Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s new (ish) series where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in February 2025.
- Tokyo
- Light in and around sake breweries photo exhibition at Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center (February 8-14)
- Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Crab and Beef Dinner Buffet (Until February 28)
- Shiitake Creative’s 2025 Japan Travel Awards Ceremony at TAC (February 12)
- Setagaya Ume Matsuri (February 8 to March 2)
- Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri 2025 (Early February to Early March)
- Some no Komichi Festival (February 21-23)
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Hokkaido
Tokyo
In Tokyo, February offers a vibrant array of events, making it an ideal time for culture, nature and food enthusiasts to immerse themselves in seasonal traditions, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
Light in and around sake breweries photo exhibition at Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center (February 8-14)
Three of Japan’s most exciting and emerging photographers, Cindy Bissig, Anna Petek, and Anat Parnass showcase images, in their joint exhibition titled Light in and around sake breweries, focused on the hues and aesthetic contrasts found in sake breweries at one of Tokyo’s best and most undiscovered locations – Toranomon’s Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center. A must see for fans of photography and/or sake.
| When | February 8-14 (10am to 6pm) |
| Where | Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://japansake.or.jp/sake/en/jss/information-center/ |
Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Crab and Beef Dinner Buffet (Until February 28)
The French Kitchen at Grand Hyatt Tokyo is offering a King Crab and Roast Beef Semi-buffet Dinner until February 28, 2025, between 6pm and 9:30pm. Each guest can enjoy a table-served 800g portion of fresh red king crab legs, followed by a buffet featuring slow-roasted beef marinated with herbs and accompanied by eight sauces. Additional dishes include fried soft-shell crab, red king crab gratin, and homemade smoked salmon. Desserts such as strawberry Paris-Brest and strawberry white chocolate mousse complete the meal. The price is 13,200 yen per person, with an option including a drink at 13,895 yen.
| When | Until February 28 |
| Where | Grand Hyatt Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | 13,200 yen per person – 13,895 yen including a drink. |
| Official Website | https://www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.co.jp/en/restaurants/recommended/french-kitchen-crab-dinner/ |
Shiitake Creative’s 2025 Japan Travel Awards Ceremony at TAC (February 12)
Shiitake Creative, a Tokyo-based agency promoting diversity in Japan’s marketing industry, is announcing the 2025 Japan Travel Awards winners. Celebrating its fourth anniversary, the Awards honor travel destinations and operators prioritizing diversity, sustainability, and exceptional hospitality. This year, 11 winners were recognized across six categories, alongside four Special Recognition Awards and one Grand Prix. Selected from 16 finalists and 196 entries, winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on February 12, 2025, at Tokyo American Club, open to media, officials, and travel professionals.
Register online here.
| When | February 12 |
| Where | Tokyo American Club |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://japantravelawards.com/2025-winners-en |
Setagaya Ume Matsuri (February 8 to March 2)
Setagaya Ume Matsuri, held from February 8 to March 2 at Hanegi Park, celebrates over 650 plum trees, featuring vibrant red and white blossoms. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, tea ceremonies, and food stalls. The festival honors the park’s long history as a scenic plum-viewing spot in Tokyo, attracting both locals and tourists for its seasonal beauty and traditional atmosphere.
| When | February 8 to March 2 |
| Where | Hanegi Park |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://setagaya-umematsuri.com |
Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri 2025 (Early February to Early March)
Yushima Tenjin Shrine hosts an annual Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival) featuring stunning plum trees in full bloom. This event typically includes cultural performances, tea ceremonies, and seasonal treats, offering a serene blend of natural beauty and traditional Japanese culture. It’s a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy early spring in Tokyo.
| When | Early February to early March |
| Where | Yushima Tenjin Shrine |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/ume/2025/index.htm |
Some no Komichi Festival (February 21-23)
The Some no Komichi Festival in Tokyo’s Nakai neighborhood celebrates its rich fabric dyeing heritage dating back to the Edo period. During the event, vibrant textiles are displayed over the Myoshoji River, and traditional shop curtains (noren) adorn local shopping streets. Attendees can also enjoy workshops and demonstrations at a local primary school. Free guided tours offer deeper insights into dyeing techniques. For the latest information, visit the festival’s website.
| When | February 21-23 |
| Where | Nakai, Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | http://www.somenokomichi.com |
Osaka
This February in Osaka, visitors can experience an intriguing blend of automotive exhibitions and breathtaking floral events, creating a dynamic fusion of technology and natural beauty.
