Ginza in February 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
The average temperature in Tokyo during February ranges from 5°C to 7°C. While it's still a cold season, according to the traditional Japanese calendar, it marks the beginning of spring. In Tokyo, plum blossoms start to bloom, giving subtle hints of the approaching spring.
Ginza is one of Tokyo's premier shopping districts. This glamorous and upscale area is home to luxury brands and long-established department stores. It's also known for its numerous restaurants and nightclubs.
In February 2025, Ginza hosts various events that travelers can enjoy. We'll introduce essential information about events aligned with traditional Japanese celebrations like Setsubun, Valentine's Day festivities, and illumination events that add sparkle to Ginza's streets.
If you're planning to visit Ginza in February 2025, we encourage you to participate in these events to enhance your Ginza exploration experience.
Traditional Events in Ginza: February 2025
Setsubun
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese spring festival. According to the traditional calendar, it's celebrated around February 3rd, marking the transition from winter to spring.
A major feature of Setsubun is "Mame-maki" (bean throwing). The main event involves throwing roasted soybeans at someone playing the role of an oni (demon). The demons represent bad luck and misfortune, and driving them away symbolizes ensuring a healthy and peaceful year ahead. Additionally, throwing beans inside the house is believed to invite good fortune.
In February, "Mame-maki" ceremonies are held in homes and local shrines. It's a lively event that both children and adults can enjoy.
Suginomori Shrine (Near Nihonbashi)
Source:Facebook
Suginomori Shrine is located in the Nihonbashi area near Ginza. Known for enshrining Ebisu, the god of fortune, it's famous for bringing good luck.
While it's a relatively small and quiet shrine, the Setsubun festival here is actually a highly popular event. Many people gather in its compact grounds. It's an important spring tradition continued by Ginza residents and workers, praying for good health throughout the year.
The evening bean-throwing ceremony is the main highlight. Shrine priests and local community members throw lucky beans and small candies to the gathered crowd.
Catching these beans or candies is said to bring good health and luck for the year ahead - I myself tried hard to catch some candies last year!
As this is a popular event, crowds are expected. If you want to fully participate in the bean-throwing ceremony, we recommend arriving slightly before the start time to secure a good spot.
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Date: February 2, 2025 (tentative)
Access: 5-minute walk from Ningyo-cho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line
5-minute walk from Kodemmacho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Admission: Free
Website: http://suginomori.g2.xrea.com/
"Setsubun Obake" (Setsubun Ghosts)
Source:GINZA 1 CARAT
Setsubun Obake is a traditional custom that has continued for hundreds of years. It involves dressing up as ghosts on Setsubun day to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
Ginza is also known for its numerous nightclubs. Following this tradition, nightclub staff in Ginza have adopted the custom of wearing special black kimonos or unique outfits different from their usual attire on Setsubun.
In recent years, it has become a cultural trend for tourists to explore the streets wearing elaborate costumes on Setsubun Obake day. At Ginza 1 Carat beauty salon, you can rent special kimono sets that transform you into a glamorous geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha). This includes both kimono dressing services and traditional hair and makeup styling.
However, as regular customers cannot make reservations on Setsubun day itself, please book for the following days. Why not create memorable Japan travel experiences by participating in this traditional event wearing a beautiful kimono?
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Date: From February 4, 2025
Access: Ginza Carat Sony Street Store
3-minute walk from Shimbashi Station Exit 3 or 5 (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
4-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station Ginza Exit
7-minute walk from Ginza Station Exit B9 (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Ginza, and Hibiya Lines)
Fee: Varies depending on costume and hair arrangement (Please inquire)
Website: https://1carat.jp/%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A7%E3%81%AE%E7%AF%80%E5%88%86%E3%80%8C%E7%AF%80%E5%88%86%E3%81%8A%E5%8C%96%E3%81%91%E3%80%8D/
Enjoy Traditional Japanese Food When Visiting Ginza During Setsubun Season!
Setsubun features traditional meals and sweets customs.
