The Ultimate Guide To The Most Romantic Things To Do In Japan For Couples

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Japan might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about honeymoon destinations and the best countries for a romantic getaway! But we think that this guide to the most romantic things to do in Japan proves otherwise.

Spend your romantic holiday wandering through the charming historical streets of Kyoto, immersing yourselves in the impressive landscape at the base of Mount Fuji, or having romantic meals at Tokyo’s coolest observation decks. We also think couples should come during the cherry blossom season, the most romantic time of year in Japan!

Romantic Things To Do In Japan

We’ve hand-picked all the most romantic destinations in Japan, so you can leave the research to us and start planning the romantic getaway of a lifetime!

1. Go For A Romantic Walk Through The Torii Tunnels At Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Kyoto is riddled with temples, but the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is extra special because it is home to a network of torii tunnels that lead you up behind the shrine on mountainous paths. We think it’s a super romantic place to bring your special person to, it’s also one of Japan’s most romantic UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

Before you arrive, there’s a little history you should know about. The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a popular Shinto shrine in the southern part of Kyoto. It was built in worship of the Shinto god of rice, whose name is Inari. The temple and grounds are decorated with fox statues as the fox is considered to be the messenger animal of the rice god. 

Incredibly, the shrine has been there since 794! It’s a timeless place to visit if you’re celebrating an important anniversary. 

When you arrive, you’ll notice a giant torii gate at the entrance, and if you walk behind the shrine, you’ll find the real gem – the torii tunnel networks! Wander hand in hand through the Senbon Torii paths that weave up the mountain until the Yotsutsuji intersection about half-an-hour’s walk away. 

The landscape opens up here, and you can catch your breath on the benches at the viewpoint. Soak in the panoramic landscapes below you and reminisce about all the memories you’ve already made together!
If you’d like to combine a few of the destinations on our romantic things to do in Japan itinerary into one, go on this full-day UNESCO and historical sites tour that’s great for couples.

2. Wander Through Higashiyama’s Enchanting Streets And Bond Over A Tea Ceremony

Higashiyama is by far Kyoto’s most romantic district. It’s quite a big neighborhood, and it encompasses the smaller Gion district, which dates back to the Edo period and is known as the geisha district because there are always locals wandering around in geisha costumes! 

This historical neighborhood is fairytale-like. Dotted with more temples than you could visit in a lifetime and full of old-age charm, it’s our top pick for couples looking for a romantic setting for a trip away, or even a honeymoon! 

Wander through the old wooden houses and quaint shops selling crafts and souvenirs. You’ll probably stumble across other temples unexpectedly in Higashiyama, but there are two that you and your other half just have to visit, the Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. 

Start at Yasaka Pagoda, also called the Higashiyama to Hikan-ji Temple. It’s unmissable thanks to the five-story, 46-metre-high pagoda that’s attached to the temple. Incredibly, it was built in 589! 

Take your time to appreciate the history of the temple and to take in the pagoda’s traditional facade, before you wander into the pagoda’s interior together. Inside, there are faded statues and old paintings that have stood the test of time, even if they have some wear and tear!

Afterwards, walk another 10 minutes and you’ll arrive at the second most romantic temple in the Higashiyama neighborhood, Kiyomizu-dera Temple! The name translates to ‘Pure Water Temple’ as it was built around the Otowa Waterfall. 

There’s a historical atmosphere around the old temple, which was founded in 780 and is one of Japan’s most famous temples. One curious thing about the building is that it was built using traditional Japanese temple-building methods, so if you look up closely, you’ll see there isn’t a single nail in the temple’s structure!

But why do we think you should come to Kiyomizu-dera Temple if you’re looking for a little romance? Well, behind the temple hall, there’s a Jishu Shrine which is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking! Bring your significant other to the shrine and take a moment to enjoy each other’s company and remember how lucky you are to have found one another. 

Believe it or not, this isn’t the only love-inspired thing to do at the temple. There are also two big stones placed 18 meters apart at the front of the Jishu Shrine. Legend has it that if you manage to walk between the two with your eyes closed the whole way, you’ll have luck in love. Challenge one another and see how lucky your future love lives will be!

Finish this romantic wander in Higashiyama off with a traditional tea ceremony where romance and tradition meet. The practice can be traced as far back as the 9th century, and it’s governed by four principles which we believe apply just as much to love! Harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility are the foundations of every tea ceremony, and to every solid relationship! 

Join this special tea ceremony in an 150-year-old traditional townhouse right by Kiyomizudera Temple. If you’re not convinced by that tea ceremony, travel a bit further and try this traditional tea ceremony that made it onto our 10-Day Japan Itinerary for First Timers. We think it’s an awesome choice for couples too, because you can giggle at one another dressed up in your kimonos! 

