Honeymoon in Kyoto: Romance, Luxury & History
Have you thought about Kyoto as your honeymoon destination?
There are so many reasons why you should!
A Kyoto honeymoon offers romance, luxury, culture, history, cuisine and much more.
This city, with its numerous temples, shrines, gardens & historic machiya townhouses, is the ideal locale as you start your married life together.
Many will tell you that Kyoto must be the best place to visit in Japan. Unlike its more chaotic urban counterparts such as Osaka or Tokyo, Kyoto moves at a gentler pace, allowing newlyweds to savor each moment & each other's company.
For couples seeking a Japan honeymoon basking in romantic luxury but with a healthy dose of culture & refinement, Kyoto presents an alluring alternative to conventional destinations. Find out more in this guide to honeymoons in Kyoto
The Allure of Kyoto for Honeymooning Couples in Japan
A honeymoon in Kyoto's appeal lies in its ability to transport visitors to another time – romance abounds! And yet a Kyoto tour offers you all the modern comforts and luxuries of the honeymoon of your dreams.
The urban layout of Kyoto, with its grid system inspired by ancient cities, makes it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, ideal for couples who enjoy discovering hidden gems together.
Start your day with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched on the slopes of eastern Kyoto. The temple's wooden terrace offers sweeping views of Kyoto, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season or when autumn turns the surrounding hills into a backdrop of vibrant colors.
Nearby Ninenzaka is equally touristy but well worth a (well-timed) visit.
As the day progresses, wander through the narrow streets of Gion, Kyoto's famous old geisha district. The preserved wooden machiya, with their latticed windows & tiled roofs, create a romantic atmosphere. If you're lucky, you might glimpse a geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) – but be respectful, of course, as these are real people doing their jobs (there have been incidents of tourists playing paparazzi and causing ill will).
For moments of calm, visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous rock garden. The minimalist landscaping, consisting of rocks set in raked gravel, invites contemplation & provides an ideal setting for couples to reflect on their new journey together.
Romantic Kyoto Honeymoon Hotels
Kyoto's accommodation options range from luxury hotels to traditional ryokan, each offering a unique experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, situated along the Kamo River, offers luxury in the Kyoto tradition. Rooms at the Ritz offer outstanding views of the Higashiyama mountains, & its spa treatments incorporate local ingredients like green tea & bamboo.
Other luxury Kyoto honeymoon hotel properties include:
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Four Seasons Kyoto
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Aman Kyoto
Suiran Kyoto
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
While many of these luxury hotels are major international brands, you’ll find that Kyoto honeymoon hotels tend to feel quite different from their counterparts in cities like Tokyo, Osaka or elsewhere in the world.
That’s because Kyoto has strict building regulations, and businesses must comply by using only approved materials, colors and styles. Your Kyoto honeymoon hotel is likely to be smaller and more intimate, and won’t be a high-rise (or even mid-rise) if you’re staying in one of Kyoto’s historic districts.
Service at your Kyoto honeymoon hotel is, of course, stellar. This is where Japan really shines, with its emphasis on attention to detail.
Other Hotels & Inns for Your Kyoto Honeymoon
For a more intimate experience, try a ryokan like Matsui Honkan, Gion Hatanaka, Tawaraya, Watazen or Hiiragiya.
These traditional inns offer impeccable service, exquisite kaiseki meals and the chance to experience Japanese hospitality at its finest. Sliding shoji screens, tatami floors & private gardens create a cocoon of relaxation and secluded stays for honeymooners.
For (at least part of) your Kyoto honeymoon hotel experience, a ryokan would be a shame to pass up for the sheer uniqueness and romance alone. It’s the kind of moment, at one of those places, where you’ll both exclaim, “wow, we’re really in Japan on our honeymoon!”
Kyoto also has a nice offering of boutique hotels for honeymoons. The newly opened Ace Hotel Kyoto, designed by legendary architect Kengo Kuma, offers a contemporary take on Kyoto's aesthetic. Other Kyoto honeymoon hotels in the boutique category to consider include: Genji Kyoto, Higashiyama Shikikaboku, Kyoto Granbell Hotel, Six Senses Kyoto and Hotel Kanra Kyoto.
