Why Your Honeymoon Should Be in Japan

Just got engaged? Congrats! So exciting!!

Now comes one of the most fun parts: planning (and enjoying) your honeymoon!!!

As someone who recently got married and took a honeymoon that still brings back a smile with every memory, I can vouch for what a truly special and magical time it all is. As we say in Japanese, it’s “幸せ shiawase”! (an expression of happiness in the truest, fullest sense)

Before you book those tickets to Hawaii, Europe or the Caribbean, let's talk about a place that might not have been on your honeymoon radar at first: Japan.

Why Japan? Because it's anything but ordinary. 

Picture the two of you savoring that perfect bowl of ramen at a little hole-in-the-wall shop in Sapporo. Or standing in a Japanese garden in Kyoto and pondering all of life’s grand possibilities. 

Japan is a place where your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will explode, and you'll come back with stories that'll make your friends say, "You did whaaaat?!"

Let's talk about why Japan should top your honeymoon destination list.

Adventures That'll Make Your Heart Race (In a Good Way)

Maybe you start your Japan honeymoon navigating the ordered chaos of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing, getting your bearings in the world’s biggest city before making a day trip to climb the iconic Mount Fuji.

Some days later, you're hiking through the moss-covered forests of Yakushima, an island that looks like it was plucked straight out of a Miyazaki film. 

Afterwards, depending on the season, maybe it’s skiing in Hokkaido, surfing in Okinawa, trekking in Kyushu, kayaking or SUP in a beautiful Tohoku lake.

That's the beauty of Japan, the sheer variety of experiences on offer.

For the avid enthusiasts, how about cycling the Shimanami Kaido? This 60-kilometer bike route takes you across a series of islands in the Seto Inland Sea. 

Here you'll pedal across massive bridges, past tiny fishing villages and through citrus groves. Stop for lunch at a local eatery and dig into a bowl of seafood so fresh you’ll never forget it. Say hi and talk with locals who are happy to see you. And finish by relaxing in the hot baths at your ryokan inn, served a lavish, multi-course meal in the privacy of your room.

If you're more into urban exploration, Tokyo's neighborhoods could keep you busy for weeks. Spend a morning getting lost (but never too lost, it’s Japan after all; and if anything happens we’re always here to help) in the shopping streets and narrow alleys of Sugamo, Azabu-Juban or Togoshi Ginza. 

Then head to Shimokitazawa to dig through vintage shops and catch a live show at one of the many indie music venues. End your night in Shinjuku or Shibuya, sipping craft cocktails at a rooftop bar, the sprawling city twinkling below as you savor every minute of your Japan honeymoon together.

Whatever your two hearts desire for your Japan self-guided tour, the possibilities here are seemingly endless.

And when you’ve worked up an appetite……

Eats in Japan: Food That'll Blow Your Mind

For a moment, put aside everything you thought you knew about Japanese food. 

Sure, there are conveyor belt sushi restaurants and wildly popular ramen joints, but that's just scratching the surface. 

How does this sound for an evening out on the town for your Japan honeymoon dinner: you're sitting at a small, exclusive restaurant in Tokyo, soaking in the refined ambiance while watching a chef who's been perfecting his craft for decades slice fish with the precision of a surgeon. He reaches over the counter and hands each of you perfection on a plate: meticulously prepared and beautifully presented sushi that almost looks too good to eat. But you’ll eat it, of course, and you’ll love it, and you’ll remember this and many other moments together for the rest of your lives.

Or you're in a local restaurant in Osaka, sitting at a table that’s got a flat top grill built into it, making your own okonomiyaki savory crepes with the direction of your server. She shows you how to grill it on both sides to a golden brown, then add the perfect balance of aonori, kastuoboshi and tangy sauce on top. It’s a masterpiece that you’ve recreated, and now it’s your turn to enjoy this famous Osaka treat together.

But food here isn’t just about the taste. In Japan, eating is a full-sensory experience. 

Take kaiseki, for example. This multi-course meal is an edible, theatrical production, with each dish designed to capture a moment in time. For example, you might find yourself served a clear soup with a single cherry blossom petal floating on top, a nod to the fleeting nature of spring. Or perhaps your wagashi dessert course has a small, perfect Japanese maple leaf on the top (autumn in Japan, as we’ll cover in a minute, is not to be missed!). 

