In late 2016, a friend of my sister was honeymooning in Tokyo and, after a rather uneventful attempt at a night out, she contacted me for some nightlife suggestions.
Well I had a field-day making plans – I mean, no kids and just fun and a bit of money to splash around on all things special in Tokyo??!! I was living completely through them. I was like a mad woman! ” Go here for pre-drinks… take a long walk down this road… have dinner here… don’t forget to order this!… drink this! … and then after dinner? Go here for a drink.. and then after that? Go dancing here!! ”
So… I think she liked my suggestions as she contacted me again the next day to ask what they should do the following night! And once again I launched off into a list of additional imaginary honeymoon ideas.
If you haven’t been to Japan before this kind of request might sound weird or like this couple weren’t at all adventurous or couldn’t plan their own fun. But if you’ve been here (or lived here) you’ll know that , even though there is SOOOOO much fun stuff going on in Japan, the cool stuff isn’t jumping out at you on the street.
In Melbourne, where I’m from, the good restaurants aren’t always tricky to find as they often have a terrace, cool music and people either queuing or large groups pouring out onto the street.
But in Japan, the good places are almost NEVER on the ground floor. They are down the end of alleyways or up on the sixth floor of a building that is full of tiny bars and restaurants. This can make new spots very daunting. Am I about to walk into somewhere dodgy? What if there is some secret cover charge that we don’t know about until the very, very end and can’t really afford to eat here? What if this is a place where the locals go out of their way to avoid and we are just the touristy shmucks who have blindly wandered through?
Honeymooning in Tokyo is totally ‘a thing’ now. And I love it!
Couples who honeymoon in Tokyo, have chosen Tokyo for a reason.
They want a really unique experience. They want to see natural beauty as well as laugh at the weird and wacky.
It means that they are adventurous and really don’t want to miss a single slice of their Japan experience.
So…. if I was a honeymooner in Tokyo right now…. this is what my hubby and I would be getting up to…..
I would pack a lunch (personally? I would fill up a basket with amazing treats from the basement floor of Takashimaya in Shinjuku – that food hall is amaaaazing. I’d buy French baguettes, gyoza, tempura, Japanese croquettes, salads, chocolate eclairs…..maybe stop at the convenience store for a few canned Chu-hais? That’s sake in different flavoured soft drinks.)
Then, I’d start at Kudanshita station and take a lovely, long stroll all the way along from the station to Kitanomaru Park (the walk takes around 5 minutes.). The park has lots of open space so its perfect for a picnic.
And like all big leafy parks in Tokyo – it’s particularly stunning in Autumn & Spring.
I then recommend walking along (another 15 minutes walk) to Chidorigafuchi Park (its a strip of trees right by the water – and makes for a really beautiful wander along).
It is possible to rent a boat on the river in the same area too (at Chidoriga-fuchi moat.) Usually operating between 9am-4:30PM (Longer for Sakura season – and a loooooong line to match …I’m talkin’ a 3 hour wait, people. So get there early, if you’re keen.
If you’re a big instagrammer, like I am, you may have seen this scene when famous blogger, Nicole Warne, got engaged here in 2015. Image is courtesy of @garypeppergirl
Not quite as glamourous but these are my pictures of the walk around Chidorigafuchi Park.
And incase you haven’t realized yet? This area is the on outskirts of the Imperial Palace (15 minutes walk away) so you could tack that on to the beginning or end of your day, as well. Just check the website for opening times for the gardens as they can sometimes be a bit irregular when it comes to operational hours.
KITANOMARU PARK
千代田区、北の丸公園1-1
1-1 KITANOMARUKOEN, CHIYODA-KU
I would be sure to plan a night away at the Hyatt Regency in Hakone.
This is a Japanese style accommodation with a twist. The rooms and the hot spring baths (sorry but girls and guys have to bathe separately here) are just so beautiful and relaxing. The baths are open 24 hours a day.
I would make sure I was there for check-in at 3pm and leave right at midday the next day. There are so many lovely things to see in Hakone, but I would keep this portion of the trip indoors. The hotel itself is the experience.
