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A Honeymoon in Japan
Japan is a dream honeymoon destination. Where else could you experience ancient traditions, impeccable hospitality, world-class cuisine and fantastic accommodation in romantic locations - ranging from exquisite ryokan with private hot spring baths to super-deluxe hotels at the top of towering city skyscrapers? And that's not to mention the serene scenery from quaint rural villages to impeccable gardens filled with cherry blossom.
Whether your ideal honeymoon includes visiting a Zen-inspired spa at an exclusive mountain retreat, taking a sunset helicopter cruise over Tokyo's dramatic skyline, or relaxing with a cocktail on a subtropical island - our expertly planned packages and on-the-ground support ensure that no hiccup can get in the way of your experience. Some of our staff have even honeymooned in Japan themselves, so you can rest assured that we know how to make your trip extra-special.
Recommended Honeymoons Experiences
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Wedding kimono
Perfect for honeymooners: get dressed up in layers of the finest wedding kimono for a very special photo session
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Evening with a sake expert
Got a taste for Japanese sake? Learn to distinguish the best from the not-so-good varieties with a sake expert.
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Oysters and Chablis on Miyajima
Watch the sun go down on Miyajima Island with some of the freshest locally farmed oysters washed down with a glass of fine wine
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Kaiseki cooking with a Michelin star chef
Become a kaiseki haute cuisine pro under the instruction of a top Tokyo chef.
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Sumida River fireworks
Japan's most historic fireworks display illuminates the Sumida River in Tokyo.
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Tokyo Skytree
The magnificent, fully accessible 634 metre tower in the Asakusa area of Tokyo.
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Honeymoons itineraries
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Shikoku Art & Culture
An exclusive journey through rural Shikoku that will introduce you to Japan's best architects, artists, writers and landscape designers.
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Japanese Hotsprings Honeymoon (Superior)
Japan's hot spring bathing culture and scenic countryside make it a wonderfully romantic setting for a honeymoon.
Honeymoons accommodation across Japan
Sankara Hotel & Spa (Yakushima)
By far the most luxurious accommodation on Yakushima Island, the Sankara Hotel & Spa is a beautiful resort in a gorgeous location, sandwiched between mist-covered mountains and breathtaking views of the East China Sea.
Ginyu (Hakone)
The Hakone Ginyu is one of the most luxurious hot spring ryokan in Hakone National Park.
Hanafubuki (Izu Peninsula)
Set amongst the trees of a woodland grove, the Hanafubuki is a luxury ryokan especially noted for its impressive selection of natural hot spring baths, its individually decorated Japanese style rooms, and its beautiful location.
Yamanochaya (Hakone)
The Yamanochaya (literally “mountain teahouse”) is a gorgeous secluded ryokan with just 15 guestrooms. The property perches on a steep mountainside camouflaged among bamboo, cryptomeria and pine trees.
Yoshimizu Ryokan (Kyoto)
At the cheaper end of Kyoto's selection of ryokan, the Yoshimizu is a charming, traditional inn in beautiful Maruyama Park, surrounded by maple trees and bamboo.
Daikichi Minshuku (Tsumago)
This authentic, old-style inn has appeared on TV Tokyo's "Top Ten Minshuku" programme and been patronised by many celebrities.
Sankara Hotel & Spa (Yakushima)
By far the most luxurious accommodation on Yakushima Island, the Sankara Hotel & Spa is a beautiful resort in a gorgeous location, sandwiched between mist-covered mountains and breathtaking views of the East China Sea.
While the hotel is very Japanese in terms of hospitality, the Sankara's appearance is distinctly Balinese – making use of teak wood, natural materials and earthy tones to create a tranquil ambience in keeping with Yakushima's natural beauty.
The total resort measures some 30,000 sqm yet houses just 29 secluded guest villas, each looking out towards the ocean. The resort offers a butler service, so if there is anything you need, your personally assigned member of staff will hop in a golf buggy and be at your service within minutes. Your butler will also meet you at Yakushima Airport or ferry port to drive you to the hotel when you arrive.
A real highlight of a stay here is the Sankara's top-class French restaurant, run by a head chef who has worked at various Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. All meals include locally sourced seafood, and vegetables are either grown on the island or on the Kyushu mainland. The Sankara also has an exclusive library lounge, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa that provides traditional Thai herbal treatments.Ginyu (Hakone)
The Hakone Ginyu is one of the most luxurious hot spring ryokan in Hakone National Park.
Ginyu means a person travelling to gain inspiration for a poem, and it is with this wanderlust spirit in mind that the ryokan combines traditional Japanese rooms with artefacts from the owner's travels in Indonesia.
