Japan is a world full of romance and adventure, and it's easy to see why the place constantly tops the list of favorite honeymoon destinations. Up north, you'll find vast ski resorts with private onsens overlooking snow-capped trees and mountains, perfect for thrill-seeking couples.
Down south, Okinawa provides a tropical escape with white-sand beaches, swelling waves and swaying palm trees, designed for those seeking some sun. In Kyoto, romance unfolds in the form of moonlit strolls along the historic cobblestone streets of Gion, especially when dressed in a kimono. Meanwhile, Tokyo buzzes with vibrant nightlife, pop culture and art.
Whether it’s surfing, bar-hopping, cruising or fine dining, your romantic trip can be as active or as lazy as you like it. Considering Japan for your next couples trip? Freshly dating or newlyweds, explore the best romantic food tours and experiences Japan has to offer.
Is Japan nice for a honeymoon?
Japan is a fantastic honeymoon destination for all types of couples, offering a blend of city life, serene nature and rich cultural experiences. The country boasts a variety of climates depending on the region, and its seasons are particularly beautiful, with cherry blossoms in spring and gradient auburn leaves in autumn.
Read more: The Best Romantic Restaurants in Tokyo
1. See Tokyo by helicopter before fine dining
Start your honeymoon in Japan with a breathtaking experience that blends stunning aerial views of Tokyo with upscale dining in an intimate setting. Begin with a private chauffeured car picking you up from your hotel, whisking you to the Saitama Misato Heliport for a thrilling helicopter ride over Tokyo’s skyline. Marvel at iconic landmarks like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku Government Building during the 30-minute flight.
Afterward, relax in a private car as you're escorted to a luxurious restaurant where you’ll savor a top-tier dining experience. Choose from omakase sushi, elegant kaiseki or French fusion cuisine. This romantic evening, complete with unforgettable views and gourmet food, will be a highlight of your honeymoon in Japan.
2. Tokyo omakase sushi experience with personal chef
Impress your foodie partner on a honeymoon in Japan by scoring a private reservation at one of Tokyo’s most lauded and oldest sushi restaurants, Imayoshi Sushi. Nestled in Otemachi, this restaurant accommodates just eight guests at a time, providing couples with a dining experience that combines privacy with stellar sushi.
The omakase progression here is a traditional course menu where the chef takes complete creative control. At Imayoshi, you’ll be personally served by the third-generation chef Imai Hikoto, who draws upon the knowledge passed down through generations.
He maintains the original rice vinegar recipe from the previous owner and prepares signature dishes like anago conger eel using a unique method of both boiling and grilling to achieve a perfect texture.
Each sushi piece is presented individually, with Imai providing detailed explanations for each creation, enhancing your culinary journey.
3. Wasabi kaiseki meal and a 1-night stay at a Shizuoka Onsen
Shirakabeso, a traditional Japanese ryokan located on Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, offers newlyweds the perfect honeymoon retreat. Enjoy a serene one-night stay with tranquil river views, tatami mat floors and both indoor and open-air bathhouses.
Bathe in natural hot spring waters renowned for their healing properties and indulge in an unforgettable multi-course kaiseki meal centered around the rarest crop in the world: hon-wasabi.
Found only in Japan, true wasabi thrives in Shizuoka’s ideal climate. Experience authentic wasabi in dishes like Shirakabeso’s original wasabi hot pot made with local Amagi wasabi and a unique “wasabi cocktail.”
After the meal, unwind in the ryokan’s expansive wooden and stone baths, soaking away the day in nature’s embrace. This peaceful escape is the perfect way for newlyweds to celebrate their honeymoon in Japan.
4. Asakusa sumo wrestler show and lunch in Tokyo
For a truly unique honeymoon experience, head to Asakusa — home to Tokyo's oldest temple of Senso-ji — and enjoy a memorable evening at Asakusa Sumo Beya.
Immerse yourselves in the rich traditions of sumo culture as you watch a thrilling sumo bout performed by former rikishi wrestlers. Savor a delicious, protein-packed meal prepared by a retired sumo wrestler, featuring a traditional chanko nabe stew, fried chicken and inari sushi.
Then, step into the ring yourself and challenge a wrestler to a friendly match while dressed in a sumo suit or mawashi loincloth. Afterward, capture the moment with a photo and take home a special souvenir.
This unforgettable experience will make your honeymoon truly one-of-a-kind!
5. Nagara River boating and banquet with geisha experience
For fans of Japanese tradition, come aboard the riverboat and marvel at the beautiful dances of maiko and geisha as you ride along the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture.
This river is renowned for its local banquet culture known as funa asobi (literally "boat play"), which is a type of boating excursion.
You'll also witness the ancient practice of cormorant fishing, or ukai, where trained birds dive into the water to catch ayu sweetfish. The fishermen, with their skilled techniques, collect the fish from the cormorants.
When it’s time to sit down for a romantic meal, the experience tops the list and puts a spotlight on the natural bounty of the Nagara River. The casual course meal features several dishes using the local ayu sweetfish that the region is known for.
6. Nijo Market visit and dinner in Sapporo, Hokkaido
The winter weather in Sapporo might invite snuggling up with your partner in the hotel, but the city has so much to offer. One highlight is Nijo Market, nicknamed “Sapporo’s public kitchen.”
Each day, fishermen stack their freshest catch on a bed of ice at the break of dawn. The market, stretching across one block with around 30 stores, offers a rich array of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the region.
