February in Japan marks a season where the harsh winter cold is gradually softened by hints of spring. During this time, various traditional events that have been passed down for generations, as well as widely enjoyed activities, take place across the country. Here, we introduce some annual traditions, seasonal highlights, and events happening in February.
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Around February 3rd: "Setsubun" – A tradition to ward off evil spirits
"Setsubun," held around February 3, is a tradition meant to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune. In many households, family members throw roasted soybeans around the house or in the garden while chanting, "Out with the demons! In with fortune!" Children often wear demon masks, while adults take on the role of tossing the beans. There is also a custom of eating the same number of beans as your age to pray for health, making it a particularly fun event for children.
At temples and shrines, large-scale bean-throwing ceremonies are held, where local celebrities or priests throw beans from a stage. Visitors eagerly gather these beans to wish for good luck throughout the year.
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Around February 3: "Ehomaki" – A must-have tradition for Setsubun
Eating "Ehomaki" has also become a popular tradition for Setsubun. Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll containing seven ingredients, symbolizing the Seven Lucky Gods. On this day, people face the "lucky direction" of the year and eat the roll whole in silence while making a wish in their hearts. It’s believed that doing so will bring good fortune. While some make these rolls at home, many opt to buy them at convenience stores or supermarkets, making Ehomaki a quintessential February tradition.
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Around February 4: "Risshun" – A day to feel the arrival of spring
"Risshun" marks the beginning of spring according to the traditional Japanese calendar. It’s an important turning point, as people start to sense hints of spring even amidst the lingering cold. Many shrines hold festivals for warding off evil and praying for good fortune, where visitors celebrate the start of a new season.
At home, families often prepare auspicious foods to welcome spring together. Beans, such as soybeans, red beans, or white tofu, are commonly used, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits.
Around February 8: "Hari Kuyo" – Honoring old needles
"Hari Kuyo," or the Needle Memorial, is a significant event for those involved in sewing and crafting. Held around February 8 at many shrines, participants bring worn-out needles and gently place them into soft tofu or konjac as an offering.
This act symbolizes gratitude for the needles’ service and a wish to let them rest without further strain. The ceremony is attended by professional seamstresses, hobbyists, and craft enthusiasts. After the offerings, the needles are burned in a ritual led by shrine priests to commemorate their service.
Early February: "Sapporo Snow Festival" – Be amazed by snow and ice art
The "Sapporo Snow Festival," held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s most celebrated winter events, attracting visitors from around the world. The massive snow and ice sculptures, meticulously crafted by local artisans, leave a lasting impression with their incredible detail.
During the day, visitors can admire the intricate beauty of the sculptures, while at night, the illuminated displays create a magical atmosphere. For children, there are snow slides and snowball fight areas, making it a popular destination for families. Additionally, numerous food stalls offer warm drinks and unique Hokkaido delicacies, adding to the lively winter atmosphere.
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February 11: "National Foundation Day" – Celebrating the birth of Japan
"National Foundation Day" on February 11 is a public holiday celebrating the founding of Japan. On this day, many shrines hold ceremonies modeled after ancient rituals. These often include priests reciting prayers and participants offering sacred branches in solemn recognition of Japan’s origins.
In some regions, parades and lectures related to Japanese history are also held, drawing families and history enthusiasts alike.
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February 14: "Valentine's Day" – Gifting chocolates
February 14, "Valentine's Day," has evolved uniquely in Japan into a day when women gift chocolates to colleagues, friends, and romantic partners. Many women take this opportunity to express their feelings by giving "honmei choco" (chocolates for someone special) and often pour their emotions into handmade chocolates.
In workplaces and schools, women commonly distribute "giri choco" (obligation chocolates), while among friends, "tomo choco" (friendship chocolates) are exchanged as a fun way to share favorite sweets. At home, mothers and children often enjoy making Valentine's chocolates together. Recently, trends like "gyaku choco" (men giving chocolates to women) and purchasing indulgent chocolates as a self-reward have also become popular.
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February 17: "Kinen-sai" – Praying for a bountiful harvest
"Kinen-sai," held around February 17, is a significant Shinto ritual performed at shrines across Japan to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five staple grains. Also known as "Toshigoi no Matsuri," where "toshi" refers to rice and "koi" to prayer, this festival holds a deep connection to agricultural traditions.
At Ise Shrine, a solemn ceremony is conducted where Shinto priests recite prayers, offering wishes for an abundant harvest. Smaller shrines in rural areas also hold rituals where locals gather to express gratitude for their fields and pray for the year's prosperity. The event symbolizes Japan’s ancient agricultural culture and remains a vital occasion for both farmers and local communities.
Around February 19: "Usui" – Calling for the blessings of rain
"Usui," one of the 24 solar terms, marks the period when snow transitions into rain, and ice melts into water. It signals the gradual approach of warmer weather and has traditionally served as a cue for the start of agricultural activities.
In farming regions, preparations for the fields begin around this time, and ceremonies are sometimes held to pray for an abundant harvest. In some areas, it is customary to start sowing seeds during this period, reflecting a deep connection between nature and agriculture.
Mid-February: "Lunar New Year" – Celebrations rich in local color
In some regions, events are held to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For example, in Yokohama Chinatown, colorful lanterns adorn the streets, and traditional lion dances and dragon parades take place. These festivities attract not only local residents but also a large number of tourists. The lively sounds of firecrackers fill the air, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere throughout the area.
Yokohama Chinatown, Nankinmachi (Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture), and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture) are collectively known as "Japan’s Three Great Chinatowns."
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February 22: "Cat Day" – A celebration for cat lovers
"Cat Day" is a special day for cat enthusiasts to express their love for feline companions. The date, February 22, was chosen because its pronunciation in Japanese ("Nyan-Nyan-Nyan") resembles the sound of a cat’s meow.
On this day, cat-themed events are held, and social media is flooded with adorable cat photos, fueling the nationwide excitement around cats. Special sales on cat merchandise and unique events at cat cafes make it a delightful occasion for cat lovers.
February 23: "The Emperor's Birthday" – Public celebration at the Imperial Palace
February 23, "The Emperor's Birthday," is a national holiday in Japan marked by public visits to the Imperial Palace. On this day, the palace gates are opened, and the Emperor appears before the public. Attendees wave small Japanese flags and offer their heartfelt congratulations, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere. Families, tourists, and citizens gather in large numbers for this rare opportunity.
In addition to the palace event, commemorative ceremonies and special events are held nationwide, including exhibitions, park festivities, and cultural programs.
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February 29: "Leap Year" – A once-in-four-years special day
"Leap Year" occurs once every four years, adding February 29 to the calendar. This adjustment corrects the mismatch between the Earth’s orbital period around the sun (approximately 365.2422 days) and the standard 365-day calendar. Without leap years, seasons and calendars would gradually drift out of sync, disrupting agriculture and seasonal traditions.
Leap Day, February 29, is recognized as a unique occasion. Some areas host "leap year-only events," offering special discounts or commemorative items. Gatherings to celebrate people born on February 29 are also common, giving this rare day a festive and memorable feel.
February in Japan is a month of vibrant traditions and rich cultural events, despite the lingering cold. By participating in the festivals and holidays introduced here, you can experience Japan’s unique culture and seasonal charm on a deeper level.
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