The entrance to the ryokan is at the top of a lush valley with fantastic views across the national park. The Ginyu harnesses the natural hot springs of the Fuji region for fantastic onsen baths, some of which are actually constructed in the rocks by the riverside. All guest rooms have a private hot spring bath too, all with great views.
The rooms, which start at 68 square metres, resemble traditional Japanese rooms, with shoji paper screens, tatami-mat areas and natural wood, but they supplement this with the comfort of thick Western-style beds, sofas and wooden chairs so you don't have to sit on the floor. Other hotel facilities include two bars, a lounge and excellent spa. Breakfast and dinner are included and served privately in the guest rooms.Hanafubuki (Izu Peninsula)
Set amongst the trees of a woodland grove, the Hanafubuki is a luxury ryokan especially noted for its impressive selection of natural hot spring baths, its individually decorated Japanese style rooms, and its beautiful location.
The ryokan is located in the heart of the natural beauty of the Izu Peninsula and, although easily accessed from Tokyo, you will feel a million miles away from the busy metropolis.
The Jogasaki suspension bridge is just 20 minutes' walk from the inn and forms part of a scenic coast path that is just footsteps from your doorstep. In fact, weather permitting, the English-speaking manager leads a guided walk every morning, which you are more than welcome to join. Boat trips and a hike up the dormant Mount Omura volcano are also all possible from here.
The highlight of this ryokan are its seven hot spring baths. Each one is housed in a separate villa and are for private use – you just lock the door behind you. Meals are also a real treat and you will have a choice of three different dining rooms, each beautifully decorated and overlooking the lantern-lit trees and pathways of the ryokan. Dinner is traditional kaiseki, but there is a choice of courses available as well a selection of different breakfast options.Yamanochaya (Hakone)
The Yamanochaya (literally “mountain teahouse”) is a gorgeous secluded ryokan with just 15 guestrooms. The property perches on a steep mountainside camouflaged among bamboo, cryptomeria and pine trees.
As guests to the Yamanochaya ascend the wooden steps to the lounge and bar area, they are greeted with beautiful views over the Hayakawa River below. After a welcome cup of green tea, the kimono-clad hostess will appear and show you to your rooms. She will be personally at your service throughout the stay, serving your meals in your room and setting out your futon bedding at bedtime.
Guest rooms are almost Zen-like in their simplicity, with natural wood, soft tatami-mat flooring, calligraphy scrolls and flower arrangements. Most rooms have a private outdoor hot spring bath and balcony to complete the sense of seclusion.
There are also five communal hot spring baths dotted around the ryokan, most of which are outdoors where you can feel the mountain breeze. Dinner is a kaiseki banquet of seemingly endless exquisitely presented courses, including local specialties such as mackerel sashimi, yuzu citrus and matsutake mushrooms. All that's left is to gaze at the moon and enjoy a cup of sake at the ryokan bar.Yoshimizu Ryokan (Kyoto)
At the cheaper end of Kyoto's selection of ryokan, the Yoshimizu is a charming, traditional inn in beautiful Maruyama Park, surrounded by maple trees and bamboo.
Kodai-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine and the Gion geisha district are all within easy walking distance, as are the shops and restaurants of Kyoto's downtown area.
Guest rooms are Japanese-style and some have attached toilets. There are two shared bath and shower rooms, which can be used privately by locking the door behind you. The hospitable hosts serve a Western-style breakfast at the inn's organic café, which includes excellent coffee as well as homemade bread and marmalade.
Like most ryokan in Kyoto, the Yoshimizu has a curfew (at around 11pm) and you'll need to negotiate with the owner to leave the front door unlocked if you want to stay out later! This is a shame as Kyoto does have great nightlife, but then again – why not take advantage of an early night and head out first thing to explore Kyoto's temples and shrines before the tour buses arrive?Daikichi Minshuku (Tsumago)
This authentic, old-style inn has appeared on TV Tokyo's "Top Ten Minshuku" programme and been patronised by many celebrities.
Known for its warm welcome and local cuisine, the Daikichi has just five guest rooms and is one of our absolute favourite Japanese-style inns. Just watch out for the fried grasshoppers in the set dinner course! Rooms are small, simple and not en suite, but there is a shared bath that can be reserved for private use.
The minshuku is located in Tsumago, a former post town on the Nakasendo Highway that once linked old Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. The residents of this area have made a huge effort to preserve the historical buildings and traditional atmosphere of their area, meaning that walking into Tsumago from the hills of the Kiso Valley really is like walking back in time.
Honeymoons destinations across Japan
Kyoto
Japan's capital of history & culture, with 17 World Heritage Sites and endless chances to explore.
Yakushima
The island of Yakushima is one of those magical places that those who visit will never forget.
Kinosaki Onsen
Charming small onsen town. Don your yukata and geta and spend your time here bath hopping!
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