Honeymoons in Japan

Japan is an excellent place for honeymooning couples to enjoy a cultural adventure combined with romantic getaway.

It is not the first country that comes to mind for most couples when planning their honeymoon, but that's mainly because it isn't famous for its white sandy beaches. Instead, Japan is famous for its incredible history, traditions, and peaceful scenery, all perfect for couples looking to spend some quality time together.

Where else would you be able to experience ancient traditions such as hot spring baths, along with great hospitality and incredible cuisine?

In this article, we will list the things that make Japan a great place for a honeymoon, including some top activities for honeymooners and other important things to know before you travel.

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Highlights

• Japan is a great place for a honeymoon due to its romantic atmosphere, ease of transportation, and excellent service.
• You can stay at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) with hot springs.
• Hakone is a great place for couples due to its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
• Japan has some picturesque temples, such as the Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi-Inari Shrine.
• Some great activities for couples include tea ceremonies in Uji, dressing up in the traditional clothing of a geisha, and exploring Japanese cuisine by visiting Michelin star restaurants or participating in cooking classes.
• It is important to respect local culture by paying attention to local etiquette.
• The country is generally safe, though it is important to beware of weather warnings and the possibility of natural disasters.
• The best time to visit Japan is either spring or autumn.

Why have your honeymoon in Japan?

There's no denying Japan is a wonderful place for a honeymoon. You will find plenty to see and do, in a culture that is committed to incredible service and unsurpassed cuisine.

It is difficult to visit Japan and not enjoy your time there. The country has a magical quality arising from its delightful mixture of nature, history, and modernity, and leaving a lasting impression on all those who visit.

Relaxing and romantic atmosphere

One reason why couples love Japan is its peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Its large cities are bustling and modern, but just taking a quick drive or train into the countryside reveals an entirely different aspect to the country.

With beautiful scenery such as Mount Fuji in Hakone or the Arashiyama District in Kyoto, there are plenty of places where you can feel connected to nature.

Much of the culture in Japan involves appreciation for nature's beauty as well as for peace and quiet. You can find this when staying in a ryokan with natural hot springs, or when going out for dinner at a famous Tokyo restaurant.

Many tour options in Japan are private or small-group tours, which is perfect for couples.

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Ease of travel

Another great advantage of honeymooning in Japan is the ease of travel within the country. Its modern transport system makes it incredibly easy to go from city to city without the need to fly.

Whether you decide to take a private car or travel in Japan's famous bullet trains, you'll get to your destination quickly and on time. This allows travelers to see more in a given time than they might in other countries.

Another great thing about traveling in Japan is that if you don't want to drag your luggage from city to city, you can use the takyubin delivery service, which will send your bags from hotel to hotel for a pretty reasonable price. This will allow you to travel light and just enjoy the journey.

The people of Japan focus on convenience, making everything as comfortable and as easy as possible for customers and travelers.

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Sharon has been very helpful since the… Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More May, Jul 2023

When I first book I was scared of what… When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More Saul Velez, Jul 2023

Albee was very helpful and responsive… Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More Bhavini Patel, Jul 2023

Alisa was a perfect tour consultant Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More Matha Goram, Jul 2023

I highly Recommend Asia Highlights For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More Jessalynn Flores, Jul 2023

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A great way to plan a dream vacation Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More KC, May 2023

Yeliz - Asia Highlights Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More Cyndie, May 2023

Sharon’s was very patient and helpful… Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More Jonny Abad, May 2023

Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!! Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More Lianne Stone, May 2023

11 days trip to Japan I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More LE, May 2023

Japan trip Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More Serene Storslett, May 2023

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I organized a trip to Japan for my I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More Luisa, Apr 2023

Top activities for honeymooners in Japan

Now that we've discussed why Japan is such a great place for a romantic getaway, let's explore the best things to do while you are there. While the country offers an incredible variety of activities for couples, here are some of our favorites.

Traditional ryokan with onsen

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, normally small and family-owned. Ryokans are great places to stay for couples because they not only provide an authentic taste of Japanese culture but also the quiet and private environment that couples are looking for.

The service received in ryokans is usually excellent. Members of staff are often dressed in traditional kimonos and daily breakfast and dinner are included with your stay. Meals can be served in the privacy of your room and are usually locally sourced and beautifully presented.

Many ryokans have onsens – traditional hot spring pools believed by the Japanese to have healing properties. Most ryokans have communal onsens, separated into men's and women's pools, but some offer private onsens as well.

Visit Hakone

Located only 100 kilometers from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular spot for visitors who want to take a break from the city and see the natural beauty the country has to offer. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and has some of the most famous and beautiful views in Japan.

Hakone, in particular, is famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji from across Lake Ashinoko.

You can appreciate the area from the comfort of Hakone's ryokans, which are famous for their long history and high-quality water, or you can explore by taking a cable car up Mount Owakudani to check out the volcanic area, with its sulfuric hot rivers and sulfurous fumes.

There is also the option of taking the Hakone Tozan "switchback train" which zig-zags through the mountains, yielding some excellent views.

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Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Located just outside Kyoto, the temple offers amazing views of the city while also being itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Kiyomizudera literally means "pure water temple", deriving from waterfalls in the area.

Kyomizudera is particularly special in Japan because it was founded as early as 780 AD, and was an architectural wonder, as it was built without the use of nails or any other joints.

While at Kyomizudera, visitors can also check out the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking. According to legend, if you are able to walk from one stone to the other with closed eyes, you will get lucky in regard to love.

