A romantic getaway is a great start to married life.
If you want something different, away from the usual romantic places, Japan is the perfect place to visit.
The country is beautiful and has a lot to offer. So if you’re planning to visit Japan with your partner, here are six romantic places you should visit:
1. Himeji Castle
If you plan to have a romantic getaway in Japan, Himeji Castle should be on top of your list.
Known as the White Heron Castle because of its magnificent white appearance, Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. It’s a national treasure and a world heritage site. The surrounding Kokoen gardens make a beautiful spot to walk hand-in-hand with your special someone as you savor the beautiful view of the whole castle.
It consists of nine separate walled gardens in different styles prominent during the Edo period. It even includes a koi pond, a tea house, and a flower garden to keep everything more romantic.
If you plan to visit Himeji Castle, we recommend that you visit during April so you can also enjoy the famous cherry blossoms blooming.
2. Miyajima
Torii gates can be as famous as castles, and you wouldn’t want to miss The Great Torii floating on the Island of Miyajima.
Because of this beautiful view, Miyajima Island became one of the most scenic spots in Japan. It even earned the name as the Island of the Gods. Is truly is an ideal place for a romantic getaway.
There are a lot of things that you can do on the Island.
You can start by visiting the Itsukushima Shrine, another world heritage site, floating on the sea. You can also visit the Shrine Island to see the different shrines and temples.
If you want more adventure, you can go hiking and walk along the Virgin Forest of Mount Misen, the Momiji Dani Park, and the Uguisu walking path. You can also find a lot of rare species in this place. And if you love cherry blossoms, then you can see them bloom here too.
You can also enjoy events and ritual festivals at Miyajima. This way, you’ll get to enjoy the culture and tradition of ancient Japan. You can also buy local handicrafts down the old district and enjoy unique food only offered there.
End your day inside a traditional Japanese inn. You can select a room with a view of the sunset over the floating Torii gate. Get dressed in a yukata, take a walk, and enjoy the rest of the romantic and peaceful evening.
3. Kyoto
Kyoto shares a link between modern and ancient Japan. No wonder it is considered the cultural and historic capital of the country.
If you’re planning a historical and romantic getaway, then you shouldn’t miss this city. It’s one of the largest cities in Japan, and you have so much to do.
If you’re visiting in Springtime, then you shouldn’t miss the Spring Dances by Kyoto’s geiko and maiko. Geikos and maikos are generally Kyoto’s geisha, and their apprentices and their dances will surely take you back to the past. It’s a rare sight, and it only happens in March, April, and May.
You can also find your zen or happiness at Ryoan-Ji rock garden. These are dry-landscape gardens that don’t contain any body of water but gravel and sand instead. It is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist gardens.
Make a wish for a great wedded life at the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, one of the most popular sites in Kyoto.
Before you go up the trail, stop by the Omokaru Stones near the entrance. You will see two stone lanterns with a Giboshi on top. Make a wish and then try to lift the Giboshi, and if it’s light, your wish will come true. But if it becomes heavy, then you might experience struggles for your wish to come true.
If you and your partner are fans of ghosts and goblins, then it’s time to discover them down Yokai Street. There you would see local shops selling yokai-themed products that for sure you’d love.
And what’s a nice romantic getaway without the perfect food experience, right?
In Kyoto, you can eat the famous Japanese Omurice at Kichi Kichi. And if both of you are not fond of eating meat, then you would love Kyoto to be home to a lot of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
After a meal, it would be nice to have green tea, right? Well, you can harvest your green tea and enjoy a freshly brewed cup at Kyoto’s Uji City, one of the most renowned green tea areas in Japan.
But if you’re not fond of tea and would love a dessert, visit the Gion area for some of the most traditional Japanese sweets.
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Another great tourist attraction found in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The view of the grove is so beautiful to behold that it became known as one of the most famous forests in Japan.
Standing in the middle of the high bamboo trees, it seems that you and your partner are in another world. Walking along the trail as you hold the hands of your partner lovingly is undoubtedly a romantic way to enjoy a vacation as you get to know more about each other.
5. Okinawa
If you prefer a romantic getaway at the beach instead of shrines and temples, then Okinawa is the perfect place for you.
You can go snorkeling hand-in-hand through the Blue Cave and swim with the colorful fishes. On the other hand, if you don’t want to dive deep underwater, you can watch the whale sharks at Okinawa’s Aquarium instead.
It’s a giant aquarium that gives home to three large sharks, and it’s impressive to see them swimming comfortably.
If you feel hungry, the Kajinhou restaurant got your back. Located on a cliff overlooking the sea, you can feast your eyes at the beautiful scenery. At the same time, you and your partner get to know more about each other.
If you would like to do some arts, Okinawa has that too at Gala Aoiumi. You can create your souvenirs so you will surely remember the romantic trip you had with your newly-wedded partner.
And finally, what’s a romantic getaway if you don’t visit the Love Island?
Hunt the famous heart rock just off the island and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean as you embrace your partner’s arms. And if that’s not enough, you can visit Minna Island to enjoy some alone time away from the busy city.
6. Lake Mashu
Last but not least on this list is Lake Mashu. It is located in Hokkaido and is known as one of the most serene places to go if you want to cuddle and de-stress.
At night time, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the stars because this place has no light pollution.
Going on a romantic getaway is exciting. You get to explore amazing places. And since you’ll be hopping from one place to another, possibly island to island, you want to make sure that you have the best carry-on luggage with you. This way, you’re aware that you’re carrying something you can trust wherever you go.