3. Soak Your Worries Away Together In The Hot Springs With Mt Fuji Views At Hotel Green Plaza

Image via Booking.com

The Hakone region surrounding Mt Fuji is famous for its amazing natural hot springs. There are 17 hot springs in particular that are sought after by anyone visiting the area, and the outdoor and indoor hot springs at Hotel Green Plaza are one of them! 

Whilst we’d usually be more likely to suggest a traditional ryokan, this hotel’s private onsen with mountain views really took us by surprise!

From the outdoor hot springs, you’ll be spoiled by amazing views of Mt Fuji’s snow-capped summit in the distance, which is why it’s also one of the Best Places to see Mt Fuji. Few places are as tranquil and picture-perfect as this, so it’s the perfect setting for a romantic day with your partner. 

After soaking in the hot springs for a few hours, book yourselves in for a luxurious couples massage at the hotel! You can visit the hot springs without actually staying at the hotel, but we think it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re on a romantic trip away together. 

If you rent a car, you can explore more of the romantic destinations and things to do at the base of Mt Fuji too, like hike to the Chureito Pagoda or take a boat ride on Lake Ashinoko. Did you know they host weddings at the hotel too? 

4. Go On A Mesmerizing Cruise Along Lake Ashi At The Base Of Mt Fuji

Image via Unsplash by Koon Chakhatrakan

Lake Ashi is a vast lake at the base of Mt Fuji, and it’s an awe-inspiring place to take your partner. The lake sits in the base of a deep caldera that was formed by the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. 

Unlike other lakes in the area, Lake Ashi isn’t a built-up place. There are very few towns on the lake’s shore, which gives it a majestic and remote feel. 

To add a touch of romance to your trip, hop on one of the lake cruises that take you out into the open water where there are panoramic views of Mt Fuji and the surrounding landscape! The boats leave from the Motohakone-ko Pier on the lake’s shores. There’s a big red torii gate at the port, so if you spot that, you know you’re in the right place.

Surrounded by blue skies, clear waters, and mountains covered in dense forests – we think it’s a breathtaking setting to pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate your relationship!

If you want to see more of the Mt Fuji area than just Lake Ashi, book this lake cruise tour that also goes to other romantic spots in the area, like the Hakone Ropeway and Mt Fuji 5th Station. Alternatively, book to board the incredible pirate ships that take visitors out on a cruise of Lake Ashi and add a little luxury to the experience.

5. Wander Hand In Hand Through The Cherry Blossoms At Chureito Pagoda

Visiting during the sakura season, or cherry blossom bloom, will without a doubt add a touch of romance to your holiday! The season inspires the practice of hanami, when everyone stops to admire the transient beauty of the delicate pink cherry blossom flowers. Tranquil and introspective, Japan’s sakura spots inspire romantic walks!

Few places are as beautiful during the sakura season as the Chureito Pagoda. A popular Mt Fuji viewpoint positioned on the mountainside opposite Mt Fuji, this five-story high pagoda is even more breathtaking when the hillside is decorated in soft pink cherry trees. 

Your romantic walk starts at the bottom of the hill, where the Arakura Sengen Shrine is. It was built in 1963 as a peace memorial. From there, there’s a tough climb up 400 steps to reach the pagoda’s viewing deck! But like in relationships, the effort is worth the rewards!

It’s such a great spot that it’s made it onto our 10-Day Japan Itinerary For First Timers too! You can also check our Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan if you want to find out more about the sakura season or browse more romantic destinations you could take your other half to. 

Admire the landscape and snap some couple pictures with the views of Mt Fuji’s snow-capped summit and the gorgeous sakura trees in the distance before wandering back down to the base of the hill, where there are often food stalls and celebrations during the sakura season.

Fancy coming on a tour? Then book this awesome private tour from Tokyo! It goes to the Chureito Pagoda as well as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Shrine. Going with a guide is a great way to discover more romantic hanami spots with your partner!

Remember that the sakura season takes place between late March and mid-April! You can use a sakura forecast to get more precise information about when the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom in different areas across Japan.

6. Go For A Luxurious Meal Together At The Sky Lobby In Tokyo

Image via tabelog.com

In the modern Minato neighborhood in Tokyo, there’s a cool observation deck that we think is worth a visit if you’re on a romantic getaway as a couple. The Sky Lobby is on the 33rd floor of the Mori JP Tower at Azabudai Hills. 

