Tokyo is a fantastic place for a honeymoon. It’s got some of the world’s best hotels, more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris, romantic bars, warm and gracious service, and some great nearby options like hot springs and tropical islands. Here’s our full guide to honeymooning in Tokyo.
Tokyo Honeymoon Introduction
If your idea of a great honeymoon involves over-the-top luxury, mind-blowing food, and impeccable service, then you can’t beat Tokyo. A few days enjoying the sweet life in Tokyo, followed by a few nights in a fine Japanese onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) is the perfect way to start off your life together. There’s only one problem: It’s going to be pretty tough to beat for future holidays. But, hey, you’ll always have Tokyo!
In this article, we introduce the most romantic Tokyo hotels and ryokan (traditional inns), the best things to do on a Tokyo honeymoon, and some great places to pair with Tokyo to complete your honeymoon.
What to Do In Tokyo On Honeymoon
Go for a stroll in a Japanese garden
For serious quality time, we recommend a nice romantic stroll in one of Tokyo’s beautiful gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen, Hamarikyu Gardens, or the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
Wish for a happy life together
It's a good idea to get the local gods on your side. You can head to any of Tokyo’s shrines and temples to wish for a happy life. Two popular spots are Senso-ji Temple and Meiji-jingu Shrine.
Go to a Tokyo hotel spa
Most of the luxury hotels in Tokyo have spas with a wide range of massage and beauty services. Some of the best include the Aman Tokyo, the Peninsula Tokyo and the Mandarin Oriental.
Take a romantic evening stroll
There are some beautiful lanes in Tokyo that become super romantic once the sun goes down. Some of our favorites can be found in Kagurazaka, Harajuku and Ginza.
Have a drink with a view in a Tokyo hotel bar
What could be sexier than sitting in an elegant hotel bar with the lights of Tokyo spread out before you? Most luxury hotels have at least one bar on their premises. Some of the most stunning views can be found at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, the Peninsula Tokyo, the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and the Conrad Tokyo.
Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Splurge on a mind-blowing meal or three
Tokyo has some of the world’s best restaurants. If you want to eat the best of the best, why not try one of Tokyo’s 230 Michelin-starred restaurants? Check out our Michelin Restaurant map for one near your hotel.
Go shopping in Tokyo
If you’re on your honeymoon, you’re probably going to be thinking about decorating your nest back home. For kitchenware, try Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Ueno. For home electronics, appliances and gadgets, try Tokyu Hands in Shibuya or Shinjuku. And for a huge selection of housewares, try the department stores in Shibuya. For boutiques and more department stores, try Ginza.
Where to Stay In Tokyo On Honeymoon
Tokyo has some of the world’s finest luxury hotels, including both international and Japanese brands. And, it’s got some excellent mid-budget hotels that are a great value. Thus, it’s possible to enjoy a Tokyo honeymoon without breaking the bank. In addition to hotels, there are some nice ryokan (Japanese inns), which are a good option for those wanting a more traditional experience. Here are our top romantic hotel and ryokan picks.
Guest room at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Romantic Tokyo Ryokans
Hoshinoya Tokyo
(View on Booking.com and Agoda.com)
The Hoshinoya Tokyo is the finest ryokan in the city. It’s pure opulent indulgence in a traditional Japanese atmosphere. And it’s within walking distance of Tokyo Station.
Hoshinoya Tokyo guest room
Ryokan Kamagawa Asakusa
(View on Booking.com and Agoda.com)
This moderately-priced ryokan in touristy Asakusa is a great choice for a night or two. You could stay here for the Japanese experience and then move to a hotel for convenience.
Ryokan Kamagawa Asakusa
Luxury Hotels For A Honeymoon in Tokyo
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This is our pick for the best hotel in Tokyo. It’s a secret lair of decadent luxury high in the sky over the city.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo guest room
Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
An elegant oasis high above one of Tokyo’s most fashionable districts (Roppongi), this hotel would make for an unforgettable honeymoon.
Ritz-Carlton Tokyo guest room
The Peninsula Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This is one of our favorite hotels in Tokyo. They get everything right, from the service, to the suites, to the spa, to the great on-site restaurants and bars. And we love the location.
The Peninsula Tokyo guest room
Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
For an intimate boutique hotel, you simply cannot beat this wonderful little hotel in the lovely Ochanomizu district. We LOVE this hotel.
Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten guest room
Palace Hotel Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
With a commanding location overlooking the Imperial Palace, this superb Japanese hotel has recently been fully renovated. It’s a superb place to stay in a convenient location, within walking distance of Tokyo Station.
Palace Hotel Tokyo guest room
Mid-Range Hotels For A Honeymoon in Tokyo
Hotel Century Southern Tower
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
High above Shinjuku, just steps from Shinjuku Station, this hotel is an awesome value. You can get a corner room or suite here for a very reasonable price. It’s an awesome hotel at a great price!
Hotel Century Southern Tower guest room
Hotel Ryumeikan Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Literally steps from Tokyo Station, this affordable hotel gets everything right. We often stay there when we’re in Tokyo.
Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo guest room
Marunouchi Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Directly next to Tokyo Station, this hotel feels like a luxury hotel, but the rates put it firmly in the midrange category. This is another place we stay when we’re in Tokyo.
Marunouchi Hotel guest room
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A short walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station, this wonderful small hotel is a great choice in the midrange price bracket.
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku guest room
Add a Destination to Your Tokyo Honeymoon
For most people, Japan is a fairly long trip. If you’re coming all the way to Japan, it would make sense to add another destination to Tokyo. Within Japan, you can choose from Kyoto, a variety of excellent hot spring towns, and the beautiful semi-tropical islands of Okinawa. And, if you really want some romantic tropical luxury, you can hop a plane down to Thailand and enjoy some of the world’s best beaches.
Kyoto
Nothing could be more romantic than a night or two in a high-end Kyoto ryokan. For our top Kyoto ryokan picks, see our Kyoto Ryokan page.
Onsen Ryokan
A good onsen ryokan (Japanese-style hot spring inn) is pure romance and relaxation. Some of our favorites are Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki, Kayoutei in Yamanaka Onsen, and Lamp no Yado in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Okinawa
From April to November, the beaches of the Okinawa Islands are warm enough for swimming. For white sand and clear water to rival the best of southeast Asia, try the Kerama Islands, near the main island of Okinawa, or head further south to Ishigaki-jima. Best of all, Okinawa is a mere two-hour flight south of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Check for prices and availability on Okinawa flights.
Thailand
An easy six-hour flight from Tokyo, Thailand is a honeymooner’s paradise. You can stay in some of the world’s most luxurious resorts on a perfect Thai beach, indulge in great Thai massages, and enjoy delicious Thai food. And it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are several flights a day between Tokyo and Bangkok. If you fly to Japan on a Japanese airline, you can do a layover in Japan and continue on to Bangkok and save a bundle on your tickets. Check for flight deals on your specific dates.
More Romantic Japan Information
- If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay in Kyoto, check out our Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto page.
- You might like to enjoy a Kyoto honeymoon as well as Tokyo - see our comprehensive Kyoto honeymoon guide to compare and contrast the cities.
- And if you’re ready to pop the question, Kyoto is the place to do it. Check out our Best Places to Propose in Kyoto page.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
