Complete Guide to Tokyo Events and Recommended Dining Spots to Enjoy in February 2026
January 23, 2026
"What happens in Tokyo in February?" "It's cold, and there aren't many events, right...?"
For those who think that way, we definitely want you to know this. Winter in Tokyo is filled with a quiet splendor and deep experiences. Moreover, during this period when the crowds are smaller and the climate relatively stable, it's an excellent season to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
In February 2026, Tokyo will be hosting special events centered on indoor activities that highlight winter’s unique beauty and Japanese culture across various locations. From illuminations and sweets festivals to art, nature, and tradition, the genres are remarkably diverse.
This time, we have carefully selected 10 events that travelers visiting Tokyo can wholeheartedly say, "I'm glad I went!" We will introduce not only the venues, periods, and highlights but also photogenic spots and dining places perfect for breaks, providing a thorough guide.
We hope these tips will help create a special journey that warms your heart and makes you forget the cold.
*Photos in the article are images or pictures of the facilities' exteriors.
The popular event among wagashi enthusiasts, "Anko Expo®", will be held again this year at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. Selected long-established wagashi shops and popular brands from all over the country gather here to offer sweets made with “anko” (red bean paste).
Alongside classics like dorayaki, monaka, and elegant ohagi, there are also evolved sweets fused with western confectionery. The lineup, featuring combinations of anko and fruits or visually stunning limited-edition products, is enjoyable both to see and taste.
The calm location of Nihombashi is also a highlight; after enjoying the event, visiting nearby cafes and sweet shops to soak in a “wa” (Japanese) atmosphere is recommended. It’s perfect for Valentine’s gifts or a treat for yourself.
The unique event "Winter Local Ice Cream Festival," where you deliberately enjoy ice cream in the cold winter, will be held in the gallery space "Hobo Nichiyobi" at Shibuya PARCO. Approximately 90 types of local ice cream from 21 prefectures nationwide will gather here. This event is irresistible for ice cream lovers, showcasing nostalgic and regionally distinctive flavors all in one place.
The selection is overseen by essayist Minori Kai. The lineup mainly includes ice creams featured in her book "Ice Cream Journey," as well as the latest ice creams encountered on travels.
There is also an eat-in space at the venue where you can enjoy ice cream slowly in a warm room. It is a valuable opportunity to enjoy regional ice creams that are hard to find in Tokyo, attracting attention again this year.
Currently held at the National Museum of Nature and Science, the "Mass Extinctions―BIG FIVE" is a grand special exhibition themed around the five major mass extinctions—the "Big Five"—that changed the history of the Earth. This large-scale project handling the entire history of life is the first in about 10 years, organized with the full effort of the museum’s paleontology and volcano research teams.
Featured exhibits include precious specimens from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, shown for the first time in Japan, and the world's first display of a full-body fossil of the Steller’s sea cow (about 6m long). In addition, results from excavation research in Morocco and a volcanic model that lets visitors actually experience eruptions enrich the sensory exhibition experience.
The centerpiece, the "Mass Extinction Sphere," allows visitors to dynamically experience the entirety of the five extinction events through spherical projections. The drama of not only dinosaurs but various creatures living in the sea and sky is unveiled, providing deep learning and amazement for both children and adults.
Located within Ueno Park, this intellectual experience spot is also convenient for enjoying with museums and zoos, making it a perfect destination for winter sightseeing.
The fantastical exhibition "SNOW AQUARIUM by NAKED," which layers the beauty of winter over the underwater world, will be held again this year at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa. Directed by the art collective NAKED, INC., this special space uses themes of snow, ice, and light.
The popular "Jellyfish Rumble" features a fusion of jellyfish tanks with sound and light presentations, creating a magical experience as if snow is dancing underwater. The lighting changes depending on the time of day, allowing visitors to enjoy different expressions on each visit.
The biggest highlight is the winter-limited dolphin performance "BRIGHT CRYSTAL," performed on a stage resembling a snow globe, delivering a fantastic moment woven from light and water.
Located just a 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, this indoor facility can be enjoyed even on rainy days. It offers a romantic aquarium experience unique to winter, making it easy to drop by during a trip.
