10 Romantic Date Spots in Japan

The shopping area of Ginza has always been the definitive starting point for dates in Tokyo. Here you'll find endless luxury brands and department stores as well as the latest fashionable commercial complexes such as GINZA SIX. Gastronauts will be able to find some of the world's finest food here in Ginza, and there are also many kabuki theatres and other attractions. Elsewhere in Tokyo, Omotesando is a great option if you're looking for more of an artistic and creative place. It's packed with sophisticated museums and galleries, not to mention countless shops dealing in stylish goods and clothing. The striking tree-lined avenue has a distinctly European feel. Oh and don't forget to check out the newly reborn Harajuku and the area around Shibuya Station.

Yokohama is a popular destination for dating couples, and its popularity is largely thanks to its diversity, with a rich historical melting pot of foreign cultures. To get in the mood, start by taking a stroll around the exotic, rose-lined Yamashita Park. When you begin to feel hungry, head on over to Chinatown and enjoy some of the exquisite dishes on offer. As evening approaches, there's a great atmosphere around Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, the MARINE & WALK YOKOHAMA area, and the Landmark Tower observatory, and at the end of the evening there's nowhere better than the Yokohama Cosmo World Ferris Wheel. Here you can enjoy spectacular night views of Yokohama as your magical day draws to a close.

With its many romantic sites, Enoshima is hard to beat for a short trip. In summertime the island is crowded with tourists. Lovers' Hill, which is famous not only for its spectacular view overlooking the sea, but also for its romantic hilltop bell known as the "Ryuren Bell of Love", which is named after the island's love legend and features a fence full of romantic padlocks. The legend of the island is a romantic folk tale in which a five-headed dragon fell in love with a celestial maiden and therefore decided to stop doing bad deeds. It's this legend that inspires sites such as Iwaya, Enoshima Shrine, and Ryukomyō Shrine.

If Kanto is defined by Yokohama, then Kansai is defined by Kobe. This fashionable town is ideal for sightseeing as a couple and boasts a unique port atmosphere influenced by foreign cultures. First up, make sure you visit the Ijinkan-gai area in Kitano District. Here you'll find historical Western-style architecture such as The Former Thomas House, Moegi House, and Uroko House, giving the area a curiously retro mood. Kobe Brick Warehouse, just along the coast from Kobe Harborland, is another nostalgia-inducing place where you can feel the spirit of the Meiji era. Finally, to end a perfect day together, make sure you enjoy the night views of Kobe while relaxing at a café or restaurant.

The amazing night view from Mt. Hakodate (which has been awarded three Michelin stars) is starting to become an internationally renowned phenomenon. But it's not just the night view that's romantic. The town also has many must-visit locations such as the historic Hakodate Port, the Western-style mansions and charming slopes of Motomachi, and Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort that tells of the turbulent end of the Edo period. As Hokkaido destinations go, Hakodate is right up there alongside Sapporo, offering hot springs and fresh seafood to make it a highlight of your trip.

Kyoto is something of a playground for grown-ups. With its romantic streets and avenues, the city is wonderfully evocative of happy times spent together. With beautiful nature in four distinct seasons, the atmosphere of this ancient city is overwhelming. Don't miss its famous shrines, temples, and castles that are also World Heritage Sites, such as Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizudera, and Nijo Castle. To get to the heart of Kyoto, seek out its traditional delicacies and crafts while enjoying a stay at a charming ryokan.

The base for the era of the Kamakura Shogunate, Kamakura is a treasure trove of historic sites attracting huge numbers of tourists, but with its sea, mountains and natural backdrop, Kamakura is also a fashionable city that brings in many well-informed guests. As well as visiting the famous Great Buddha of Kamakura and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, you can also enjoy walks along the quiet beach, mixing with locals and enjoying cafés, restaurants, and shopping. The choices are endless, but you'll definitely be able to the ingredients of a memorable date here in Kamakura.

Nagasaki's Huis Ten Bosch is surely one of the most romantic spots in Kyushu. The park is filled with seasonal flowers such as tulips as well as spectacular illuminations that have become synonymous with the park. With its European-style buildings, elegant attractions, and romantic elements, Huis Ten Bosch is a superb date spot. There are even restaurants, hotels and villas, so you can stay here as you would at a resort.

Close to Tokyo and with very convenient access, Hakone is a popular tourist destination for weekend excursions. And it's not all about the hot springs either: there are also magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, acclaimed museums full of interesting art, and the charming old-fashioned town of Miyanoshita, which retains the atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Stay at an inn or hotel, take a leisurely stroll around Hakone, and enjoy an extraordinary date! Make sure you also try the excellent local foods, including Hakone soba and yuba (tofu skin).

The Tokyo Disney resort combines the major tourist destinations of Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® theme parks with the Ikspiari commercial complex and affiliated hotels. Tokyo Disneyland® recently introduced new areas and attractions with themes such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Big Hero 6", while Tokyo DisneySea® will soon be opening new areas based on "Frozen", "Tangled", and "Peter Pan". With their romantic setting and replication of European and American streets, even a simple walk through these parks is quite a thrill.