Thinking about a Japan honeymoon for after you say ‘I do’, but don’t know where to start? We’re not surprised! With so many romantic places in Japan to choose from, committing to just one destination for your honeymoon can seem overwhelming.
The good news? Every option is a great one…and you don’t have to pick just one. Japan is not only beautifully diverse (think beaches, mountains, lakes, and flower fields), but it’s also relatively small and very easy to traverse.
As a boutique travel agency, we know a thing or two about planning a Japan honeymoon, which is why we’re sharing our five best Japan honeymoon destinations for the ultimate romantic, peaceful, and magical once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How to Plan Your Japan Honeymoon
Planning a wedding is stressful enough, let alone the vacation that follows it. To help make the process as easy as possible, check out our guide to planning your dream Japan honeymoon below:
Still looking for a little more help? Reach out to our Japan travel planning experts for a free consultation on how to put together the perfect Japan honeymoon itinerary.
Okinawa – Best for Beach Vacationers
Did you know you can spend your honeymoon in Japan and on a tropical island in paradise? With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and stunning sunsets, it’s no surprise that Okinawa is often called the “Hawaii of Japan.”
On a Japan honeymoon in Okinawa, couples can snorkel together in a protected coral reef, take a sunset cruise across the Kerama blue water, or simply relax in a luxurious beachfront resort. The island prefecture is home to an amazing array of wildlife, including sea turtles, hermit crabs, and rare birds, with many areas designated as part of national parks and marine protected zones to preserve the natural beauty.
Okinawa’s main island offers convenience and variety in the form of serene resorts, romantic restaurants, and historical sites like Shurijo Castle where you can watch the renovation process in real time. It’s ideal if you want a mix of beach, city, and history, with easy access to amenities and activities.
For a more remote experience of untouched beauty, you can visit one of the 40+ inhabited smaller islands like Ishigaki, Zamami, and Miyakojima. These islands are ideal for couples who crave a quiet, intimate escape—imagine biking through sleepy villages, stargazing with zero light pollution, or sharing a deserted beach with no one else in sight.
Romantic Okinawa Activities
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): Meander across the water at your own pace to reach stunning beaches and views you can’t get to on land.
- Glass Bottom Boat Tours: See giant clams, snoozing turtles, and a rainbow conchophony of fish on glass-bottom boats in Ishigaki and Naha.
- Water Buffalo-Drawn Carts: What’s more romantic than a horse and carriage ride? Exploring the historic island of Toketomi on a cart pulled by a 1,200kg water buffalo.
- Pottery Workshops: Take part in a yachimun workshop, the Ryukyuan (indigenous Okinawan people) pottery art form, and get your honeymoon keepsake shipped back home.
- Watching the Sunset from the Ocean: Take your new spouse on the ultimate romantic evening stroll along the water with uninterrupted views of the sky and ocean.
Hakone – Best for Onsen Relaxation
An onsen town hidden just South of Tokyo, Hakone is one of the most romantic places in Japan, where every corner is filled with quaint ryokan, magical natural hot springs, and breathtaking cultural sights.
Hakone changes beautifully with the seasons: cherry blossoms bloom in soft pink clouds each spring, while in summer you’ll find lush greenery and cool mountain air. Autumn is perhaps the most beautiful time of year as the hills explode in vibrant red and gold leaves. Then, in winter, snow-dusted trees make the hot springs feel even more romantic.
Couples can choose to stay in traditional inns or sleek modern hotels, with the ultimate romance found in private open-air baths and decadent multi-course kaiseki dinners. Spend your Japan honeymoon days drifting across Lake Ashi on a boat cruise, exploring the Hakone Open-Air Museum together, or riding the ropeway up to Owakudani Valley, where you can snack on black eggs cooked in volcanic springs.
Romantic Hakone Activities
- Private Onsen: Experience an onsen as just you two and fully unwind in mineral-rich waters and total serenity.
- Learn Woodcrafts: Dive into a traditional local craft and create a handmade souvenir together to always remind you of your honeymoon in Japan.
- Scenic Rides on the Tozan Railway: Wind through lush valleys, over bridges, and past waterfalls on a scenic railway that’s beautiful year-round, but particularly special during autumn.
- A Pirate Ship Cruise: A sightseeing tour like no other, take a ride on a pirate ship modelled after iconic 18th-century European vessels.
- Visiting the Hakone Shrine: Walk around, take photos, and simply enjoy the wondrous views of the historic waterside Hakone Shrine.
Check out our Hakone itinerary:
Fuji Five Lakes – Best for Beautiful Views
We might be biased, but we think Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic views in the entire world, and when seen across a lake or from a private onsen on your Japan honeymoon, it only gets better. The Five Lakes area refers to…the five lakes that surround Mount Fuji, and offer tranquil countryside mixed with the awe-inspiring Fuji-san.
Kawaguchiko is the most popular and accessible of the five lakes, with a great mix of cosy accommodations, scenic viewpoints, and charming local cafés. It’s an ideal base for couples who want postcard-perfect Fuji views without sacrificing comfort. You can take a cable car up Mount Tenjo, rent a swan boat on the lake, or soak in an onsen with the mountain rising up in front of you.
