From the bright lights of Tokyo to the invigorating hot springs of Hakone, Japan is home to an impressive list of incredible destinations and places to visit -- especially for honeymooners visiting the country for the first time.
Still deciding on where to spend your first days as a married couple in Japan? Read on for our recommendations when it comes to the best locations to spend a honeymoon in the country. Then create your honeymoon registry and get started planning the ultimate vacation you've been dreaming about for years.
A sea of skyscrapers and a dazzling urban display await honeymooners in Tokyo, a city that has emerged as one of the most modern, unique, exciting, and popular destinations on the planet. In fact, Japan (along with Tokyo) now ranks as the 4th most popular honeymoon destination in the world for Traveler's Joy couples.
Between the shopping, centuries-old ancient sites, amazing restaurants, peaceful parks, and lively alleyways, there's plenty here to keep newlyweds busy for days on end.
For a great foodie experience, be sure to try Izakaya in Ebisu, a bustling neighborhood near Shibuya. In these casual dining spots, traditional food like sashimi, grilled meat, and veggies are cooked in tiny kitchens, plus the establishments typically offer extensive drink menus.
Where to Stay: The Imperial Hotel - This landmark hotel is home to elegant rooms with the latest modern touches. Meanwhile, in addition to a central location, the property has more than a dozen restaurants, an indoor pool, and first-rate amenities.
Historic Kyoto is often at the top of the "must-visit" list for Japan visitors -- and it's certainly easy to see why. With many ancient temples, scenic neighborhoods, delicious food, and wonderful parks and gardens, this "cultural capital" of Japan is one destination newlyweds won't want to miss.
Be sure to bring your best pair of walking shoes as Kyoto is a terrific city for exploring on foot. For instance, there's the historic Gion Geisha District, the charming streets of Higashiyama, and the Philosopher's Path (a cherry-tree lined canal route scattered with coffee shops and craft stores, restaurants, and boutiques).
Hoping to maximize your time there? Check out our list of the top 30 things to do in Kyoto for honeymooners.
Where to Stay: Shiraume Ryokan - Drop your bags here for a top-notch ryokan experience. This inn is located in the historical Gion District and features traditional Japanese design, rooms with garden views, a restaurant and bar, and Japanese-style bath (called "Ofuro").
Looking to get away from the big cities and explore a beautiful mountainous region? Located about 90 minutes southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is a scenic hot springs destination featuring many natural and cultural attractions. The area is quite popular with visitors for its steam vents, stunning scenery, and many impressive museums, plus dozens of luxurious inns featuring invigorating spas.
The region is also close to iconic Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area, a perfect region to explore in the summer to escape the heat, humidity, and bustling metropolitan areas.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa - On top of cozy rooms, excellent dining options, and a great rural location, the resort features gorgeous baths and a full-service spa.
Osaka has emerged as a foodie and cultural destination and is certainly worthy of a visit on your honeymoon to Japan. One must-see attraction includes the Dotonbori district, a lively neighborhood that stretches along a scenic canal and features tons of restaurants, bars, shopping spots, and a dazzling display of neon signs.
Meanwhile, the stunning Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks. The castle dates back to the 16th century and now features a museum with many historical artifacts, plus a viewing area at the top, which offers terrific glimpses of the city and surrounding Osaka Castle Park.
Where to Stay: Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel - This five-star luxury hotel occupies the top floors of Osaka's tallest building. The property features excellent on-site dining options and rooms boast modern decor along with floor to ceiling windows for spectacular views of the city.
Situated along a river and surrounded by mountains in the Japanese Alps, this beautifully preserved town is a perfect destination for honeymooners who love history and exploring. Takayama's quaint historic district (called San-machi Suji) is lined with lovely homes and buildings, plus offers lots of shopping spots, restaurants, markets, and sake breweries.
Where to Stay: Oyado Yamakyu - This traditional Japanese-style inn is situated in a great neighborhood and is known for its cozy atmosphere, top-notch morning and evening meals, plus indoor/open-air mineral water baths.
Famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is a popular destination for skiers thanks to more than 80 ski resorts. Its location just northwest of Tokyo makes it easy to reach, as the cities are connected to each other by the Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed train.
Not visiting during the winter? The region is still packed with spectacular temples and historic sites, elegant shopping streets, craft beer pubs, and even one-of-a-kind attractions like a snow monkey park.
Where to Stay: Kambayashi Hotel Senjukaku - This spot, one of the closest hotels to Snow Monkey Park, is a perfect blend of modern and traditional comforts. Highlights include indoor and outdoor hot springs, breakfast and dinner served daily, Japanese-style gardens, and modern rooms with private outdoor hot springs.
In case you missed it:
Honeymoon in Japan: The Top 30 Things to Do in Kyoto
These are the World's Hottest Honeymoon Destinations in 2024