The most representative is "Ehomaki," thick sushi rolls. These rolls should be eaten while facing the lucky direction of the year.
They're made with white rice, cucumber, sweet omelet, shiitake mushrooms, and other ingredients wrapped in nori seaweed. The Ehomaki from the famous Ginza Mitsukoshi department store is particularly popular every year. During Setsubun season, Mitsukoshi offers various types of elaborate Ehomaki.
There's also a tradition of eating traditional Japanese sweets during Setsubun. These include "Fukumame" (lucky beans) used in bean-throwing, manjū, and konpeitō (sugar candies). At the long-established Japanese confectionery shop Ginza Akebono, specially packaged cute Setsubun sweets become popular items every year.
It's said that eating these lucky foods on Setsubun brings good health for the year ahead. When in Ginza, be sure to try the popular Ehomaki and Setsubun sweets.
Hina Doll Exhibition
Source:Official website
Like Setsubun, another traditional Japanese spring celebration is Hinamatsuri on March 3rd, a festival celebrating the healthy growth of girls.
During Hinamatsuri, there's a custom of displaying elaborate Japanese dolls called "Hina-ningyo." Even adults feel uplifted seeing these dolls, making it a cheerful event heralding spring's arrival. At Ginza's famous Japanese confectionery store Sōhonke Gen Kitchōan, these dolls are prominently displayed as part of their regular spring decoration to share Japanese traditional culture with guests.
The highlight is the luxurious Hina-dan (doll platform) display on the store's second floor. During Hinamatsuri, intricate dolls representing princesses, princes, and musicians are arranged on a tiered platform covered with red cloth. Enjoy this large-scale Hina-dan prepared by this established confectionery shop, which you won't see elsewhere.
Also, note the charming hanging "Tsurushi-bina" dolls suspended from the ceiling.
Admission is free, and photography is permitted. This is a highly recommended spot for those wanting to capture quintessentially Japanese spring photos.
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Period: Usually from January 16 to around March 6 (exact dates TBD)
Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Ginza" Station Exit A3
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kitchoan.co.jp/
Special Experiences Only in Ginza for February 2025
Japanese Tradition and Light Winter Festa
The Japanese Tradition and Light Winter Festa is an illumination event held in Ginza during the winter season.
Historically, the Tsukiji River used to flow through Ginza, where traditional lanterns were floated during the Setsubun season. Honoring this history, Japanese-style illuminations and night events are being held around Higashi-Ginza Station. This event aims to help both domestic and international visitors enjoy Ginza while preserving traditions.
The highlight is the illumination using traditional Japanese umbrellas. Visitors can enjoy light art expressing Japan's historical beauty at the entrance of the high-rise Ginza Shochiku Square building.
The fantastical scenery created by Japanese umbrellas and lights makes for excellent photo opportunities. I was able to capture many beautiful photos myself.
Various spots in Higashi-Ginza feature illuminations themed around traditional lanterns and different "Japanese-style" motifs. Be sure to explore Higashi-Ginza landmarks such as the Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza Shochiku Square, and Togeki Building.
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Dates: November 15, 2024 - February 16, 2025
Special Event: "Japanese DJ Night" on February 14, 2025 (at Ginza Shochiku Square)
Access: 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station Exit 5
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.higashiginza-area.com/event/%E3%80%8E%E5%92%8C%E3%81%A8%E5%85%89%E3%81%AEwinter-festa%E3%80%8F%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B-%EF%BC%88we-will-hold-a-winter-festa-of-japanese-illumination/
Alternative Living Exhibition
Source:Official website
The Alternative Living Exhibition is a digital art exhibition held at SusHi Tech Square, just a one-minute walk from Yurakucho Station.
The theme is "Sustainable Future Tokyo Living." Through media art, it expresses future lifestyles made possible by technology. This special opportunity allows visitors to experience Tokyo's latest digital art and technological innovations.
The highlight is interactive art using cutting-edge digital technology. SusHi Tech Square has showcased the latest digital art in four previous exhibitions. Past popular exhibits included VR goggle-based immersive digital worlds and video game-inspired artworks.
