In Japan every season is the season of love. Stunning natural backdrops and Japan’s rich cultural heritage create the perfect atmosphere to pop the big question or celebrate love on the honeymoon of your dreams. While you’re at it, you might want to go a step further and have a wedding ceremony in Japan! Places like the Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto organise wedding ceremonies for everyone regardless of their faith and sexual orientation. However, before we listen to the wedding bells ring, let's take a look at some of the most romantic spots Japan has to offer!
Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata prefecture
Get Spirited Away in the northern Ginzan Onsen, the perfect choice for a romantic getaway for all hot springs and Studio Ghibli fans! Don a Japanese summer kimono called yukata and stroll along the Ginzan River running through the onsen’s historical centre. The buildings evoke images of 1920s Japan and transport you to the past. This onsen looks especially romantic in winter covered under a thick blanket of snow but make sure to be dressed for the snowy weather!
Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera), Yamagata prefecture
Shared experiences make the heart grow fonder and what could work better than a 1,000 step ascent to the mountainous Yamadera Temple? Connect with the spiritual world on the hike up leading you through an ancient cedar forest lined with stone lanters peeking from under lush green moss. Once you have reached the top, views from the observation deck make it a worthy endeavour and bring you even closer to your loved one. The temple is easily accessible by train and the walk up takes up to 30 minutes. It’s stunning all year round but we especially recommend it in Autumn when the leaves begin to blush.
Tokyo Tower
If you’re looking for romantic spots in the capital, Tokyo Tower is the perfect place! It has become a symbol of the city over the years and carries an air of romance like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With a height of 333 metres, it offers beautiful views of the dazzling city lights and the night sky. It also tends to be less crowded than another one of our Tokyo favourites, Tokyo Sky Tree, which creates a more intimate mood.
Mt. Fuji and Areas
We all know Mt. Fuji as the symbol of Japan but it actually offers some of the most romantic spots in the country! Watching the sunrise at the top of Mt. Fuji is an unforgettable you can share with your loved one and remember it for years. You can only hike Mt. Fuji in July and August, and it does require some stamina so if you're not ready for a 5 to 10 hours long hike, head for our alternative spots with incredible views of this magnificent mountain. Places like the Chureito Pagoda in the Fuji Five Lakes Area, Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai or private tea terraces in Shizuoka. Mt. Fuji is a fickle mountain so to maximise your chances of seeing it all the way to the top, aim to visit the area between the autumn and winter. December and January are the months when it's the most reliable!
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto
Walk hand in hand through a sacred tunnel of 10,000 vibrant torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto to be awarded with great views of the city. The hike to the summit and back takes two to three hours and you will be following a path filled to the brims with torii gates. Our advice for a romantic moment alone is to follow the trail up because the higher you ascend, the less fellow pilgrimages you will find!
Meoto Iwa, Mie Prefecture
Known as the ‘Wedded Rocks’, Meoto Iwa are two rocks officially married by the sacred Shinto Shimenawa rope and representing the union of two main Shinto deities - Izanami and Izanagi. The sacred rope is replaced three times a year in a special Shinto ceremony and it weighs over a ton! We recommend visiting them at dawn in the summer to see the sun rising from between the rocks and at dusk in winter when the moon rises from between them. If you’re lucky, on a clear day you can also catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the distance!
For people heading to Kyushu, there is another pair of star-crossed rocks in Fukuoka which share the same name.
‘Floating’ Torii Gates
When thinking about Japan, the floating torii gate by Miyajima is one of the first images that springs to mind. This iconic spot is the epitome of romance and you can stay overnight in one of the Island’s traditional ryokan inns for the full experience. However, it is currently under renovation and the end date has not been revealed but fear not, there are many other impressive torii gates across Japan! Shiga prefecture, a short train ride away from Kyoto, is home to Shirahige Shrine with an impressive torii gate floating in Japan’s largest lake - Lake Biwa. Another alternative is located in Kyushu's Saga prefecture where the Ouo Shrine boast not one but three torii gates trailing into the sunset! Visitors to Hakone won't be disappointed by the torii gate in front of the Hakone Shrine by Lake Ashi. Make sure to check the tides because they vary by seasons and you’re in for an unforgettable time!
Okinawa
Japan’s tropical islands with their sandy beaches, clear blue waters, coral reefs, and a rich local culture are another place we just had to mention! Okinawa is a chain of islands perfect for romantic beach holidays with a taste of adventure. Kayak through a mangrove jungle on a remote island, get a taste of karate at its birthplace, and immerse yourself in the local history with a cocktail in hand!
Wherever you go in Japan, you will be able to find charming romantic spots creating the perfect mood for declarations of love. Moreover, all seasons offer something different. Spring is the most obviously tempting with its charming blossoms - just make sure to read our guide here on how to skip the crowds. Otherwise, there's a wealth to enjoy: summer with the lush green nature, autumn with its vibrant colour palette, and winter with its snow in some parts of Japan and clear skies in others. Get carried away by the romantic mood and create memories for a lifetime!
