Japan is one of the most romantic countries in the world, where you can enjoy stunning scenery and share a sweet time with your partner doing things you are both interested in.
These experiences could make your honeymoon sweeter: relaxing in hot springs in Hakone, skiing in Hokkaido, sunbathing on a beach in Okinawa, or enjoying the natural beauty and hiking at the Five Fuji Lakes.
In this article, we will show you nine of the best honeymoon places in Japan, including activities for honeymooners and other important things you should know before your honeymoon.
1. Hakone — Hot Springs and Mt. Fuji
See Awesome view of Mt.Fuji from Lake AshiSuggested stay: 1–2 days
Hakone is close to Tokyo: it takes about an hour by Shinkansen. Hakone is Japan’s hometown of hot springs and one of the best spots to view Mount Fuji.
It has wonderful landscapes: you can explore the Fuji’s mountainside by various cable cars. Or sit aboard a pirate ship on Lake Ashi for awesome middle-distance vistas of Mount Fuji.
One of the romantic things to do in Hakone is to soak in hot springs with your partner.
We recommend you to stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Most ryokans in Hakone have hot springs. Some are public onsens (hot spring baths), or you can book rooms with private onsens.
You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a stay in Hakone for you.
2. Kyoto — Japanese Traditional Culture and History
Gion, KyotoSuggested stay: 3–4 days
Kyoto, an ancient capital known for its long history and traditional Japanese culture, is a perfect place for a honeymoon, especially if you and your partner are interested in Japanese culture.
- Kyoto has many shrines and temples, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Yasaka Shrine are the most famous of which.
- Meander around Kyoto’s most famous district Gion, which is filled with shops, restaurants and tea houses, and geisha hurrying past you.
- Gion Corner is a theater aimed at foreign tourists, where seven traditional Japanese arts are performed.
- After learning about history and appreciating samurai armor and katanas at the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum, you can also learn how to use a katana while wearing samurai armor and pose for photos.
- Feeding deer at Nara Park in Nara is a charming experience.
- At Arashiyama you can enjoy the peace of nature as you walk in its bamboo forests.
Don’t forget to book a room at a traditional Japanese ryokan for excellent service and kaiseki (a time-honored multi-course Japan-cuisine feast) — a must for a memorable honeymoon meal.
3. Hokkaido — Skiing and Winter Sports
Skiing resort in Niseko is one of the most popular resort in HokkaidoSuggested stay: 4–5 days
If you both are outdoor enthusiasts, Hokkaido, the north island of Japan, is an ideal honeymoon place.
Hokkaido has many travel options in winter:
- Ski at in Sapporo International Ski Resort, no matter what level you are there is a suitable ski resort/slopes for you.
- If you travel in February, check out the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see exquisite snow and ice sculptures.
- Watch the cute penguins waddle and other polar animals at close quarters at Asahiyama Zoo.
- Journey on a scenic train line to enjoy the stunning snow scenery along the way.
- Experience a glacier hike at Shiretoko National Park on the Shiretoko Peninsula.
- Another top thing to do on your list must be to soak in an onsen.
- Akan-Mashu National Park offers you yet more outdoor activities. Walk through primeval forests, hike up steaming volcanoes, canoe on the caldera lake...
- In summer, you could wander through the lavender fields in Furano and Biei.
- You may enjoy making “White Lovers” chocolate cookies with your partner at “White Lovers” Park in Sapporo.
Hokkaido is widely renowned for its abundant fresh sea food, local ramen, and sashimi. You can definitely find your favorite Japanese food there.
If you want to take a trip to Hokkaido, click: 9-Day Best of Japan’s Winter – Hokkaido Private Tour
4. Takayama and Shirakawa-go — Villages of Gassho-zukuri
Gassho-zukuri on a snowy nightSuggested stay: 1–2 days
The perfect combination of nature and gassho-zukuri (thatch-roof wooden house resembling two hands together) make the two small mountain cities of Takayama and Shirakawa-go very popular with travelers. The idyllic scenery will make your honeymoon feel more relaxed and romantic than you could imagine.
- The old town of Takayama has one of Japan's well-preserved historic streets. Strolling leisurely along this street feels like stepping back centuries.
- There you can take a Japanese-style rickshaw for an ancient-style exploration.
- Takayama is one of the main places to enjoy Hida beef, a beef breed of the highest class, just like Kobe beef.
Not far from Takayama is the historic village of Shirakawa-go, designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO for its charismatic gassho-zukuri houses.
Shirakawa-go in winter at night can feel like a fairytale world — the warmly-lit farmhouses seem to glow magically in the snow.
5. Tokyo — International Metropolis and Anime Center
Tokyo Tower at nightfallSuggested stay: 3–4 days
As one of the most developed cities in the world, Tokyo has super-advanced high-tech attractions. In addition to this, there are attractive Japanese gardens, bustling commercial districts, and an abundance of Japanese style.
