It’s that time of year again, when couples start getting excited for a romantic day or evening together. If you’re spending Valentine’s Day in Tokyo, then you’re in luck! The city is overflowing with intimate and enchanting opportunities to spend time with someone special, and we’re sure this year’s Valentine’s Day is going to be a good one.
However, just because there are lots of options doesn’t make choosing the perfect one easy. Here at Flip Japan, we know Tokyo, and we know planning. So, we’re taking on the difficult part of the Valentine’s Day in Tokyo prep for you, and providing this list of date ideas and spots for the ultimate romantic experience.
Valentine’s Dates for Foodies in Tokyo
It goes without saying that there are almost endless foodie experiences that make for the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day in Tokyo. It’s harder to find a bad restaurant than an amazing one, and even just conbini classics eaten on a lamppost-lit street can be an intimate evening. But to really take your date night to the next level, here’s what we recommend:
A Couple’s Cooking Class
Eating delicious food is one thing, but learning to make it together as a couple takes the experience to a whole other level. And in Tokyo, you’re simply spoilt for choice when it comes to authentic cooking experiences. Some of our favourites are sushi-making, taking a home cooking class, or (for those of you who have a sweet tooth) wagashi-making to hand-make traditional Japanese sweets.
These classes tend to cost between ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 per person (~$65 to $130). That’s around the same price as a nice meal, and leaves you with both delicious food to eat and the skills to make it again.
Wagyu Steak Dinner
Nothing says romance like a steak dinner, and when you’re in Japan with access to some of the world’s best wagyu for non-insane prices, you really have to indulge. You can find wagyu in many restaurants across Tokyo, but for the ultimate romantic steak dinner, we do have three recommendations for particularly incredible wagyu dinners:
- Ushigoro S: An incredibly high-quality wagyu yakiniku experience with three locations across Tokyo.
- Nishi Azabu Location: B1F Barbizon 73, 2-24-14, Nishiazabu, Minato City, 106-0031
- Ginza Location: 6F Ginza 777 Adc Building, 7-7-7, Ginza, Chuo City, 104-0061
- Shinjuku Location: 11F, 3-17-10, Shinjuku, 160-0022
- Price Range: ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 per person (~$100 to $200)
- Matoi Ginza: Extraordinary omakase wagyu courses, where the chef chooses the best beef cuts of the day to prepare and serve guests.
- Location: 7F Hulic & New Ginza Namiki 6, 6-6-5, Ginza, Chuo City, 106-0061
- Price: ¥25,000 to ¥50,000 per person (~$160 to $320)
- Shima: An iconic Tokyo steakhouse and fine-dining establishment, known for its wagyu steak sandwiches.
- Location: B1 Heiwa Real Estate Nihonbashi Building, 3-5-12, Chuo City, 103-002
- Price: ¥30,000 to ¥40,000 per person (~$200 to $260)
Omakase Sushi Dinner
If you really want to impress your date, then an omakase sushi dinner should be on the cards. This is when the chef creates a menu tailored to the best ingredients of the day, traditionally prepared and served in front of guests at the counter. Every sushi omasake restaurant in Tokyo has something a little special to offer, but to start your research, we suggest one of the following:
- Sushitake Hachiman (鮨武 代々木八幡): A multi-generational sushi restaurant with a wonderfully cosy and intimate atmosphere.
- Location: Tatsumi Building, 1-53-2, Tomigaya, Shibuya, 151-0063
- Price: ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per person (~$60 to $100)
- Sushi Waku: Beautiful omakase courses created by the celebrated Chef Michi, renowned for his exceptional skills.
- Location: 1F Kintestu Hanzomon Square, 1-6-30, Kojimachi, Chiyoda city, 102-0083
- Price: ¥15,000 to ¥20,000 per person (~$100 to $130)
- SOUI Kappo Yamatoko: A slightly more modern take on omasake with an overall sleek design from interiors to dishware.
