Best romantic honeymoon destinations in Japan

Are you looking at Japan as a honeymoon destination, seeing nightmare videos of how horribly crowded everything is and are worried that it won't be romantic enough? We have been travelling back and forward to Japan as a couple for 30+ years and lived there for several years as newly-weds, so we got you covered! Here are our top recommendations for the romantic trip of your lives.

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We know, realistically, that if you're flying all the way to Japan for your honeymoon, you're not going to want to miss out on the big cities - Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. And there are plenty of romantic spots in and near these cities, which we'll list in our post on things for honeymooners to see and do in Japan. The destinations listed below are places that we see more as a honeymoon destination in themselves, somewhere for you to get away from the mad tourist circuit, stay a few nights and enjoy a more peaceful side of Japan. Experience all the highlights by all means and then tack a short stay in one of these spots on to your itinerary.

I'm adding a key, so you can see at a glance which destinations are best in which season:🌸= spring, 🌞= summer, 🍁= autumn,❄️= winter

Honeymoon in Hakodate 🌸❄️

We rate Hakodate as a top romantic getaway for a couple of reasons but the first, I am loathe to admit, is one of logistics: Hakodate is super-easy to reach from Tokyo on the Shinkansen: four hours but direct to Shin-Hakodate Station. Romantic doesn't mean you can't be practical, right? It's also a really lovely, small city, very popular with Japanese tourists but largely overlooked by international visitors. Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open up to foreign trade, so as well as having plenty of traditional architecture, shrines and temples, it also has a number of Christian churches, Western architecture and a foreign cemetery. I know you can see that sort of stuff almost anywhere in the world but, as a history buff, I find it fascinating. And it also brings a sort of olde-world-y charm to Hakodate, with it's cute tram line and old-fashioned street lamps.

One of Hakodate's big selling points - and it hardly get's more romantic - is the view out over the city and the bay from Mount Hakodate. It's considered to be one of the top nighttime views in Japan - and I remember it even being pictured on phone cards back in the 90s.

I can honestly recommend a trip to Hakone at any time of the year but the cherry blossoms around the old fort are superb (and they are a bit later than the ones in Tokyo, so this gives you a second chance if you missed them elsewhere) and seeing Hakone in the winter is also lovely. Onsen fans take note: there's even a hot spring in the sea! But summer isn't bad too, because it's cooler than Tokyo, Kyoto, etc. so it's a relief from the heat and humidity.

Honeymoon in Hakone 🍁❄️

Hakone is another destination that is very easy to reach from Tokyo (less than two hours from Shinjuku), making it a no-brainer for a few romantic days away for honeymooners. What we love about Hakone, and why we think it's a better choice than Fujikawaguchiko, is that there is so much to see and do in Hakone - it's not just somewhere to soak in an onsen and gaze at Mount Fuji. As we've said before in our posts on Hakone, Mount Fuji is elusive at the best of times but if the weather is not on your side, at least Hakone has plenty more to offer.

Hakone is much loved by Tokyoites in particular as weekend retreat, somewhere to unwind for a day or two, soak your aches away in an onsen and enjoy some stunning scenery. But it also has some world-class museums, beautiful, atmospheric temples and shrines and a lot of history, all tied together by cute means of public transport: pirate ships, ropeways, cable cars, scenic little local trains.

For a honeymooning couple, though, Hakone's onsens, luxury ryokans and amazing kaiseki cuisine are going to be the highlight. That's why we think (late) autumn and winter are the best times of year to visit Hakone. You'll have the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji and the scenery in the crisp, clear air is second to none.

Honeymoon in Kinosaki Onsen 🌸❄️

There are lots of other onsen towns in Japan that are just as worthy but since we lived in Hyogo Prefecture for a few years, this was our "local" hot-spring escape and we honestly think it can more than hold it's own against the onsen heavy-weights. It feels like stepping into a film set, especially with the willow trees lining the canal and steam drifting up off the water. This is where you're going to go if you envisage yourselves totally unplugging, changing into yukata and wandering up and down the cobbled streets in your wooden clogs from one hot-spring to the next.

Of course, I would normally say that the best time to visit Kinosaki is winter, but this being Hyogo, you're not guaranteed snow and when it does snow, it doesn't usually hang around too long. But a gorgeously crisp, frosty winter's day is also heavenly. On the other hand, the cherry blossom up there in Kinosaki is gorgeous, so it's a toss-up.

A practical tip from experience: book a ryokan that includes a Matsuba snow crab or Tajima beef dinner (you're in Kobe beef heartland in Kinosaki, so make the most of it).