This isn’t just any food tour — it's an opportunity to select ingredients for your dinner. After exploring the market, you'll head to a popular restaurant where Chef Kurotaki Yusuke of Cantine SEL will prepare the ingredients you choose.
With experience from training and working in France, Kurotaki combines his expertise with an unpretentious style and charming personality. His restaurant is renowned for its unique fusion of delicious cuisine and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
7. Traditional ryokan stay and kaiseki dinner in Ishikawa
Relax and unwind with your honeymoon at Hoshi Ryokan, a traditional Japanese ryokan in Ishikawa Prefecture. Stay in a private room with a hot spring bath, indulge in a luxurious kaiseki dinner and seasonal breakfast, soak in Awazu Onsen, and try Shakyo, a meditative script-writing practice.
Hoshi Ryokan, one of Japan's oldest inns founded in 718, offers a unique experience with a room once frequented by the Imperial Family. Surrounded by lush gardens, this private retreat includes access to Awazu Onsen’s therapeutic waters.
Enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner and traditional Japanese breakfast showcasing local ingredients. To deepen your relaxation, participate in Shakyo, the meditative practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras, promoting mindfulness and spiritual connection. This tranquil experience in a historical ryokan makes for a perfect honeymoon getaway in Japan.
8. Tokyo Bay private lunch in a traditional boat
Name a more romantic experience than gliding gently on a private traditional yakatabune boat along Tokyo Bay, surrounded by the stunning cityscape of Tokyo.
Yakatabune, meaning "roofed boat" in Japanese, was originally designed for practical uses, primarily as cargo vessels. Over time, these boats evolved to meet the increasing demand for entertainment and leisure, transforming into floating teahouses and dining establishments. They soon became popular venues for social gatherings and celebrations among the city's elite.
This exclusive experience offers couples a luxurious escape, ensuring romance is always in the air. You’ll enjoy a bespoke lunch consisting of a seasonal bento box lunch from a highly acclaimed kappo restaurant, and take in panoramic views from a rooftop balcony, showcasing sun-kissed horizons and Tokyo’s iconic skyline.
The agenda is simple: savor your meal, sip on drinks and relish the ever-changing city scenery. After lunch, indulge in delicate Japanese confectioneries (wagashi) paired with green tea.
All booked up? Take your date on this alternative luxury Tokyo Bay cruise with dinner and drinks instead.
9. Evening Gion walking tour and customized kappo dinner
Once the sun sets, the paper lanterns in Kyoto’s Gion district come aglow, and the historic beauty and alluring architecture of the geisha district allow romance to bloom.
It’s one of the most ancient cities in Japan and is a treasure trove of fascinating sights — and perhaps, dare we say, Japan’s city of love.
This three-hour Kyoto evening tour takes you and your partner on a stroll amidst the idyllic machiya townhouses, tearooms and shrines. You'll visit the Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine, the Shirakawa-dori road with machiya and traditional houses, the quaint Tatsumi bridge, famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, and the Yasaka shrine.
The experience culminates in an intimate meal at a kappo restaurant, where you sit close to the chef and watch your meal unfold. As dusk turns to night, you’re free to explore the beauty of Gion by moonlight.
Read more: Where to Eat in Gion
10. Sushi and sake pairing with sake sommelier in Chigasaki
Europe has cheese and wine; Japan has sushi and sake. For food-loving couples, create a memorable honeymoon trip centered around these delights and learn something new along the way. In a charming restaurant in Chigasaki, a sushi chef will prepare an exquisite 8-course Edomae sushi menu.
Accompanying your meal, a knowledgeable sake sommelier will be by your side, pairing your sushi with five rare varieties of sake: happoshu (similar to beer but with lower malt content), cold sake (offering a contrast to the more common warm sake), kimoto, junmai and nigori (cloudy sake).
The sommelier will explain the unique qualities of each sake and offer insights on pairing them with food, ensuring that each sip perfectly complements your bites. You'll also pick up essential tips and tricks for sushi and sake pairing that will enhance your future dining experiences.
This newfound expertise will be a valuable memento, perfect for impressing your partner during a stay-at-home candlelight dinner.
11. Orchard tour in Nagano with outdoor fine dining experience
After learning about the ins and outs of premium fruit farming in Matsukawa, a small village in Nagano Prefecture, surprise your date with a six-course lunch in the heart of the orchard. Depending on the season, you’ll also get to harvest juicy fruits, including cherries, peaches, apples and more.
It’s an idyllic date for all, from first loves to honeymoons in Japan, and you’ll even get a souvenir to take home with you!
12. Cherry blossom festival: Evening tour in Nakameguro
Spring is arguably the perfect season for the most romantic honeymoon in Japan imaginable. Each year, promenades along rivers, parks and streets are transformed by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, their pink and pastel hues creating a dreamy scene.
The most popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Tokyo is the Nakameguro River. In spring evenings, when the air is crisp, pink lanterns adorn the riverbanks, casting a warm glow. The sakura trees light up as twilight falls, and the river becomes a canvas of delicate, snow-pink petals drifting on the water.
During this time, food stalls line the streets, offering traditional festival snacks like senbei rice crackers, sweets and chocolate-covered bananas. After enjoying the festive atmosphere, end your evening with a hearty dinner at a local izakaya pub.
Still feeling the love? Explore the best couple activities in Japan and see what else you can do from our Ultimate 3-Day Tokyo itinerary.
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