Why honeymoon in Japan?
Because, Japan has it all :
incredible historical locations, plenty of opportunities to interact with the local culture, and that all-important element of relaxation and luxury – not to mention superb accommodation, delicious cuisine and romantic hot spring baths.
What more could you need for the perfect romantic getaway?
🔵 Japan is a wonderful place for a honeymoon ♡
🔵 The Japanese service industry is superb and the cuisine is unsurpassed ♡
🔵 There’s plenty to see and do ♡
For honeymoon couples, Japan provides a cultural adventure. It’s a particularly good destination for couples who enjoy culture shock. If you can deal with a foreign language, enjoy trying new things and exotic foods — Japan is a great bet.
Honeymoon in Japan ♡
Japan is a dream honeymoon destination. Where else could you experience ancient traditions, impeccable hospitality, world-class cuisine and fantastic accommodation – ranging from exquisite ryokan with private hot spring baths to super-deluxe hotels at the top of towering city skyscrapers?
And that’s not to mention the romantic scenery from quaint rural villages to impeccable gardens filled with cherry blossom.
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Whether your ideal honeymoon includes visiting a Zen-inspired spa at an exclusive mountain retreat, taking a sunset helicopter cruise over Tokyo’s dramatic skyline, or relaxing with a cocktail on a subtropical island.
I know how to make your trip extra-special ♡
Stay at Ryokan ♡
Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns. They have traditional Japanese rooms and staff wear kimono. Guests wear provided yukata in their rooms. Ryokans include a daily traditional breakfast and dinner with your stay.
The personal service you receive in a ryokan is impeccable. As part of your stay, your evening meal is included, usually served in the privacy of your room.
Food is normally kaiseki style (a banquet of little dishes), locally sourced, beautifully presented and often based on the seasons.
Dishes include homemade pickles, vegetable tempura, rice, miso soup, as well as raw and cooked fish dishes, and meat you cook yourself at the table on a small hot stone barbecue.
They range from moderate to very expensive. Ryokan are the ultimate Japanese hotel experience — they tend to be peaceful and have excellent service.
Some ryokans also have private onsens, hot spring baths. Immersing oneself in the warm water is a popular Japanese pastime. Normally bathing is communal, and men and women will be separated as it’s customary to enter nude.
However, in ryokans, you can enjoy the exclusivity of your personal onsen attached to your room.
Discover Japan’s captivating capital city ♡
Tokyo is a highlight in itself and it’s worth giving yourself enough time to explore its many faces. The city is easily explored under your own steam by navigating the metro system or simply strolling around on foot.
The Shinjuku district typifies the side of Tokyo that many visitors picture. It’s a buzzing metropolis with neon signs, people on the go and an exciting atmosphere. Elsewhere, the Harajuku district is where you’ll see Japan’s young and hip showcasing their whacky fashion sense, a far cry from Japanese tradition.
Japanese couples often go to popular city viewing spots on dates. In Tokyo there are many places to see the city such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Roppongi Hills and the Fuji Television building in Odaiba.
Take the train ♡
Japanese trains are fast, convenient and inexpensive. Travel by train is certainly more relaxing than attempting to drive in Japan.
There are first class tickets for a reasonable price (green seats). Sit back and relax, enjoy a drink — Japanese trains are generally clean and comfortable (avoid rush hour in major centers such as Tokyo). Trains are always on time in Japan.
Visit Kyoto ♡
Visitors to Kyoto are never disappointed. It’s a magical city. Kyoto, two and a half hours south of Tokyo is considered the cultural heart of Japan thanks to its collection of temples, shrines, gardens and traditional wooden architecture.
Here you can take part in a Japanese pastime with a group of local ladies who are experts in anything from calligraphy and tea ceremonies, to introductions to kimono wearing and cooking lessons.
Enjoy a peaceful Japanese garden or spot a Geisha in Gion (one of Japan’s most exclusive entertainment districts).
★ How to meet Geisha or Maiko cheaply in Japan
Have Lunch / Dinner at Top Rated Restaurants ♡
Japan is a gourmet’s delight. There are 519 restaurants and 119 hotels with Michelin stars in Japan. They are (almost) evenly split between the Tokyo (kantou) and Kyoto (kansai) regions. These restaurants can be expensive (and exclusive) at dinner.
Lunch is usually far cheaper. If fine food is your thing consider investing in the Michelin guide to Tokyo or Kyoto.
Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. It may consist of 5 or more small aesthetically pleasing courses.
Kaiseki is fine food. It may be challenging – often Kaiseki includes dishes and ingredients that are completely foreign to Westerners.
Japanese people are often not familiar with Kaiseki dishes either. Many top Ryokan serve Kaiseki for dinner.
Go to the Japanese Islands ♡
Japan has several pristine tropical islands. If you’d like to spend time on the beach during your Japan honeymoon then Okinawa is a fitting choice.
Islands such as Ishigaki, Miyako and Kumejima (Okinawa prefecture) are recommended (avoid typhoon season May – September).
A collection of over 160 islands with a sub-tropical climate and beaches to rival those of the Maldives, this archipelago is a direct contrast to Japan’s fast-paced cities.
Japan’s less obvious highlights♡
For honeymoon couples who would like to explore Japan’s great outdoors away from the crowds, I’d recommend heading to the northern island of Hokkaido.
The area is known as Japan’s ‘wild north’, a collection of tree-covered national parks, fishing towns and mountain villages. The best way to travel around is to drive along the island’s quiet roads.
Getting behind the wheel is an absolute pleasure, especially during Koyou season when the landscape is awash with autumn hues.
During the summer months between June and August the rolling fields of the lowland areas feature rows and rows of brightly coloured flowers. Sunflowers and lavender are harvested here and you’ll drive past contrasting fields of purple and yellow.
Japan is a year-round destination ♡
There are benefits to visiting during each season. March to May is the most popular time to visit, when the cherry blossom is in full bloom.
However, I’ll recommend to visit in the autumn (October to November), when the trees turn a vivid red. At this time, the country is just as impressive as during cherry blossom, but has fewer crowds.
Enjoy your honeymoon ☺️