Osaka Auto Messe (February 7-9)
Osaka Auto Messe is a dynamic event showcasing automotive culture, innovation, and customization trends. Held annually at INTEX Osaka, it features modified cars, custom parts, and automotive-related technology. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, test drives, and live entertainment. The event attracts car enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, offering insights into the latest automotive advancements and creative vehicle designs. It provides a platform for networking, inspiration, and entertainment for anyone passionate about cars.
| When | February 7-9 |
| Where | INTEX Osaka |
| Admission Fee | 2,700 yen (Pre-sale ticket) 3,500 yen (Same-day ticket) |
| Official Website | https://www.automesse.jp |
Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park Plum Blossom Festival (February 8 to March 9)
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka will host its annual Plum Festival from February 8 to March 9, 2025. Visitors can enjoy around 600 plum trees of 120 varieties in the Natural and Cultural Garden, and approximately 80 trees of 40 varieties in the Japanese Garden. The park is open from 9:30am to 5pm, but is closed on Wednesdays. Admission is free. The park is a short walk from Banpaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail Line.
| When | February 8 – March 9 |
| Where | Expo ’70 Commemorative Park |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.expo70-park.jp/event/68384 |
Kyoto
Don’t miss this enchanting flower event, where the elegance of the blossoms is beautifully complemented by the graceful presence of geisha, adding a touch of tradition and charm to the experience.
Kitano Tenmangu Ume Matsuri (February 25)
This Plum Blossom Festival will be held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto on February 25, 2025, commemorating the death of Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure associated with plum trees. The ceremony involves giving offerings to the shrine to ward off misfortune. Visitors can enjoy a traditional outdoor tea ceremony hosted by geisha and maiko from the Kamishichiken district between 10am and 3pm. The Tenjin Market, a lively monthly fair, will also take place.
| When | February 25 |
| Where | Kitano Tenmangu Shrine |
| Admission Fee | 3,000 yen |
| Official Website | https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=2595 |
Hokkaido
This month, Hokkaido is hosting one of its most spectacular events of the year, featuring an abundance of snow and breathtaking winter scenery.
Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4-11)
The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival is scheduled from February 4 to 11, 2025, across three main sites:
- Odori Site: Features large snow sculptures, projection mapping shows, and various attractions in Odori Park.
- Susukino Site: Showcases ice sculptures, an ice sculpture contest, and an ice bar under the theme “Enjoy the Ice.”
- Tsudome Site: Offers family-friendly activities like snow slides and snow rafting, along with indoor attractions and local cuisine.
This annual event celebrates winter artistry and attracts visitors worldwide.
| When | February 4-11 |
| Where | Various locations in Sapporo |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.snowfes.com/en |
Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival (February 8-9)
The 60th Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival is scheduled for February 8–9, 2025, at the Abashiri Commercial Port Wharf. This annual winter event features impressive snow and ice sculptures, live performances, and unique activities like the Drift Ice Kayak Pulling Competition. The festival aims to raise awareness about the declining drift ice due to global warming, under the theme “SAVE THE ICE SAVE THE EARTH.” Attendees can also enjoy local cuisine and cultural exhibitions.
| When | February 8-9 |
| Where | Abashiri Commercial Port Wharf |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://visit-abashiri.jp/en/event/b9b5c81d6a90669b636d2b1511eafef4416fbcc5.html |
Make sure to visit one of these lesser-known festivals, events and exhibitions during your trip to Japan in February to make your trip in 2025 a very special experience.