Each visitor will have the chance to contemplate "what will future living be like?" while enjoying themselves. This event is highly recommended for those interested in digital art and the latest tech innovations.
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Dates: January 18 - March 23, 2025
Hours: Weekdays 11:00-21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
Weekends/Holidays 10:00-19:00 (Last entry 18:30)
Access: Direct access from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Yurakucho Station Exit D9,
1-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line Yurakucho Station Kyobashi Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://sushitech-real.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/alternativeliving/
Art-Related Events in Ginza for February 2025
BIG CAT BANG Exhibition
Source:Official website
At GINZA SIX, the largest commercial facility in the Ginza area, a massive art installation by contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe is currently on display in the building's atrium.
GINZA SIX, Ginza's largest shopping complex, is home to numerous high-end fashion boutiques. The space now features large-scale objects depicting cats traveling through space, capturing visitors' attention with its playful charm.
The highlight is an art piece featuring a cat riding the famous "Tower of the Sun," a landmark tower in Osaka. The Tower of the Sun is the masterpiece of Taro Okamoto, one of Japan's most renowned contemporary artists.
The cat is seated aboard a spaceship shaped like the Tower of the Sun, embodying a humorous and dynamic appeal that resonates with Japanese pop culture. Since first seeing it, I haven't been able to forget this impressive installation.
If you're visiting Ginza in February 2025, make sure to check out this giant cat art installation at GINZA SIX, which perfectly captures Japanese artistic sensibility.
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Duration: April 5, 2024 - Summer 2025 (planned)
Access: 2-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines) Exit A3
3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Asakusa Line) Exit A1
Admission: Free
Website: https://ginza6.tokyo/magazine/194788
Ginza Gourmet Events - February 2025
Premium Sake Festival in Nihonbashi
Source:Official website
This sake-tasting event will be held on February 7-8, 2025. Participation requires advance purchase of paid tickets.
Located on the 4th floor of KABUTO ONE, a complex building in the financial district of Nihonbashi, visitors can sample over 120 different types of sake from more than 30 carefully selected breweries. The event focuses on experiencing rich and premium sake, featuring select brands from across Japan.
The event's highlight is the opportunity to enjoy seasonal sake. Winter-exclusive brands and fresh, newly pressed winter sake will be available. Visitors can sample various types including nama (unpasteurized) sake, organic sake, liqueurs, and enjoy food pairings.
Additionally, seminars about sake production and vintage brands will be held. For those seeking a luxurious sake-tasting experience, be sure to purchase tickets in advance.
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Dates: February 7, 2025, 15:00 - 20:00
February 8, 2025, 12:00 - 17:00
Access: Directly connected to Kayabacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai and Hibiya Lines)
2-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza and Tozai Lines, Toei Asakusa Line) Exit D2
Admission: Regular Ticket ¥6,000 (tax included)
Premium Ticket ¥10,000 (tax included)
Foreign Visitor Ticket ¥7,000 (tax included)
VIP Room Usage ¥100,000 (tax included)
Website: https://oishiisake.jp/event/premium01/
Ginza Sweets Collection 2025
Source:Official website
This sweets event is held at Ginza Mitsukoshi, featuring special pop-up shops from domestic and international sweets brands.
The event runs from January 23 to February 14, 2025, on the 7th floor of the New Building at Ginza Mitsukoshi, a historic department store. In Japan, there's a tradition of giving sweets, especially chocolates, to loved ones for Valentine's Day. This highly anticipated event precedes Valentine's Day.
The highlight is the limited-edition assortments exclusively available at this Mitsukoshi event from popular domestic and international chocolatiers and brands. These chocolates and sweets in stylish limited-edition packaging are a feast for the eyes.
Many popular Japanese chocolatiers known for their delicate craftsmanship and gentle flavors will also participate. When visiting Ginza, stop by Mitsukoshi to indulge in these beautiful and delicious sweets.
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Duration: January 23 - February 14, 2025
Access: 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines) Ginza 4-chome Intersection Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/event/ginza_e/sweets_collection_51
