Deborah Chan
On January 14, 1954, Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe embarked on their honeymoon after a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. The couple first travelled to San Luis Obispo, where they spent their honeymoon night at the Clifton Motel, before continuing on to Tokyo, Japan. In Tokyo, the DiMaggios stayed at the Imperial Hotel and attended a press conference, with Monroe continuing her signature sharp style streak. The trip, however, was not without tension, as Monroe left her husband behind to entertain American troops in Korea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 14 January 1954 |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Locations | San Francisco, California; Tokyo, Japan; Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Hotels | Imperial Hotel, Tokyo |
| Transport | Pan American B-377 Stratocruiser |
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What You'll Learn
Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio's honeymoon in Japan
On February 1, 1954, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for their honeymoon. The newlyweds travelled on a Pan American B-377 Stratocruiser, a plane marketed as a "flying hotel", stopping in San Francisco and Honolulu along the way.
The trip was organised by Joe's mentor from his baseball days, Lefty O'Doul, who was now an advisor to the Yomiuri Giants. The couple's honeymoon was sponsored by the Yomiuri Giants and Yomiuri Shimbun owner Matsutaro Shoriki. DiMaggio's days in Japan were filled with visits to baseball camps, coaching, and interviews, with a few days at a luxury resort for golf. Their visits to Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima were also centred around baseball.
Monroe and DiMaggio stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward. They arrived at the hotel around 10 pm, six hours after landing, due to crowds blocking traffic. Monroe, feeling self-conscious, eventually waved to the crowd from the hotel balcony.
During their time in Japan, Monroe took time away from her honeymoon to entertain American troops in Korea. The idea was first suggested by Major General Charles W. Christenberry, the assistant chief of staff at the army's Far East Command, while the couple was still on the plane. An official invitation from General John E. Hull, commander of U.S. forces in the Far East, followed soon after. DiMaggio, who was left behind in Japan, was irritated by Monroe's excitement and reportedly told her, "No shopping, Marilyn. The crowds will kill us."
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The couple's stay at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo
On February 1, 1954, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for their honeymoon. They travelled on a Pan American B-377 Stratocruiser, a plane marketed as a "flying hotel", and stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward.
The couple's trip to Japan was far from a typical honeymoon. Each day was regimented around DiMaggio's visits to baseball camps, coaching, and interviews, with a few days at a luxury resort for golf—an activity that left Monroe out. Their visits to Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima were all centred around baseball. The trip was organised by DiMaggio's mentor from his baseball days, Lefty O'Doul, who was now an advisor to the Yomiuri Giants. The official hosts and sponsors of their honeymoon were the Yomiuri Giants and Yomiuri Shimbun owner Matsutaro Shoriki.
During their stay at the Imperial Hotel, crowds of fans gathered outside, refusing to disperse until Monroe at least waved to them from the balcony. The movie star self-consciously felt "like a dictator" but eventually stepped out to greet the crowd. While in Tokyo, Monroe and DiMaggio also attended a reception at the Imperial Hotel, where they were the guests of honour. Monroe wore a long-sleeved cardigan and a matching low-cut gown, while DiMaggio was sharply suited.
While in Japan, Monroe was invited to fly to South Korea to entertain the troops. She accepted the invitation, leaving DiMaggio behind in Japan. This caused tension in their relationship, as DiMaggio was already struggling with his wife's image and the attention she received.
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The trip's purpose as a press tour
Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe's honeymoon was a press tour in disguise. The trip was ostensibly a honeymoon, but it had been scheduled long before the couple tied the knot. It was arranged by Joe's mentor from his baseball days, Lefty O'Doul, who was now an advisor to the Yomiuri Giants. The official hosts and sponsors of their trip were the Yomiuri Giants and Yomiuri Shimbun owner Matsutaro Shoriki.
Each day was centered around Joe's visits to baseball camps, coaching, and interviews, with a few days spent at a luxury resort for golf—another activity that left Marilyn out. Their visits to Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima were all about baseball. The trip was also an opportunity for the newlyweds to be seen together in their sharp outfits. On one occasion, DiMaggio wore leather loafers with a light-colored suit, while Monroe wore a leopard-printed scarf, a dark short jacket, and a matching skirt with coordinating pumps.