It used to be open to just anyone, but now it’s restricted to guests who are booked in at the restaurant or cafe on the 33rd floor. Whether you want to get dressed up and connect over a cocktail with views at the Sky Room Bar or enjoy a meal together at Dining 33, we think it’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a romantic experience that’s not like anything you’ve done before!

Just steps away from the restaurant tables, there are large glass-paneled walls that boast breathtaking views over the Tokyo skyline. One of our favorite things is the breathtaking views of the Tokyo Tower from the Sky Lobby observation deck. The Eiffel Tower look-alike adds an undeniable enchantment, especially at night when the tower is lit up – we’re sure the views will win your partner over! 

And it’s not just the views you have to look forward to, Dining 33 is run by one of Japan’s French cuisine masters, Seizan Mikuni. The restaurant is definitely fine dining, so put your best outfits on. The plates he has created for this restaurant are designed for sharing, making it perfect for an intimate meal for two. 

He loves to cook with seafood from Mashike, his hometown in Hokkaido, and there is a selection of Japanese meats and rare Edo-Tokyo vegetables on the menu that are melt-in-your-mouth good.

7. Get Lost Together In Tokyo’s Charming Ueno Park During The Cherry Blossom Festival

Image via Unsplash by Trevor Paxton

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most famous parks, but during the sakura season it’s especially romantic! The pastel pink cherry blossom petals add a flirtatiousness to the air, and couples come from all over the city to go on romantic walks together in the park. 

Take a moment together to stop and admire the delicate petals, a practice known as hanami that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The blossom season is a reminder of how fleeting and beautiful life is, and a reminder to treasure the time you have together. 

The first cherry tree was planted in the park some 400 years ago when it was brought from the famous Mount Yoshino to Ueno Park by the priest Tenkai. Today, the park is home to more than a thousand cherry blossom trees! 

Bring your camera along and capture romantic snaps of you both side by side among the colorful trees. We’d recommend coming a little before the sunset hour, that way you can see the park during the day, watch the sunset together, and watch as the 800 lanterns that decorate the park are lit up at night. There are few things as magical as indulging in some nighttime hanami.

There are museums dotted around the park too, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Museum of Western Art, so if you or your partner are art fans, you should come earlier in the day and check them out! 

One of our favorite places in the park is the Shinobazu No Ike Bentendo Temple which is built on a little island in the vast Shinobazu Pond. During the sakura season, it’s especially magical, and it’s a great spot to head to for a romantic picnic in the park. 

Our Romantic Japan Trip Packing Guide

Here are a few things to consider bringing on your romantic trip away, as well as a few essentials for any trip to Japan:

• Comfortable shoes: Any trip away involves a fair bit of walking, and this romantic getaway will be no different. Extra comfortable trainers are especially important if you decide to visit some of the romantic sakura spots! 
• Pack a warm jumper: We’ve added a few evening activities to our romantic guide, so pack a thick layer so you don’t get cold in the evenings.
• Bring your best camera: Capture your awesome trip away together so you can share it with everyone back home! You might want to think about packing other accessories like selfie sticks too.
• Remember to pack a travel adapter: You’ll need a two-pronged Type A for Japan, so check your plugs to see if you need to get an adapter ahead of your trip.
• Bring hand sanitizer: It’s not unusual for there to be no soap in public and restaurant toilets in Japan.
• Get some Japanese Yen ready before your trip. It’s always a good idea to pack some cash in the local currency before your trip in case you need cash to pay for your transport from the airport or you find yourself in a sticky situation. 
• Make sure you check that you can use your bank card to take out Japanese Yen whilst you’re abroad without being charged hefty fees! If not, plan ahead and bring all the travel money you think you’ll need. In our 10 day Japan itinerary we estimated it costs about $147 per person per day to travel in Japan.
• Check if you need a Visa ahead of your trip! Most countries don’t need a Visa for a short holiday in Japan, but make sure you check the unique requirements for your country, so you don’t run into any unexpected problems. You can find out more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Get Ready To Make Memories Together That Will Last A Lifetime

Hopefully, this guide to the most romantic things to do in Japan has you as crazy about Japan as we are! Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or trying to figure out where to go on your honeymoon – Japan has something for you!

From romantic spots with breathtaking mountain landscapes of Mt Fuji, to cityscape observation decks in Tokyo, and charming historical neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples in Kyoto, Japan has something for every kind of couple. 

Plan your trip during the sakura season if you want to enjoy Japan’s most romantic time of year, between late March and mid-April. Pack your best camera and sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable romantic holiday!

Japan Romantic Getaway Frequently Asked Questions