- Shibuya Crossing is the world’s biggest intersection with the largest traffic flow in the world. There you can see huge crowds of people crossing the roads from all sides.
- If you are both anime fans, then Akihabara and Ikebukuro have to be on your list.
- Find a shop where you and your partner can wear kimono or yukata (tradition Japanese clothing). Get dressed up and the staff will do your make up and take photos for some great memories.
- Tsukiji Fish Market offers the freshest sashimi and sushi, and there's a tuna auction if you’re sprightly enough to be there early in the morning.
- Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Mauka Railway while traveling on a traditional steam train.
Tokyo is a great place to travel all year round. April is the best time to enjoy Japan’s romantic and breathtakingly-beautiful cherry blossom. July and August have a variety of fireworks. See red maples in October and gorgeous holiday lights in December.
6. Okinawa — Beach and Water Sports
Kitesurfing in OkinawaSuggested stay: 2–3 days
For couples who want to spend their honeymoon on the coast of Japan, Okinawa, with its many charming beaches, is the first choice.
Okinawa is in Japan’s southern island chain, which is made up of more than 100 islands and is known as “the Hawaii of Japan”. It’s famous for clean water, white sandy beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. You can experience all kinds of highly-enjoyable water sports and activities there:
- Snorkeling and diving, you could see colorful corals close-up and discover an underwater world.
- Surfing on the ocean, fly boarding, or parasailing may interest you and your other half.
- Leisurely watch a beautiful sunset while on the beach with your husband/wife.
Ishigaki beef (the top beef specialty of Okinawa) and Agu pork (from a black-fur pig native to Okinawa) are must-try dishes when you are in Okinawa.
7. Karuizawa — Natural Beauty and a Relaxing Atmosphere
Kumobaike Pond in autumnSuggested stay: 1–2 days
Located between Tokyo and Nagano, Karuizawa is a picturesque town and resort.
Emperor Akihito of Japan met his empress there, John Lennon and Yoko Ono also went there on holiday, making it synonymous with romance.
The best way to travel around Karuizawa is by bike. There is nothing more romantic than riding a bike with your wife/husband and enjoying the fresh air and natural scenery.
Kumobaike Pond, known as Swan Lake to many travelers, is a must-see attraction in Karuizawa. No matter what season you come, you can enjoy its wonderful romantic scenery.
Contact us for more suggestions based on your interests.
8. Miyajima (near Hiroshima) — The Sacred Island
The "floating" torii, MiyajimaSuggested stay: 1–2 days
Take a 10-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, and you’ll find Miyajima is one of the most scenic destinations in Japan. It has been regarded as a sacred island since ancient times.
The vast blue-sky sea, the bright red torii (traditional Japanese gateways usually found at the entrance of a shrine), and its lush green forest are three of its charming features. The whole island is quiet and beautiful, making visitors feel very lazy and comfortable.
The magnificent “floating” torii of Itsukushima Shrine is the symbol of Miyajima, and it’s the most popular attraction. It seems to float on the water when the tide is high, and so many people go there to take photos. During low tide, you can walk over to it and have a closer look at the torii.
We recommend you stay until dusk, when the torii turns golden at sunset. Being surrounded by the wild but friendly deer is so romantic.
You can also take the cableway to the top of Mount Misen and there look out on spectacular views of the island and bay.
Both Mount Misen and Itsushima Shrine are World Heritage sites.
Miyajima is famous for oysters. Whether fresh or grilled, they are delicious. A maple-leaf-shaped cake is a popular dessert there. You should try both on Miyajima.
9. Fujigoko (‘Fuji Five Lakes’) — Nature and Outdoor Sports
Kawafuchiko is one of the five lakes where you can see Mt.FujiSuggested stay: 1–2 days
Another top spot for viewing Mt. Fuji is Fujigoko. It takes about 2 hours to get there from Tokyo by JR.
Appreciate the natural beauty of Fujigoko, where you can simultaneously experience a variety of outdoor activities:
- You can hike, camp, and fish.
- Mt. Fuji is an active volcano so the onsens there are particularly good.
Kawafuchiko is one of the five lakes and it offers eye-grabbing views of Mt. Fuji.
- You can take a cruise boat named Ensoleille to enjoy its natural beauty.
- Itchiku Kubota Art Museum features kimono dyeing, which may interest you.
Hoto is a mixture of hand-rolled noodles, seasonal vegetables, and miso, which is very popular among the specialties of Kawafuchiko.
How Much Does It Cost for a Honeymoon Trip to Japan
On a medium budget, it costs around 400–500 USD per day per person. This includes 3-star hotels, tickets for attractions, public transportation, and private guides. Thus, the total cost is around 5,500–7,000 USD for 2 weeks.
For a higher budget of 600–800 USD per day per person, you could have a more comfortable and efficient tour. This includes 4-star(+) hotels, tickets for attractions, private transportation, and private guides. The total cost is around 8,000–11,000 USD for 2 weeks.
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