# Winter in Tokyo: January and February 2027

January and February are Tokyo's quiet season, and most guides skip straight past them. The air is dry, the sky is often a clean winter blue, Mount Fuji appears on the horizon, and once the New Year rush is over the city feels calmer than in spring or autumn. There is more going on than you would expect, from a sumo tournament and Setsubun bean throwing to the first plum blossoms, and the list below is updated daily with the biggest events of the season.

## What Tokyo is like in winter

Tokyo winters are cold but bright. Daytime highs sit around 10°C, mornings and nights drop close to freezing, and rain is rare compared with the rest of the year, so you get day after day of sunshine. Most winters bring a few days of snow, usually in January or February. It rarely settles for long, but even a few centimetres slows trains and buses, so give yourself extra time on those days.

The dry air is also why winter is the best time of year to see Mount Fuji from the city. Your chances are best early in the morning, before haze builds up. The free observatories of the [Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%81%E7%AC%AC%E4%B8%80%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%81%E8%88%8E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF2-8-1) in Shinjuku are the easy option, and [Tokyo Skytree](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AB%E3%82%A4%E3%83%84%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%8A%BC%E4%B8%8A1-1-1) and [Tokyo Tower](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%8A%9D%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%924-2-8) work too on a clear day. You can also catch Fuji from bridges and riverbanks in the west of the city, and from many trains heading out of Tokyo.

- Sunset comes early in January, around 4:30pm to 5pm, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
- Check the forecast for snow warnings. Snow days mean delays, crowded platforms and slippery station stairs.

## January: sumo, kimono and a 400-year-old market

Once the first week of shrine visits is over, January settles into a few fixed points. Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) falls on the second Monday of January. Each ward holds a ceremony for people turning 20, and you will see young women in long-sleeved furisode kimono and young men in suits or hakama around ward halls, big shrines and photo spots. At [Meiji Jingu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA1-1) the day is marked with a traditional archery ceremony.

The January sumo tournament (Hatsu Basho) runs for 15 days around the middle of the month at [Ryogoku Kokugikan](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%A1%E5%9B%BD%E5%9B%BD%E6%8A%80%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%A8%AA%E7%B6%B21-3-28). [Tickets go on sale](https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/) weeks in advance and good seats sell out fast, but the arena is worth visiting even from the cheap seats at the back. On January 15 and 16, and again on December 15 and 16 every year, Setagaya holds the [Boroichi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AD%E5%B8%82%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B71%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), a street market that dates back to 1578. Hundreds of stalls fill a long street near [Kamimachi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%80%A5%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%B8%8A%E7%94%BA%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B73-4-3) and [Setagaya](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%80%A5%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B74-9-6) stations on the Tokyu Setagaya Line, selling antiques, old tools, kimono, plants and food. Try the daikan mochi rice cakes made on the spot, and bring cash.

January is also sale season. Department stores and fashion buildings start their winter sales after New Year and keep marking things down until late in the month.

- Boroichi is busiest at midday on weekends. Go in the morning on a weekday if the dates allow.
- Coming of Age Day is a public holiday, so shrines and photo spots are busy and some ward offices close.

- → [Sumo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sumo.md)
- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Events in Sumida](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sumida.md)
- → [Events in Setagaya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/setagaya.md)

## February: Setsubun, plum blossoms and chocolate

Setsubun, the day before the traditional start of spring, falls on February 3 in most years. Temples and shrines hold mamemaki, where roasted beans are thrown to drive out demons and bring in luck. [Sensoji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1) in Asakusa and [Zojoji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%A2%97%E4%B8%8A%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%8A%9D%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%924-7-35) in Shiba Park are two of the best known, and at some temples sumo wrestlers and TV personalities throw the beans from a stage. People also eat ehomaki, a long sushi roll eaten in silence while facing the year's lucky direction. Supermarkets and convenience stores sell them everywhere that week.

Plum blossoms (ume) are the first flowers of the year. They open from late January in a warm year, but most gardens look best in the second half of February. [Yushima Tenjin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B9%AF%E5%B3%B6%E5%A4%A9%E6%BA%80%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E6%B9%AF%E5%B3%B63-30-1) near Ueno holds a month-long plum festival with stalls and performances, [Hanegi Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%BE%BD%E6%A0%B9%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B04-38-52) in Setagaya has around 650 trees, [Koishikawa Korakuen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E5%BE%8C%E6%A5%BD%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E5%BE%8C%E6%A5%BD1-6-6) is a classic Edo-period garden with a plum grove, and [Kameido Tenjin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%80%E6%88%B8%E5%A4%A9%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%BA%80%E6%88%B83-6-1) frames its trees with Tokyo Skytree in the background. Plum viewing is quieter than cherry blossom season, and the scent is part of the experience.

From mid-January, department stores turn whole floors into Valentine's chocolate fairs with chocolatiers from Japan and abroad. The biggest, Salon du Chocolat, has been held in recent years at [Isetan Shinjuku](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BC%8A%E5%8B%A2%E4%B8%B9%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%BA%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF3-14-1), with long queues on the first days. In Japan, February 14 is traditionally the day women give chocolate, and men return the favour on White Day, March 14.

