Things to Do in Kyoto in February 2025

As you may already know, Kyoto is the old capital of Japan and it’s filled with traditions and festivals you wouldn’t be able to enjoy elsewhere in Japan! February in Kyoto is going to be the perfect month to enjoy the vibrant traditional rituals, cultural festivals, and modern delights. Check out these things you might want to take part in this month!

Setsubun Festival at Heian Shrine

Celebrate the transition from winter to spring with the Setsubun Festival, a lively tradition observed across temples and shrines in Kyoto. Setsubun (節分) means “seasonal division,” and Japanese people use this opportunity to chase away evil spirits to welcome the beginning of Spring. Try experiencing this festival at the Heian Shrine! In one of the most famous and accessible shrines in Kyoto, visitors can enjoy the theatrical mamemaki (bean-throwing) ceremonies, where performers throw roasted beans into the crowd to cast out evil spirits. You can also see traditional dances and purification fire rituals. Food stalls line the temple grounds, offering traditional treats and creating a festive, carnival-like atmosphere. It’s a joyful way to embrace Kyoto’s deep-rooted customs while having fun with the locals.

Date & Time: February 2, 2025, from 9:30 AM

Location: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341

Official Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/

Amazake Sai (Sweet Sake Festival)

Experience the warmth of the Amazake Festival (甘酒祭) at Umenomiya Taisha, a shrine renowned for its deep connections to sake brewing. During this annual event, sake brewers dedicate sake lees to the shrine, which are then transformed into sweet, non-alcoholic amazake. This comforting beverage is offered to the deities to pray for the safety and prosperity of the brewing industry and to ensure that parishioners can endure the winter months in good health. Visitors are warmly invited to partake in complimentary servings of amazake, making it a meaningful occasion to savor traditional flavors.

Date & Time: February 11, 2025m from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Location: 30 Umezu Fukenokawacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-0921

Official Website: http://www.umenomiya.or.jp/

Baika Sai (Plum Blossom Festival)

The Baika Sai (梅花祭) at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a celebration of Kyoto’s first bloom of the year, the plum blossoms. Visitors gather to admire the vibrant pink and white flowers in the shrine’s plum grove, which has over 1,500 trees. A highlight of the event is the outdoor tea ceremony, conducted by geiko and maiko from Kyoto’s renowned Hanamachi districts. Sipping tea amidst the blossoming trees is an experience that beautifully blends Kyoto’s natural beauty with its refined cultural traditions. Additionally, the shrine’s Treasure Hall will be specially opened for public viewing on this day. The event coincides with the monthly “Tenjin Market,” where the bustling atmosphere adds another layer of excitement to the day.

Date & Time: February 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry closes at 2:30 PM.

Location: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386

Fee: ¥3,000 per person (includes tea ceremony ticket, Treasure Hall admission, and a small offering exchange ticket) OR ¥1,200 per person (only including admission to the plum blossom garden)

Official Website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/event/

Kigen Sai (Era Festival)

Kigen Sai (紀元祭), held at the Kamigamo Shrine, is a festival that commemorates the foundation of Japan and includes traditional performances, including Kendo (Japanese sword martial arts), singing of the Japanese national anthem, and Kemari (ancient football game). Performers are dressed in elaborate robes to offer prayers for the nation’s prosperity, and the shrine grounds come alive with a sense of reverence and celebration.

Date & Time: February 11, 2025, from 9 AM.

Location: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047

Official Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/

Candlelight: A Tribute to Joe Hisaishi Concert

Want to experience something modern that Japan offers? Kyoto has it too! Music and anime lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to see the candlelight concert tribute to Joe Hisaishi, the celebrated composer of Studio Ghibli films. This concert promises an unforgettable musical experience, featuring orchestral renditions of beloved tracks from classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away while being under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Date & Time: February 8, 2025, starting at 3 PM.

