Things to Do in Chiba in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Chiba
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Plum blossom season peaks at Korakuen Garden and Tsukimi Park - over 1,000 trees in full bloom with significantly fewer crowds than Tokyo's famous spots
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities like cycling the 150 km (93 mile) Chiba Prefecture coastal route - cool mornings averaging 3°C (37°F), comfortable afternoons
- Strawberry picking season at its absolute peak - Chiba produces 30% of Japan's strawberries, with over 300 farms offering ichigo-gari experiences at ¥1,800-2,500 per person
- Illumination season extends through February 28th at major attractions like Tokyo German Village and Nabana no Sato, with significantly reduced crowds compared to December peak
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings between winter coats and light jackets within the same day - temperature variations of up to 15°C (27°F) require layered packing
- Popular strawberry farms require advance reservations and weekend slots book out 3-4 weeks ahead, limiting spontaneous plans
- Some coastal attractions like Kamogawa Sea World outdoor shows may be cancelled on particularly windy days - winds can reach 40 km/h (25 mph) from Pacific storms
Best Activities in February
Narita Temple District Cultural Walking
February's cool weather is ideal for exploring Naritasan Shinshoji Temple's 1,000-year history without summer heat or winter snow. The temple's plum groves bloom mid-to-late February, and traditional Setsubun bean-throwing ceremonies occur early month. Morning visits (8-10am) offer the most serene experience with golden light filtering through ancient cedar trees.
Boso Peninsula Coastal Cycling
February offers perfect cycling conditions along Chiba's 534 km (332 mile) coastline - cool temperatures prevent overheating on climbs, minimal rain, and spectacular views of snow-capped Mount Fuji across Tokyo Bay. The Tateyama-Shirahama coastal route features gentle grades and dedicated bike paths. Local cyclists consider February-March the premium season before cherry blossom crowds arrive.
Premium Strawberry Farm Experiences
Chiba's ichigo-gari (strawberry picking) peaks in February when sugar content reaches maximum levels in varieties like Benihoppe and Akihime. Unlike tourist traps, authentic farms in Yachiyo and Kisarazu offer 30-45 minute unlimited picking with varieties unavailable in stores. Morning sessions (9-11am) feature the sweetest berries after overnight sugar concentration.
Tokyo Bay Aqua Line and Kisarazu Coastal Driving
February's clear weather provides exceptional visibility for the 15.1 km (9.4 mile) Tokyo Bay Aqua Line bridge-tunnel crossing. The Umihotaru rest area offers 360-degree bay views typically obscured by summer haze. Continuing to Kisarazu's coastal road reveals views of Mount Fuji on 70% of February days - far higher than other months.
Traditional Sake Brewery Tours
February coincides with peak sake brewing season when Chiba's 25+ craft breweries operate at full capacity. The fermentation process creates warm, aromatic brewery environments perfect for winter touring. Koshi no Kanbai and Kidoizumi breweries offer English-language tours explaining the intricate brewing process, with tastings of seasonal varieties unavailable elsewhere.
Nokogiriyama Mount Fuji Viewing
February offers the year's clearest views from Nokogiriyama's 329 m (1,079 ft) summit - Mount Fuji is visible on approximately 18 days per month versus 8-10 in summer. The famous 31-meter Daibutsu Buddha statue and Jigoku Nozoki (Hell's Window) lookout provide dramatic photo opportunities. Cool weather makes the ropeway ride comfortable and reduces summit crowds by 60% compared to autumn peak.
February Events & Festivals
Naritasan Setsubun Festival
Traditional bean-throwing ceremony on February 3rd to drive away evil spirits and welcome spring. Sumo wrestlers and celebrities participate in throwing roasted soybeans to crowds of over 50,000 visitors. The ceremony includes taiko drumming, traditional dance performances, and special amazake (sweet rice wine) service.
Sawara Winter Illumination
Historic Sawara district's Edo-period merchant houses are illuminated with over 200,000 LED lights through February 28th. The Ono River reflects the lights creating mirror effects, and traditional boat rides operate Friday-Sunday evenings. Significantly fewer crowds than December-January peak period.