When planning a trip to Japan, have you ever asked yourself, “Where can I go to experience the latest trends”? To enjoy the spectacular scenery and Instagram culture, the trending places in February 2025. In this article, we’ve selected four of the week’s trending destinations for travelers. From art festivals, early cherry blossoms, snow festivals and unexplored islands!
1.Setouchi Naoshima International Art Festival (Kagawa Prefecture)
Naoshima, where contemporary art and nature merge, is an artistic island to visit in 2025.
Selected by the BBC (UK) as one of the “25 places in the world to travel to in 2025”. The Setouchi International Art Festival will be held every three years.
The entire island will be transformed into an art space, including Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin” and the Chichu Art Museum.
Book your ferry in advance. Search for flights from Takamatsu port to Naoshima and rent a bike to get around the island!
2. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Higashi Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture)
With Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms, you can get a head start on spring in February.
The 3 km-long rows of cherry blossoms along the Kawazu River are dyed pink and illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late January to March, with the peak expected in mid-February 2025.
It takes about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Super View Odoriko limited express train. It is recommended to stay at a nearby onsen ryokan and enjoy both daytime and nighttime cherry blossom viewing!
3. Tokamachi Snow Festival (Niigata Prefecture)
One of Japan’s three major snow festivals, with snow sculptures of overwhelming scale and snow culture.
The festival features giant snow sculptures created by local residents, snow tea ceremonies and rainbow snow fireworks.
In 2025, the festival will be held from mid to late February, and will feature the unique “living in harmony with snow” that only a region with abundant snowfall can offer.
It is essential to bring warm clothes and boots. For warmth try the local delicacy “hegisoba”.
4. Cherry Blossom Festival of Motobu Yaedake (Okinawa Prefecture)
Ryukyu’s Kanhizakura, Japan’s earliest-blooming cherry tree, dyes the tropics pink in February.
Some 7,000 cherry trees cover the mountainsides and it is possible to drive through a tunnel of cherry trees. The contrast with Okinawa’s temperate climate is spectacular!
It takes about 2 hours by rental car from Naha Airport. The most popular plans combine the excursion with the nearby Churaumi Aquarium.
