Top Mt. Fuji Events and Festivals in February 2025: Diamond Fuji, Ice Candle Festival, and More!

Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. Standing at 3,776 meters, this solitary peak serves as a powerful symbol of Japan.Mt. Fuji straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures and is beloved as an icon of both regions.

February is the coldest month of the year in the prefectures surrounding Mt. Fuji. The Yamanashi side, in particular, experiences frequent snowfall, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji combined with snow. In the evening, you can observe "Diamond Fuji," when the sun appears to rest directly on Mt. Fuji's peak. In this article, we'll introduce events taking place around Mt. Fuji in February.

Table of Contents
・Traditional Events around Mt. Fuji in February 2025
・Natural Highlights around Mt. Fuji in February 2025
・Special Experiences Only Available in February around Mt. Fuji
・Gourmet Events Around Mt. Fuji in February 2025

Traditional Events around Mt. Fuji in February 2025

Setsubun Festival (Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha)

Source: Official website

The "Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha" shrine holds an annual Setsubun event, a traditional Japanese ceremony. Setsubun is an event where evil spirits and illnesses are symbolically driven away by throwing beans at demons (oni) to welcome good fortune. At Sengen Taisha, not only beans but also mandarin oranges and candies are enthusiastically thrown, creating quite a spectacular scene.

Since Setsubun is one of Japan's most lively traditional events, visitors to Japan during this time are encouraged to participate in the bean-throwing ceremony.

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is a shrine where you can experience Mt. Fuji's blessings and is dedicated to the worship of Mt. Fuji as a deity. The "Wakutama Pond" flowing within the shrine grounds contains spring water from Mt. Fuji, creating a beautiful waterscape. The shrine is also famous for its cherry blossoms in March. Please visit Sengen Taisha to experience the beautiful gifts of Mt. Fuji.

<Information>
Date: February 2, 2025
Access: 
- From JR Shin-Fuji Station (Tokaido Shinkansen): Take Fujikyu Bus to Fujinomiya Station
- From JR Shin-Fuji Station: Take Fujikyu Bus "Gurutto Fuji" clockwise route to Fuji Station, then take JR Minobu Line to Fujinomiya Station. About 10 minutes walk from there.
Admission: Free
Website: http://fuji-hongu.or.jp/sengen/index.html

Fujisan Okage Festival (at Fujirokusho Sengen Shrine)

Source: Official website

The Fujisan Okage Festival held at Fujirokusho Sengen Shrine is an event where people living at the foot of Mt. Fuji express their gratitude for the mountain's blessings. The event features sales of local industrial products, exhibitions of children's artwork, and performances of traditional Japanese instruments including taiko drums by local residents.

Last year, there was also a tea ceremony experience. It's an event where you can feel the passion of local people and fully enjoy the local atmosphere. We recommend participating in the Fujisan Okage Festival to interact with locals and experience Japanese culture.

Fujirokusho Sengen Shrine is also famous for its Goshuin (shrine stamps). Goshuin serves as both proof of your visit and a record of your connection with the divine. The beautiful colorful stamps make wonderful memories. We recommend collecting Goshuin as proof of your visits to Japanese shrines.

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Date: February 23, 2025
Access: Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen to "Shin-Fuji Station." From there, take the Fujikyu Bus "Gurutto Fuji" clockwise route to "Yoshiwara 4-chome" stop, then walk about 7 minutes
Admission: Free
Website: https://fujisan-okage-matsuri.com/
X: https://x.com/fuji6sho_lab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuji6sho_lab/

Natural Highlights around Mt. Fuji in February 2025

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks

Source: Official website

Around Mt. Fuji, you can observe "Diamond Fuji" from autumn through winter. Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon where the sun aligns with Mt. Fuji's peak, creating a diamond-like brilliance. On the western side in Shizuoka Prefecture, you can see Diamond Fuji at sunrise, while on the eastern side in Yamanashi Prefecture, you can view it at sunset.

February offers many clear days with transparent air, making it an especially beautiful season for viewing Diamond Fuji. The northern shore of Lake Yamanaka is an excellent spot for viewing Diamond Fuji, and the period from February 1st to 22nd is designated as Diamond Fuji Weeks.

On days with good conditions, you can see Diamond Fuji reflected in the lake. Why not extend your trip to Lake Yamanaka on a clear day?

