Park)
- Overview: This is one of Tokyo’s largest plum festivals, held at Hanegi Park in Setagaya Ward. With approximately 650 plum trees, you can enjoy a colorful spectacle of red, white, and pink blossoms.
- Ken’s Point: The charm of this festival is the warm atmosphere loved by locals. Food stalls offering plum-themed sweets and drinks line the paths, making it a wonderful spot to celebrate the coming of spring with a picnic.
- Dates: February 7 – March 1 (est.)
- Location: Hanegi Park
3. 【Subculture】 Gacha Gacha Exhibition in Roppongi
- Overview: A large-scale exhibition where you can experience the history and present state of Japan’s world-renowned “Gacha Gacha” capsule toys. From the latest popular items to nostalgic retro machines, the sight of thousands of capsules is truly spectacular.
- Ken’s Point: The contrast of getting excited about “Gacha Gacha” in a sophisticated area like Roppongi is fun. With limited-edition exhibition capsules and miniature figures perfect for souvenirs, both adults and children are sure to be hooked!
- Dates: February 6 – March 2
- Location: Roppongi Museum
4. 【Cherry Blossoms】 Kawazu-zakura at Kyu-Nakagawa
- Overview: “Kawazu-zakura” blooms a month earlier than the famous Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. Characterized by their deep pink color, these early blossoms can be enjoyed along the Kyu-Nakagawa River with the Tokyo Skytree in the background.
- Ken’s Point: This is the ultimate photo spot revealed by insiders. There is a specific spot where you can capture the Skytree, the Sobu Line train, and the blossoms all in one frame. It’s very popular with photographers.
- Dates: Mid-February – Early March
- Location: Along the Kyu-Nakagawa River (Near Hirai Station)
5. 【Gourmet】 Valentine’s Chocolate Fairs
Valentine’s Day in Japan is a unique cultural phenomenon. The massive chocolate fairs held at department stores have become a form of culinary entertainment.
- Overview: Events are held at major department stores like Isetan Shinjuku, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, Ginza Mitsukoshi, and Shinjuku Takashimaya. Top chocolatiers from around the world gather here, offering limited-edition chocolates that you can only find at these venues.
- Ken’s Point: You will surely be overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of locals searching for “reward chocolates” for themselves! It’s a great chance to see Japanese foodie culture at its peak.
- Dates: Until around February 14
- Location: Event halls of major department stores
【Major Event List】 Highlights for February 2026
In addition to the above, late February in Tokyo offers several other noteworthy spots and activities:
- Tokyo Dome City Illumination: A light display themed around “Wa” (Japanese harmony) and the spirit of Edo. February is relatively uncrowded, making it perfect for photos. (Until March 1)
- Winter Flavors: Strawberry Picking: Located in the Saitama and Chiba areas, just an hour by train from central Tokyo. February is when the berries are at their largest and sweetest.
- Tokyo Midtown Outdoor Ice Skating: An ice rink surrounded by the skyscrapers of Roppongi. The evening illumination creates a truly magical atmosphere. (Until February 23)
Ken’s Final Advice
- Prepare for Dryness and Cold Winds: February in Tokyo is very dry, and the wind can make the temperature feel significantly lower. Don’t forget lip balm, throat lozenges, and if you’re heading to outdoor observatories like SHIBUYA SKY, a heavy coat and gloves are essential!
- Holiday Crowds: February 11 (National Foundation Day) and February 23 (The Emperor’s Birthday) are public holidays in Japan. Popular tourist spots and department store fairs will be extremely crowded, so choosing to visit on a weekday is a smarter move.
Summary
Late February in Tokyo is a wonderful time where traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern pop culture intersect perfectly. Don’t let the cold stop you—come and enjoy this special side of Tokyo that can only be experienced now!
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