- Location: 3F South Aoyama 1-55 Building, 1-3-21, Minamiaoyama, Minato City, 107-0062
- Price: ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 per person (~$130 to $200)
Elevated Vegetarian Dinner
Finding a romantic, intimate, and impressive Valentine’s Day dinner in Tokyo that’s also vegetarian/vegan friendly can be a challenge. But don’t worry, we have you covered! For a vegan-friendly omakase like no other, we have to recommend Mushroom Tokyo in Harajuku, where every dish is created around mushrooms in all forms. Elsewhere, for something slightly more elegant and relaxed, you should check out Sorano Shibuya, a tofu speciality restaurant featuring many vegan/vegetarian dishes on the menu.
For more ideas, check out our complete vegan guide to Japan:
Activity Dates for Valentine’s Day in Tokyo
A candle-lit dinner might be the ideal Valentine’s Day in Tokyo for some, but we know plenty of people who’d much rather spend the day doing some sort of activity. Whilst our Tokyo bucket list proves there are about a million ways you could spend a day in the city, these are the activity-themed dates that we think are the most romantic:
Mori Art Gallery
Whilst there are many worthwhile galleries in Tokyo, Mori Art Museum in Roppongi absolutely has the edge when it comes to date night. This is because not only is the gallery itself state-of-the-art with ever-changing, dynamic, and unique exhibitions, but it also happens to be on the 52nd floor, with some of the best city views in Tokyo. You can choose to pay the extra ¥2,200 to get onto the observation deck, or enjoy the free views from around the gallery.
To make it even better, there is the perfect date night restaurant right next door on the 52nd floor. The Moon Roppongi serves refined French cuisine, with fabulous city views and even a huge moon installation. There’s also a lounge where you can enjoy a creative cocktail after exploring the gallery instead of sitting for a full meal.
Location: 52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, Roppongi, Minato City, 106-6150
Arthouse Cinema Date
Did you know there is an excellent selection of arthouse and independent cinemas across Tokyo? Choosing one of these establishments elevates an otherwise typical date night, with many of them serving drinks, offering cosy seating, and screening indie or vintage film favourites on a regular basis. A few of our favourites are:
- Uplink Kichijoji: 2F Parco, 1-5-1, Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, 180-8520
- Yebisu Garden Cinema: 1F Yebisu Garden Place Tower, 4-20-2, Ebisu, Shibuya. 150-0013
- Cinema Vera Shibuya: 4F Kinohaus, 1-5, Maruyamacho, Shibuya, 150-0044
Live Music in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Tokyo, known for the excellent thrift shopping and lively nighttime scene. Part of what really makes Shimokitazawa stand out is the live music venues that you can find just by casually strolling through the streets and listening out. That being said, having a few great spots in your back pocket is sure to impress your Valentine’s Day date.
Basement Bar is THE place to go. There’s someone cool playing no matter what day of the week, and the energy there is just like no other. You also have to check out Live Haus, Drum Song, and 440.
Get more of our favourite Shimokitazawa bars:
Listening Bars
If you’ve never heard of a listening bar, then don’t worry, they’re a phenomenon unique to Japan. Listening bars tend to have a sort of speakeasy vibe, with warm low lighting, great drinks, and an atmosphere being carefully created in real time by the record sommelier…yes, you read that right. They are the person thoughtfully selecting each record to ensure the ambience of the bar is just right.
Be aware beforehand that more of these bars come with rules. You’re there to listen and appreciate the music, so don’t talk too loudly or get rowdy. In our opinion, this actually makes them the perfect date night spot. They’re super intimate and perfect for romantic conversations in hidden corners. A few good listening bars in Tokyo to check out are:
- A10: B1F Bios Building, 1-12-11, Ebisu, Shibuya, 150-0021 (hidden behind a secret door resembling lockers)
- Bar Martha: 1F Vera Heights Ebisu, 1-22-23, Ebisu, Shibuya, 150-0012
- Blue on Velvet: Koenji Cube, 3-1-11, Koenjikita, Suginami City, 166-0002
teamLab
We’re certain you’ve heard of teamLab by now, the huge interactive art experiences that let you wander through multi-sensory rooms for hours. In Tokyo, you have two options: Planets and Borderless. Both are incredibly beautiful, cool, and make for extremely fun date ideas. You can get some amazing couple’s photos at teamLab, plus the different installations make for very good conversation starters.