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Date: February 1-22, 2025
Access: 
- From Tokyo Station: Take the Tomei Highway Bus "Fuji-Q Highland/Kawaguchiko Yamanakako Asahigaoka Line" to Fuji-san Yamanakako (Hotel Mount Fuji entrance), then take the circular bus "Fujikko-go" to various viewing points
- From Shinjuku Station: Take JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to Fujikyu Line to "Fujisan Station," then take the circular bus "Fujikko-go" to various viewing points
Admission: Free
Website: https://yamanakako.info/event/diamondfuji.php

Special February Experiences around Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji Day

February 23rd is Mt. Fuji Day. This date was chosen because in Japanese, 223 can be read as FU(2)-JI(2)-SAN(3). Mt. Fuji Day also aims to pass down the local history and culture around Mt. Fuji to future generations.

Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures host various events celebrating Mt. Fuji Day. As these are special one-day events where you can experience Mt. Fuji's blessings, we recommend participating if you're traveling on this day!

Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival

Source: PR TIMES

The Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival will be held on weekends from January 25th to February 23rd. Winter's clear air makes it the perfect season to view fireworks in their full splendor. Approximately 1,800 fireworks will be launched between 20:00 and 20:20, beautifully illuminating the lake. 

While fireworks are launched from three different locations, I recommend viewing from the north side of the lake. The fireworks with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop create a spectacular sight. Since public transportation like buses ends at night, it's recommended to stay at nearby accommodations.

At the main venue, Oike Park (大池公園), you can enjoy the powerful display up close to the launch sites. Food trucks will be present, allowing you to enjoy various cuisines. It's a wonderful experience to savor warm food while watching the winter fireworks.

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Dates: Weekends from January 25th to February 23rd, 2025
Access to Main Venue - Oike Park:
- From Tokyo Station: Take the Tomei Highway Bus "Fujikyuko Highland/Kawaguchiko-Yamanakako Asahigaoka Line" to "Kawaguchiko Station," then take the "Red Line" sightseeing bus to "Kawaguchiko Herb Hall"
- From Shinjuku Station: Take JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station, then take the "Red Line" sightseeing bus to "Kawaguchiko Herb Hall"
Admission: Free
Website: https://fujisan.ne.jp/pages/403/

Mt. Fuji "Day" Festival

Source: Official website

The Mt. Fuji "Day" Festival is an event where everyone faces Mt. Fuji's direction and eats onigiri (rice balls) together. This event started in 2023, inspired by the lyrics of the famous Japanese children's song "Ichinen-sei ni Nattara" (When I Become a First Grader). The song includes the phrase "I want to eat onigiri with 100 friends on top of Mt. Fuji." During the event, 3,776 onigiri will be distributed for free at various locations in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures.

The number 3,776 represents Mt. Fuji's height in meters. Onigiri will be distributed at various locations including roadside stations and supermarkets. The Fujisan World Heritage Center near Kawaguchiko Station serves as the main venue where the opening ceremony will be held. Why not join in and become one of the friends by eating onigiri together?

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Date: February 23rd, 2025
Access to Main Venue (Yamanashi Prefectural Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center):
- From Tokyo Station: Take the Tomei Highway Bus "Fujikyuko Highland/Kawaguchiko-Yamanakako Asahigaoka Line" to "Kawaguchiko Station," then take the "Blue Line" sightseeing bus to "Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center"
- From Shinjuku Station: Take JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station, then take the "Blue Line" sightseeing bus to "Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center"
Admission: Free
Website: https://fujisannohifest.com/

Mt. Fuji Itadaki Marché

Source: Shizuoka Shimbun

The Rakujuen Park in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, holds an annual marché on Mt. Fuji Day. Besides food and craft vendors, the marché features Mt. Fuji-themed events including a stamp rally and volcanic experiments. It's a marché packed with activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Rakujuen is also a spot where you can spend the whole day, featuring ponds fed by spring water from Mt. Fuji's snowmelt, a Japanese garden, and a zoo. Mishima City is one of Japan's warmest regions, making it pleasant for daytime walks.

<Information>
Date: February 23rd, 2025
Access: 5-minute walk from Mishima Station (Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station)
Admission: 300 yen
Website: https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/rakujyu/

Lake Yamanaka Ice Candle Festival & Sky Lantern Festival

Source: Official website

Every year, Lake Yamanaka hosts the Diamond Fuji Weeks, and as its grand finale, the "Ice Candle Festival & Sky Lantern Festival" is held.

