When the month of February comes to one’s mind, Valentine’s Day highlights this love month. But February is a unique month in Tokyo with activities that create excitement for travelers to enjoy. February also showcases the first few blooms of spring, with the Ume (plum) leaves coloring trees in beautiful lilac shades. Here are the events that line up the best of Tokyo this February.
1. Chinese Spring Festival 2017 / Lunar New Year Festivities
Location: Yokohama Chinatown, Yamashitacho, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Dates: February 4 and 11
Official Website: http://www.chinatown.or.jp/event/celebration/201610_03
Foursquare: http://4sq.com/98fMcL
Lunar New Year was celebrated last month, but the high experienced in Tokyo doesn’t end there. Tokyoites continue to herald a prosperous new year at Yokohama’s very own Chinatown. An hour away from Tokyo, one can expect a parade of colors at Yamashitacho Park on February 4th and the much-awaited Lantern Festival on February 11th.
2. Bunkyo Ume Matsuri
Location: Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: February 8 – March 8
Official Website: http://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/visitor_kanko_event_ume.html
Foursquare: http://4sq.com/7g9AYs
Do your very first plum blossom viewing at the Bunkyo Ume Matsuri where plum leaves go in bloom in the early days of February. Since the Edo period, nearly 300 ume trees are a famous spot for plum blossom viewing at the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. Experience a tea ceremony and traditional Japanese art and music performing in the shrine grounds.
3. Walk the memory lane at Sony’s last exhibition in Ginza
Location: Sony Building, 5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: February – March 31
Official Website: http://www.sonybuilding.jp/ginzasonypark/event/
Foursquare: http://4sq.com/aemSRS
Catch the last of the famous Sony building at Ginza before the electronics giant demolishes it! Before demolition, the Sony building will be having an exhibition to showcase its legacy, from the ancient Sony Walkman to innovative products like Aibo the robot dog. What will be replacing the Sony building? A Sony Park is set to open in the summer of 2018. That’s something to be excited about.
4. Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sale
Location: Takashimaya
Dates: February 14
Official Website: www.takashimaya.co.jp
Foursquare: http://4sq.com/869ZlK
Locals observe Valentine’s Day quite differently. On February 14, women give chocolates to men as presents and the men do nothing! This is the reason why February 14 in Japan is known as the “Happy Chocolate Obligation Day”, where women are “obligated” to give chocolates to their male bosses, coworkers and relatives. But for those who are flying solo during couple’s day, it might be a good idea to go on a chocolate shopping spree at depachikas in shopping malls such as Isetan, Takashimaya, and Shibuya Hikarie.
5. Oedo Antique Market
Location: Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogi Kaminozocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Dates: February 26
Official Website: http://www.antique-market.jp/
Foursquare: http://4sq.com/8KGSop
Calling hippies and antique lovers! Yoyogi Park in Harajuku will be having an Oedo Antique Market where you can find unique trinkets and classic decorative pieces. You might be able to spot gems from the Edo-era.
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