The "44th Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony Exhibition," where you can admire delicate peonies blooming in midwinter, is a serene, elegant event enjoyed in a Japanese garden in Ueno, Tokyo. Now in its 44th year, approximately 40 varieties and 160 peony plants bloom splendidly, protected by the winter-only straw wraps.
This straw wrapping is a traditional technique to protect flowers from cold winds and snow. The landscape woven from the warmth of the straw and the colors of the peonies is like a painting. Despite being in the city center, you can enjoy a special moment sensing both silence and the change of seasons.
Although compact, the garden offers a calm atmosphere perfect for strolling. It’s also recommended as a spot to spend a relaxed day together with Ueno Park’s other facilities such as museums and the zoo.
6. Special Feature “Flower Aquarium Gala — Goldfish and Floral Colors”
The winter-only art exhibition "Flower Aquarium Gala — Goldfish and Floral Colors" that offers a fantastic collaboration between goldfish and flowers is currently held at the Art Aquarium Museum GINZA. The space where traditional Japanese beauty and contemporary art merge spreads out in the heart of Ginza.
This time, collaborating with flower brands "Hibiya-Kadan" and "ALL GOOD FLOWERS," the exhibition creates an extraordinary art space where the colors of flowers and the elegant姿 of goldfish harmonize. Notable works include “Oiran Hanamai” by flower arranger Shogo Kariyazaki and “Ephemeral Bloom,” where colorful flowers float together with goldfish.
This exhibition, where water, light, flowers, and living creatures’ lives intersect, is an immersive experience enjoyed through all senses. Wrapped in a dreamy atmosphere, you can savor the “colors of life” blooming in winter.
The excellent accessibility of Ginza is also a charm, adding a glamorous moment to winter tourism in Tokyo along with shopping and cafes.
The art aquarium "Odaiba 'Aquwa' Aquarium," themed on "Wa (Japanese) aesthetics," is a fantastic spot where you can experience the fusion of Japanese traditional culture and aquariums. It features Japanese motifs such as ukiyo-e, folding screens, and washi paper combined with colorful fish.
The interior consists of multiple zones decorated with images of the Dragon Palace and oiran procession, each spreading a different concept and worldview. The elegant swimming of goldfish and koi, fish that give a sense of Japan, creates a truly magical scene.
The greatest charm is the experience where art and living creatures resonate in a quiet and sophisticated atmosphere almost like a museum. Its excellent accessibility means you can visit regardless of the weather, making it popular for sightseeing or dating breaks.
The annual popular event "Tokyo Skytree Town® Strawberry Fair" will be held again from winter to spring in 2026. This time, about 90 stores—the most ever—will participate, showcasing a wide array of strawberry sweets and limited menus throughout the complex.
The highlight is the first-ever "MoguMogu☆Strawberry Challenge," a new-style speed-eating competition that is expected to be a hot topic. Also, for the first time in winter, the outdoor gourmet event "STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE TOKYO Solamachi® 2026" will be held simultaneously, offering diverse menus themed on strawberries and chocolate.
The fair’s charm lies in spending a sweet and luxurious time during shopping or sightseeing breaks. It’s perfect not only for strawberry lovers but also for travelers wanting to enjoy the seasonal side of Tokyo.
9. Theater Anime Look Back Exhibition - Kiyotaka Oshiyama Lines of Emotion
An exhibition delving behind the scenes of the popular theater anime "Look Back" is being held at Azabudai Hills. Many original drawings, rough sketches, and setting materials by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, the character designer and animation director, are displayed here, allowing visitors to enjoy the delicate worldview of the work and the expressiveness conveyed through the “lines.”
The venue features immersive spatial productions such as a reproduction of the “two characters' rooms” where the story takes place and a “drawing tunnel” where original drawings are displayed in a tunnel shape. You can also see the Japanese premiere of original storyboards by Tatsuki Fujimoto and a special manga newly drawn by Oshiyama, making this a valuable exhibition only available here.
There is a photo booth where visitors can take commemorative pictures, allowing a deeper enjoyment of the world of "Look Back." This exhibition is recommended not only for those interested in animation and manga but also for those curious about art and the creative process behind the scenes.
