Japan Honeymoon – Everything You Need To Know

About Japan

Japan consists of a series of islands located off the coast of eastern Asia. These 4,000 islands stretch for 1,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Honshu, one of the major islands, is where you will find Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan isn’t all about Zen. Most of the landscape consists of rugged mountains and both active and inactive volcanos. Volcanic eruptions occur quite frequently. Plenty of precipitation has made for some lush green vegetation. 

Japan, a country that thrives on contradictions, is comprised of ancient traditions and the most modern technology. Computers exist alongside rice fields. Temples can be found near nightclubs. Kimonos are hung up next to fashionable business suits. Life in Japan is truly the ultimate alpha and omega.

Traditions rank high in Japan. In order not to be considered rude, learn the proper use chopsticks, as this is considered a matter of dining etiquette. Interestingly, slurping your noodles is not considered impolite, but normal and fun. Bowing is useful for a number of occasions, such as a greeting, a show of respect, or a thank you. 

At least try Japan’s national cuisine, sushi. And use chopsticks, not your fingers. 

Another important part of Japanese culture are the onsens, which are hot springs used for bathing. These natural mineral spas can be found throughout the country. They are hot and relaxing. Any type of clothing is strictly forbidden. And, yes, many of these onsens are open to both genders, as men and women traditionally bathed together. There are some segregated onsens, however, perhaps as a nod to more modest western tourists. 

For a country that consists of so many islands, Japan has a massive mountain range. These mountains make up 70 percent of the land. Its most famous mountain, of course, is Mount Fuji, on Honshu Island, which rises over 12,000 feet into the sky. This is a sacred mountain, with a shrine at its summit. It is also an active volcanic cone. More people try to climb Mount Fuji than any other mountain in the world, as reaching the top is considered a holy pilgrimage for the Japanese. When spring arrives, the top of the mountain is capped with snow while cherry blossoms bloom around it to create a mesmerizing sight. For those wishing to climb Mt. Fuji, the summer months are the best. This is when the snow has melted, and the weather is warm enough. Four trails lead to the top, each with places to rest and refreshments. 

If you are prepared for some of Japan’s more eccentric traditions, plan your Japan honeymoon during the Christmas season. Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is a Christmas carol in Japan, and fried chicken is the standard Christmas meal – preferably from KFC. December is KFC’s biggest month here. Choose between breast or thighs and dig in. Since Japan is not a Christian country and has not imported the western Christmas traditions, it has devised its own fun ways of celebrating. Christmas is actually considered a big, romantic date night, where couples book a table at a special restaurant.

Best Time to Visit Japan

With beaches, warm waters, and mountains, Japan has a variety of climates. It can be cold up north while close to tropical in the southern region. The winter snow creates nirvana for ski enthusiasts. They also provide the best travel bargains. During the cold months, book a room at a traditional ryokan, preferably one near Mt. Fuji. The vista is stunning, and the ryokans, with their hot mineral water spas, are the perfect antidote against the cold. Just snuggle and stay warm. 

Springtime brings a pleasant relief from snow with the stunning appearance of Japan’s famed cherry blossom trees. These beautiful trees draw visitors from around the globe, so this is the most expensive time to visit Japan.

Japan doesn’t have overly extreme weather, but fall and spring may be the best time to visit if you wish to void heat and cold. 

Many visitors to Japan enjoy the fall months, when the leaves change into a colorful collage. With 70 percent of the country covered in trees and forests, there is no end to the dynamic colors of the season. The foliage begins changing in the north during the month of September, then the red, yellow, and rusty hues continue their way south. Temperatures in the 60s make this the perfect time to explore.

There is no bad time to visit Japan, but depending on your interests, you can pick your best time.

Top Things to do in Japan

Japan is a diverse country, and you’ll have a lot of options as to what to do during your Japanese honeymoon. 

Shinto Shrine or Temple Visit

When in Japan, you cannot miss a visit to a shrine or a temple. You can find one anywhere, and they are splendid structures of worship; however, a shrine and a temple serve different purposes. 

Shrines are erected in honor of an important individual and usually houses his tomb. Temples are religious buildings where sacred rituals are performed. It is perfectly okay for visitors to visit shrines and temples, but a certain etiquette must be observed when entering either. Bow before entering, and bow after leaving. This is a sign of respect. As you enter the structure, you will undergo a purification process. 

One of the most magnificent shrines is the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, approximately 140 kilometers from Tokyo. The founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate is buried here. The magnificent shrine consists of several buildings, some delightful carvings, such as the faces of the See-No-Evil, Hear-No-Evil, and Speak-No-Evil monkeys. You will also find a museum to shogun history here.

The Kinkakuji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion, is located in north Kyoto. Two of its top floors are decorated with genuine gold leaves. This structure once housed a shogun. Following his death, it was turned into a temple. The building is extravagantly built suitable for a wealthy person. The Zen garden leads to a tea house.

Himeji Castle

The 400-year-old Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most imposing castles located in the city of Himeji. It is an easy day trip from both Tokyo and Kyoto. The complex is huge, consisting of 80 buildings, which are connected by long paths. The main castle building is a six-story structure with 83 rooms constructed using all white wood. There is a shrine on the top floor. Near the main castle, visitors can visit what once was the home of a Japanese princess. Guests who visit Himeji Castle during April will find the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

Bar Hopping Tour in Tokyo

Experience Tokyo like a native on this three-hour tour given by Magical Trip. You’ll visit three bars. Opt for three drinks and four different food items or four drinks and three food items. Get to know Tokyo’s nightlight district and its hidden treasures and back alleys. 

Samurai Experience in Kyoto

Who wears the sword in your family? To find out, visit the Samurai-School in Kyoto (888) 651-9785) Learn about samurai history, and get dressed in full ancient samurai attire. Then, take up the sword yourself in a one-and-a-half-hour class, where you will perfect some ancient samurai movements. 

Weather in Japan

Most of Japan has four distinct seasons. Fortunately, no season gets too extreme. Cities such as Tokyo and Osaka can get humid during the summer months; sometimes, the winter months are extremely cold. Temperatures fluctuate from 80 degrees in the summer to 40 degrees in the winter.

The worst winters are on the island of Hokkaido. The main city, Sapporo, can have weather at the freezing point with plenty of snowfall. 

Japan has perfect spring weather, where a light jacket will keep you comfortable. This is the season that welcomes the lovely cherry blossom trees.

Wear light wear clothing for the humid summer months. Fall reaches temperatures of around 50 degrees. It’s good walking weather, so pack comfortable shoes.

With few exceptions up north, winter temperatures rarely hit the freezing mark. There will, however, be snow in the northern regions.