You can choose a Western style bedroom with tatami (gorgeous!) or go for a sleep on a futon together.
The main lobby of the hotel has a large wood pit which creates the most gorgeous cabin-like feel and the smell is just heavenly.
All guests are able to take advantage of the free-pour happy hour in the evening before dinner. It is just the most decadent way to spend the evening.
And then, in the morning? The breakfast is five star. All hot meals cooked to order and you can even eat sashimi – right from the start of the day! When I was there a month or so ago, the chef served the same fresh fish 3 different ways – it was amazing.
And the onsen makes your skin feel soooo amazing
This post is not sponsored in any way. But I do have a coupon code here for 2000 yen off (and, as a kick back, I get 2000 yen off my next booking too. No cash though, unfortunately.)
You can book here or directly through the website here.
If time allows, I recommend a trip to the Hakone Open Air Museum before or after your stay. Details here.
For other Hakone tips and ideas, see my post here.
This is not sponsored in any way but Tokyo-residents Ippei & Janine Photography are the best.
They specialize in cinematic, story-telling for families, couples and weddings etc.
Perhaps it is best to organize ahead of time but, even for a last minute idea? It can’t hurt to give them a call regardless, right?
They are fantastic at talking clients through different location options and photography packages.
Take a look at their website here and you’ll see why I recommend them so highly.
I would make sure we made the trip to Hitachi Seaside Park.
It’s not exactly around the corner from Tokyo (about 2 hours each way) but if honeymooners are here during Spring or Autumn? This place is like a magical fairy land!
At the peak of each of these seasons it extremely popular with domestic tour groups ( so it will be pretty – but if you want romantic pictures with no random heads in the background? You’ll want to be there very early.
Use instagram to check that the flowers are blooming before you head all that way. I wrote on how I use instagram and pinterest to help me plan my travels.
As the name suggests, the park is on the water so it can be windy and a bit colder than the middle of town so take a few warmer clothing options, just in case.
As well as all of the natural elements and flower plantations, this park is equipped with food stalls, an amusement park, well manicured rose garden, bike rental and mini-golf.
In Autumn, the hills are covered in Dr. Seuss style bright red kochia plants. Whereas in Spring they are baby blue, decorated with nemophilia flowers.
These are my photos from visits in Spring (excuse some pictures with my kiddies – I was clearly not on my honeymoon for all the times that we have visited)
This is what you’ll find in Autumn…
The food stalls here aren’t exactly healthy options but it’s fun to buy a few treats and mix them with your healthier snacks from home. (Warning: everything in this park is cash only.)
茨城県日立中馬渡字大沼605-4
605−4 MAWATARI, HITACHINAKA, IBARAKI
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
OPEN 9:30-5PM
PRICE: CHILDREN UNDER 7 ARE FREE, 7 YEAR OLDS ENTER FOR 80 YEN
ADULTS FOR 410 YEN
ACCESS: THE TRIP TAKES 2 HOURS FROM TOKYO BY CAR AND 2.5 HOURS EACH WAY BY TRAIN.
HITACHI KAIHIN KOEN INFORMATION
For something to do after Hitachi Seaside Park there is a shopping mall close by called Fashion Cruise Newport Hitachi (11 minutes walk away) with lots of shops and eateries. There is also a Costco across the road and, even if you’re not a member you can buy the food from the restaurant outside, of course.
If you travel to Hitachi by car or bus, and get the opportunity to stop on the way back to Tokyo? Don’t miss out on the giant kitty vending machine!
It can be found at the Moriya Service Area (only on the service area off the highway on the way BACK to Tokyo though.)
I love Tokyo’s traditional side but the wacky and rainbow wild-side is also a blast.
The travel snobs will tutt-tutt – but aren’t they just grumpy bums?
You don’t get to do this stuff everyday and you will never regret it!
The place to start is , naturally, Harajuku!
Takeshita Street is fantastic anytime after 11:30am. Heads up, Takeshita is often mega in terms of the pure volume of people. However, the road only spans two blocks and it’s all about the journey. Walk slow. Take it all in.
