a romantic vacation to Japan? We have curated some romantic date ideas in Japan for you. Check it out!
Ignite romance with our curated guide to the most enchanting date ideas in Japan.
Whether you're strolling under cherry blossoms or dining with skyline views, our list captures the heart of Japan's romantic allure.
Perfect for couples seeking unforgettable moments.
Discover the magic of love with the best romantic date ideas in Japan.
Romantic Date Ideas In Japan for Embracing Each Other
Ride on A Boat Together in Chidorigafuchi Moat
One of the most famous romantic places in Japan is Chidorigafuchi Park, in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo.
With twelve moats surrounding the Imperial palace, Chidorigafuchi is a beautiful scenic spot, especially during the cherry blossom seasons.
You can start your date by taking a train to this spot, and after getting off, you will have to take a short walk to this place.
From the end of March to early April, the pathway around the moat looks like a pink wonderland, with over 700 meters long trail of cherry trees.
The walkway is within a 5 minutes walking distance from Kudanshita station or Hanzomon station.
Don’t forget to hold your lover’s hand while entering this colorful and stunning alley, as it will give you the same feeling of walking down the aisle.
While strolling, how about sharing a wired earphone and listening to “Can’t help falling in love” by Elvis Presley.
Yeah, I know that most people now use wireless earbuds, but hey!! The wire can make you two get closer to each other more!!
And, the song will make your partner blush and happy at the same time.
After experiencing this magical moment, you can rent a boat to float on the Chidorigafuchi canal.
The surface of the moat gets completely covered in pink petals during spring, creating the illusion of an ethereal view.
You may see someone proposing on this place as it is also a popular destination for a marriage proposal.
Give The Typical Dress Up Trend A Twist
There are various Kimono rental stores in Tokyo, such as Yae Kimono Rental Asakusa, Kimono Tokyo Harajuku, Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo Asakusa shop, etc.
You can rent Kimono dresses from these shops and bring the typical clothing trend to another level.
If your other half already loves to wear matching dresses, this idea will work out no matter what.
I hope you will capture many happy moments between you two, cause every time you see these pictures, you will remember how great this romantic date was.
I want to mention that depending on the shops, the rental price of Kimono may differ a bit.
Also, the total cost depends on whether the service includes hairstyling and accessories or not.
Yet, you can expect to pay around $10 to $30 in Tokyo.
This price contains a store assistant who will help you pick the best Kimono according to your body shape and also assist you in getting dressed up.
Get Crazy with The Fun Rollercoaster Ride at Tokyo Dome City
Some people close their eyes and hold on to the bars tight in fear of losing their life.
On the other hand, some people raise their hands in the air and let the wind blow through their hair and mind.
No matter which type you and your partner are, this breathtaking ride will make you two embrace each other.
While writing, one line from the song Perfect comes to my mind instantly.
“Fighting against all odds, I know we'll be alright this time, Darling just hold my hand, be my girl, and I will be your man.”
Anyway, you can take your bae to the Tokyo Dome City and ride the Thunder Dolphin Roller Coaster to get this thrilling adventure.
Within 1.5 hours from Tokyo, there is another theme park called Fuji-Q Highland, and you may consider this one too.
However, note that this park has some of the scariest rides in the world that go from 0 to 172km/hour in 1.8 seconds, With 121° drops.
Chill Out at a Flower-Themed Cafe
In case you are planning an indoor date to spend a relaxing day, you can go to Aoyama Flower Market.
It is both a flower shop and a tea cafe too. They sell seasonal fresh flower bouquets, while the teahouse serves different food, teas, and dessert.
As the cafe is decorated with plenty of flowers, you will feel like sitting in a heavenly garden.
You can take some cute couple photos while enjoying a cup of tea together.
In Tokyo, you will find three outlets of this shop, and they are located in Aoyama, Kichijoji, and Akasaka.
Each shop offers a slightly different menu with something special.