The event "Capsule Toy Exhibition in Roppongi," which introduces the "capsule toy(gachagacha) culture" that fascinates both children and adults, will be held at the Roppongi Museum. Returning larger than last year, this year features 13 manufacturers. The exhibition allows participants to vote and decide the "Capsule Toy Exhibition Grand Prize," making it a participatory display of note.
The collection is divided into five categories: figures, goods, stuffed animals, novelty goods, and miniatures, all demonstrating each company’s dedication and playfulness. Visitors can vote for their favorite items, offering a real sense of the diversity of capsule toy culture.
Furthermore, there is an area where you can actually enjoy capsule toy machines inside the venue, providing a mix of nostalgia and novelty. This highlighted event is recommended not only for families but also for travelers interested in subcultures.
11. Recommended Restaurants in Tokyo
After thoroughly enjoying the events, you’ll want to finish with a delicious meal. Here, we introduce recommended restaurants in Tokyo where you can make reservations and should definitely drop by in February 2026.
Shibuya Sushi Sublime Tokyo / 渋谷 鮨 スブリム TOKYO (Tokyo, Shibuya)
Enjoy traditional Edomae OMAKASE sushi and art experience near Shibuya Station
Experience authentic Edomae OMAKASE sushi, where the chef takes full control, using carefully selected seasonal natural ingredients. The interior is decorated with digital art by teamLab, creating a modern atmosphere that stimulates both taste and sight. Conveniently located near Shibuya Station, it’s easy to visit during sightseeing or after enjoying the "Winter Local Ice Cream Festival," offering an authentic sushi culture experience.
Enjoy exquisite seasonal tempura and craftsmanship in Ginza
In a quiet corner of Ginza, savor authentic tempura made by expert eyes using seasonal ingredients with a light batter. The courses available from lunch to dinner embody seasonal flavors with freshly fried, crispy textures, making it popular among gourmets. After viewing the special project "Flower Aquarium Gala — Goldfish and Floral Colors," stretch your legs here and experience delicious Edomae tempura.
OMAKASE sushi experience filled with seasonal beauty and skill in Roppongi
Using carefully selected seasonal ingredients, the course, well-balanced from appetizers to sushi and side dishes, is provided with care and easy to eat even for first-timers. The delicate workmanship of the chefs and the calm atmosphere let visitors appreciate the depth of Edomae sushi. Conveniently located for visiting after the "Capsule Toy Exhibition in Roppongi," it’s perfect for a day enjoying both culture and taste.
The seasonal fresh fish courses carefully consider the temperature, aroma, and texture of each piece, creating a special experience. There are three OMAKASE courses offering different taste experiences, and multilingual menus suitable for inbound travelers are available. It’s within walking distance from the “Anko Expo®” venue, so finishing with authentic sushi after sweets is also recommended.
Price: ¥10,000~ (Moderately Priced)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Hours: 12:00~15:00, 17:00~23:00
Regular Holidays: None
Feature: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (traditional and simplified) menus, Korean menu
Creative Japanese cuisine overlooking the superb view of Tokyo Bay, coloring your travel moments
This restaurant offers creative Japanese dishes easy to enjoy, such as seafood rice bowls and freshly cooked donabe rice, featuring seasonal seafood. Large windows provide a splendid view of the Rainbow Bridge, so you can enjoy both the scenery and the meal. After viewing "Odaiba 'Aquwa' Aquarium," it’s ideal for a relaxing moment to finish your day.
The Tokyo events we introduced for February 2026 were all filled with warmth and fun that make you forget the cold.
Gourmet food, art, nature, subculture... The diverse facets of the city of Tokyo seem to emerge more clearly during this period. This may be because the winter season sharpens people's sensitivities, making it easier to find the special moments in everyday life.
If you wish to avoid crowds and spend a relaxed time, want to quietly encounter culture and art, or want to find something unique only in winter, this February is the best timing to visit Tokyo with such hopes.
We hope that any one of the events introduced will remain a memorable experience on your trip. And please visit again in a different season to see another face of Tokyo.