Consider stopping for a giant fairy floss at the Totti Candy Factory, taking a purikura (photobooth picture printed on stickers), ordering a creme brulee crepe or really go out on a limb and grab an even more unusual selection such as a “tuna & salad” or a “sausage” crepe.
Tip: Don’t try and have a sit down meal here – mainly because of the long wait times.
You could also walk around the corner to Cookie Time and sing a Karaoke song for a free cookie? ….If you dare….. (or you could just pay for your own cookie and keep us all guessing as to how good your baritone voice really is…..
TAKESHITA STREET, HARAJUKU
1−13−17 JINGUMAE
神宮前1-13-17
Next stop, Harry the Hedgehog Cafe (there is one in Harajuku but I’ve only visited the one in Roppongi) is the cutest place to cuddle (they actually are pretty soft to touch!) up to a little harinezumi. It’s such a special experience. I definitely recommend booking online (even a few weeks in advance) in order to avoid the gigantic daily queues. You can buy some worms to feed them and they also sell cute hedgehog themed notebooks and post-its.
2F, IWAHORI BUILDING, 6-7-2 ROPPONGI
六本木6-7-2, IWAHORIビル2F
OPEN 12PM -9PM
WEBSITE
MARICAR JAPAN
http://maricar.com/
In Shibuya, right near the crossing is the very famous department store Shibuya 109.
It’s the mecca for Kawaii shopping. It’s full of affordable, kawaii, glitzy, sparkly, kitschy, loveliesness all aimed at teenage and University-aged young women. It’s a great spot to enter – just for some very interesting window shopping. (In case the boys are feeling left out… these is also a Shibuya 109 Mens around the corner too.)
I highly recommend a trip to the B2 floor to the Print Club (purikura as it’s often called for short) .
Edit : As of May 22, 2019, Moreru Mignon in Shibuya has moved to the B2F in the basement. The theme is more about the purples and darker colours but it is equally as photogenic.
The store is equipped with curling and straightening irons ( for rental use) and there are plenty of make up mirrors to ensure you look your best at photo time.
The shop itself is…well… basically ….my little girls’ dream bedroom.
This place is crazily busy on the weekends so be warned (although it’s okay if you go first thing in the morning.)
First thing in the morning or last thing at night is probably the best way to get a good look around and use the photo booths.
The print clubs are all 500 yen each.
They even have an English instruction sheet.
Even if you don’t take photos in the machines – the shop itself is like one giant pastel photobooth.
渋谷区道玄坂2-29-1 SHIBUYA 109 B2F
2-29-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
B2 FLOOR, SHIBUYA 109 DEPARTMENT STORE
OPEN 10AM-9PM
WEBSITE
A food tour is a great option if you’re watching your budget (as the food is included in the price so you don’t need to worry that you’re going to accidentally wander into a really pricey restaurant) and if your time poor. You can cross off so many ‘must-try’ foods in one go.
I wrote about a Shibuya Food Tour I’ve personally tried here.
But check me out ! Doing Stand up Paddleboarding in Tokyo.
And the person who leads the class is Japan’s first internationally certified SUP and SUP Yoga instructor (and the first non-Japanese person teaching SUP in this country too!)
All the details here
It was my birthday recently and, as a treat I wanted to go to a day spa with my hubby.
After scouring the internet and social media, I came across the day spa at The Oiso Prince Hotel – and it was better than I ever hoped it would be! We then were to change into our swimsuits with the robes on and we went straight for the HEATED infinity pool.
I’ve written MUCH more about this day spa here.
On the same floor is also a hot stone spa, a sauna, a Turkish bath room and an ice room too. There are also jacuzzis on the deck.
See here for all of the details.
I’m from Melbourne , Australia – a city with a huge breakfast culture . Something I really miss here. But we have found our favourites and I have listed them here. Beautiful brunches are too good not to share.But eating out for breakfast in Tokyo isn’t a “thing” here … which was a huge, HUGE culture shock for us.We’ve slowly but surely found our new favourites here and wanted to share !
My more traditional ideas are in my post here.