And let's talk about Japan’s street food. While “street food” in Japan might not exactly resemble what you’ve seen elsewhere (if you’ve experienced eating at Thailand’s ubiquitous street stalls or Mexico’s fantastic markets, this isn’t that), we’ve got some amazing eats that you can buy (and sometimes consume) on the street

In Fukuoka, for example, you can pull up a stool at a yatai (food stall) and savor a bowl of steaming tonkotsu ramen while chatting with locals. At festivals around Japan in the summer and at a variety of times throughout the year, hit up stalls selling everything from grilled meats and seafood (and summer corn!) to favorites like takoyaki & okonomiyaki.

It's the kind of experience that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a real-life YouTube food video.

Sleep in Style (and Sometimes in Trees)

On a Japan self-guided tour, where you rest your head is part of the adventure. 

Ever slept in a Buddhist temple? In Koyasan, you can. Wake up to the sound of monks chanting, try your hand at meditation and feast on shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that's so good, you might not notice that the meat is ‘missing.’ If your Japan honeymoon itinerary includes the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoasan is right down the road from the latter, and it makes an ideal oasis of solitude.

How about a treehouse? In Okinawa, you can stay in just that. Imagine waking up to the sound of rustling leaves, with nothing but forest canopy stretching out before you. It's like being a kid again, but with better amenities and your favorite person by your side.

For a more traditional experience, ryokans are the way to go. These Japanese inns offer a glimpse into old-school hospitality. From shoji doors and tatami mat floors to (oftentimes) your own private onsen hot spring bath. At many top-notch ryokan (such as Gora Kadan in Hakone), you might find yourself soaking in an outdoor bath, Mount Fuji looming in the distance, wondering if you've somehow died and gone to heaven.

But, rest assured, you’re here in Japan, with your life partner, experiencing all the magic and wonder together.

Across Japan, there’s also a wide range of standard accommodations, from business hotels and international chains to top-of-class luxury properties. It’s your honeymoon, your way. No matter what accommodation style you’ve got in mind, you’ve got options; many of our clients mix and match the above lodging types during their stay in Japan.

Seasons That'll Make You Believe in Magic

Each season in Japan feels like stepping into a different world. 

In spring, it's all about the cherry blossoms. And while you can see this in Tokyo or Kyoto, you might feel the crowds a bit more than expected. Why not head to Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, where you can boat through petal-strewn moats around a feudal castle. It's like floating through a pink cloud, and yes, it's as romantic as it sounds.

Come summer, hit up a festival. The Awa Odori in Tokushima is like a massive street party where everyone dances. The streets fill with the sound of traditional music and the rhythmic chanting of dancers. Join in, and you'll quickly realize why the festival's motto is "The dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so why not dance?" 

Summer festivals abound across Japan. If you’re curious about which one would be best for your Japan honeymoon itinerary, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Fall in Japan is a parade of colors. In Kyoto, the mountains and much of the city become a canvas of reds, oranges and golds. Take a ride on the old-school Sagano Scenic Railway, which chugs through tunnels of autumn foliage. It's like traveling through a living painting… honeymoon bliss! 

If you want to explore even further off the beaten path during autumn, consider the possibilities of day trips from Kyoto that include Mt. Rokko (with Arima Onsen), Himeji (best castle in Japan), Nara (the deer roaming amidst the autumn colors is a sight to behold) or areas around Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture. Or, depending on your timing, you could travel north from Tokyo, to the Hokuriku, Alps or Tohoku regions; or southwest of Kyoto, to the areas around Hiroshima/Miyajima or further afield in amazing Kyushu.

Winter might not scream 'honeymoon' for everyone, but hear me out. How would you like to soak in the hot baths of an outdoor onsen, snow falling softly around you, a cup of sake warming your hands? 

In Nagano, you can visit the famous snow monkeys who have the same idea; they hang out in hot springs to escape the cold. It's a surreal sight that you won’t want to miss.

And both in Japan’s Alps and up north in Hokkaido, you can enjoy world class skiing and snowboarding (literally, both these regions have hosted winter Olympics).

