George Boyle
Japan is a destination brimming with adventure, culture, history, and food, making it an ideal honeymoon spot. The country offers a blend of modernity and tradition, with its ancient temples and bustling cities. The best time to visit Japan for a honeymoon is typically from March to May, during the cherry blossom season, or from September to November, when the autumn leaves change colour. Spring and autumn offer moderate weather, while winter is ideal for those seeking snow sports and smaller crowds.
Tokyo, the largest city in the world by population, is a popular choice for honeymooners, with its mix of traditional sites, such as the Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, and modern attractions, including world-class shopping and dining. Osaka, known as Japan's gastronomic hub, is another foodie favourite, with its array of sushi, okonomiyaki, and local delicacies like takoyaki and kushikatsu. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a cultural hotspot with 2000 temples and shrines, while Kanazawa offers high-quality local crafts and the well-preserved Higashi Chaya district.
Honeymooners can also explore the natural beauty of Japan, including the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto and the hot springs of onsen towns such as Kusatsu and Hakone. With its diverse attractions, Japan provides a unique blend of excitement and relaxation for couples seeking a memorable honeymoon experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | March to May for cherry blossom season and September to November for autumn foliage |
| Peak tourist season | April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom |
| Cheapest time to visit | November to February |
| Best for skiing | December to February |
| Best for moderate weather | Spring and autumn |
| Best for exploring cities | Spring and autumn |
| Best for avoiding crowds | After the first week of January |
| Best for snow without skiing | December |
| Best for adventurous days and romantic nights | All year round |
| Best for culture, history, and food | All year round |
| Best for beaches | All year round |
| Best cities | Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama |
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What You'll Learn
- Kyoto: ancient capital, cultural hub, and home to 2000 temples and shrines
- Tokyo: sprawling metropolis with a mix of traditional sites and futuristic architecture
- Osaka: Japan's gastronomic hub, with a myriad of eateries and a lively nightlife scene
- Kanazawa: historic sites and high-quality local crafts, including gold leaf and lacquerware
- Takayama: hidden gem in the Japanese Alps, with a well-preserved old town and natural hot springs
Kyoto: ancient capital, cultural hub, and home to 2000 temples and shrines
Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is a cultural hub and home to 2000 temples and shrines. It is a quintessential honeymoon destination, offering a different experience to the urban jungles of Tokyo and Osaka.
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, and its cultural significance is evident in the beautifully preserved wooden buildings from the Edo Period (1603–1867) that line its narrow paved streets. Geisha still entertain in the well-preserved Higashi Chaya district, and the city is dotted with tranquil gardens, bamboo groves, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For couples interested in Japanese history and culture, Kyoto is a must-visit. The city has numerous temples, including the famous Kozanji Temple in the mountain valley of Takao, known for its vibrant autumn foliage. The fall leaves in Kyoto are particularly spectacular, with red, orange, and golden colours that tend to last for a month or so. The Japanese maple trees in the grounds of many temples are a sight to behold.
Kyoto also offers unique cultural experiences such as the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and Zen meditation. You can wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, taking in the soaring stalks of bamboo, or explore "Bamboo Alley," one of Kyoto's most photographed attractions.
For food enthusiasts, Kyoto offers obanzai cooking, a style native to the city, and kyaraben, character-themed bento boxes. You can also find luxurious ryokan (traditional inns) with private onsens (hot springs) offering stunning views and a relaxing experience.
Kyoto is easily accessible by bullet train from Tokyo Station or Shin-Osaka Station, making it a convenient destination for honeymooners exploring Japan.
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Tokyo: sprawling metropolis with a mix of traditional sites and futuristic architecture
Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis, offers honeymooners a mix of traditional sites and futuristic architecture. The city boasts state-of-the-art skyscrapers and brick retro buildings, creating a unique harmony of old and new.
For a glimpse of Tokyo's futuristic side, visit the TOKYO SKYTREE®, which, at 634 meters tall, is the tallest tower in the world according to the Guinness World Records. The tower offers panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The tower is beautifully illuminated at night, with alternating colours of soft blue, Edo purple, and tangerine. Another example of modern architecture is the National Art Center, designed by the world-renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa, known for his silver-domed buildings.
Tokyo also has several traditional sites, including the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, which retains its unique downtown atmosphere. The Meiji Shrine is another iconic site, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The nearby Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, seamlessly blends modern design with the area's traditional charm.
Honeymooners can also explore the Marunouchi area, known for its retro architecture, including the Tokyo Station Building and the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, which have been meticulously restored to their original appearance from over a century ago.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Tokyo offers world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife. For a romantic dining experience, Toriyo Roppongi offers breathtaking views of the Tokyo Tower and skyline, along with an upgraded take on traditional yakitori. The city also boasts luxurious hotels, such as the Conrad Tokyo and Intercon Tokyo Bay, offering exquisite service and stunning views.
With its blend of modernity and tradition, Tokyo provides honeymooners with memorable experiences and a unique perspective on Japanese culture.
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Osaka: Japan's gastronomic hub, with a myriad of eateries and a lively nightlife scene
Osaka is a must-visit destination for foodies, especially those on their honeymoon. Known as Japan's gastronomic hub, Osaka offers a plethora of dining options that will tantalize your taste buds. The city boasts a diverse food scene, ranging from fresh seafood sushi to the hearty okonomiyaki, a type of savoury pancake filled with meat and vegetables. Be sure to indulge in local specialties such as takoyaki, delicious octopus dumplings, and kushikatsu, mouth-watering deep-fried skewers.