My hubby and I have loved Gambanyoku (Hot Stone Spa) since we started dating in Kobe. We often make use of the nation-wide day spa brand called “Olive Spa.” Most spas that offer Gambanyoku have a separate female and male section. So we book a private room so we can go together.
The staff give you some tea or water and then you’re shown to your room with a shower with robes. Then you are left alone to use the shower and gambanyoku room. The room is like a sauna but with stone “beds” on the floor. It’s believed to be good for the skin, circulation and a form of detox. I love it so much but I’m a cold-blooded person. My husband is Scottish and occassionally needs to leave the room for a break and then come back. If you don’t like saunas or being really warm it may not be your thing. But my skin feels so good and body so relaxed afterwards – which is why I recommend.
Prices are approximately 4000 yen per person for 60 minutes or 5000 yen for 80 minutes.
Olive Spa branches are open all over Tokyo. Note: the Hiroo, Akasaka and Ueno branches don’t have Gambanyoku facilities.
WEBSITE (Japanese only)
*My favourites are the branches in Nishi-Azabu & Azabu-Juban.
Artbar in Daikanyama was one of my most fun date nights yet.
I went with my date – my beautiful friend Kelly – and we chose a session with an extra large abstract piece of art.
I love all things creative so, to be honest, I was a bit worried about not being able to do things my own way – but you are welcome to follow the instructor to the ‘letter’ (stroke?) or completely go your own way.
Included in the price are wine and crackers – it was heaven!
Highly, highly, highly recommend!
I think we were the only ‘couple’ who weren’t female & male – its a great way to spend an evening.
The studio is in Daikanyama.
ARTBAR, DAIKANYAMA
http://artbar.co.jp
A gorgeous couple live here with their little girl.
Rina, who does all of the upkeep of the guesthouse herself, used to work for Japan Airlines and speaks fluent English.
Her husband was a policeman who has always had a fascination with all things to do with trains. So he actually changed careers and now drives the local train in Tsuru.
And his train memorabilia has been put to good use. The guesthouse is laden with train parts, station signs and seating, and even one of the bedrooms is made to look like a giant train. The attention to detail is truly outstanding.
Before I stayed here, if someone had tried to explain to me how railway-chic and traditional Japanese style rooms could possibly blend together and not be completely random I wouldn’t have been able to completely get my brain around it – but, Rina has a fantastic sense of style and it all just works beautifully.
The rooms are cozy and there are two big communal living spaces (one is a large tatami room where you can just stretch out and relax) so you don’t feel confined to your room at all – you’re really part of the family.
There is free wi-fi and a self-serve tea, coffee and microwave station for guests too.
If you’re a fan of bread, be sure to ask Rina about her friend who bakes from her own home. Fresh bread is the best!
Watch the trains pull into the station outside (only two an hour which is a big change from Tokyo life for me!), bring a book and read on the tatami-laden floor, soak in the beautiful tub and just chill out in this teeny town.
I ‘m
Because Lina speaks such beautiful English, the whole town is just so much more accessible if you don’t speak Japanese.
You can ask her for advice on where she likes to do her grocery shopping, they clearly know the train schedule off by heart and where they recommend eating out… you can even help wave her daughter off to school each morning as she will be sitting in the tatami room while she watches the clock before school starts. So special, right?
You’re really welcomed into a Japanese family.
The bathroom is Japanese style and, although it is separate from the family bath, you will be sharing with other guests so you’ll need to take your turn if you don’t have the place to yourself. You’ll also need to remember the bathing customs where you are to shower and clean yourself thoroughly before soaking in the lovely deep tub.
If the idea of sharing water (not at the same time but the tub isn’t to be emptied between turns) with others is not something you’re ready to try (although I think you should as it is the done thing) you could just shower and no-one would know the difference.
If you plan on staying here you can find them on booking.com here or expedia.com here.
For a 2000 yen discount on your booking, you can use my link here ( I don’t get a cash kickback but I get 2000 yen off my next booking.)
For other ideas on things to do in Tsuru – I have a post here.
