5 Romantic and Peaceful Honeymoon Spots in Japan

Ishigaki: Sun and Sea

If you’re looking for a dreamy beach honeymoon in Japan, Ishigaki island is a great option. In fact, any part of Okinawa, the southern prefecture that contains Ishigaki, is good for sun and sea.

Ishigaki is a particularly good option because it has relatively fewer tourists, and lots of picturesque accommodations near the sea. It has a town centre towards the southern half of the island, with lots of interesting local delicacies and crafts, particularly near the Ishigaki City Public Market.

However, the main attraction of the island is its beautiful nature, so it is best for beach lovers, divers, and hikers. There are plenty of shorter mountains to climb, which offer great views of the island, and a number of diving schools that can show you the best spots, such as “Manta Scramble”, a diving spot known for its manta rays. It is also close to Iriomote Island, which is known for its rare flora and fauna and is protected land that can be visited by ferry.

There are some things to keep in mind about Ishigaki:

• There are no international airports, so you will have to fly in from Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan
• Public transport is not as well established, so it is easier to rent a car to explore
• Fewer international tourists means fewer people who can speak English on the island

If these points may be a problem for you, it might be best to consider Okinawa’s main island instead!

Kagoshima: Tropical Culture and Cuisine

Working our way up from the southern islands, Kagoshima is a good option for anyone who wants a honeymoon with a nice combination of sun, nature, culture, and delicious southern cuisine.

Kagoshima Prefecture is very large, and includes several islands between Japan’s main island and Okinawa. You can access those islands by ferry from Kagoshima City, the prefecture’s capital. But even just Kagoshima city has so much to do.

Kagoshima city is mainly known for its impressive volcano, known as Sakurajima. The volcano can be seen from various spots around the city, and it’s even possible to hike it. But other than that, there are plenty of interesting gardens like Sengan-En, or museums like the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum. Kagoshima is also known for its delicious seafood, particularly “Iwashi”, or Japanese Pilchard.

If you venture out of the city, there are interesting shrines, beaches, hiking options like Mt. Kirishima, and even romantic train lines like the Ibusuki no Tamatebako. So don’t limit yourself!

Nara: History and a Peaceful Atmosphere

Most people planning a trip around Japan will have heard of Nara. It’s a great option for a honeymoon because it has such a peaceful atmosphere that will let the two of you relax while taking it all in.

The main thing Nara is known for is its deer. It’s absolutely true that the Nara deer will come up to you and take food from your hands, so it makes for a very memorable experience. Just make sure to be careful with the deer, and to only feed them the special deer biscuits being sold around the park. In peak times, the deer may not be interested, and in the off-season, they can get a bit aggressive to get those biscuits! It can be a balancing act. You can find the deer at Nara Park, near Todai-ji Temple.

Other than the deer, Nara is full of interesting culture, and is a peaceful place to explore. Between Nara Station and Nara Park, there are a lot of interesting local craft shops and cafes. Nearby there is also the Nara Craft Museum, and no shortage of shrines and temples.

Most visitors walk about as far as Todai-ji Temple, and do not explore the rest of the green space. If you want a peaceful walk, continue onto the areas around the Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, or visit Mt. Wakakusa for a view of the town – you might even find a few deer up there enjoying the view, too.

Biei: Beautiful Flowers and Natural Sights

Biei (pronounced bee-ay) is an area in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Hokkaido is mostly known for its snow and wintery scenes, but Biei is an area best visited in the summer months, especially for a cute and fun honeymoon in the sun.

Biei and its neighbour, Furano, are most well-known for their beautiful lavender fields in summer, which cover the land in purple. There you can get all sorts of lavender souvenirs, and maybe even a lavender ice cream!

Nearby, there is also the Shirogane Blue Pond (or Aoiike) which is near the hot spring town of Shirogane Onsen and is naturally coloured a vivid blue.

Hokkaido in general is famous in Japan for its agriculture, so there is a lot of delicious fresh produce such as sweetcorn served in restaurants in the area, as well as tasty dairy products like cheese and ice cream. Because of this reputation, there are a number of romantic “auberge” style accommodations (cottage-like inns with attached restaurants) that have a peaceful atmosphere and great food, perfect for a honeymoon.

Karuizawa: Luxury Resorts and Luscious Nature

Karuizawa was originally promoted as a summer destination and became particularly popular among Westerners in Japan. This resulted in many luxurious hotels and resorts being built in the area, and a distinctly westernised style to the buildings near the city centre.

However, the town of Karuizawa is also surrounded by luscious nature, with natural points of interest like the Shiraito Falls and Mt. Asama, as well as scenic walking trails like at the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary.

This combination of luxury accommodation and natural sights makes Karuizawa a popular holiday destination and a good option for your honeymoon. Because of its relatively cooler weather in summer and ample skiing opportunities nearby in winter, it is one of the few destinations that is truly beautiful all year round.

All of this goes hand in hand with upmarket restaurants and cafes, particularly at Harunire Terrace, that create a romantic and memorable atmosphere for your Japan trip.

When Should You Visit Japan For Your Honeymoon?

When visiting Japan, an important factor to keep in mind is the weather. Japan covers everything from tropical southern islands to snow-covered cities, so knowing what to expect in your chosen region will help you make the most of your trip. If you want to know a bit more about how to choose the right season, have a look at our blog post about it here.