- → [Setsubun in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/setsubun.md)
- → [Flower festivals in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flowers.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Bunkyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/bunkyo.md)
- → [Events in Setagaya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/setagaya.md)

## Evenings, ice rinks and winter food

Winter illuminations do not end with Christmas. Many of the big ones keep going through January and into February, and some run until spring, so you can still see them with a fraction of the December crowds. [Tokyo Midtown](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%9F%E3%83%83%E3%83%89%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%B5%A4%E5%9D%829-7-1) in Roppongi has set up a seasonal outdoor ice rink on its lawn in recent winters, usually from around late November to February, with skate hire on site. Outside Tokyo, [Lake Kawaguchi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B2%B3%E5%8F%A3%E6%B9%96%20%E5%B1%B1%E6%A2%A8%E7%9C%8C%E5%8D%97%E9%83%BD%E7%95%99%E9%83%A1%E5%AF%8C%E5%A3%AB%E6%B2%B3%E5%8F%A3%E6%B9%96%E7%94%BA) near Mount Fuji has held short winter fireworks shows on weekends in late January and February in recent years.

This is also the best season for eating. Nabe hot pots, oden simmering at convenience store counters and sweet potatoes from yaki-imo trucks all taste better in the cold. Japanese strawberries are at their best now: farms in Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama, plus a few within Tokyo, open for strawberry picking from around January, and hotels run strawberry dessert buffets that book up weeks ahead.

- Strawberry picking slots on January to March weekends fill up early. Book online before you go.
- Outdoor rinks often close for maintenance or in bad weather. Check the venue's page on the day.

- → [Winter illuminations in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter-illuminations.md)
- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Events in Minato](https://eventstokyo.com/en/minato.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)

## Hot springs, day trips and staying warm

Cold days are the right time for a hot spring. Hakone is the classic day trip, reached from Shinjuku on the [Odakyu Line](https://odakyu-global.com/destinations/hakone/), and the Mount Fuji Five Lakes area gives you hot baths with views of the mountain. In the city itself, neighbourhood sento bathhouses and large spa complexes are an easy evening option. At any onsen or sento you wash thoroughly before getting in, you go in without a swimsuit, and some places still refuse guests with tattoos, so check first.

Indoors, Tokyo is warm and trains are often heated to the point of being stuffy, so layers work better than one thick coat. The air is very dry, which means chapped lips and static shocks. Convenience stores sell disposable heat packs (kairo), and vending machines sell hot drinks, marked with a red label.

- Stick-on heat packs inside a jacket keep you warm through a long sumo day or an outdoor queue.
- Bring lip balm and hand cream. Humidity indoors can drop very low in January.

- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/coming-of-age-day-seijin-no-hi-2027-7923)** — Mon, Jan 11, 2027 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Furusato Matsuri Tokyo 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/furusato-matsuri-tokyo-2027-7942)** — Fri, Jan 8, 2027 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · price on the official site
- **[GUNDAM-Con 2027 Makuhari Edition](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/gundam-con2027-side-makuhari)** — Sat, Jan 9, 2027 09:00 – Mon, Jan 11, 2027 (JST) · Makuhari Messe Halls 1-3 (Mihama, Chiba) · ¥5,000
- **[Grand Sumo New Year Tournament (Hatsu Basho)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/grand-sumo-new-year-tournament-hatsu-basho-7702)** — Sun, Jan 10, 2027 – Sun, Jan 24, 2027 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥3,500〜
- **[Tokyo Auto Salon 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-auto-salon-2027-7935)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027 (JST) · Makuhari Messe (美浜区) · ¥3,000〜
- **[Setagaya Boro-ichi](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/setagaya-boro-ichi-2)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 09:00 – Sat, Jan 16, 2027 (JST) · Boroichi Street (Setagaya Daikan Residence Area) (Setagaya) · Free entry
- **[Wonder Festival 2027 [Winter]](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/wonder-festival-2027-winter-7939)** — Sat, Feb 13, 2027 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · Makuhari Messe (美浜区) · price on the official site
- **[VALENTINE ROSE FES 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/valentine-rose-fes-2027)** — Sun, Feb 21, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Big Sight (Koto) · price on the official site
- **[Kis-My-Ft2 Dome Tour 2026-2027: fan IS······](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kis-my-ft2-dome-tour-2026-2027-fan-is)** — Sun, Feb 21, 2027 17:00 – Tue, Feb 23, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥11,000
- **[=LOVE in Tokyo Dome](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/love-in-tokyo-dome-7960)** — Tue, Jan 19, 2027 – Wed, Jan 20, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · price on the official site
- **[Super Hero Festival: All Heroes Live & Show 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/allheroeslive-show-2027)** — Wed, Jan 20, 2027 18:30 – Thu, Jan 21, 2027 (JST) · Yokohama Arena (神奈川県) · ¥12,000〜
- **[Tokyo eSports Festa 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-esports-festa-2027)** — Fri, Jan 22, 2027 – Sun, Jan 24, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) (Koto) · Free entry
- **[Bruno Mars](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bruno-mars-tokyo-2027)** — Wed, Jan 27, 2027 17:00 – Thu, Jan 28, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥11,800
- **[Endo Retirement and Hokujin Name Succession Grand Sumo Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/endo-retirement-and-hokujin-name-succession-grand-sumo-event)** — Sat, Jan 30, 2027 11:30 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥4,000–¥60,000
- **[Setsubun Bean-Throwing 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/setsubun-bean-throwing-2027-7924)** — Wed, Feb 3, 2027 (JST) · Sensoji Temple (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Yushima Tenjin Plum Festival 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yushima-tenjin-plum-festival-2027-7926)** — Mon, Feb 8, 2027 – Mon, Mar 8, 2027 (JST) · Kanda Myojin Shrine (Bunkyo) · Free entry
- **[Bukurock! Festival 2027 Makuhari](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bukurock-festival-2027-makuhari)** — Thu, Feb 11, 2027 11:00 (JST) · Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 1–3 (Chiba) · ¥9,500–¥11,000
- **[Saitama Marathon 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/saitama-marathon-2027-7715)** — Sun, Feb 14, 2027 09:00 (JST) · GMO Arena Saitama (Saitama Super Arena) Area (Chuo, Saitama) · ¥1,650–¥15,000
- **[CP+ 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/cp-2027-7936)** — Thu, Feb 25, 2027 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · PACIFICO Yokohama (Yokohama) · Free entry
- **[40th Annual 5,000-Person Beethoven’s Ninth Concert at Ryogoku Sumo Hall](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/40th-annual-5000-person-beethovens-ninth-concert-at-ryogoku)** — Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · price on the official site
- **[BE:FIRST 5th Anniversary DOME TOUR (Tokyo Dome)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/be-first-5th-anniversary-dome-tour-tokyo-dome-7959)** — Mon, Jan 11, 2027 17:00 – Tue, Jan 12, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥16,500
- **[Bruno Mars - The Romantic Tour in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bruno-mars-the-romantic-tour-in-japan)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 – Sat, Jan 16, 2027 (JST) · Belluna Dome · ¥11,800〜
- **[M!LK Arena Tour 2026-2027 'Shakariki Revolution'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mlk-arena-tour-2026-2027-2)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 18:00 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027 (JST) · Yokohama Arena (神奈川県) · ¥11,500〜
- **[Oedo Antique Market](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oedo-antique-market-7)** — Sun, Jan 17, 2027 09:00 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum Ground Plaza (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-legend-of-zelda-40th-anniversary-concert)** — Sat, Jan 23, 2027 13:00 (JST) · Tokyo Garden Theater (Koto) · ¥11,000–¥16,500
- **[Seal Japan Tour 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/seal-japan-tour-2027)** — Wed, Jan 27, 2027 19:00 (JST) · Tokyo Garden Theater (Koto) · ¥18,000〜
- **[Gustavo Dudamel (Music and Artistic Director) & Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/gustavo-dudamel-music-and-artistic-director-simon-bolivar-symphony)** — Sat, Feb 6, 2027 14:00 – Sun, Feb 7, 2027 (JST) · Suntory Hall, Main Hall (Minato) · ¥19,000–¥38,000
- **[XG World Tour: The Core Final "7"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/xg-world-tour-the-core-final-7)** — Thu, Feb 11, 2027 17:00 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥16,000〜
- **[Nippon Broadcasting Momoiro Clover Z Momoclo Club xoxo ~Valentine DE NIGHT Da~Z! 2027 'Behind the Scenes' and 'Main Event'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/z-xoxo-de-night-z2027)** — Sat, Feb 13, 2027 16:00 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · Yokohama Arena (神奈川県) · ¥9,700〜
- **[2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League 'MUFG THE National Stadium Day' Round 21: Tokyo Verdy vs Urawa Reds](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mufg-theday21-vs)** — Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) (Shinjuku) · price on the official site

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## Questions people ask

**Is winter a good time to visit Tokyo?**
Yes, if you don't mind the cold. Days are usually dry and sunny, Mount Fuji is most often visible, and after the first week of January the city is calmer than in spring or autumn.

**How cold is Tokyo in January and February?**
Daytime highs are usually around 10°C and nights drop close to freezing. Indoors and on trains it is warm, so dress in layers.

**Does it snow in Tokyo?**
A few times in most winters, usually in January or February. It rarely stays for long, but even light snow causes train delays.

**When do plum blossoms bloom in Tokyo?**
From late January in warm years, with most gardens at their best in the second half of February. Plum festivals usually run from early February into early March.

**When is the January sumo tournament?**
It runs for 15 days around the middle of January at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Tickets go on sale in advance and the best seats sell out quickly.

**Are winter illuminations still on in February?**
Many are. A good number of the big illuminations run into February, and some continue until spring. Check each event's end date in the list.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter