A honeymoon in Japan is a lovely option, and Tokyo is the perfect place to start with plenty of diverse experiences. Here’s a guide to the most romantic honeymoon experiences in Tokyo.
With its dazzling mix of all things traditional and modern, Tokyo has plenty to offer honeymooners or couples in search of a unique getaway. With 35 million inhabitants, Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities, yet each neighbourhood makes you feel that you’re in an inviting and exciting place. Tokyo also has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, polite and helpful locals and a world-class public transport system that ensures visitors are able to enjoy its myriad of attractions with little to no fear of theft or personal safety.
Whether you love to spend time in lush green natural spaces, or can’t get enough of the vibrancy of shopping districts and fashionable bars, Tokyo has something for you and your significant other. We’ve put together some of Tokyo’s highlights to give you the inspiration to plan your own romantic Tokyo honeymoon.
Things to Do During a Tokyo Honeymoon
Wander through the peaceful gardens
There’s nothing like a romantic stroll in the company of your loved one and Tokyo provides plenty of opportunities for this. Beautiful gardens are dotted throughout the city, filled with ponds, lovely trees, flowers and traditional Japanese adornments. Stop in at a tea house for a refreshment or bring a picnic with you and wind your way through the garden paths at your own pace.
You’ll also get to see the art of bonsai which Japan pioneered. This involves growing dwarf trees or other plants in small containers, and you’ll be able to see these up close throughout Tokyo’s gardens. Try Showakinen Park – particularly beautiful beautiful in autumn, with the maple and ginkgo trees blushing in fiery red and yellow – for the opportunity to cycle and even boat around.
Then there’s the Hama-rikyu Gardens, which features a tidal pond and even duck hunting grounds. The Kyu Shiba-rikyu Gardens are another option, one of Japan’s remaining feudal lord gardens with a beautifully designed central pond.
Take a Picnic in Shinjuku Goyen
Dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1867), Shinjuku Goyen is an oasis in the middle of the bustling city of Shinjuku, a special ward in Tokyo. It started as part of the grounds of the Tokyo residence for a feudal lord in the Edo Period. Today, you’ll discover an oasis dotted with maple trees, cherry trees, tea houses, seasonal blooms, and ponds, with Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers serving as a dramatic backdrop. Boasting a circumference of 3.5 km, Shinjuku Goyen is a favourite place to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and has three types of gardens as well as a greenhouse. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, this urban park is always lush and impeccably manicured. Do as the locals do and bring a picnic from a nearby convenience (konbini) store.
Related Article: Why You’ll Love a Honeymoon in Japan (and what to see and do!).
Fun in the water
If you head to Tokyo in the summer, the city’s beach and water-based activities will give you and your loved one some much-needed respite from the scorching sun. Head to Odaiba Beach, a beautiful man-made spot that allows you that tropical beach experience right in the centre of a bustling metropolis. There are often fun community events, but the opportunity to simply laze by the beachside is often all it takes to enchant honeymooning couples!
You could even head to Toshimaen or Yomiuri Land – extremely entertaining water parks where you and your other half will have a ball all day long. Water slides, rivers, and other great features will go a long way in creating some hilarious memories!
Onsen or hot springs
Alternatively, when there’s a winter chill in the air, you might like to head to some hot springs. Tokyo embraces the hot spring culture, so there are many destinations to choose from. Whether you’d like a mid-city, open air bath with a view, or you’d like to journey to a more remote spring surrounded by nature, you’ve got plenty of options.
Try the Okutama hot springs surrounded by rivers and trees. Or, you could head to the Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari natural hot spring theme park, located near Tokyo Bay. Here there are 14 types of baths, both indoor and outdoor, offering a range of different experiences. Get a relaxing massage, head into a hot stone sauna and spend part of your getaway replenishing your body and mind.
Shopping, dining and nightlife
Tokyo is of course, a dazzling and glittering city. If you and your loved one like getting out and about to experience the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of lively districts for you to explore. Try a rooftop bar that offers plenty of spectacular views, or indulge yourselves with a shop-til-you-drop excursion to a mall or famous shopping street.
While you’re in town enjoying your honeymoon in exciting Tokyo, it’s also an absolute must to try some of the local delicacies on offer. You need to get a true taste of the city, after all. Luckily for you, Tokyo also has plenty of luxury accommodation, so no matter what honeymoon or romantic holiday activities you choose, you’ll always have a beautiful hotel to return to at the end of the day.
With incredible food and dining, romantic cultural and modern sights, and dreamy accommodations perfect for two, It’s easy to see why Tokyo is a lovebird’s paradise and a fabulous honeymoon destination!
The Most Romantic Honeymoon Hotels in Tokyo:
We have curated a guide to the most romantic honeymoon hotels in Tokyo. Tokyo boasts a plethora of incredible hotels, but for your special occasion, you deserve something extraordinary. Indulge in the luxurious offerings of Tokyo’s upscale accommodations, renowned for their impeccable hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and unique traditional experiences that set them apart from the rest. Read about the five most romantic hotels for a luxurious Tokyo honeymoon here.
Tokyo Honeymoon Add-On – Visit Hakone for a Night!
Need a little break from the endless, high-speed energy of Tokyo or want to see more of Japan without venturing too far from Tokyo? Then a night or two in nearby Hakone is perfect!
Hakone is a mountain town located just a few hours from Tokyo. You can enjoy a view of Mount Fuji, many nature walks, visit shrines, and of course – the crisp mountain air. Hakone is a mountain resort town that can easily be added to any Japanese honeymoon itinerary and is the perfect place to head to indulge in one of Japan’s favourite pastimes- Onsens! Be sure to book a night in one of the locally run ryokans. Read our guide to Hakone here.
Related article: Why Kyoto is a Lovers’ Paradise.
Fact file
Couples will love: The Deluxe Corner Room at The Peninsula Tokyo. The view from the Deluxe Corner Room is to be seen to believed; designer Yukio Hashimoto has incorporated the stunning views of the Marunouchi and Ginza districts in to the modern and refined interiors.
Must see: The Kanda Matsuri festival takes place on the weekend closest to May 15th and involves over 100 portable shrines, floats and over 300 people marching through the streets of Tokyo. The festival is biggest on years ending in odd numbers so 2015 is ideal!
Must do: Visit a Bunraku or Kabuki show. Bunraku is a traditional puppet show in Japan, dating back centuries where several puppeteers control each puppet without strings to create a very animated and lifelike display. Kabuki is the traditional Japanese form of theatre with eccentric costumes and movements, it’s not to be missed.
Season guide: In April, Japan’s infamous cherry blossoms are in full bloom in most regions, creating a spectacular and romantic display for couples to enjoy. November is also considered a good time to visit Japan as the climate is dry and mostly sunny, with the change in season painting the country in autumnal hues.
Temperatures: Summer: June to August, 19-31 degrees celsius. Autumn: September to November, 10-27 degrees celsius. Winter: December to February, 2-10 degrees celsius. Spring: March to May, 5-23 degrees celsius.