YADO POPPOYA
山梨県都留市上谷1-5-14
1-5-14 KAMIYA, TSURU-SHI, YAMANASHI
WEBSITE (JAPANESE ONLY SO BOOK THROUGH AIR BNB, BOOKING.COM OR EXPEDIA)
Last year we had a crazy number visitors. Don’t get me wrong we loved every minute but it also means that I feel like I’ve tried and tested out our standard Hakone day-trip enough to talk about what works and doesn’t work for us. It’s a well-rehearsed day trip. ( You can, of course, pair this with my Hyatt Regency recommendation above).
Firstly, I would select a lovely clear sunny day so that you are more likely to see Mount Fuji. In fact, Winter Sunny days have proven to be the best days for Fuij-san spotting. And if you see it at any point? Click away ! Take that picture as Mt. Fuji is a sneaky thing ..and can disappear again quickly.
That’s the reason that Japanese people get so excited over Mount Fuji, even if they live close to a good viewing spot. You never know when a lovely clear day will bring out Mt. Fuji in all it’s glory.
On our day trips to Hakone, we like to drive (about 1 hour 45 minutes) but it is also possible to take a bus from Shinjuku too. (details HERE and HERE)
We like to arrive in the morning, take a Katamaran with THIS company to Hakone-en and purchase a return boat ticket and ropeway at the same time. Remember to bring an extra jacket in Summer and a proper snow jacket in Winter as, once at the top of the ropeway, it is considerably colder. Even snowy in Winter. The boat timetable is here.
The boat trip is only 10 minutes or so to Hakone-en. Make sure you climb to the boat rooftop for the best views of the red tori gate and Mt. Fuji !
Once you’re at Hakone-en there are some touristy shops and an aquarium. It’s a bit run down so I don’t recommend eating lunch on this side of the lake if you can avoid it. There are some pony rides and some dodgy ride on animals that my kiddies love to sit on for a few minutes. There is also a sledding field set up in Winter (you can borrow snow gear in order to participate.) We always make our kids wait until after we have done the ropeway to take park in sledding or pony rides ( incase it gets late in the afternoon and we can’t catch the ropeway or the boat back.)
Before taking on the ropeway, make sure you use the restrooms as there aren’t any at the top of the hill .
The ropeway trip is also only a few minutes. The ropeway carriage carries 50 + passengers.
This is the view when you’re out of the ropeway “station” (minus the snow in warmer seasons, of course) . I recommend heading left once you’re down the stairs to get the best Fuji pictures.
There is also a lovely shrine at the top too if you are feeling in the mood for taking the stairs up and down again.
Once you’re down and after the boat trip back across the lake I highly recommend lunch at a restaurant called Bakery & Table. The first floor is a bakery if you prefer a light lunch and the second floor is a coffee shop kind of thing. The place we like to eat at most is the 3rd floor as it is a proper restaurant with a lovely view. They serve club sandwiches, curries, quiches and soups. They also do a lovely kids plate. My favourites here are the sweet potato fries and the quiche is so good. You may also want to just even watch them make their gigantic King Sandwich. Huge!!
We often call ahead when we are a few minutes away if we have a large group. The staff are used to tourists and speak English. This restaurant also has highchairs for children.
This is the view from outside Bakery & Table.
神奈川県足柄下郡箱根町元箱根字御殿9-1
9-1 GOTEN, MOTOHAKONE, ASHIGARASHIMO DISTRICT, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE
OPEN: EVERYDAY
BAKERY HOURS: 10AM-5PM
CAFE HOURS: 8:30AM-5PM
3F RESTAURANT HOURS: 11AM-6PM (ALSO OPEN FOR BREAKFAST ON WEEKENDS 9AM-11AM)
WEBSITE
If time allows – I also recommend a trip to the Hakone Open Air Museum. Details here.
And then, here, I have some additional Epic Honeymoon Date Night ideas that I want to share (and I plan on updating and adding to as I find more fun options on my own, fun and epic nights out.
Here are my suggestions for Date Nights out in these areas:
Date Night: A night out in Roppongi
Date Night: A night out in Ginza
Date Night: A night out in Shibuya
Date Night: A night out in Shinjuku
Disneyland/Sea for grownups is just a completely different kind of fun. I bought night passes with girlfriends recently and we headed straight for Disneyland and did all of the big-kid rides in quick succession (even took advantage of less people during fireworks and parades.)
