Lyla Dejesus
Japan is a beloved honeymoon destination for couples of all kinds, from city lovers to nature enthusiasts and those seeking wellness experiences. The country offers a range of activities, from exploring ancient temples and shrines to enjoying the beaches and mountains. Japan's bullet trains make it easy to get to all the main cities, and there are also domestic flights available for ski and nature towns. The country's four distinct seasons are worth noting when planning your trip, as each offers something unique, from the cherry blossoms of spring to the hot and humid summers, and the snowy winters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Spring, summer, autumn, winter |
| Spring Activities | Cherry blossom viewing, picnics, sake brewery tour |
| Summer Activities | Beach resorts, trekking |
| Autumn Activities | Viewing fall colors |
| Winter Activities | Onsens, skiing |
| Cities | Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Nikko |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Kyoto, Nikko |
| Cultural Activities | Tea ceremony, Zen meditation, Samurai Ninja Museum, Japanese wedding dress photo shoot, Japanese cuisine cooking class, Sake brewery tour |
| Nature Activities | Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Deer Park in Nara, Okinawa beaches, Mountains |
| Festivals | Yuki Matsuri, Omizutori, Hanami |
| Transportation | Bullet train, subway, bus |
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What You'll Learn
- Experience the culture: dress up as a samurai or geisha, wander ancient towns, and visit temples and shrines
- Explore nature: walk through bamboo forests, relax on beaches, trek mountains, and see cherry blossoms (sakura)
- Indulge in food: try street food, dine at local restaurants, and learn traditional cooking techniques
- Relax and unwind: stay in a traditional ryokan, visit onsens, and experience spa treatments
- Adventure and excitement: ride rollercoasters at Tokyo Disneyland, explore cities, and visit unique restaurants
Experience the culture: dress up as a samurai or geisha, wander ancient towns, and visit temples and shrines
Japan is home to many historic towns that showcase the country's ancient culture and lifestyles. One such town is Karuizawa, a popular destination for outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, tennis, cycling, and skiing in the winter. Another is Takayama, a city in the mountainous region of Hida known for its exemplary carpenters and timber during the feudalism era. The Kiso Valley, located at the foot of the Central Alps in Nagano Prefecture, is also a great place to visit ancient towns like Narai, Tsumago, and Magome. Here, you can enjoy strolling through old wooden buildings and stone paths.
If you want to experience the traditional Japanese culture of dressing up, you can try on samurai armour in Tokyo. You can choose from seven different kacchu designs, including those worn by famous warriors like Date Masamune. The staff will help you don the underlayer and heavy armour, and you will learn about the history of the samurai tradition. You can pose with traditional weapons and receive approximately 150 images from the photoshoot to remember your experience.
For geisha dress-up, Kyoto is a popular destination, particularly the Miyagawa Geisha district and MAICA in the Gion area. You can also take a two-hour atmospheric evening walk in Gion, the "Floating World" of Kyoto, to discover the world of the geisha.
Temples and shrines are abundant in Japan, each with its own unique characteristics and rituals. Shrines are built to serve the Shinto religion and are marked by a torii gate at the entrance, while temples are built for the Buddhist religion and feature a sanmon gate. Some notable temples include the Todaiji Temple in Nara and the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, known for their impressive roofs and guardian statues. When visiting a shrine, it is customary to bow before the torii gate and purify your body and mind with water at the temizuya before approaching the deity. At temples, you can ring a bell, clap your hands, say a prayer, and bow to express your respect.
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Explore nature: walk through bamboo forests, relax on beaches, trek mountains, and see cherry blossoms (sakura)
Japan is a country of mountains, with over seventy per cent of its land covered by towering volcanic peaks and snow-capped summits. There are plenty of hiking opportunities for couples looking to explore nature on their honeymoon. Experienced hikers may wish to visit Rishiri, an island off the coast of northern Hokkaido, to climb the dormant volcano at its centre. Mount Mitake, located in the mountains of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, is another popular hiking destination close to Tokyo. Mount Takao, less than an hour from central Tokyo, is one of the closest nature spots to the city.