As the sun sets, the vibrant neighbourhood of Dotonbori illuminates the city with its neon lights and bustling eateries. For a romantic evening, stroll along the canal and savour a drink at one of the waterfront bars. Osaka's nightlife is vibrant and varied, offering something for every taste. The Namba and Umeda districts are renowned for their lively bar-hopping scenes, while karaoke and jazz clubs provide alternative entertainment options.
Osaka also serves as a convenient gateway to other destinations in Japan. The Shin-Osaka Station is a hub for the bullet train, making it easy to explore other regions. Kyoto, the ancient capital and "Capital of Culture", is just a short train ride away. There, you can explore over 2000 temples and shrines, including the stunning Kozanji Temple, famous for its autumn foliage.
If you're seeking a blend of city life and natural escapes, Osaka delivers. The Osaka Castle grounds are renowned for their cherry blossom spots during spring, providing a romantic backdrop for picnics. For a more tranquil experience, visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and stroll through "Bamboo Alley", one of Kyoto's most iconic attractions.
With its culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and convenient access to cultural and natural sites, Osaka is a dynamic destination for couples seeking an immersive Japanese experience on their honeymoon. Whether you're indulging in the local cuisine or exploring nearby ancient cities, Osaka offers a memorable start to your married life.
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Kanazawa: historic sites and high-quality local crafts, including gold leaf and lacquerware
Kanazawa, a city in the Ishikawa prefecture, is a great place to visit on your honeymoon in Japan. The city is known for its historic sites and high-quality local crafts, including gold leaf and lacquerware.
The humid climate and pure local water supply of Kanazawa make it uniquely suited to gold leaf production. In fact, 99% of the gold leaf produced in Japan is made in Kanazawa, along with 100% of the silver and platinum leaf. The production of gold leaf is a delicate process, as it is so thin that even a tiny amount of static electricity can tear it. At the Gold Leaf Sakuda Main Store, located 100 meters north of the Chaya District Store, you can view the manufacturing process and even try decorating your own object with gold leaf in one of their four daily workshops. The store also features a gold leaf mini-museum and offers tours of the factory area.
Kanazawa lacquerware, or "Kanazawa shikki" in Japanese, is known for its unparalleled quality and magnificence due to its use of maki-e, a lacquerware decoration technique in which designs are made by sprinkling powder of gold, silver, or other colours onto a lacquer drawing. The craft was developed around 1630 for the liking of feudal lords, with the financial backing of the Kaga domain (present-day Kanazawa). The Kaga domain was so wealthy that it was described as "hyakumangoku", meaning it had the ability to produce a million koku (180 litres) of rice.
In addition to exploring the local crafts of gold leaf and lacquerware, Kanazawa offers other attractions for honeymooners. You can stay at a traditional inn, such as Maki no Oto Kanazawa, and experience Japanese culture through activities like wearing kimonos or yukatas, visiting a teahouse, and playing traditional parlor games with a geisha. You can also explore historic sites like Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en Garden, the Higashi Chaya-machi district, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
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Takayama: hidden gem in the Japanese Alps, with a well-preserved old town and natural hot springs
Japan is a great honeymoon destination, with its mix of ancient and modern cities, natural beauty, and rich culture and history. One of the best places to visit for a honeymoon is Takayama, a hidden gem nestled in the Japanese Alps. This picturesque town, with its well-preserved old town, offers a glimpse into Japan's Edo era.
The old town of Takayama, known as Sanmachi Suji, is renowned for its traditional inns, restaurants, and sake breweries. The historic district is home to ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, such as the Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan, which offers personalised hospitality and hot spring baths. Another notable ryokan is the Ryokan Tanabe, one of the most historical ryokans in the city, featuring Japanese-style rooms and free WiFi. For a luxurious and authentic experience, the 160-year-old Wanosato provides a private villa in a quaint Gassho-zukuri thatched-roof house.
Takayama is also known for its natural hot springs, or "onsen". These geothermal waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, and range from outdoor riverside settings like Hida TakayamaYurakutei to indoor facilities in hotels. The Hida Takayama Hot Springs offer a large public bath, a private outdoor bath, and a footbath, all in a traditional Japanese setting.
The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the tranquil Hida Mountains and the Northern Alps. The Miyama Ouan Kyoritsu Resort, nestled in the Hida Mountains, offers hot spring baths and nature views. The fall season is a particularly magical time to visit Japan, with vibrant foliage and mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring.
Takayama offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing a serene and romantic escape for honeymooners seeking a unique and memorable experience in Japan.
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Frequently asked questions
Osaka is known as Japan's gastronomy hub, with a myriad of eateries where you can enjoy fresh sushi, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu. However, Japanese cuisine varies by region, and you'll find different varieties of ramen, soba, and sushi all over the country.
Kyoto is a popular honeymoon destination, known as the "Capital of Culture" with over 2000 temples and shrines. Tokyo is another must-visit, with a mix of traditional sites like Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, as well as futuristic architecture, world-class shopping, and dining.
You can take a ride on the Shinkansen Bullet Train, one of the fastest ways to travel around the country. You can also dress up as samurais and geishas for a photoshoot at one of the ancient Japanese gardens, or take a dinner cruise on a traditionally decorated boat around Tokyo Bay.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons, with mild weather and the chance to see cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. However, spring is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds. If you're looking for a quieter and more affordable time to visit, consider the winter months (December to February).
