Top 5 Festivals Near Nagoya in February 2026: Guide

February in Central Japan brings fresh, crisp air and many ancient traditions back to your daily life. You can experience some of the most famous events in the entire Aichi Prefecture this winter season. These events showcase the vibrant spirit of the local Japanese people during the coldest winter months.

Many travelers visit Nagoya to witness incredible spiritual rituals and early signs of the coming spring season. Finding the Nagoya winter festival calendar helps you plan your February itinerary much more effectively. This guide covers the most exciting celebrations happening near Nagoya City in February 2026.

Best Festivals Near Nagoya in February 2026

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lonely Planet Nagoya Guide.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Nagoya.

The Kounomiya Naked Festival remains one of the most famous winter events in all of Central Japan. This high-energy event takes place at the historic Owari Okunitama Shrine in nearby Inazawa City. Thousands of men wear only traditional loincloths despite the freezing February temperatures for this incredible ritual.

Participants compete to touch a designated man known as the Shin-otoko to secure luck for the year. This intense ritual is meant to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune to everyone. You should check the Owari Okunitama Shrine naked festival dates 2026 before you finalize your local travel plans.

Spectators can enjoy the electric atmosphere safely from the sidelines while eating warm local street food treats. Admission for viewers is generally free, but the shrine area becomes extremely crowded during the main ritual. Travel from Nagoya Station to Kounomiya Station takes only fifteen minutes on the Meitetsu Line train.

Large crowds typically gather around the main shrine entrance starting from early in the afternoon hours. We recommend arriving at the shrine by noon to secure a decent viewing spot for the festivities. Local volunteers often provide guidance in English for international tourists visiting this unique Japanese cultural event.

Celebrate Setsubun at Osu Kannon Temple

Setsubun marks the official start of spring based on the traditional Japanese lunar calendar every single year. Osu Kannon Temple hosts one of the largest Setsubun celebrations in the entire Nagoya metropolitan area. People gather to throw roasted soybeans at demons to drive away bad luck for their families.

The main ceremony features traditional performers dressed as colorful devils and ancient mythological heroes in the temple. You can buy small bags of blessed beans to join in the festive tradition yourself for cheap. The energetic shouts of Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! fill the temple grounds during the day.

This phrase translates to demons out and good luck in for the coming year of 2026. A massive parade also weaves through the nearby Osu Shopping District during the afternoon festival hours. You will see local leaders and performers riding on decorated floats throughout the covered shopping streets.

The Osu area offers plenty of shopping and dining options for visitors after the main festival ends. This festival usually falls on February 3rd and lasts from early morning until late in the evening. There is no entrance fee to join the public crowds gathered around the main temple stage.

The Tairyuji Temple Fire Walking Festival

Witness the power of purification at the Tairyuji Temple Fire Walking Festival held in late February 2026. Buddhist monks build a massive bonfire and walk across smoldering coals while chanting ancient sacred prayers. This ritual is intended to cleanse the soul and provide protection from sickness or bad luck.

Brave visitors are often invited to walk across the warm ashes after the priest completes the ceremony. The event takes place in a peaceful mountain setting located just outside the busy Nagoya city center. You can feel the intense heat from the flames while standing several meters away from the fire.

Participating in this ritual is considered a great way to start the new season with clear intentions. The temple is located in a scenic area that offers great views of the surrounding Aichi countryside. Buses run from the nearest train station to the temple site during the special festival day.

Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to remove if you plan on joining the walk. The fire walking usually starts at 1:00 PM and finishes around 3:00 PM in the afternoon heat. Photographers will find many dramatic moments to capture during the intense smoke and flame-filled religious ceremony.

Early Plum Blossoms at Nagoya Castle

While not a traditional matsuri, the plum blossom season is a major cultural event in late February. Nagoya Castle features dozens of plum trees that begin to bloom with fragrant pink and white flowers. This marks the very first sign that the harsh winter weather is finally coming to an end.

A small festival often takes place within the castle grounds to celebrate the new seasonal floral beauty. You can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies while sitting under the blooming trees in the historic castle garden. The contrast of the dark castle walls against the delicate flowers provides perfect photo opportunities for tourists.

• Best Bloom Time: Late February to early March 2026
• Location: Nagoya Castle Grounds, Naka Ward
• Admission Fee: 500 Yen for adults to enter the main castle area
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily for visitors

The plum blossoms represent perseverance and renewal because they bloom during the very coldest part of the year. Many local families enjoy picnicking on the grounds during the weekends when the weather is clear and sunny. You may also find food stalls selling plum-flavored sweets and warm beverages near the castle main gate.

Planning Your February Visit to Nagoya

February is a cold month in Nagoya, so proper clothing is essential for enjoying these outdoor winter festivals. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 10 degrees Celsius while nights can drop near the freezing point of zero. We suggest wearing warm layers and using heat packs available at any local Japanese convenience store location.

Staying near Nagoya Station provides the easiest access to all the festival locations mentioned in this winter guide. Most festival sites are accessible by the local subway lines or short rides on the regional JR trains. It is wise to consult the Nagoya winter weather guide to prepare for snow or rain.

Crowds can be very large during the peak hours of popular events like the Kounomiya Naked Festival weekend. Always keep your valuables in a secure place and stay aware of your surroundings in the dense crowds. Public transportation often runs on special schedules to accommodate the high number of festival visitors in February.

Book your hotel at least three months in advance to secure the best rates for your 2026 trip. Many popular hotels near the main stations fill up quickly during the busy festival dates in mid-February. Experience the unique charm of Aichi Prefecture by attending these traditional celebrations during your magical winter vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

February 2026 is an amazing time to explore the deep cultural roots of the Nagoya and Aichi regions. You can witness powerful rituals and beautiful nature while enjoying the unique spirit of the local Japanese people. Plan your journey today and prepare for an unforgettable winter experience in the heart of Japan!

Key Takeaways

• Attend the Kounomiya Naked Festival for a high-energy traditional experience.
• Visit Osu Kannon on February 3rd to participate in the famous Setsubun rituals.
• Pack heavy winter clothing and heat packs for long outdoor festival viewing.

Related reads: polarcityguide.com, nagoya winter travel guide 2026.