When my Hubby and I were in Tokyo for the time together on a date ( gosh… it was back in 2009!! eekkk!) we did the double decker Disneyland weekend. Disneyland on Day 1 and DisneySea on Day 2.
See my Disneyland with Kids post for help with crowd prediction ahead of your disney date night/ date day.
There are two kinds of night passes : one called Starlight Passport which allows entry for after 3pm on Weekends and National Holidays and another called an After 6 Passport for (surprisingly) after 6pm on the other days. See the Tokyo Resort Website HERE for more ticket info and which days allows for which ticket type. Unfortunately there isn’t a pass that allows you to skip back and forth between DisneySea and DisneyLand on the same day. (DisneySea has more adult rides – but DisneyLand has your more traditional attractions like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain & Big Thunder Mountain – all the mountains.)
If you only have the time to see one park and you’re undecided on which park is best for you – I have a post here that might help you make that decision!
Psssstt: DisneySea is the only park of the two that serves alcohol.
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
1-1 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
千葉県浦安舞浜1-1
SEE WEBSITE AS OPENING HOURS VARY
WEBSITE
Many people who visit Tokyo who don’t initially realize that Disneyland & DisneySea are actually so close to the city centre.
So, logistically, there isn’t a reason to stay in a hotel right next to the resort BUT I do get that many people want the full Disney experience. Which I TOTALLY get.
We stayed in one of the Disney hotels recently with my kiddies – and I wrote about it here (we stayed in the Beauty and the Beast room) and, back in good old 2009 when hubby and I were dating, we stayed at the Okura on the resort – which was beautiful – but not Disney themed or anything.
I popped into the Henn na Hotel (out towards Disneyland) with my eldest and didn’t really know what to expect. A hotel with dinosaurs at the reception desk? I was even more surprised when we arrived – it’s in the middle of suburbia. A few convenience stores, a highway and lots of housing. There are no “Dinosaurs in HERE!” type signs. It looks like a boring, old business hotel.
The manager on duty said that 90% of their occupying guests are there for Disneyland and DisneySea – the hotel is substantially cheaper than staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels and a bus takes you to Disneyland and back.
I’m so glad we visited – even though we didn’t stay (a bit cheeky, I know! But it was so cool and my little girl didn’t want to leave the lobby at all!) It’s just a novel idea!
The hotel itself is VERY basic. The guest rooms aren’t themed and are quite small and simple ( another reason why it’s just cool to visit for visiting sake!) The hotel only opened in March 2017 so it’s all so clean and new though.
It’s so simple that there is only breakfast offered until 9:30am – a cheap buffet in a semi-dino themed breakfast restaurant. There is a hot food vending machine for other snacks. Actually, it is so hands off that there is a list of numbers stuck to the reception counter saying ” Call these numbers to call your own taxi.” But ..megghhh…I guess that all keeps costs down and makes for cheaper room rates right?
Henn na Hotel actually translates to “The Strange Hotel” and …well…. yep. Pretty much.
The lobby is the best bit. Two giant dinosaurs roaring at you, some robot fish and two dinos ‘manning’ the desk (actual check in is on a screen nearby. )
This would be a fantastic affordable option for a disney trip if you’d rather start the day close by. I think kids would be more excited than adults by this place (although they might be more excited if they were to do a price comparison to their local competition!)
So much detail has gone into this lobby. It’s great for a laugh in a fake prehistoric jungle.
Check out their prices online – they are very very reasonable – especially if you compare to the Disney Resort accommodation options.
*There is another Henn Na Hotel in Ginza but I haven’t visited yet and, I’m told, that it’s managed by a different company so I’ll need to go and find out if they also have dinosaurs and/or robots in the lobby.
They have shuttle buses available to and from the Disney resort.
HENN NA HOTEL
千葉県浦安市富士見5-3-20
5-3-20 FUJIMI, URAYASU, CHIBA
WEBSITE
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