Japan is an alluring blend of modernity and tradition. From its stunning natural landscapes and rich culture to world-renowned cuisine, a honeymoon in Japan is ideal for adventurous newlyweds.
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Is Japan a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Japan is one of the best honeymoon destinations, offering numerous unforgettable experiences. Whether you fancy a romantic adventure or are passionate about art, culture, and history, Japan is an ideal destination.
Its mesmerizing beauty, world-class cuisine, and attention to detail are perfect for a romantic Japanese honeymoon. If you’re a curious foodie, this city has more than you can exhaust in one visit.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Japan?
Japan offers more than you can do in a single honeymoon. The most exciting activities you can try include:
- Water activities: Japan may not instantly come to mind as a beach destination, but it hosts some of the most spectacular beaches, such as Kyushu, Bayside beach, and Okinawa. You’ll enjoy various water activities here, including surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving.
- Sightseeing: Japan has some of the most stunning attraction sites, including the majestic Mount Fuji. If you’re a history lover, you can start at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and explore several memorials, monuments, and museums. For a taste of Japanese culture, explore the age-old temples, castles, shrines, and art galleries.
- Exploring the cities: If you’ve never used a bullet train, Japan will give you a lifetime experience. Whether you’re craving bustling, fun cities or beautiful mountainous towns, the shinkansen (bullet train) makes it easy to have lunch in one town and dinner in another. Explore Tokyo for shopping, nightlife, and fashion, and relax in quieter towns like Hakone to enjoy Japan’s sensational culture and nature.
- Hiking and walking: Japan has some of the most serene walking and hiking trails for nature lovers. They allow you to enjoy the picturesque views and unwind from any post-wedding stress. The most popular hiking places include Yakushima, Mount Fuji, Kumano Kodo, and Mount Takao.
- Dining on local cuisine: Whether you dine and wine in luxury hotels, eat from the streets in Osaka, or in traditional cafes and restaurants, you’ll love every bit of Japanese food. You’ll have a chance to try the most popular dishes, such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and miso soup.
- Skiing and other snow activities in Hokkaido: Japan is the snowiest country worldwide, making it perfect for skiing. Alternatively, you can enjoy other snow activities, like the Sapporo Snow Festival—but only if you visit during winter.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Honeymoon in Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons have the best weather since it’s usually warm with little or no rainfall.
During spring (especially April), the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and you can stroll the streets as you enjoy the scenic views. On the other hand, October is the perfect time to witness the stunning Japanese Maples and wax trees in their fiery shades of red.
While you can visit Japan anytime, late May, June, and August have high rainfall; hence not the best time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Is a Honeymoon in Japan Expensive?
A honeymoon in Japan is moderately expensive due to the high cost of living. On average, a couple will spend between $5,000 and $7,000 for a two-week honeymoon.
However, this amount depends on several factors, such as:
- Duration of your stay: An eight-day honeymoon will cost less than a two-week honeymoon.
- Destination cities: Life is more expensive in big cities like Tokyo.
- Excursions: Some excursions, such as city hopping, are expensive.
- Food, drinks, and accommodation: Local restaurants and cafes are cheaper than luxury restaurants.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Japan
The best thing about Japan is that it’s easy to have a perfect honeymoon, even on a budget. Here are some tips to help you stretch your dollar without compromising your experience.
- Take advantage of 3 and 4-star hotels. If you visit big cities such as Tokyo, save by staying in budget hotels that are still cozy and romantic.
- Look out for deals and discounts. Book early and take advantage of discounts and packages on flights and accommodation.
- Explore one city instead of city hopping. Alternatively, you can fly into one city and out of another to avoid a return train trip.
- Take advantage of free and discounted sightseeing. Some places, such as museums and shrines, have coupons for tourists.
- Seek out inexpensive food. Due to high competition, most cafes and restaurants in busy cities have competitive prices.
- Shop in local markets and convenience stores.
5 Best Destinations In Japan For Your Honeymoon
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is where all the magic happens. It offers various activities, allowing you to experience nature, culture, and the feel of a bustling city. It’s the best city if you have no time for city hopping. You can enjoy nightlife at its best, shop in the Ginza district, experience Japanese fashion in the Shibuya district, and be overwhelmed with bar and restaurant choices.
In addition, you can take walks at the Imperial Palace or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. If you visit during the cherry blossom season, you can take romantic walks in the pink city parks and gardens. You can also go hiking at Mount Takao and enjoy the scenery while exploring the Buddhist temples along the trails.
Where to stay: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station Area
Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the most romantic places in Japan. It’s the height of architecture with numerous well-preserved shrines and temples. Immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture as you explore the plentiful museums and art galleries bursting with paintings and sculptures.
Kyoto is famous for the Arashiyama bamboo forests, where you take calm morning walks hand in hand. You can also walk the tranquil zen gardens and admire the famous geishas while exploring Kyoto’s streets.
