Plan your February in Tokyo with our events calendar of the best things to do, including Valentine's Day fun, art exhibits and more
February in Tokyo is when the chilly grip of winter finally loosens and the first signs of spring – most notably, plum (ume) flowers bursting into bloom – can be seen all over the city. The month also features a number of big-time events, from Setsubun celebrations to Valentine's Day and all the chocolatey commotion surrounding it. Make the most of the month with our guide to the top events going on in Tokyo this February.
Held every second and fourth Sunday of the month, this antique market gathers around 70 vendors outside Shibuya Garden Tower. You’ll find all sorts of antiques and vintage handicrafts, jewellery, art, home goods, clothing, plants and organic food from all over the world. The market also features a few food and drink stalls, perfect for when you want a breather from all the shopping.
Note that the market will be cancelled in the case of rain.
The days may be getting shorter and colder, but even so, Tokyo doesn't turn into a dark and desolate place at this less than cheery time of year. In fact, as the city transitions from autumn into winter, millions of colourful LED lights are displayed in trees as well as on and around buildings, turning Tokyo into a sparkling wonderland...
Lace up your skates and glide around the capital's frosty selection of indoor and outdoor ice rinks
Marking the release of director Hayao Miyazaki’s new film 'The Boy and the Heron' (also known as 'How do You Live?' in Japanese), the museum dedicated to anime powerhouse Studio Ghibli presents a behind-the-scenes look at the hand-drawn animation that contributes so much to the movie’s charm.
In the production process of 'The Boy and the Heron', virtually all of the drawings used were pencil-drawn onto paper, while backgrounds were hand-painted with poster colours. The result is a production in which the presence of Miyazaki and his team of artists and animators is tangible. At this point in the 21st century, the reality is that even most 'hand-drawn' anime productions involve extensive use of digital tools, making ‘The Boy and the Heron’ something of a rarity.
This special exhibition presents the original drawings used in the film’s production process, revealing that in the form of still frames too, Ghibli’s creations possess expressive power. This showcase is divided into three parts, and will tentatively run through to May 2025: check the Ghibli Museum website for details.
Note: Ghibli Museum tickets are not available at the door. See this feature to learn how to get your tickets in advance.
Text by Darren Gore
Discover Time Out original video
