George Boyle
Japan has long been a beloved honeymoon destination for couples, offering a unique blend of traditional culture, modern cities, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Japanese honeymoons can cater to a range of preferences, from city lovers seeking luxury hotels and fine dining to nature-focused adventurers looking for relaxation and exploration in the countryside. With its distinct seasons, Japan offers diverse experiences throughout the year, from spring cherry blossoms and summer beaches to autumn foliage and winter onsen retreats. Whether it's a short mini-moon or an extended luxurious trip, Japan provides a plethora of options for an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Late spring (March to May) and late autumn (September to November) |
| Accommodations | Traditional ryokans, luxury hotels, intimate boutique properties |
| Destinations | Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Okinawa, Hakone, Kobe, Osaka, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Activities | Visiting shrines and temples, cherry blossom viewing, beach relaxation, trekking, skiing, shopping, museum visits, sake brewery tour, sushi-making class |
| Transportation | Shinkansen, domestic flights, public transportation (subway), bus service |
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What You'll Learn
Japanese food and drink: sushi, ramen, sake and more
Japan is a great destination for a honeymoon, with its dazzling ryokans, stunning hotels, and, of course, its food and drink. Japanese cuisine is rich and diverse, with many unique dishes and drinks to try. Here is a guide to some of the most popular Japanese foods and drinks to indulge in on your honeymoon.
Sushi is probably the most famous Japanese food. It consists of tender raw fish placed on top of seasoned rice. The earliest records of sushi date back to around 700 AD when extra salt and vinegar were added to prevent ingredients from spoiling before the advent of refrigeration technology. Today, sushi is considered a soul food in Japan, with fresh ingredients and a variety of toppings. Conveyor belt sushi is a popular and affordable option, while itamae sushi restaurants offer a more premium experience with higher-quality ingredients and services.
Ramen is another beloved dish in Japan. It consists of wheat noodles in a soup stock with flavourings, seasonings, and toppings. The broth comes in various flavours, including shio (salt), tonkotsu (pork bone), shoyu (soy sauce), and miso. Ramen is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly day or after a long day of sightseeing.
Sake, Japan's traditional rice wine, is a versatile beverage that can complement a meal just as well as wine. It is primarily made from water, rice, and fermented rice koji. The flavour of sake varies depending on the region and production method. Amakuchi sake is sweet and lower in acidity, resulting in a mellow taste, while karakuchi sake is dry and has a higher acidity, leading to a more intense flavour. Sake can also be served warm or at room temperature, revealing profound umami notes.
In addition to these staples, there are many other Japanese dishes and drinks worth trying. Yakitori chicken skewers, udon noodles, Wagyu beef, tempura, teishoku set meals, and traditional wagashi sweets are just a few examples. For a unique experience, try kaiseki, a multi-course meal featuring seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients, often served at luxury hot spring resorts or ryokan inns. Don't forget to pair your meals with drinks like shochu, a popular spirit distilled from rice, buckwheat, or chestnuts, or amazake, a low-alcohol beverage served at festivals or traditional sweet shops.
Whether you're indulging in sushi, slurping ramen, or toasting with sake, Japanese food and drink offer a delightful sensory experience that will surely enhance your honeymoon.
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Cherry blossom season
During this season, honeymooning couples can enjoy strolling through parks and gardens, such as Osaka Castle or Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi Prefecture, to admire the blossoms. In Tokyo, Ueno Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. For a more secluded experience, newlyweds can head to Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, where they can boat through petal-strewn moats around a feudal castle. Kyoto is another romantic destination during cherry blossom season, offering spots like the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and Maruyama-koen Park. However, it is recommended to avoid Southern Higashiyama during the day to escape the crowds.
The cherry blossom season is not just about the pretty flowers; it carries immense cultural significance in Japan. The blossoms embody deep-rooted cultural and philosophical beliefs, with their fragility seen as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth. Hanami, the Japanese art of springtime flower watching, is a popular activity during this season, with people gathering in parks, temples, and streets to admire the blossoms. The cherry blossom festival, or "hanami", is a festive and mesmerizing event that brings people from all walks of life together.
To make the most of the cherry blossom season on your honeymoon, consider the following tips:
- Plan your trip for late March to increase the chances of catching the blossoms, especially if visiting major cities.
- Book accommodations and transport in advance if travelling from the end of April through the beginning of May, as this coincides with the Golden Week national holiday, making it a busy and expensive time.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the cherry trees, or purchase seasonal sweets and fruit wines to savour while admiring the blossoms.
- Visit temples like Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, which offers a beautiful evening view during the cherry blossom season.
- Explore Tokyo's neighbourhoods, such as Sugamo, Azabu-Juban, and Togoshi Ginza, for urban adventures and rooftop cocktail bars.
- Consider a traditional Japanese wedding experience in a machiya townhouse in Kyoto, where you can dress up and take vows again with photographers to capture the memories.
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Ryokans and luxury hotels
Japan offers honeymooners a blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders. The country is known for its dazzling ryokans and stunning hotels.
Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns, often located in the countryside. They offer a unique and splurge-worthy experience, with some featuring private hot springs in their rooms. Some of the best ryokans in Japan include Asaba in Shuzenji Onsen, Beniya Mukayu near the Japan Sea coast, and Nishimuraya Honkan in the onsen town of Kinosaki Onsen.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Japan also boasts several luxury hotels. The Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto, for example, offers an impeccable location on the Kamogawa River. The Ace Hotel Kyoto blends modern luxury with rich cultural experiences. In Tokyo, The Imperial Hotel and The Tokyo Station Hotel offer a seamless blend of luxury, history, and elegance.
There are also several luxury resorts in Okinawa, known for its picturesque coastline and tranquil beaches. The Halekulani Okinawa, Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort, and Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts are all upscale options for honeymooners seeking a romantic and luxurious getaway.
Whether you choose to stay in a traditional ryokan or a modern luxury hotel, Japan offers unparalleled hospitality and a captivating blend of old and new.
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City life: Tokyo, Kyoto and more
Japan has a lot to offer for couples seeking a honeymoon filled with city life and culture.
Tokyo, the world's biggest city, is a bustling metropolis with a variety of neighbourhoods to explore. Spend a morning getting lost in the shopping streets and narrow alleys of Sugamo, Azabu-Juban, or Togoshi Ginza. Visit Shimokitazawa for vintage shopping and indie music venues. End your night in Shinjuku or Shibuya, sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, taking in the sprawling city lights. Tokyo also offers a wide range of culinary delights, from conveyor belt sushi to ramen joints and luxury hotels with couples' spa treatments. For a unique experience, book a room with a view of the city skyline and Imperial Gardens at Aman Tokyo.
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and the "Capital of Culture", offers a different experience with its wooden buildings from the Edo Period and over 2000 temples and shrines. Nature lovers can explore the bamboo groves and Zen gardens, while history buffs can delve into the city's rich historical atmosphere. A day trip to nearby Arita, the birthplace of porcelain in Japan, offers a glimpse into four centuries of history.
Other cities worth considering include Osaka, which is home to Universal Studios Japan, and the secluded mountain town of Hida-Takayama, known for its well-preserved historic areas. Old Town Takayama is another popular destination, offering a traditional taste of Japan. If you're visiting during the winter, Nagasaki, Huis Ten Bosch, and Arita are recommended for their winter illuminations.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit Japan due to moderate weather and the cherry blossom season, but they can be peak tourist times. Winter, especially after the first week of January, can be a great time to avoid crowds and see the snow, although some parts of the country may not experience snowfall until later in the season.
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Nature and adventure
Japan has a lot to offer for honeymooners who are nature and adventure enthusiasts. The country is known for its abundance of pristine nature and vibrant cities, making it a beloved honeymoon destination for couples seeking wellness experiences or nature-focused adventures.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Japanese summer is perfect for spending time on the coast or in the mountains. The subtropical islands of Okinawa, located over 1,560 kilometers south of Tokyo, offer some of the best beaches in Japan, with long stretches of white sand. If you're looking for a more active adventure, Japan also offers serious trekking opportunities during the summer months.
If you're visiting during the spring (around March to April), you'll be treated to the beautiful cherry blossom (sakura) season. This is a great time to plan a romantic picnic under the cherry blossom trees, with a glass of sakura champagne to toast your new life together. You can also join the Spring Flower Cruise to enjoy the blooms from the water.
For a unique nature experience, consider a visit to Nara Park, where you can wander among curious deer. You can also stay at a traditional ryokan, a Japanese-style inn, to experience Japanese hospitality. The Asaba ryokan in Shuzenji Onsen and Nishimuraya Honkan in the onsen town of Kinosaki Onsen are highly recommended.
If you're looking for a more active adventure, Japan offers plenty of options. You can climb Mt. Fuji, explore the oldest temples in Kyoto, or even take a sushi-making class in Tokyo. For a winter adventure, head to Niseko to enjoy the crisp, powdery snow.
No matter the season, Japan offers incredible cities, nature, and unparalleled hospitality for a memorable honeymoon experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Japan, from intimate boutique properties to luxurious hotels. Traditional Japanese-style inns called ryokans are a popular choice for honeymooners, with high-end options including Asaba in Shuzenji Onsen and Beniya Mukayu near the Japan Sea coast. Other luxurious accommodations include the Aman Tokyo, Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki Onsen, and The Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto.
Japan offers a range of unique experiences for honeymooners, such as taking a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony in Kyoto, visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, or staying at the Benesse House, a museum-hotel on the art island of Naoshima. You can also enjoy a private onsen (hot spring) in the mountains, take a sushi-making class in Tokyo, or ride the open-air train through the gorgeous scenery.
Late spring (March to May) and late autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit Japan due to mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. Spring is particularly romantic, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a beautiful and atmospheric setting for a honeymoon. However, be mindful of the Golden Week national holiday at the end of April to early May, as accommodation and transport can become more difficult and expensive during this period.
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