If you’re planning to go sightseeing, including seasonal activities unique to that time of year in your itinerary is ideal. In this issue, we introduce essential travel information for February in Hiroshima, including weather, appropriate fashion, key events, and recommended spots, catering to those interested in experiencing the uniqueness of the season.
To learn more about Hiroshima in winter, check here!
Hiroshima in February
Weather
Temperatures in Hiroshima in February are cold, continuing the cold weather seen in January. The average maximum temperature is about 12 degrees Celsius, and the average minimum temperature is about 4 degrees Celsius. Warm clothing is required due to the large difference in temperature between morning and evening.
Events
Various winter events are held in Hiroshima in February; Valentine’s Day on February 14 is one of the biggest events in Japan. Also, since oysters are in season in February, oyster festivals and other events are held in various locations, where visitors can taste fresh oysters.
Travel
February is also a relatively uncrowded month, so you can enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. In addition to visiting major tourist attractions such as Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Memorial Park, relaxing in a hot spring resort is also recommended. You can also rent a car and explore Hiroshima’s beautiful natural and historical sites.
February Fashion
Hiroshima in February is cold, so you will need warm clothing such as a heavy coat, jacket, or sweater. It is also a good idea to bring warm-weather accessories such as a scarf, gloves, and a hat. Shoes should be waterproof for safety. Stay warm and enjoy sightseeing.
2 Festival Events of Oysters
Oysters are said to be in best season during the winter months of December to February, which is recognized as the time when the most delicious oysters are available. Oyster lovers can enjoy oysters at a great price in February, so please join them and experience the charm of the region.
*Please note that event information is subject to change or cancellation due to unavoidable circumstances. Please check the website before visiting.
For those who want to know more about Hiroshima oysters
Miyajima Oyster Festival (宮島かき祭り)
This event is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of February at the plaza in front of the pier on Miyajima. You can enjoy a wide variety of oyster dishes using Miyajima oysters at reasonable prices. In addition, there is a corner where oysters are sold directly, which is very popular every year due to its low price and freshness. Please join them for this event where you can enjoy delicious oysters to the fullest.
Ono Oyster Festival (大野かきフェスティバル)
This is a festival where visitors can enjoy Ono Seto oysters grown in Ono Seto, located between Miyajima and Ono on the other side of the island. A wide variety of dishes are served at the festival, including grilled fresh oysters in their shells, fried oysters, oyster rice, etc. Although not so famous, the festival attracts about 10,000 visitors every year. The oysters are large and full of flavor, so be sure to visit.
Since the festival is held at Boat Race Miyajima, you can enjoy oysters while feeling the sea breeze of the Seto Inland Sea from a seat by the sea. The festival also features live performances by artists and a children’s play area, so you can enjoy the whole day.
Oyster Boat Restaurant
Oyster Boat Kanawa (かき船 かなわ)
In Hiroshima, there are “oyster boats” where visitors can enjoy oysters dishes on boat. In the early Edo period (1603-1867), Hiroshima oysters were transported by boat to Osaka by oyster farmers and sold. Later, as they gradually expanded their sales channels and allowed visitors to sample the oysters, they set up rooms on the boats and began serving oyster dishes, which is said to be the origin of the “oyster boat”.
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the boats were fixed to the coast and became waterfront restaurants, and hundreds of them are said to have been in operation throughout Japan. In this way, oyster boats spread the taste of Hiroshima oysters. Today, such a traditional oyster boat is represented by the “Oyster Boat Kanawa” floating on the Motoyasu River in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City. Why not enjoy oyster dishes on special location, oyster boat?
3 Recommended Chocolate Stores in Hiroshima
Unlike in Western cultures, the custom of Valentine’s Day in Japan is for women to give chocolates to men. Chocolates are generally sent to a lover, partner, or favorite person as an expression of romantic feelings, but many people also choose to send chocolates to friends and colleagues as a sign of friendship and appreciation, or as a reward for themselves.
Valentine’s Day has become a major event in February, as people choose and purchase their favorite chocolates for February 14, or make their own chocolates by hand. Please refer to the following list of delicious chocolate stores in Hiroshima.
marco chocolaterie (マルコショコラトリー)
marco chocolaterie, a fashionable chocolaterie that has become popular in Hiroshima, has a store in Hiroshima City. The store is loved by locals for its authentic chocolates made from cacao-based ingredients.
A particularly popular chocolate is the Crumble Chocolate. This chocolate looks like a tablet and is covered with brightly colored nuts and dried fruits, giving it a fun texture. You can purchase your favorite chocolates by weight. They are recommended as gifts, not only for their taste, but also because they look so cute.
Hiroshima Chocolatory (広島チョコラトリー)
This is a representative chocolate confectionery of Hiroshima with a store in the ekie commercial facility directly connected to Hiroshima Station. It is useful as an everyday souvenir, and is also recommended as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Made with “Sagotani milk,” a milk produced in Hiroshima, this rich baked good is a must for chocoholics, with its moist and chewy texture and rich chocolate overflowing from the inside of the dough. The secret of its popularity is that it can be eaten both cold and warm.
USHIO CHOCOLATL (ウシオチョコラトル)
This chocolate shop is hidden deep in the mountains within Mukaishima island in Onomichi. This chocolatier purchases cacao beans directly from the local market and manufactures everything by hand. Basically, they sell only tablet chocolates. However, the package designs that wrap the hexagonal tablets are all stylish and perfect for gifts. Even men who don’t typically like sweet food can also enjoy this deep flavor.
For those who want to know more about Hiroshima