If you go to the Aoyama outlet, you will find a Tea House Special Omurice which costs around $13.60. The Kichijoji branch serves Flower Parfait specials at nearly $7.70.
And the Akasaka one offers seasonal flower French toast at around $9.10 with fruits and edible flower toppings.
This flower market is so popular among locals and tourists that you may have to queue in a line for 30 to 40 minutes, especially on weekend days.
Go To Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja And Tie Your Fate Together
It’s a Japanese Shinto Shrine located in the historical Kawagoe City, which is one hour away from Tokyo by train.
This shrine is about 1,500 years old and a famous en-musubi (tying of bonds) place.
Each year, plenty of couples come here with the hope of a strong relationship blessed by the gods.
A cool thing to do here is fishing for Omikuji (random fortune written on paper).
The Omikuji predicts a person’s probability of wishes coming true, finding a great match, or other general matters like health, fortune, etc.
These fortune papers are kept in a red snapper doll that you can fish for around $2.70, and you can keep them as a lucky charm.
It’s specially designed to symbolize a red string that will connect you and your lover in an unbreakable relationship.
The more you will use the pencil, the closer you two will come.
You know what, I think you shouldn't miss this opportunity, cause who knows, maybe what you wished for will come true!!
The best time to make a visit to this shrine is during the Wind Chime Festival, which is held between July and September.
At this feast, over 2,00 Edo-style wind chimes are hung up to clink in the breeze.
Arrange a Special Dinner Date in a Fine Japanese Restaurant
“The way to a person’s heart is through the stomach.”
Tokyo is a city with endless dining options, from affordable Michelin star restaurants to super cheap ramen eating stalls.
If you are on a budget, you can consider going to Tsurutontan, Jimbocho Den, Ume no Hana Aoyama, Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511, New York Grill, Manten Sushi, etc.
The food of these restaurants has fine qualities when the cost is affordable.
Personally, I like the New York Grill, as it has a romantic aura with the city view.
Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi) also has a similar view and vibe to make your dinner date special and memorable.
While enjoying the delicious dishes, you two can share future plans, chit-chat about past lives, laugh at each other's childishness.
So, arranging a dinner date after doing the other couple's activities in Tokyo can put a happy ending to your long dating day out.
Paddle Around Together in A Swan Boat in Shinobazu Pond
The Shinobazu Pond is one of the perfect romantic spots for dating in Taito City, Tokyo.
This lake is filled with stunning lotus and is located in the heart of Ueno Park.
If you want to spend some quality time with your partner on a quiet morning or in the evening, you may come to this spot.
Anyway, the lake has three sections, a duck pond which is inhabited by ducks and other local waterbirds, a boat pond, and a lotus pond.
And, there is a spot between lotus and boat pond where you can rent paddle boats from.
You will find three types of boats available for lease: rowboats, swan boats, and cycling boats.
The rowboats have no shelter and provide an open view of the lake, but it requires some skill to paddle it.
If you ask for my opinion, I suggest you rent the swan boat as it has a shelter that will give you two more privacy.
In addition, this boat is easy to paddle, so rather than focusing on controlling the boat, you can concentrate on your private time together.
As the lotus flowers hit full bloom in July and August, I recommend you go there during this period.
Since it’s a popular dating place, it would be better if you chose the morning time because the pond is less crowded at this time compared to other hours.
Another noteworthy thing is the boat rental facility operating hours changes monthly. So, make sure to check out these informations before visiting there.
Go Ice Skating
The two of you probably don't know how to skate, but trying to learn by holding each other in arms can create a similar romantic skating date scene from the movie “Happy Gilmore.”
Even Japanese couples find this kind of activity cute and fun, making them come closer to each other.
Anyway, there are loads of ice skating rinks in Tokyo including, Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu, Akasaka Sacas, Tokyo Skytree Town Ice Skating Park, Futako Tamagawa Rise, and Tokyo Midtown.
Since ice skating is a winter activity, it would be a perfect treat if you are already looking for things to do during Japan's cold season.
