Japan Honeymoon Guide: Where to Go, What to See & When to Visit

Friends who’d visited couldn’t seem to explain the experience in enough detail. This only made me more intrigued! Having visited myself, I understand why. Japan really is like nowhere else I’ve been.

For a honeymoon exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, I’d recommend at least 10 nights.

Osaka – Japan’s Food Capital
We started in Osaka, a vibrant city often referred to as Japan’s food capital.

Around Dotonbori, the canal-side streets are full of little restaurants and food stalls, with weird and wonderful things to try. I’m still not sure how our noodles were moving, but moving they were! Mesmerising and off-putting in equal measures!

Osaka has a fabulous atmosphere and makes a great base. Hiroshima is possible as a day trip by bullet train, while Kyoto is easily reached by rail.

Kyoto – My Favourite Place in Japan
Kyoto was my favourite place on our trip: picturesque and intriguing, with wooden buildings, pagodas, winding streets and temples.

Gion is one of its historic districts, known for traditional architecture and geisha culture.

Kyoto was bigger than I’d envisaged. I’d been told it was small, but small only in Japanese terms! The population is huge.

I loved Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Shinto shrine with thousands of red-orange torii gates winding up the mountainside.

The main attractions can be extremely busy. Don’t be Instagram fooled, as I felt we were many times.  The guides explained to us that the Instagrammers are usually at the attraction before dawn breaks to get the shots before the crowds arrive. This would mean they are in location waiting for the sun to rise from about 5am!

We also visited Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and enjoyed a lovely, relaxing boat trip. The wooden shops and restaurants felt very quaint.

From here, we taxied to Kinkaku-ji rather than walk back to the station and change trains. The Golden Pavilion’s gold-leaf-covered upper two floors sparkle and reflect in the pond. Quite spectacular!

Hakone – Mountains, Hot Springs & Traditional Japan
Next, we travelled by bullet train to Odawara before heading into Hakone, a mountain region famous for hot springs.

Its sightseeing circuit combines mountain railways, a cable car, the ropeway, a boat across Lake Ashi and buses. Allow several hours.

Some Japanese-style rooms have low tables and floor seating, with futon mattresses laid out in the evening.  It’s quite the experience, but not for everyone, so do choose wisely! I’ll advise on traditional rooms and Western-style beds.

Communal hot-spring baths, known as onsen, are generally separated by sex, so couples usually bathe separately. Not ideal on your Honeymoon. Some properties offer private bathing options. I’ll recommend these if you’d like to enjoy the experience together. But there are other options to Hakone that offer Onsen experiences too and I can guide you on these historical towns too.

Tokyo – Where Old Meets New
Our final stop was Tokyo, and I was dying to see this city!

On our visit, there was very little talking on trains or streets. People were polite and mannerly, but many in coffee shops sat alone, absorbed in their phones. It reminded me how lucky we are in Ireland that we can strike up a conversation with anyone about anything!

Tokyo is modern and efficient, yet has beautiful traditional areas. A real old-meets-new mix.

Senso-ji in Asakusa was my favourite temple in Japan. The magnificent red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate leads towards Nakamise’s shops selling souvenirs, sweets and Japanese gifts.

The temple is gorgeous, and the pagoda was beautiful against the blue sky. I could have stayed for hours.

We had to experience Shibuya Crossing. When the lights change and everyone crosses together, it’s mesmerising! MAGNET by SHIBUYA109’s paid rooftop viewpoint offers a view from above.

Getting Around Japan – My Advice
Japan’s train system is excellent, but journeys and connections take time. Fitting two or three attractions into one day can be more challenging than you’d expect. With getting to the station, negotiating the large train stations, getting to  your destination and walking to your final destination it all adds up.

I’d highly recommend pre-booking private drivers and local guides where attractions are spread out. In essence, you’re paying for time. Their knowledge helps you make the most of your day.

I’d use trains for longer journeys.

Osaka to Tokyo on the bullet train is a great experience, but note: if you get seasick, the gentle rocking from side to side as it hurtles along at speeds of up to 285km per hour can make you feel queasy too!

What Type of Couple Would Love a Japan Honeymoon?
I’d recommend Japan for couples who enjoy history, adventurous food, different customs, vibrant cities and countryside.

It suits those wanting to explore together rather than spend their entire honeymoon beside a pool. We could also add a beach stay elsewhere for downtime afterwards.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan?
For this route, spring and autumn are my first choices.

March to May:

Generally pleasant for sightseeing. Cherry blossom often appears in Tokyo and Kyoto around late March or early April, but timing varies. Golden Week in late April and early May is busy and best avoided and very crowded with domestic tourists.

June to August:

Often hot and humid, with rain typically around June and part of July. Later summer brings typhoon risk.

September to November:

September can remain hot, with typhoon risk. October and November generally offer comfortable sightseeing and autumn colours, depending on location and elevation.

December to February:

Colder, but lovely for hot springs. Northern and mountainous regions offer snow and skiing.

I’ll advise on dates around your priorities.

Planning Your Japan Honeymoon from Ireland?
Having experienced Japan myself, I’ll share honest recommendations on the cities, accommodation and experiences that suit you both.

From private guides and drivers to planning your route, I’ll take care of the details.

Get in touch with me, Andre Bedford at Travel Counsellors Ireland, and let’s start planning your Japan honeymoon.