For those who want to walk through bamboo forests, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is a popular choice. However, it tends to be crowded with tourists. Some alternatives are the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, which resembles Arashiyama but is much less crowded, and the Four Seasons Bamboo Forest Wakayama Farm, which is one of the largest bamboo forests in Japan. The Chikurin Park Bamboo Forest in the Tama area is another option, accessible in under an hour by train from Tokyo.
If you're looking to relax on beaches, the Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and warm climate. The Kerama Islands, about 40 kilometres west of the main island of Okinawa, offer ideal conditions for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, and diving. The subtropical Amami Oshima, located north of Okinawa, is known for its large and beautiful white-sand beaches. For beaches near Tokyo, the Shonan Coast and the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture are popular choices.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a highlight of Japan's natural beauty. The cherry blossom season typically starts in late March and peaks in early April in central areas, with the blooms lasting about two weeks. Greater Tokyo, Sendai, and Hokkaido are some of the best places to see the late-blooming cherry blossoms in April and May. In January and February, some varieties of cherry blossoms can be seen south of Tokyo in Atami and Miurakaigan, and on the Izu Peninsula in Kawazu.
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Indulge in food: try street food, dine at local restaurants, and learn traditional cooking techniques
Japan is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of culinary delights for couples on their honeymoon. From savouring street food to dining at local restaurants and learning traditional cooking techniques, here's how you can indulge in the country's unique food culture:
Street Food and Festival Delights:
Japan's vibrant festival culture offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in street food. Plan your honeymoon around festivals like Hanami, which celebrates the cherry blossom season from January to May. During this time, you'll find food stalls lining the streets, offering traditional snacks such as senbei rice crackers, sweets, and chocolate-covered bananas. The cherry blossom season is also a great time to enjoy a picnic under the blooming sakura trees, paired with a glass of sakura champagne.
Local Restaurants and Culinary Experiences:
For an unforgettable dining experience, explore the highly acclaimed restaurants that Japan has to offer. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are known for their fine dining establishments, many of which hold Michelin stars. Imayoshi Sushi in Tokyo, for example, is one of the oldest and most lauded sushi restaurants in the country. You can also opt for a luxurious lunch experience, such as a bespoke seasonal bento box lunch from a kappo restaurant, followed by delicate Japanese confectioneries (wagashi) paired with green tea.
Traditional Cooking Techniques:
Learning to cook a Japanese meal as a couple can be a fun and exciting activity during your honeymoon. Hosts in cities like Kyoto offer cooking lessons as part of your meal experience, teaching you traditional cooking styles like obanazai and kyaraben. You can also learn about the importance of each ingredient used in Japanese cuisine, which is known for its refined and vibrant flavours.
Tea Ceremonies and Cultural Immersion:
Participate in the intricate Japanese tea ceremony, often known as sado, chado, or chanoyu, which translates to 'the way of tea'. Kyoto, with its famous geisha district, Gion, offers numerous tea houses and ryokans where you can experience this ancient tradition. You can also dress up in traditional kimonos and stroll through the cobbled streets of Kyoto, capturing memorable photos for your wedding album.
Japan's culinary scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a unique experience for couples on their honeymoon. Whether you're savouring street food, dining at luxurious restaurants, or learning to cook traditional meals, your taste buds are sure to be tantalized.
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Relax and unwind: stay in a traditional ryokan, visit onsens, and experience spa treatments
Japan is a great place to unwind and relax on your honeymoon. The country has a plethora of onsens (Japanese hot springs) and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that offer luxurious and serene retreats for newlyweds.
For a truly Japanese experience, stay in a ryokan, which offers a mix of old and new. You can expect traditional ryokan aesthetics like shoji screens, tatami mat floors, private gardens, and deep stone tubs, as well as modern amenities such as heated floors, kitchenettes, and flat-screen TVs. Some ryokans even offer private onsens in guest rooms, allowing you to take in the views of mountains, oceans, and nature while you relax in the hot springs. The Gora Kadan ryokan in Hakone, for example, provides a serene atmosphere with indoor hot spring baths, a garden, a terrace, and massage treatments.
If you're visiting during the summer, head to the subtropical islands of Okinawa for some beach relaxation. Luxury resorts like Hoshinoya Taketomi offer pampering spa sessions, fantastic restaurants, and water sports activities. Smaller, remote islands in the Okinawan archipelago also provide couples with opportunities for tranquility and peaceful downtime.