Strolling Around The Hamarikyu Garden
Hama Rikyu is such an attractive landscaped garden with seawater ponds that changes level with tides.
It also features a teahouse on an island where you two can take a rest and adore the picturesque scenery.
Not all couples love to do crazy things, and if you agree with this saying, spending an evening here can be your type of having fun.
As gardens are considered one of the most romantic spots among couples of all ages, I couldn’t resist mentioning one.
If you are young, seeing the old couples in a park can make you believe that true love does exist.
You can realize that every couple can have issues, but you can make it to the end by understanding and appreciating each other.
By the way, Hama Rikyu looks delightful in every season. It offers many maples, ginkgo, and other trees that show their elegant colors between late November and early December.
Moreover, late February brings plum blossoms while spring presents cherry blossoms.
Several other flowers bloom in spring, like fields of peony and canola blossoms.
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Enjoy A Dolphin Show at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Maxell Aqua Park is an indoor aquarium located in Shinagawa Prince Hotel.
This place is well-known for its spectacular dolphin show with lighting effects.
To experience a dream-like night show, you shouldn’t miss it anyway.
Besides this, it features a wide variety of sea creatures, around 25,000 fish of 350 different species, including jellyfish, colorful tropical fish, manta rays, penguins, seals, and many more.
This theme park is not only popular among families but also couples.
What’s more interesting is that you can relish a candle night event called "WHITE CHAPEL Christmas Candle” and other things in this hotel.
A Rickshaw Tour on The Picturesque Road
With an authentic Japanese rickshaw, you can wander around the endless bamboo forest at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
At the same time, you can cherish the wonderful view of Arashiyama’s mountain and its river.
You also have other options like visiting the shrines of the Arashiyama district, exploring the wooden buildings and alleys in Higashiyama district with the rickshaw.
So, you can pick any site as per your preferences.
If you get lucky, you may spot a geisha along the way.
Therefore, take your eyes from your sweetheart’s face and focus on the street sometime!!
I know it’s hard, but if you are not interested in a geisha, you can keep looking at your lover!!
However, at least don’t forget to take some pretty pictures occasionally because who knows when you can have such a romantic ride again.
Spend a Peaceful Time Beside Kamogawa River
Kamogawa riverside is especially famous among couples as a romantic dating area.
You will see lots of pairs coming here to have a peaceful time together.
In the evening, the river is illuminated by the nearby restaurants, and you will surely love the view.
You may listen to the song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” while admiring the moment of togetherness.
Some turtle-shaped stepping stones are placed to cross the river in the Demachiyanagi section, where you two can act childish by trying to hop on the rocks.
I am sure that your date will be filled with lots of memory, emotion, care, and love.
Visit The Himeji Castle
It’s the first two sites in Japan that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1993 along with Horyu-ji Temple in Nara.
Himeji Castle is also known as White Heron Castle because of its white and elegant appearance.
You can learn about its rich history from a local guide and explore the castle with your partner hand in hand.
After roaming around, you may enjoy a lunch buffet with Japanese and Western dishes at a nearby restaurant.
Be noted that it is a highly famous cherry blossom spot, so you should expect a lot of crowds during this time.
A Tour to Kyoto Imperial Palace
A guided tour will take you across the accessible areas of the palace, from Imperial Library to the Empress quarters and the throne room.
You can also visit the nearby park that is filled with lush flora and cherry blossom trees.
Moreover, arranging an afternoon picnic at the park is not a bad idea at all, which will give you guys quality time to relax.
Sagano Romantic Train Journey
Sagano Romantic train has five carriages, the opened one’s called “The Rich” which offers the best view of the outside.
The operating time of this train is from March 1 to December 29, so choose in which season you wanna enjoy your ride.
If you decide to come in spring, you will be mesmerized by the cherry blossom, while summer provides a scene of green leaves and autumn changes the color of leaves, especially the Japanese Maples.
And, finally, the winter offers a snow-white landscape.