Cultural Exploration in Japan to Form Your Honeymoon Memories

Japan isn't a place to fly to and check things off a list. It's a place to experience. 

And those experiences are often best enjoyed by slowing down a bit and soaking it all in.

After all, this is your honeymoon, not a business trip. Consider disconnecting at certain intervals, shutting off the noise and focusing on each other.

Plan local experiences that bring out the calm, centered you. 

And experience these Japanese traditions together, learning about a new and different culture that will become a part of your life story.

In Kyoto, you can take part in a tea ceremony, where every movement is steeped (pardon the pun) in centuries of tradition. Beyond the frothy matcha green tea itself, this time-honored experience is about mindfulness and memories.

Or how about trying your hand at Japanese calligraphy? In Tokyo, you can take a class where you'll learn to wield a brush and write characters in Japanese. It's harder than it looks, but there's something deeply satisfying about creating a piece of art that's also a written word.

For a more offbeat experience on your Japan self-guided tour, head to Tottori to learn the art of sand sculpture. The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's mini Sahara, and local artists use the sand as their canvas. You might not create a masterpiece at first try, but you'll gain a new appreciation for this unique art form.

The Japan You Didn't Know Existed (& Didn’t Know You Needed to Experience)

While Tokyo and Kyoto are must-visits, some of Japan's most unforgettable experiences happen off the beaten path. 

Ever heard of Naoshima? This small island in the Seto Inland Sea is a haven for art lovers. Stay at Benesse House, a museum where you can sleep surrounded by works from world-renowned artists. Wake up, roll out of bed, and boom - you're standing in front of a Warhol. All in a stunning structure designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

For a truly unique experience, visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, just outside Tokyo. It's like stepping into one of Miyazaki's animated worlds. You can't take photos inside, which means you'll have to be present in the moment… a rarity in our hyperconnected world.

You’re probably seeing plenty at this point to know that a honeymoon in Japan is truly a one-of-a-kind experience

Bringing Japan Back Home (Without the Jet Lag)

Some people say that the best souvenirs aren't things but rather new perspectives. Maybe you'll come home from your Japanese honeymoon with a newfound appreciation for simplicity after staying in a minimalist ryokan. Or perhaps you'll start incorporating the concept of 'ichigo ichie' (treasure every encounter, for it will never recur) into your daily life.

You might find yourself inspired to declutter your home after experiencing the calm of a Japanese garden. Or maybe you'll start paying more attention to the seasons and how they affect your food choices, inspired by the Japanese concept of 'shun' (eating each ingredient at its peak).

Of course, you'll leave Japan with a camera roll full of memories — and plenty of shopping haul for friends & family, and mementos of your Japan honeymoon.

You’ll be able to think fondly back to the taste of that perfect bowl of ramen you stumbled upon in a back alley in Tokyo. The sound of cicadas on a hot summer night in Kyoto. The feel of smooth pottery under your fingers as you learned to make your own cup in Mashiko. The sight of the sun rising over Mount Fuji, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.

Your Japan honeymoon will be an experience you remember fondly and treasure always. Hopefully you’ll come back again, the two of you with more curiosity looking to dive deeper. Or maybe you’ll bring your child(ren) to Japan someday, experiencing this great country through a different set of eyes.

Your Japan Honeymoon – An Odyssey to Treasure

More than merely a vacation, your Japan honeymoon is the first chapter of your shared story together (well, of course, the how-you-met and dating stories go in the book’s foreword). 

It's about creating moments that'll make you smile years from now, when you're reminiscing over a cup of green tea (that you learned to properly brew during at that teahouse in Uji Kyoto during your Japan trip).

So why settle for standard, when you could have extraordinary? 

Make your Japan honeymoon a journey through fascinating culture, mind-blowing food, amazing scenery and a carefully curated itinerary of what a romantic holiday can and should be.

Ready to kick off your married life with an adventure? Japan's waiting right here for you. 

Want to find out more about how planning your honeymoon with Japan Travel Pros can help you experience the ideal journey together? Schedule your free Japan honeymoon consultation with one of our travel experts.

Happy planning! And again, congratulations to you both!!