Honeymoon in Ginzan Onsen ❄️

Ginzan Onsen is one of the onsen heavy-weights I mentioned above. If you weren't in love already, it would be hard not to fall head-over-heels in Ginzan, so you can imagine how popular this place is. And it's actually tiny: just a short strip of multi-story, 100-year-old wooden inns packed into a snowy river gorge. There are zero cars allowed, so the only sounds are the rushing mountain stream and the crunch of snow under your boots. At dusk, the yellow gas lamps flicker on, and the whole valley glows amber against the heavy winter drifts. Book as early as humanly possible, because rooms fill up nearly a year in advance for January and February. Soaking in an outdoor bath on your balcony while fresh snowflakes melt on your head, followed by a hot local beef hotpot by the fire, is about as romantic as travel gets. It’s remote and takes effort to reach, but you’ll never forget it.

You'll not be surprised to hear that the best time to go here is winter - and up here in the mountains, you're basically guaranteed to have snow from mid-December through until early March or so. The problem is: every single hotel/ryokan here books up ultra-fast for these dates. Ryokan's typically become available 11-12 months in advance, so be ready to book and prepared to be flexible with your dates. Bookings are generally through the individual ryokan's website.

Honeymoon in Miyajima 🌸🍁

Almost everyone treats Miyajima as a half-day trip from Hiroshima, which is a massive mistake for a honeymoon. The real magic happens around 5 PM when the last ferry leaves with the day-trippers. Suddenly, the island empties out. You get the wild deer quietly bedding down under stone lanterns, the streets go dead silent, and you can walk down to the waterfront alone. Seeing the Great Torii Gate lit up over the black tide with nobody else around is very special.

During the day, Miyajima can get really busy, of course, which is why we suggest doing the opposite of everybody else: book your accommodation on the island, go visit Hiroshima and see the sights there during the day and come back to Miyajima in the late afternoon. Walk around Itsukushima shrine in the last rays of the sun or have the place to yourselves the next morning. Take the first cable car up Mount Misen for undisturbed views with no queuing. Amble down Miyajima Omotesando without the crowds.

Summer gets crazy hot on Miyajima (and the deers are at their most fragrant, if that bothers you). I don't mind winter if you can catch some nice clear weather. But the best times are probably spring and autumn - there are a few lovely cherry blossom spots and Momijidani is an autumn-leaf-viewing paradise.

Honeymoon in Takayama & Shirakawa-go 🌸🍁❄️

Staying overnight in Takayama, or Shirakawa-go in particular, is honestly like Japan honeymoon unplugged. In our 30+ years of travelling around Japan, we've seen a lot, but Shirakawa-go is one place that truly left a lasting impression. We visited the first time in deepest winter, driving in through those massive snow tunnels you see pictures of - sheer, 6-metre walls of white, packed snow and ice. Then arriving in this mind-blowingly beautiful little village, looking like something straight out of a winter fairytale.

Shirakawa-go is where you'll stay if you truly want to go off-grid for a few days during your honeymoon. Takayama and Hida, which is just up the road, are wonderfully historic towns with a little more "life" than Shirakawa-go, so we would recommend staying in Takayama and doing Shirakawa-go as a day-trip, either independently on the regular bus service or as a tour.

Although summer up here in the Alps is a bit cooler and less sticky than down on the coast, it's not my favourite time of year to visit Shirakawa-go at least. It's pretty in summer but really is at its most spectacular in winter. Takayama is well worth including in your honeymoon itinerary at any time of year, in my opinion. Just be warned that the famous Takayama Festival, held twice a year in April and October, makes it difficult to find accommodation - but it's well worth the effort.

Honeymoon in Kanazawa 🌸🍁

I've seen Kanazawa being billed on social media recently as the "new" Kyoto - narrow little streets lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, temples galore and possibly the ultimate in Japanese gardens - Kenroku-en. In other words, it offers everything that you expect to see in Kyoto, but without the terrible overcrowding. It's effortlessly walkable, is steeped in culture and history and the seafood coming straight off the Sea of Japan is ridiculously delicious. It’s stylish, relaxed, and perfect for couples who appreciate great food and history.

Now, we've been to Kanazawa in winter and it was grand, but we had dark, damp weather, which made everything feel a bit gloomy and even Kenroku-en looked a bit drab - although we did see the iconic yukizuri bamboo structures that the gardeners use to protect the trees from heavy snow. I prefer Kanazawa in spring or, even better, in autumn. The autumn colour is spectacular.

Honeymoon in Nagasaki 🌸🍁

I don't want to oversell it but Nagasaki is honestly one of my favourite places in Japan and it's scandalously under-visited in my opinion. I understand that it's not as easy to get to as many other destinations - taking the Shinkansen is possible but will take the best part of 8 hours from Tokyo, so flying is the best option - but it makes a fabulous mini-trip within a trip. If you've already been to Hiroshima, you're possibly thinking that you don't need to bother with Nagasaki, but Nagasaki's tragic atomic-bomb history is one of the least significant reason for visiting. This city is in the most gorgeous natural setting, backed by mountains with the long, narrow harbour stretching out in front and, together with Hakodate and Kobe, is considered to offer one of Japan's most beautiful night-views. Standing up on Mount Inasa watching the sun set and the city lights begin to twinkle might be the romantic highlight of your trip. You can stroll along the waterfront, take in the cute "glasses bridge", walk up to Glover Garden - popularly known as the setting for Puccini's Madame Butterfly, explore Nagasaki's fascinating history - for a long time, Nagasaki was Japan's only window to the wider world and the only place that foreigners were allowed to live. I can also recommend a day-trip to Unzen to wonder at the volcanic fields there.