The warm glow of candles made of ice and the spectacle of sky lanterns floating up into the air create a scene of such beauty that it feels like stepping into a movie. The experience of seeing both candles and lanterns simultaneously is unique to Lake Yamanaka. The event concludes with fireworks, enveloping everyone in a world of light. It's a romantic event that warms the heart even in the cold winter.

As this is a popular event attracting many visitors from both within and outside the prefecture, accommodations in the area fill up quickly around this date. Those interested in participating should make reservations early.

<Information>
Date: February 23, 2025
Access: 
- From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Tomei Highway Bus "Fuji-Q Highland/Kawaguchiko Yamanakako Asahigaoka Line" to "Mt. Fuji Yamanakako (Hotel Mount Fuji entrance)." Then take the circular bus "Fujikko-gou" to "Koryu Plaza Kirara."
- From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Line to "Fujisan Station," then take the circular bus "Fujikko-gou" to "Koryu Plaza Kirara."
Admission: Free
Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/event/10384

Snow Activities (Fujiten Snow Resort)

Source: Fujikanko.co.jp

Fujiten Snow Resort is the largest snow resort in Honshu where you can enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. It's conveniently accessible via direct shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station.

The resort offers free rental of wear and boards, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing without bringing any equipment. There are more than five courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, so everyone can enjoy skiing according to their ability. The resort also features rarely seen mogul courses and steep slopes in Japan, which advanced skiers are encouraged to try.

The resort has a daycare center that accepts children from infants to elementary school students, making it perfect for families with young children.

<Information>
Period: Mid-December 2024 to Early April 2025
Access:
- From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Tomei Highway Bus "Fuji-Q Highland/Kawaguchiko Yamanakako Asahigaoka Line" to "Kawaguchiko Station," then take the "Fujiten Shuttle Bus" to the final stop.
- From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station, then take the "Fujiten Shuttle Bus" to the final stop.
Admission: Weekdays ¥4,000 / Weekends & Holidays ¥5,500
Website: https://www.fujiten.net/

Gourmet Events Around Mt. Fuji in February 2025

Ide Brewery's Kai no Kaiun "New Year Sake Brewery Opening"

Source: Yamanashi

The Ide Brewery, the only brewery in the Lake Kawaguchi area, holds its annual "New Year Sake Brewery Opening" in February. This brewery opening celebration commemorates the completion of newly produced sake for the year. At Ide Brewery, visitors can enjoy sake tasting, purchase local specialty products, and participate in brewery tours.

Japanese sake is made by adding koji (a type of yeast) to rice. During the sake-making process, a solid byproduct called sake-kasu is produced. At this event, visitors can taste fresh Japanese sake that still contains some sake-kasu right after pressing. Even Japanese people rarely get to taste freshly pressed sake, making this event a must-visit for sake enthusiasts.

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Dates: February 15-16, 2025
Access: 
- From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Tomei Highway Bus "Fuji-Q Highland/Kawaguchiko-Yamanakako Asahigaoka Line" to "Kawaguchiko Station". About 10 minutes walk from the station.
- From JR Shinjuku Station: Take JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to Fujikyu Line to "Kawaguchiko Station". About 10 minutes walk from the station.
Admission: 500 yen
Website: https://www.kainokaiun.jp/en-index.html

Yuimaru Fair

Source: Yamanashi

Yui, located on the southern side of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, is an area historically known for its thriving fishing and agriculture. Every February, Yui holds a harvest celebration event.

The event features sales of local specialties and traditional crafts from Yui, along with food stalls run by local shops. The first 100 visitors receive free mandarin oranges, a Yui specialty known for its refreshing aroma and tanginess. Another local delicacy is "sakura-ebi" (cherry blossom shrimp) - these small shrimp are delicious when prepared as tempura. Be sure to try them if you find vendors selling them.

On stage, local residents perform traditional Japanese music using taiko drums and koto (Japanese harp). This event offers visitors a genuine experience of Japanese traditions and local atmosphere.

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Date: February 25, 2025
Access: From JR Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to "Mishima Station", transfer to the Tokaido Main Line (heading west) to "Yui Station". 25 minutes walk from the station.
Admission: Free
Website: https://yuimaru-project.jp/yuimaru-fair2024/