Unforgettable Experiences for Couples on a Kyoto Honeymoon
Kyoto offers a wealth of local experiences that allow couples to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Start by participating in a tea ceremony at one of Kyoto's tea houses. The ritualized preparation and serving of matcha green tea is centered on tea, of course, but really it’s more about mindfulness and appreciation of the moment. Sound like qualities that will serve you well in married life?!
For a unique, romantic experience, take a rickshaw ride through the Arashiyama bamboo grove. The towering green stalks create a otherworldly atmosphere, & the gentle clip-clop of the rickshaw adds to the sense of being transported to another era. Mind you, this part of Kyoto can get pretty touristy, but then there are reasons for that. Just be sure to go early in the morning, then continue your Kyoto sightseeing in the nearby temples, shrines and hills.
Art lovers will want to visit the Miho Museum, located in the mountains southeast of Kyoto. Designed by I.M. Pei, the museum houses a fine collection of Asian & Western antiques. The journey to the museum, through a cherry tree-lined road & a strikingly modern tunnel, is as impressive as the destination itself.
For a local cultural experience, we’ll recommend a kimono rental & photoshoot. Many shops in Kyoto offer this service, allowing couples to dress in traditional Japanese attire & have professional photos taken at scenic spots around the city. It's a wonderful way to create lasting memories of your Kyoto honeymoon.
Even more local? How about a Kyoto city tour! Spend a half day or full day experiencing Kyoto with the guidance and insight from a local who knows how to show off their city best.
Eating in Kyoto: A Honeymoon Highlight
Kyoto's cuisine, known as Kyo-ryori, is renowned for its refinement & use of seasonal ingredients.
For an extraordinary fine dining experience, book a table at Kikunoi, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant where chef Murata is crafting creative dishes that reflect Kyoto's culinary heritage while adding new twists.
Kyoto is home to kaiseki, the multi-course feast that embodies Japanese culinary philosophy. At local Kyoto kaiseki restaurants such as Hanasaki, you can experience kaiseki served by friendly, attentive staff who can cater to your needs with no barriers in English.
Also, don't miss the chance to experience obanzai, Kyoto's home-style cooking. Restaurants like Menami in the Pontocho district offer these simple yet flavorful dishes in a cozy, intimate setting.
For a different kind of dining experience, look up a kawadoko style restaurant in the Kibune area during summer. These platforms built over the Kibune River offer a cool retreat & the chance to dine by candlelight with the sound of rushing water below.
Day Trips on Your Kyoto Honeymoon: Osaka, Kobe, Himeji & More
While a Kyoto honeymoon offers plenty to fill your days, several nearby attractions make for romantic day trips.
Visit the town of Uji, famous for its green tea & the magnificent Byodo-in Temple. Take a tea tour, learning about the cultivation & preparation of Japan's most famous beverage.
Just south of Uji, on the JR Nara train line, is the city of Nara. You’ve probably heard or seen images of this place. Nara is where the deer roam the town, bowing at people to ask for snacks. It’s also home to Todai-ji, the largest wooden structure in the world – housing the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
For a glimpse of rural Japan, head to the Miyama Village, known for its old style thatched-roof houses. The picturesque scenery & slower pace of life offer a stark contrast to urban Japan. What a moment for Kyoto honeymoon couples to enjoy nature together.
Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to Mount Kurama. A hike through the forested mountain, home to the Kurama-dera Temple, culminates in a rejuvenating soak at the Kurama Onsen, a great way to relax in an onsen hot spring bath after a day of exploration.
Within striking distance by train from Kyoto are Osaka (which you may want to include on your Japan honeymoon itinerary as a separate destination in a different hotel base), Kobe and Himeji.
In Kobe, you see a rather “everyday local” Japanese city, one that’s well known in Japan for being laid-back, open to international visitors (because of its history as a port city) and home to great food (including Kobe beef, of course, which you can enjoy at restaurants like Iwasaki).
A food tour in Osaka or Kobe would be a great way to eat well — and get insider info & local tips — in this food-frenzied Kansai region.