Summer in Nagasaki is punishingly hot and humid, to be honest. My favourite times of the year here are autumn / early winter and spring. This part of Japan is more susceptible to typhoons too: another reason to avoid summer and early autumn.

Honeymoon on Shodoshima 🌸🌞🍁

Image courtesy of the Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association

OK, this one's maybe a bit of a wild card but it's kind of an insider recommendation - we've been several times and LOVED it. If you want to see a different side of Japan away from the crowds, have time to yourselves but still have an authentic Japanese experience, you should really consider making Shodoshima a little mini-honeymoon within your Japan trip. It's pretty easy to get to (a ferry ride of 1.5-2 hours from Himeji or Okayama) but feels a world away. The island doesn't really have much in the way of stand-out tourist attractions but is famed for its natural beauty: the Angel's Road sandbar, Kankakei Gorge, it's olive groves, terraced rice fields and lovely beaches. It's ports are true small-town Japan.

We love spring and early summer on Shodoshima. It's lovely to rent a bicycle (e-bikes are good - it's pretty hilly in places) and set off for the day, calling in at a beach for a picnic or stopping at small local eateries. Since you're depending on the ferry to get back and forward from the mainland, you'll need to keep a close eye on the weather in late summer and winter, especially. The autumn leaves in Kankakei Gorge are spectacular, too.

Okinawa 🌸🌞🍁

I've saved the classic for last, I guess. If going on honeymoon to Japan is making you feel like you're missing out on sun, sea and sand, a few days in Okinawa is the antidote. The trade off is that it is a 2.5-3 hour plane ride from Tokyo and can be a pricey add-on. What you get, though, are white-sand beaches, turquoise water, top snorkeling, to-die-for-sunsets and a super-laid-back vibe that you don't find anywhere else in Japan. This is probably the top domestic honeymoon spot for Japanese couples.

We're always a wee bit on the fence about Okinawa, though, and here's why. In the first place, it's difficult to get the timing right: you're going for the tropical beach experience but the summer months, let's say June through to September, are actually risky because of typhoons (not more than other summer honeymoon destinations like Mexico, but still). The rainy season hits in late spring and there are a good six weeks in late April to early June that you have a good chance of seeing nothing but rain. And if you're happy to take the chance on August, it's super-expensive. Adding Okinawa to your honeymoon also requires a good deal of logistic planning, unless you book a tour. Getting around the main island is handiest with a rental car, and those gorgeous beaches you have pictured yourself lazing on are usually on one of the outlying islands like Miyako or the Kerama islands, which can involve a ferry or even another flight.

But Okinawa isn't Japan's romantic top-spot for no reason and if it's on your honeymoon bucket list, just make sure you plan carefully and early.

Honorable mentions

I'm just throwing two other destinations into the mix because, although they might not be on your radar as typical Japan honeymoon spots, they are considered by Japanese couples to be two of the most romantic spots in Japan: and they are Kobe and Yokohama.

With it's scenic waterfront, lovely gardens and cool, modern vibe, Yokohama is a super-popular choice for a romantic date. Since it's only 30 minutes away from central Tokyo, you wouldn't even have to stay overnight, but I think it's worth booking one night in a higher-floor room in a nice hotel with views over the bay. The waterfront at night with its ferris wheel and illuminations is stunning, but so is the early morning view as the sun comes up. Accommodation here tends to be a good bit cheaper than in Tokyo, too, so you might snag yourselves a bargain.

If you've been exploring this blog, you'll already now that Kobe was our home in Japan for some years and, while it's a city close to our hearts, we know it so well that it doesn't much feel like a romantic getaway destination to us. But Japanese couples see Kobe very differently. Kobe is considered to have a unique elegant, cosmopolitan, classy character, making for a special date-night or loved-up break, and it has one of those top three "million-dollar" night-views mentioned above. Like Yokohama, Kobe is close enough to Osaka that you wouldn't even have to change hotels if you didn't want to, but a night in one of Kobe's iconic hotels with a view over the city and Osaka Bay is absolutely worth it.

Here are some more posts that could help you plan your honeymoon in Japan:

• When you visit Japan can make a big difference to your trip. Find out more in our guide to the best and worst times for a honeymoon in Japan

• We have a lot of tips on planning your Japan honeymoon, from budgeting to putting together an itinerary and how many days you should stay.

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Want us to plan a Japan honeymoon just for you? Need help putting together your first trip to Japan? Just get in touch.