Kyoto edges it in February. Kyoto averages 2–10°C with low crowds; Osaka 3–10°C with very low crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Kyoto and Osaka
The verdict for February
Plum blossom and winter calm
+Lowest prices and lightest crowds
–Cold and often grey
Still cold, but the first plum blossoms appear late in the month and Setsubun (around 3 February) brings lively festivals at Yasaka and Yoshida shrines. It is one of the best-value months to visit.
Quiet Osaka, plum blossom season
+Quiet and cheap, with plum blossoms starting at Osaka Castle.
–Still cold, and the shortest days of the year.
Quiet and cheap, with plum blossoms starting at Osaka Castle.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month