Romantic Date Ideas in Hokkaido: Take A Chill Pill
Star Gazing on Your Partner’s Lap at Lake Mashu
Maybe you don’t even remember because it’s so hard to find them among the blinding city lights.
However, going to Lake Mashu can grant your long-awaited wish of catching a star.
Lake Mashu is situated in Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido.
You can appreciate the panoramic scene of a starry night in the warm embrace of your babe.
From the observation deck, exploring the picturesque view of the lake will give you an unforgettable experience.
You may finally realize how it feels living like the lyrics of Rihanna’s Diamond song.
“You are a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy when you hold me,
I am alive, we are like diamonds in the sky.”
Follow The Moon By Ridding The Mount Moiwa Ropeway
This mountain is situated only 30 minutes away from Hokkaido’s city center.
There you can take Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and catch the blinking night city view from above.
Riding it with your sweetheart will create a mystical moment when the moon will guard you along the way at night.
Conclusion
Finally, our long discussion comes to an end.
Here, I have given you 20 romantic date ideas in Japan. Each one has its own type of charm and excitement.
Now, it’s time for you to pick which ones you will go for.
Lastly, I wanna give you an idea.
Try to say “Aishitemasu” to your sweetheart, which means “I Love You” in Japanese.
Romantic Things To Do For Couples In Japan: FAQs
What to do in Tokyo for couples?
Here are some romantic activities for couples in Tokyo:
- Explore beautiful gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen or Hamarikyu Gardens.
- Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea for a magical experience.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at a fine dining restaurant or local izakayas.
- Take a scenic cruise on Tokyo Bay.
- Admire the city views from observation decks like Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower.
- Explore historic neighborhoods such as Asakusa or Yanaka.
- Relax in a Japanese onsen (hot spring).
- Attend a traditional kabuki show or theatrical performance.
- Take a romantic stroll through the city streets.
These activities offer a mix of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and memorable experiences for couples in Tokyo.
Is Tokyo a romantic city?
Yes, Tokyo can be a romantic city for couples. While it is known for its bustling cityscape and fast-paced lifestyle, Tokyo offers a range of romantic experiences and attractions that make it an ideal destination for couples. From serene gardens and scenic parks to intimate dining experiences and stunning city views, Tokyo provides opportunities for couples to create romantic memories together.
Whether it's enjoying a romantic dinner, taking a leisurely stroll through traditional neighborhoods, or admiring the city lights from observation decks, Tokyo offers a blend of modernity and traditional charm that can set the stage for a romantic getaway.
Is Japan a good honeymoon spot?
Japan is indeed a great honeymoon destination as this country has majestic shrines, romantic weather, refined culture, spectacular scenery, lavish gardens, and mouth-watering dishes.
Two of the best honeymoon places are Tokyo and Kyoto, where you can plan to stay and cherish every spot and activity with your newly married.
As these two cities have luxurious hotels with advanced service, you don’t even need to worry about comfortable accommodation.
Also, Hokkaido is a great place for a winter honeymoon destination with loads of fun activities, and the natural beauty will stun you too.
Each place in Japan has a picture-perfect view, and you can capture lots of cute and loving pictures with your bae.
Is Tokyo a city of love?
Despite being one of the busy cities in the world, Tokyo has a romantic side with lots of dating spots dedicated to couples.
Inokashira Park, Tokyo Tower, Odaiba Seaside Park, Konica Minolta Planetarium, Harumi waterfront Park, Tokyo Skytree, and Sumida Aquarium are famous places where couples like to spend some quality time.
So, Tokyo is undoubtedly a city of love and romance.
Do Japanese couples hug?
Like some Western countries, Japanese people don’t show physical affection at the beginning of dating.
When the relationship grows and trust builds up between couples, they show love and care through hugs and holding hands.
Although hugging each other in public is considered rude in the old generation, some young couples nowadays hug each other in public.
Yet, this sight is not seen as frequently as in the west.