If you’re struggling to decide which teamLab exhibition to visit, then you can think about the experiences like this: Planets is a super immersive experience that involves being barefoot, walking through water, and having a more physical experience. Borderless, on the other hand, is less tactile (there’s no water), but instead of following a path, you’re invited to get lost and explore without a map.
Last Minute Date Ideas on Valentine’s Day in Tokyo
Maybe you just scored a last-minute Valentine’s Day date in Tokyo…or you just forgot to plan one until a few days before. Either way, we’re not here to judge! In fact, we’re bringing you the opposite: four amazing last-minute date ideas for Valentine’s Day that require zero reservations or plans in advance.
Stroll Along the Meguro River
Trust us, walking the length of the Meguro River, stopping off at whichever bohemian cafe, little boutique, or trendy eatery that catches your eye is certainly one of the most romantic afternoons or evenings in Tokyo. The river is pretty, the area is chic and laid back, and you never know exactly what you might find along the way.
(Almost) All You Can Eat Sushi at Sushiro
It might sound basic, but there’s a reason locals adore Sushiro. This kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) chain restaurant is so much fun, with great quality sushi at even better prices. It’s a relaxed place to get to know someone, and you can even end the evening sharing a parfait. If you want fun, casual, and entertaining, then don’t overlook Sushiro.
And as an extra tip to impress, make sure to download the Sushiro app (the Taiwan version has an English mode and works in Japan). This way, you can put yourself in a virtual queue before arriving and skip the sometimes very long waiting time at the restaurant itself.
Free City Views at Tocho
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find a budget-friendly Valentine’s Day plan in Tokyo, and that’s where Tocho comes in. The government building has a free observation deck on the 45th floor with spectacular views across Tokyo. Next door is Chuo Koen, a really lovely park that makes for a very romantic setting. There are plenty of little paths, benches, and even a small hilltop pavilion.
Check out our other favourite observation decks in Tokyo:
Picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen
You just can’t beat a classic. Picnics are always going to be romantic, and best of all, they require very little planning. Of course, there are many great parks in Tokyo for picnicking, but our number one choice is Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s perfectly manicured, with grass that’s practically grown for picnic blankets.
You can keep it ultra casual with just a conbini haul of snacks, or go the extra step to stop by a more high-end market spot like Seiji Ishi or Kaldi for elevated picnic classics. Just make sure to bring some layers and a blanket, as Tokyo can be quite cold in February.
Romance in Japan
Before you get to planning your Valentine’s Day in Tokyo, we should point out a few things about romance in Japan. To start with, PDA is really not a big thing here. Most people won’t even hold hands, so we do suggest keeping PDA to a minimum and avoiding kissing in public. Romance in Japan, in general, tends to be more subtle, with things like thoughtful gestures, quiet moments together, and shared experiences often valued far more than grand displays of affection.
Valentine’s Day itself is also a little different, with women traditionally giving gifts and chocolates, while men return the favour a month later on White Day. Embrace these cultural nuances, slow things down, and you’ll find that Tokyo can be incredibly romantic in its own understated way.
Valentine’s Day in Tokyo FAQs
Do they celebrate Valentine’s Day in Tokyo?
Yes, Valentine’s Day is somewhat celebrated in Tokyo, though it is more low-key and commercial than in many Western countries. It’s a day when girls traditionally give chocolates to the men in their lives, then one month later, on White Day, boys will give them a gift in return.
Is Tokyo pretty in February?
Tokyo is quietly beautiful in February, with crisp winter air, clear skies, and early plum blossoms starting to appear in parks and gardens. That being said, it can be cold, so make sure to dress for lower temperatures and even a small chance of snow.
Do girls give chocolate on Valentine’s Day in Japan?
Yes, in Japan, it is traditional for women to give chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day, with romantic gifts usually returned on White Day in March.
Is Tokyo a romantic city?
Tokyo can be very romantic in a subtle way, offering intimate restaurants, scenic night views, and peaceful neighbourhoods that feel far removed from the busier city hubs.
Is Valentine’s Day big in Japan?
Valentine’s Day is well known in Japan but not a major public celebration, as it is mostly centred around chocolates, limited-time products, and private gestures rather than big events.
