While most people might think of white beaches and all-inclusive resorts as honeymoon destinations, Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the top 54 honeymoon destinations in 2024 had Tokyo ranked at number 9. Partly because Tokyo has amazing culture and nightlife, but mainly because it is a city designed for foodies. And nothing brings two people together quite like a shared dining experience, right?
If you’re traveling with your partner and are looking to squeeze in some quality time, let us present unique couple activities you can do in Japan, from niche cultural traditions to the best sushi you’ll ever eat.
Looking for a romantic restaurant in Tokyo? See our curated selection of the capital's more intimate eateries.
1. Make Your Own Mocktails in Tokyo
Couples who play together stay together. Food experiences and cooking classes are a great way to deepen your relationship with your loved one. One especially recommended for couples is this Tokyo mixology class where you can learn how to design (yes, design!), make tea-based mocktails, and pair them with Japanese sweets.
Browse more cooking classes in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
2. Walk for Good Luck in Shodoshima, Kagawa
There’s a concept in Japanese called “power spot,” which refers to locations that are considered to bring special kinds of good luck or energy. There are many, many around Japan, but this one in Shodoshima is too lovely not to mention.
Shodoshima is a small island off the coast of Kagawa Prefecture in Japan’s Shikoku region. It’s known for a few things: olives, soy sauce and art. It’s also where you’ll find Angel Road, a 500-meter stretch of sand that connects Shodoshima to an even smaller island, Oyo. It’s believed that walking back and forth along Angel Road, hand-in-hand with your lover, will bring good luck to your relationship.
There is an extra challenge to walking Angel Road, however, that this road only appears for a few hours every day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon, Angel Road appears and is safe to walk. Outside these two windows, though, it’s covered with water from the high and low tides.
Planning a visit is tricky, but Shodoshima makes for a unique travel experience outside of the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route if it’s your second or third time visiting Japan.
3. Ring for Long-Lasting Love at the Top of Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo, Hokkaido
There is another type of “spot” in Japan besides power spots: love bells. These bells, often located in higher places, are said to bring love and happiness to couples who ring them. The trek to the bells is meant to be part of the journey!
These bells can often be in remote locations, requiring a car to get there, but Mt. Moiwa is, comparatively, quite accessible if you’re already in Japan’s northernmost prefecture. You can hike to the top, but there’s also a cable car that takes you from the foot of the mountain to the observatory. Be sure to go on a clear night to see the twinkling lights of Sapporo.
Bonus bell: If you’re staying in Tokyo, another good option is the Dragon Love Bell on Enoshima island in Kanagawa Prefecture.
4. Take a Luxury Cruise Around Tokyo Bay
The best way to catch a glimpse of the Tokyo skyline without the inconvenience of crowds? A private cruise that takes you around Tokyo Bay. It’s the best way to see Tokyo Tower, SkyTree and other iconic landmarks illuminated.
Aboard your own private yakatabune, discover a world of luxury and sophistication while dining at the elegant counter seating (designed to accommodate 2 to 10 guests). Accomplished chefs, with experience gained at renowned hotels will showcase their culinary artistry. They meticulously craft each dish using the finest seasonal ingredients, striving for aesthetic beauty and exceptional taste. The result is an unforgettable omakase kaiseki course meal that will engage all your senses.
Convinced? Book this luxury cruise.
5. Shout Words of Affection From the Cabbage Fields of Tsumagoi
This small village in Gunma Prefecture is home to a unique activity targeted at long-term partners: you can shout “I love you” from the middle of the cabbage fields.
This fun (albeit a little random) event started in 2006. It was loosely inspired by the Tsumagoi’s name, which thoroughly translates to “missing one’s wife,” itself inspired by a Japanese legend featuring traveling prince.
The event takes place every September at Aisai-no-Oka (“Beloved Wife Hill”). If you’re already planning a Nagano-Gunma road trip or looking for an excuse, Tsumagoi is only a quick stop between Karuizawa and Kusatsu Onsen.
6. Take a Pottery Class & Make Your Own Tableware in Hirashimizu, Yamagata
Sometimes, making something together, or even for each other, is the best way to build or reinforce a bond. A fairly unknown destination to travelers, Hirashimizu in Yamagata Prefecture offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to get your hands dirty and make your very own pottery.
Hirashimizu, once a pottery village at the edge of Yamagata City, is now studded with diverse artisanal shops. Hit one of the village's only two remaining artisan kilns, the 150-year-old family-run Shichiemongama pottery workshop, for a pottery class. The pottery techniques used are particular to the area because of the special characteristics of the raw material collected from nearby Mt. Chitoseyama. Beginners are welcome!
7. Indulge in a Hearty Teppanyaki Dinner at Katsura
Taking inspiration from the best of Japanese and Western culinary sense, this teppanyaki restaurant is a journey through timely seasonal specialties in Japan. Katsura's chefs will prepare dinner on an impressive teppanyaki iron grill. Fall flavors like earthy miso and mushrooms grown in the cool, serene Japanese mountains pair smartly with the specially selected Hida Wagyu beef, served to great acclaim nationwide!
ByFood offers a mini photo shoot to all customers who book through our platform. Let us snap a few pictures at Prince Hotel — we'll print them out and pop them into an original photo frame for you to take home the same day. Book this experience on byFood.