Arashiyama and Fushimi-Inari shrine

The Arashiyama District is located outside Kyoto and has been a famous destination in Japan for thousands of years. It is a charming place to explore, endowed with beautiful gardens and tea houses, a Zen meditation hall, and bamboo groves..

Arashiyama also includes the Fushimi-Inari Shrine featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". The 10,000 red torii gates which cover the path up to the mountain make for incredible pictures.

The main areas of Arashiyama are often crowded with tourists trying to get the best views. The whole district covers a very large area, however, and you can escape the crowds by renting a bicycle and exploring less crowded but equally beautiful parts of it.

Shibuya Crossing

Known as the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing in central Tokyo is an incredible place to visit for gauging the pulse of the city.

At this busy intersection, when traffic lights turn red, cars stop in every direction, so that throngs of commuters and visitors can all cross at the same time. This ritual happens many times a day and is impressive to see.

A great time to visit this area of Tokyo is after dark on Friday or Saturday when there are large crowds and the city is illuminated by neon signs hanging from buildings and shops.

After you see Shibuya Crossing for yourself, you can explore the area and check out some good restaurants, including the Toyku Food Show, or check out Shibuya 109, which is a large mall with over 100 boutiques, where youth in Tokyo go to buy trendy clothes.

Uji tea experience

Uji is a small traditional town near Kyoto, world-famous for its high-quality tea. It has been renowned for tea since the 1100s and is a great place to visit for an authentic picture of tea production in Japan.

You can learn from Uji residents how tea is grown and cultivated, or take a class on the traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards, you can stroll through the picturesque Japanese village while sampling tea in local shops.

Visiting Uji is a great way to escape the city into a quiet, peaceful village where you can learn more about the culture of Japan.

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Dress up as a geisha

Kyoto is extremely well-known for the tradition of geisha. In Kyoto you will be able to visit the geisha district of Gion, a narrow cobble-stone pathway lit by lanterns in the evening.

In Gion, visitors can also experience a private ochaya or geisha tea house, where you will be served green tea and Japanese sweets in the company of a geisha.

Many visitors to this area also get a geisha makeover, taking the opportunity to dress up in traditional silk kimonos with makeup and hair done in the style of a geisha. Once you have had your makeover, you can have professional photos taken in the beautiful streets of Kyoto.

Experience Japanese cuisine

Japan is a country of incredible cuisine. With 519 restaurants and 119 hotels with Michelin-star ratings, there are plenty of opportunities for a romantic and world-class dining experience. Alternatively, Japan has plenty of local shops serving tasty and traditional food, from ramen to sushi and tempura, for visitors who prefer to forego the fine-dining.

For some fun time together, cooking classes are a great idea. Many classes are available, including sushi- and wagashi-making classes. Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, a great option for those who are vegetarian or don't like fish.

The best thing about these cooking classes, besides the quality time spent together, is that in the end you get to eat all your own creations.

If you are a true food connoisseur, you can also explore the sources of the ingredients that make Japanese cuisine so fresh and vibrant.

One of our favorite markets is Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, the world's largest fish market, selling about 2,888 tons a day. At Tsukiji you can explore the lively market that supplies many of Japan's restaurants, from the cheapest to those with Michelin stars.

Important travel information

Now that we have discussed why Japan is such a great location for honeymoons and some of our suggestions for fun activities for couples, here is some important information you should know before visiting, including information on etiquette, safety, and best times to visit.

Etiquette

Japan is very welcoming to all types of visitor. Japanese culture, however, is quite different from most western cultures, and the differences can be a little daunting.

The first thing to observe is that Japanese people don't expect foreigners to understand all their rules of etiquette, and will instantly forgive you for making mistakes. Even so, here is some advice on the do's and don'ts of etiquette in Japan.

Firstly, it is important to know that PDAs (public displays of affection) such as kissing and hugging, are uncommon in Japan. In Japanese culture, PDAs can make those around you feel uncomfortable, so it would be good to avoid too much public touching and kissing, to avoid breaking this cultural taboo.

Bowing is very common practice in Japan and is often used when you meet someone, thank someone, or say goodbye. It can be used in place of a handshake. If a Japanese person bows to you, a simple bowing of the head in return is usually okay.

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Safety

Japan has a relatively low crime rate and is generally safe for traveling. There are small risks of petty crime such as theft, especially in busy tourist areas, so it would be important to keep track of your belongings.

One important thing to remember about safety in Japan is the possibility of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tropical storms, and volcanic activity. Japan is extremely active geothermally and often experiences small earthquakes and some volcanic activity. Being an island nation, it is vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons and tsunamis.

Best time to visit

Japan is a great place to visit all year round, though there are different benefits and drawbacks of each season. Overall, spring (March to May) is the most popular time to visit, due to the great weather and the blooming of cherry blossoms. Spring, however, is typically the most expensive and crowded season.

If you would like to experience good weather with slightly smaller crowds, then autumn is a good time to visit. The trees begin to turn vibrant red and orange, and the weather is still beautiful, but the crowds are smaller. The disadvantage of autumn is that you won't be able to see the blooming of cherry blossoms.

Visit Japan with Asia Highlights

Want to visit Japan for your honeymoon? Contact us to find out more about tours and prices. At Asia Highlights we provide unforgettable travel experiences and tailor-make trips for each customer, aiming to ensure unforgettable memories and complete satisfaction.