Location: Kyoto Kanze Kaikan Noh Theater, 44 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344

Official Website and tickets: https://feverup.com/m/185875/en

Ice Skating at Viva Square Kyoto

Enjoy a quintessential winter activity at VIVA SQUARE KYOTO, the city’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Located in Umekoji Park, the rink offers daytime and illuminated night skating sessions, perfect for a fun outing with friends or family. Surrounded by Kyoto’s winter landscape, skating here is a refreshing experience that combines outdoor recreation with the charm of the city.

Date & Time: Now until February 24, 2025; weekdays 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, weekends and holidays 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Location: Umekoji Park, Kanekiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8835

Official Website: https://www.viva-square.com/

Artists’ Fair Kyoto 2025

Set against the historic backdrop of Kyoto, the Artists’ Fair Kyoto 2025 is an artist-led art fair dedicated to fostering the next generation of creators. Celebrating its 8th edition, this unique fair serves as a launchpad for emerging artists while creating a platform for direct communication between artists and visitors. The event aims to bridge the gap between contemporary art and its audience, offering an intimate and engaging experience. The program also features initiatives like the Young Critics Development Project, History, Criticism, and Art, and an official symposium, making the event rich in diversity and depth. If you are into the Japanese modern art scene, you cannot miss this.

Main Venue Dates: From February 28 to March 2, 2025.

Main Venue Locations:

Kyoto National Museum, 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0931

Kyoto Shimbun Building, Basement 1F, 〒604-0873 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shoshoicho, 239

Official Website: https://artists-fair.kyoto/

Flea Market at Okazaki Park

Hunt for unique treasures at the flea market held at Okazaki Park. This event invites families, hobbyists, and budding creators to join the vibrant atmosphere. Vendors range from skilled artisans showcasing handmade items to locals offering a variety of recycled goods, daily necessities, and clothing. The market fosters a sense of community while promoting sustainability, making it a meaningful way to spend your day in Kyoto. Located near the iconic Heian Shrine, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s local culture while picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Date & Time: February 8, 22, 23, 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Location: Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8342

Official Website: https://www.nadeshikofurima.com/custom29.html

Japanese Doll Exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum

Explore the fascinating world of traditional Japanese dolls at the Kyoto National Museum. This special exhibition showcases intricate Hina dolls, traditionally displayed during the Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) festival. Each doll is a masterpiece, reflecting Japan’s artistic craftsmanship and cultural narratives. Through these exhibits, visitors can learn about the symbolism and history of dolls, which have been a significant part of Japanese heritage for centuries.

Date & Time: From February 20, 2025; Mon – Thurs from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Fri from 9:30 AM to 8 PM

Location: Kyoto National Museum, 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0931

Official Website: https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/jp/exhibitions/feature/b/hina_2025/

Strawberry and Chocolate Afternoon Tea

For those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Kyoto, why not Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea experience at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, featuring a delightful fusion of Kyoto-grown strawberries and premium chocolate from the local brand “dari K.” This elegant offering includes freshly prepared hot chocolate made from freshly ground cacao nibs, warm chocolate-infused madeleines straight from the oven, and an array of sweets and savory items highlighting the juicy, fragrant Kyoto strawberries. The experience begins with a welcome drink of freshly ground hot chocolate, allowing guests to savor the rich aroma and flavor unique to freshly prepared cacao.

Date & Time: Now until February 28, 2025, with two sessions daily at 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM.

Location: Aburano-Koji St. Nijo-Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, 284 Nijoaburanokojicho, Kyoto, 604-0051

Official Website: https://www.hotelthemitsui.com/ja/kyoto/news/aft_2025winter/

As winter’s chill begins to settle, Kyoto comes alive with events that showcase its rich heritage and contemporary charm. From ancient rituals and traditional festivals to contemporary art and local treats, Kyoto in February offers a diverse array of experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover, or foodie, Kyoto in February offers experiences that seamlessly blend the old with the new, which makes Kyoto truly the timeless gem!

Feature photo credit: Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation

If you’re coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?

 

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