Where to stay: Gion, Kyoto Station, Downtown Kyoto
Okinawa
If your honeymoon isn’t complete without luxury beaches, Okinawa is the place to be. This city comprises 160 islands with numerous white-sand beaches where you will enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling and diving.
In addition, Okinawa is famous for its luxury beach resorts, where you can sample some of the best Japanese dishes. It’s also home to several museums and the famous Churaumi Aquarium, which hosts over 50 animal species, including gigantic whales and manta rays.
Where to stay: Nago, Naha, Nakijin
Hakone
Honeymoons are for unwinding, relaxing, and bonding with your spouse, and Hakone is the perfect place. This serene mountain town is a short train ride from Tokyo. It’s famous for its numerous hot springs and ryokan inns where you can bathe in private onsens.
Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy this beautiful place using cable cars and ropeways that take you to and from the mountains. Alternatively, you can take a romantic boat ride in the serene lake on a pirate ship. Hakone is also home to an open-air museum with more than 17 acres and more than 100 sculptures. However, the town can be crowded during the weekends since most locals go there to unwind.
Where to stay: Tonosawa, Hakone Yumoto, Gora
Miyajima
Miyajima is a small island near Hiroshima. It is famous for its ancient temples and the magical Itsukushima Shrine torii gate (the floating gate). Many of the shrines, such as the Itsukushima shrine and Shinto temple, rise from the water and are supported by piles only; they seem to float on the water during high tide.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike mount Misen, enjoy the island’s panoramic views, and encounter deer populations while exploring the beautiful temples and shrines. The best part is this island has all sorts of accommodations depending on your budget.
Where to stay: Central Hiroshima, Itsukushima island
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Japan?
The best way to travel to Japan is by air. There are direct flights from various U.S. cities, such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Most of these flights land in Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports or Itami in Osaka. From these airports, you can take a train to other cities.
Traveling Within Japan
The best way to travel within Japan is to take a train ride. The famous bullet train (shinkansen) is fast, safe, and convenient for moving around tourist attractions and cities. Alternatively, you can fly between far-off places such as Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido to save time.
If you’re traveling on a budget, the highway bus is the best option for long-distance travel. Taxis are also available but are inconvenient and generally less popular than the shinkansen.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Japan?
Japan has different types of accommodation, including western and Japanese styles.
Japanese-style types of accommodation include:
- Traditional ryokan: Traditional Japanese inns include rooms, dinner, and breakfast, allowing you to experience the Japanese lifestyle.
- Minshuku: They’re usually family-run and offer bed and breakfast.
Western-style accommodations include:
- Luxury hotels and resorts
- Business hotels
- Vacation rentals/Airbnb
5 Local Foods to Try in Japan
- Kaiseki Ryori: A multi-dish Japanese dinner usually served in traditional inns.
- Sushi: The most famous Japanese food, which includes vinegared rice, raw fish, and vegetables.
- Ramen: A noodle soup dish made of wheat noodles with meat and toppings.
- Tempura: Includes lightly battered and deep-fried prawns, fish, squid, and vegetables.
- Udon noodles: Thick, chewy noodles made from wheat and brine water. They can be served as a stir-fry or soup.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Japanese Honeymoon?
If you’re a culture enthusiast, Japan has a lot to offer. Here are some of the most beautiful experiences you can try:
- Take a couples cooking class and learn traditional Japanese cooking techniques.
- Take pictures dressed in kimonos or yukata.
- Attend Japanese festivals and customs like the Hanami.
- Participate in a tea ceremony and learn about Japanese manners, etiquette, and the art of making green tea.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Japan
Packing for a honeymoon in Japan largely depends on your preferred activities. The basics include:
- Cash and debit/credit cards
- Identification documents
- Personal essentials, such as prescriptions
- Suitable clothing depending on the weather. Light and breathable for the summer and heavier for the winter and rainy seasons.
- Beach essentials (sunscreen, hat, bathing suit)
- Hiking gear
- Adapter and power bank
- High-quality camera
- Backpack
Is Japan Safe to Visit?
Japan is safe to visit since there’s a low crime rate. But, like anywhere, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Be alert in clubs and bars to avoid drink spiking.
- Beware of overcharging and credit card fraud.
- Don’t keep all your money in one place.
- Stay alert if you visit during typhoon season (May to November) and check disaster warnings by Japan Meteorological Agency.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Japan?
Fortunately, you don’t need a visa to visit japan if your stay will be less than three months. You’ll need an up-to-date US passport and proof of onward travel.
Bonus Travel Tips a Japan Honeymoon
- The local language is Japanese, but many people speak English in big cities and tourist destinations.
- Currently, 1 USD translates to 135.84 Japanese Yen.
- Most credit cards are accepted in big cities, but Japanese locals prefer cash.