For more seclusion, the other lakes—Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko—offer peaceful trails, stargazing spots, and quiet moments far from the crowds. Whether you’re watching the sunrise reflect off the water or sitting in silence beneath a canopy of stars, Fuji Five Lakes is a Japan honeymoon destination worth the trip from Tokyo.
Romantic Fuji Five Lakes Activities
- Bike Rides Around the Lake: Rent bikes and cycle around and between the five lakes to discover hidden trails and quiet countryside beauty.
- Fruit Picking: Spend a romantic day in Yamanashi’s scenic orchards and farms, harvesting a bounty to either bring home or enjoy as a picnic on the farm.
- Glamping: Camp under the stars (but not on the ground) during a luxury glamping experience complete with BBQ, sauna, and even heating in the winter.
- Onsen with Mount Fuji Views: Whether a private onsen enjoyed together, or an outdoor bath surrounded by nature, there’s no better way to enjoy Mount Fuji than from an onsen.
- The Panoramic Ropeway: Take the cable car from near Kawaguchiko station to a mountaintop where you’ll find photo spots, quiet hikes, and delicious local snacks.
Want more Mount Fuji activities?
Hokkaido – Best for Adventure Lovers
Hokkaido might be best known for the world-class ski runs at Niseko, but we know it as a stunningly diverse outdoor destination that’s overflowing with romantic potential…and not just in winter. Hokkaido is a year-round Japan honeymoon destination made for adventurers and nature lovers.
In winter, Hokkaido becomes a snowy wonderland. Get your heart racing with winter fun like snowboarding and snowmobile rides, or take the slower route with romantic snow hikes. Cold evenings are spent cuddling up in a ryokan and soaking in an outdoor onsen as the snow falls in all directions.
By summer, the island has transformed. Road trip across Hokkaido’s wild flower fields and crystal clear lakes. Unlike the rest of Japan, Hokkaido temperatures remain perfectly pleasant throughout summer, with lower tourism rates and longer golden evenings. A warm day in Hokkaido isn’t complete without indulging in a lavender or milk-flavoured (yes, milk) soft serve, churned with fresh and delicious Hokkaido dairy.
Romantic Hokkaido Activities
- Snowshoeing: Spend an afternoon hiking the sparkling white mountains to enjoy the views at a slower pace, without needing skis or a snowboard.
- Dog Sledging: Ride together and let an adorable pack of huskies guide you on a tour of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland.
- Canoeing at Sunrise: Catch a mountain-backed sunrise from a tandem kayak or canoe in the waters of Lake Akan, Toya, or Poroto.
- Flower Fields: Spend the day amongst bright yellow sunflowers, serene purple lavender, and fantastical rainbow tulips at one of the countless flower fields that cover the island.
- Stargazing: Far away from Tokyo’s light pollution, in Hokkaido, you can get lost looking at the stars with 360-degree uninterrupted night skies.
Kyoto – Best for Romantic Activities
If you’re looking for romantic places in Japan, Kyoto is likely to already be on your radar (and for good reason). A popular stop on Japan’s ‘Golden Route’, Kyoto can be filled with crowds during busy seasons, but there are more than enough secluded corners and private onsen to share alone as a couple.
Kyoto is filled to the brim with examples of rich Japanese culture, from the incredible temples and world-famous shrines to the delicious street food and extravagant Michelin-star meals. You’ll find the convenience of a city is blended with the unique characters of Gion, Fushimi, and Higashiyama, with plenty of day trips to keep things interesting.
As a Japan honeymoon destination, Kyoto blends old-world charm with slow, meaningful experiences—think private tea ceremonies in hidden machiya houses, morning walks through Arashiyama bamboo forest, and riverside dinners in Gion lit by lantern glow.
Romantic Kyoto Activities
- Tea Ceremony: Watch and learn the art of matcha from an expert, with the option to try on a kimono and sample wagashi (Japanese sweets).
- Sake Tasting: Visit a local brewery to learn about the traditional techniques and distinct qualities of sake.
- Kintsugi Workshop: Try your hand at kintsugi, the art of fixing broken pottery with gold, and create a beautiful piece to bring home and remember your trip by.
- Visiting Kokedera at Saiho-ji: This hidden moss garden is not only one of the most romantic places in Japan, but it is also so private that you must make an advanced reservation to see it.
- Wedding Photo Shoots: Dress up in traditional Japanese kimono and take photos in front of the picturesque Kyoto streets and temples
FAQs
How much does a honeymoon in Japan cost?
It all depends on your budget. A Japan honeymoon can cost anywhere from $2,500/week (excluding flights) up to $10,000+ for total luxury.
How many days in Japan for a honeymoon?
To truly make the most of your Japan honeymoon, we recommend staying for at least one week, but ideally 10-14 days.
Is Japan a good honeymoon destination?
Japan is a great honeymoon destination! There are so many romantic places in Japan that are filled with interesting culture, amazing restaurants, and beautiful sights, as well as amazing accommodation options for a range of budgets..
Where to go in Japan for a honeymoon?
There are countless romantic places in Japan, but we’ve put our favourites as a boutique travel agency on this list: Okinawa, Hakone, Fuji Five Lakes, Hokkaido, and Kyoto.
Can couples kiss in public in Japan?
While it’s not illegal, public kissing in Japan is generally considered inappropriate or overly intimate in public spaces. Japanese culture values modesty and discretion, so we recommend couples show affection more subtly, even on a Japan honeymoon.