The trip began with a Pan American B-377 Stratocruiser flight to Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan, via Honolulu and San Francisco. The couple arrived to a swarm of fans and photographers at the San Francisco airport. They stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward. The crowds outside the hotel refused to disperse until Monroe, feeling "like a dictator," waved to them from the balcony.
The trip was also an opportunity for Monroe to visit soldiers who had been fighting in Korea and were now recuperating in Japanese hospitals. She visited the Iwakuni City military base south of Hiroshima and a Tokyo medical center for wounded soldiers.
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Monroe's visit to Korea to entertain troops
Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe spent their honeymoon in Japan, staying at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Shortly after their arrival, a high-ranking U.S. Army officer, Major General Charles W. Christenberry, approached the couple and asked Monroe to entertain the troops in Korea.
Monroe's new husband, DiMaggio, replied that he didn't think he would have time to join her on the trip. However, the actress was excited by the prospect and accepted the invitation. This caused tension between the couple, as DiMaggio was already exhibiting jealous and controlling behaviour.
Monroe's trip to Korea was a whirlwind tour of American military bases, where she performed for an estimated 100,000 servicemen. The trip was a welcome break from her troubled relationship with DiMaggio, who stayed in Japan to help train a baseball team. The actress later reflected that the trip was one of the best experiences of her life, as it was the first time she "felt like a star". She also enjoyed the lack of judgement she encountered in Korea, and the opportunity to overcome her stage fright.
During her time in Korea, Monroe visited the K-2 Air Base at Daegu, where she performed for 10,000 Dutch, Thai, and American troops. She also visited Osaka Military Hospital in Japan, where she rehearsed songs with Corporal Al Guastafeste, a 21-year-old army pianist. The trip included a stop at the Iwakuni City military base south of Hiroshima and a visit to a Tokyo medical centre for wounded soldiers. She was given a pearl necklace with a diamond clasp from Emperor Hirohito and Empress Kojun during her visit.
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DiMaggio's jealousy and possessiveness
Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe's marriage was short-lived, lasting less than a year. However, their romance continued long after their divorce. The couple spent their honeymoon night in Paso Robles at the Clifton Motel and stopped for lunch at the Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo the following afternoon. They also travelled to Japan, staying at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
DiMaggio was reportedly a jealous and possessive husband. He struggled with Monroe's image and the attention she received. During the filming of The Seven Year Itch, DiMaggio was disgusted by the famous subway grate scene, in which Monroe's dress is blown up by a subway vent. He was also unhappy with the attention she received while on their honeymoon in Japan, particularly when Monroe was invited to perform for troops in Korea without him.
DiMaggio's possessiveness extended to Monroe's career. He wanted a stay-at-home wife and tried to control her professional life, including her contract negotiations and role choices. He declared that Monroe would only work in movies that he approved of and became critical of her dressing style. Monroe initially agreed to these rules, but after their honeymoon, their relationship began to deteriorate.
DiMaggio's possessiveness and jealousy ultimately contributed to the demise of their marriage. Monroe filed for divorce, citing physical abuse and a feeling of being controlled by DiMaggio. Despite their divorce, DiMaggio remained obsessed with Monroe, dating girls who looked like her and, according to rumours, even making a life-size sex doll of her. He never remarried and continued to send roses to her crypt three times a week for 20 years after her death.
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Frequently asked questions
The couple honeymooned in Tokyo, Japan, staying at the Imperial Hotel. They flew there via Honolulu on Pan American Airways’ new Boeing 377 Stratocruiser.
While in Tokyo, Monroe and DiMaggio went on a press tour, visiting local sights such as a fishing village. They also attended a reception at the Imperial Hotel as guests of honour. Monroe interrupted her honeymoon to entertain the troops in Korea.
Monroe wore a sleeveless colour-blocked belted dress with a striped scarf in her hair, and D’Orsay pumps. DiMaggio wore a light heathered suit and loafers.
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