Weather (JMA normals, 1991 to 2020)
| Average high | Average low | Rain + snow | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.9°C / 52°F | 2.1°C / 36°F | 56.5 mm / 2.2 in | 170 hours |
Hakone gets 151.3 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation in February, close to three times Tokyo's. The ropeway operator warns Owakudani can feel below freezing even in daytime. Pack layers you can strip on heated trains and a warm outer layer for early lake mornings.
Crowd calendar
- Fri Feb 5 to Mon Feb 8: China's official Lunar New Year holiday. Lunar New Year itself is Sat Feb 6.
- Wed Feb 10: the night before a holiday, a pressure night for inns.
- Thu Feb 11: National Foundation Day, a Japanese public holiday.
On in February
- Yushima Tenjin plums (no ticket): about 300 plum trees, mostly white Shirokaga, usually peaking in the second half of February. FLAG: 2027 festival dates not announced; 2026 ran Feb 8 to Mar 8.
- Senso-ji (no ticket): founded in 628, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Go early, when Asakusa is quiet.
- Shibuya Sky: timed tickets open 14 days out. The rooftop can close for rain, lightning or strong wind; the indoor deck stays open.
- teamLab Planets: Toyosu, the museum where you walk through water. Timed tickets online.
Money and phone
Carry yen; JNTO calls Japan "very much a cash-based society." Seven Bank (in 7-Eleven) and Japan Post Bank ATMs take US cards. Japan uses 100V, Type A plugs. US citizens need no visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
FAQ
How cold is Tokyo in February?
JMA normals: an average high of 10.9°C (52°F) and low of 2.1°C (36°F).
When do plum blossoms peak in Tokyo?
Yushima Tenjin usually peaks in the second half of February.
Is Lunar New Year busy in Tokyo?
China's holiday runs Feb 5 to 8, 2027. Arrivals from China were down in 2026, so the rush may be smaller, but that is a forecast.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes, carry yen. Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs accept US cards.
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