Further afield from Kobe is Himeji, home of Japan’s finest castle – did you guess the name? Yes, it’s Himeji Castle! Plan a half-day here from the morning, with the magnificent castle and adjacent Koko-en Japanese garden. Then enjoy lunch near the station at a local restaurant specializing in anago (conger eel), or try the delicious local beef at the amazing Steak Senju.
Day trips on your Kyoto honeymoon, whether done independently or with a private guide, are a great way to experience the whole area.
When Is the Best Time for a Honeymoon in Kyoto?
Kyoto is beautiful year-round, but certain seasons offer unique charms.
Spring (March to May) brings cherry blossoms, transforming the city into a pink wonderland. While this is the busiest season, the romantic atmosphere is unparalleled. Be sure to book well ahead if this is the timing for your Kyoto honeymoon!
Autumn (October to November) offers comfortable temperatures & beautiful foliage. The sight of Kyoto's temples surrounded by red & gold leaves is truly memorable.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly, but it's the least crowded season. The possibility of seeing Kyoto's shrines and temples dusted with snow offers a magical experience for couples on a honeymoon in Kyoto.
Summer (June to August) brings the Gion Festival, one of Japan's most famous festivals. While it can be hot & humid on your Kyoto honeymoon this time of year, the festive atmosphere & evening coolness can be very romantic.
Planning Your Kyoto Honeymoon
When planning your Kyoto honeymoon, book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The Japan Rail Pass used to be popular for travel to various parts of Japan, though with recent price hikes for this pass, it’s often more economical to book point-to-point tickets instead.
Renting bicycles is a great way to explore your Kyoto honeymoon. Many accommodations offer this service, & it allows you to cover more ground than on foot while still enjoying the city's atmosphere.
Be mindful of etiquette when visiting temples & shrines. Dress modestly & be respectful of religious customs. Many sites offer English-language information, but having a guidebook or app can enhance your understanding of what you're seeing.
Why Take Your Honeymoon in Kyoto?
A honeymoon in Kyoto offers cultural immersion, natural beauty and refined experiences.
Here, couples can slow down. Appreciate the moment. And create memories that will last a lifetime.
Kyoto honeymoons can be combined with other areas on a Japan itinerary, of course. It all depends on your goals, desires and time+budget requirements.
Want to find out more about how a Kyoto honeymoon could be right for you? Click below to schedule your FREE consultation. We’d love to hear what you have in mind, and we’ll be happy to let you know how your Kyoto honeymoon dreams can come true.
Frequently Asked Questions: Honeymoon in Kyoto
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Kyoto is an excellent honeymoon destination for several reasons:
Rich cultural heritage with numerous temples and shrines
Romantic traditional gardens and scenic spots
Luxurious ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) for a unique stay
Exceptional dining experiences, including kaiseki cuisine
Beautiful seasonal changes, especially cherry blossoms and autumn foliage
Blend of traditional and modern Japanese experiences text goes here
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Kyoto offers many romantic locations for honeymooners:
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, especially early morning or evening
Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning city views
Philosopher's Path during cherry blossom season
Fushimi Inari Shrine's torii gate tunnels at twilight
Gion district for an evening stroll in traditional surroundings
Riverbank of the Kamo River for a picnic or quiet moment
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The best time depends on your preferences:
Spring (March to May): Cherry blossom season, beautiful but crowded
Fall (October to November): Stunning autumn colors and pleasant weather
Late May to July: Lush greenery and fewer crowds, but can be rainy
December to February: Chance of snow, magical illuminations, fewer tourists
Avoid early August due to extreme heat and the Obon holiday crowds.
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Kyoto offers various romantic accommodation options:
Luxury ryokans for a traditional Japanese experience
High-end hotels with spa facilities and city views
Boutique hotels in restored machiya (traditional townhouses)
Riverside resorts in Arashiyama for a more secluded stay Consider splurging on a room with a private onsen (hot spring bath) for added romance.
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Kyoto offers several unique experiences for honeymooners:
Private tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse
Couple's spa treatment using traditional Japanese techniques
Romantic rickshaw ride through historic districts
Kimono rental and photoshoot at scenic locations
Cooking class to learn Japanese cuisine together
Evening geisha performance in Gion