For a cultural experience, visit Kyoto and Nara, the cultural capitals of Japan. Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, wander through tranquil gardens, and try Zen meditation. You can also stay at a traditional ryokan in these ancient cities and experience Japanese hospitality.
If you're visiting during the winter, a cosy onsen retreat is a perfect way to relax. Popular onsen towns include Kusatsu, Hakone, Kurokawa, and Noboribetsu. These hot springs have a strict etiquette, including no clothes, alcohol, phones, or tattoos. They also have separate sections for males and females.
No matter the season, Japan offers plenty of opportunities for couples to relax and unwind in luxurious and serene settings, surrounded by natural beauty and cultural experiences.
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Adventure and excitement: ride rollercoasters at Tokyo Disneyland, explore cities, and visit unique restaurants
Japan is a great destination for honeymooners seeking adventure and excitement. Tokyo Disneyland, modelled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, is divided into seven themed lands and boasts seasonal decorations and parades. The park offers a range of attractions, from shopping at the World Bazaar to exploring space and technology at Tomorrowland, and is sure to unleash the kid inside you.
For a unique dining experience, visit the Dawn Robot Cafe in Chuo City, Tokyo. This restaurant features robots as servers, operated by people with disabilities, offering an innovative and inclusive twist to your dining adventure. If you're looking for a thrilling way to get around, consider the open-air train ride, which offers gorgeous scenery and is a popular choice for couples. After disembarking, you can take a scenic boat ride steered using long bamboo poles for a truly unique perspective.
Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto, known as the "Capital of Culture," boasts over 2000 temples and shrines. The beautifully preserved wooden buildings from the Edo Period line the narrow paved streets, creating a romantic and historic atmosphere. Nearby, you can find the UNESCO World Heritage town of Nikko, nestled within a forest featuring intricately decorated shrines and temples dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a great unifier of Japan.
For a nature-filled adventure, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and walk through the famed "Bamboo Alley," one of Kyoto's most photographed attractions. The subtropical islands of Okinawa offer pristine beaches with white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for beachside relaxation or water sports. If you're seeking mountain adventures, Japan's summer and winter seasons provide the ideal setting for trekking and skiing, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Japan has a lot to offer for honeymooners, from its vibrant cities to its pristine nature. Here are some romantic activities and experiences to consider:
- Take a walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto and appreciate the soaring stalks of bamboo trees.
- Experience the Japanese tea ceremony in a tranquil garden while wearing traditional kimonos.
- Visit the popular Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto, or head to a 'love shrine' to get a blessing for your new marriage.
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on a traditionally decorated boat in Tokyo Bay.
- Relax in a private onsen (hot spring) with stunning views of mountains, oceans, and nature.
- Indulge in a hearty dinner at Omoide Yokocho, with 60 small restaurants and bars offering tasty barbecued skewers and drinks.
- Explore the ancient capital of Kyoto, with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings and over 2000 temples and shrines.
- Dress up as samurais and geishas for a photoshoot at one of the ancient Japanese gardens.
- Visit Tokyo Disneyland, with its seasonal decorations, parades, shopping, and themed lands.
- If you're visiting during the Sakura season (March to April), incorporate a daytime or sunset picnic into your itinerary.
Japan is a popular honeymoon destination all year round, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Spring (March to May) is the Sakura season, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This is a popular time for honeymoons, but the timing of the blooms is not an exact science.
- Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, so you may prefer to spend time on the coast or in the mountains rather than exploring cities.
- Autumn is another great season to explore the country's modern and ancient cities, with mild temperatures and fall colours.
- Winter (December to February) is a magical time in Japan, with snow and New Year celebrations. However, this is a busy time in the major cities, so consider visiting outside of the peak season for a more intimate experience.
Japan offers a range of unique and luxurious accommodation options for honeymooners:
- Traditional ryokans: Experience Japanese hospitality in a traditional inn, often located in historic or cultural areas.
- Luxury beach resorts: The subtropical islands of Okinawa offer luxury resorts with pampering spa sessions, fine dining, and water sports.
- Intimate boutique properties: For a more private and personalised experience, Japan has many boutique hotels with intimate settings.
